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Supporters of gay marriage in Huntsville are organizing a "Wedding Week" on the Madison County Courthouse Square including free marriage ceremonies the week of Feb. 9. That's the day a federal judge's order lifting Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage is expected to take effect.

More than 123 people had checked "going" by Friday night on the Facebook page "Wedding Week" established to coordinate the week-long event. Organizers say they are responding to decisions by Madison County Probate Judge Tommy Ragland and Jackson County Probate Judge Victor Manning to issue marriage licenses but stop performing any office weddings. The judges cite their workload and limited staffing.

Amanda Conger of Huntsville, one of Wedding Week's organizers, said Friday night that the volunteers want to fill the gap the judges are creating. "We've had a tremendous response," Conger said.

Conger said ordained volunteers have committed to perform the ceremonies and sign marriage licenses, while other volunteers will take photographs, serve cupcakes and play music.

The ceremonies are not for same-sex couples only. "We'll marry anyone," Conger said.

State law requires a $1 minimum fee for a marriage ceremony, Conger said, "but we will have dollars on hand."

The volunteers will be at the brick gazebo on the west side of the square and have applied for a permit to gather. They will be there from 8:30 a.m., when the courthouse opens and begins issuing marriage licenses, until 5 p.m.

Alabama may have the image of a state opposed to gay marriage, Conger said, "but that is not the response we're getting." She conceded that the Wedding Week plan is being shared by "like-minded people" on social media, but said, "It's fantastic that we have that community and that many people do want to support it."

The volunteers are "not doing this at anyone," Conger said. They are trying to help couples that want to marry.