PORTSMOUTH — Same-sex couples throughout the state will be able to obtain civil union licenses as of Dec. 10, which will go into effect New Year's Day.

PORTSMOUTH — Same-sex couples throughout the state will be able to obtain civil union licenses as of Dec. 10, which will go into effect New Year's Day.



Licenses will be available at all New Hampshire town and city halls for $45 per couple. The worksheet is like a marriage license, except the words "bride" and "groom" are deleted.



"It's much the same process as marriage licenses," said Portsmouth City Clerk Kelli Barnaby. "Only it doesn't go into effect until Jan. 1."



That day will be a joyous one for members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Portsmouth, which will celebrate the long-awaited law change with a New Year's Day party, featuring live bands, speakers and a pot luck lunch. The Rev. Roberta Finkelstein said a number of couples in her congregation have looked forward to the day for a long time.



"There's two reasons we're celebrating," she said. "One is the progress in the state of New Hampshire. The other is to remind us and others that it's progress, but it's not enough. Until marriage is offered to same-sex couples, we don't feel our work is done."



Finkelstein said there is some confusion as to how the process will work, but she expects that will be made clear in the next month.



The paperwork will be delivered to clerks' offices statewide next week and a final computer systems check is scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 8.



"As far as we're concerned, everything is on schedule," Deputy Secretary of State Dave Scanlan said.



Applicants must have picture identification available. If married previously, applicants will be required to provide a certified copy of the divorce decree, death certificate or dissolution of a previous civil union.



The Associated Press contributed to this article.