Alabama today is the 37th state in the nation where same-sex marriage is legal, but the decision whether to issue same-sex couples marriage licenses varies from county to county.

As a ruling ending the gay marriage ban was to take effect, couples around the state arrived at county courthouses this morning. Chief Justice Roy Moore, however, ordered probate judges not to issue the licenses.

AL.com reporters and photojournalists across the state will be on hand as this story unfolds. We will be providing live updates here throughout the day.

5:15 p.m. Jefferson County Probate Judge Alan King said just after 5 p.m. that about 110 marriage licenses were issued Monday in the county.

Through the din, one Alabama man clarifies the meaning of gay marriage http://t.co/igka0ReJ31 via @aldotcom — John Archibald (@JohnArchibald) February 9, 2015

4:04 p.m. The federal judge who struck down Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage, turned down a request to hold Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis in contempt for failing to open the marriage license section of his office. U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. "Ginny" Grande wrote that Davis is not a defendant in the suit that prompted her order. And the plaintiffs, Kim McKeand and Cari Searcy, were not affected by the closure because they already were married in California.

3:52 p.m. The Rev. Sandy Osteen stood outside the shuttered counters of Mobile County probate office, hoping to perform six weddings.

Probate Judge Don Davis kept the marriage license office closed to await clarification from the Alabama Supreme Court. The delay made Mobile County the only large metro area in Alabama to refuse marriage licenses - not only to same-sex couples, but to everyone.

"We're going to stay, and we're going to come back tomorrow," said Osteen, pastor of Cornerstone Metropolitan Community Church in downtown Mobile.

Same-sex marriage has Alabama's Roy Moore assuming his favorite position http://t.co/uhH5yZ87X2 http://t.co/Q4e9vvuMLB — JDCrowe2 (@Crowetoons) February 9, 2015

Colbert County Probate Judge Douglas Rosser, Jr. said he is accepting applications but not issuing any licenses until further clarification. He said he hopes to revisit the policy by tomorrow morning.

"There's a conflict, and I want to follow the law," Rosser said. "But it is difficult this morning to follow the law."

Lawyers in #ALmarriage case are drafting motion for federal court right now to force probate judge in Mobile to grant marriage licenses. — Brendan Kirby (@BrendanKKirby) February 9, 2015







Still no marriage licenses in Mobile County. Still not request for federal sanctions. Judge Don Davis is on the bench. #ALmarriage — Brendan Kirby (@BrendanKKirby) February 9, 2015







Couples still waiting for windows to open to receive marriage licenses at Mobile County Probate Court in #MobileAL pic.twitter.com/YzsLcM1uEl — Sharon Steinmann (@SLSteinmann) February 9, 2015







Adrian Thomas & Yashinari Effinger of Bham are 1st "married couple" of Hsv Wedding Week. Tears flowing. #ALmarriage pic.twitter.com/y4KarOCfhF — lee roop (@leeroop) February 9, 2015







Lara Bailey and Julia Duke married, Gadsden, Ala. 1st couple. pic.twitter.com/L676YEWib6 — WilliamThornton (@billineastala) February 9, 2015







9:55 a.m. Melanie Smith of Montevallo arrived at the courthouse in Columbiana before its 8 a.m. opening today to get a marriage license with her partner, Sheila Jett.

"I just wanted to get this done. My partner and I have been together 21 years and haven't had the legal right to be protected," Smith, 43, said.

When the sign was posted about Shelby County Judge Jim Fuhrmeister's decision not to issue marriage licenses, Smith's heart sank. "Heartbroken, disappointed," she said about her reaction. "We're going to go see if another county will do the right thing."

The first few were SSMs were interesting, but now this is getting … kind of … normal? #ALMarriage #alpolitics — Kyle Whitmire (@WarOnDumb) February 9, 2015







9:50 a.m. Asked why she and her spouse decided to get married inside the Jefferson County courthouse, Olanda Smith responded: "I wanted to go ahead and get it over with so I can go eat me a steak." They say they're going to Cracker Barrell. Olanda Smith and Dianah McCaryer.

Couples who got married emerged from the courthouse to a large crowd of supporters, rainbow flags and loud cheers.

Jessie and Cooper Odell were married today with their son, George. Jessie on if this would happen this quickly: "Not without the National Guard. I was quite sure that Roy Moore would call out the National Guard. He certainly seems to be trying. You know, you can't stop God. We've all been praying about this and today is our day."

"It's a finale. We've had our son all this time, we've been together for 26 years. This is the right thing, it's finally over and it's nice to know we won't have to call an attorney every time we have to do something to make sure we're protected, because now we're just like everybody else." Madison Underwood

RT @KayTimes: First 2 couples in Madison Co greeted with cheers #almarriage exiting courthouse. pic.twitter.com/OvU3K84Aeu — John Sharp (@JohnSharp99) February 9, 2015







More #almarriage celebration for Seth & Ash as they hug friends. pic.twitter.com/uNt7ZEllOg — Kay Campbell (@KayTimes) February 9, 2015







9:46 a.m. Baldwin County Probate Judge Tim Russell, as of Thursday, has opted to no longer perform any kind of marriage at his office.

He said the decision was largely related to an increasing work load within the Probate Office, but acknowledged that he's "morally opposed" to same-sex marriage.







MSNBC just called. Is Rev Ellin Jimmerson available to talk to Rachel Maddow tonight? Answer is "you bet"#ALMarriage — lee roop (@leeroop) February 9, 2015













Two men handing out information from a Jacksonville church supporting traditional marriage. pic.twitter.com/4Nl4iBpigr — WilliamThornton (@billineastala) February 9, 2015







Still waiting for our first wedding in Madison County. #ALmarriage pic.twitter.com/WKXXLRm3bN — lee roop (@leeroop) February 9, 2015







9:27 a.m. Same-sex couples looking to purchase a marriage license in Tuscaloosa County Monday morning were instead handed a summary of Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore's order to probate judges prohibiting their issuance.

Kim Wilkerson and Jennifer Stokes, first same-sex couple to apply in Etowah County. pic.twitter.com/O20hQjCaAE — WilliamThornton (@billineastala) February 9, 2015







Mobile County is opening one window for "recording purposes only." #SSM — Brendan Kirby (@BrendanKKirby) February 9, 2015







That means marriage licenses, gay and straight, still on hold in Mobile County. — Brendan Kirby (@BrendanKKirby) February 9, 2015







Rev. Henderson yells "You need to get on your knees!" Someone in crowd says "We know you want to be on your knees." pic.twitter.com/bzKSnqcsnX — Madison Underwood (@MadisonU) February 9, 2015







No same-sex marriage licenses or marriage ceremonies of any kind today in Jackson County according to WHNT News 19’s Laura Christmas. — WHNT (@whnt) February 9, 2015







Kelli and Lisa Day of Pike Road got marriage license today in Montgomery. Will marry in their church. #almarriage pic.twitter.com/DcYxfj7OpP — Erin Edgemon (@eedgemon) February 9, 2015













Tori and Shante are now married #almarriage pic.twitter.com/dPL5LJ6aMd — Erin Edgemon (@eedgemon) February 9, 2015







9:02 a.m. Chilton County Probate Judge Robert Martin said he will issue licenses to same-sex couples, but will not perform any marriages for any couples. He said he is following the federal court's order on the advice of legal counsel. When asked about Justice Roy Moore's order, he said, "I'm not sure it has any standing."

No same sex couples have applied for licenses yet, he said as of 8:45 a.m.

Choctaw County is not issuing any marriage licenses at all, said clerk Emily Jenkins.

"Pike County is no longer in the marriage business," said Angi Stalnaker, a communications consultant for Judge Wes Allen's attorney.

Stalnaker said that as of Friday the county was no longer issuing a marriage license to anyone. Debbie Lord

8:58 a.m. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange responds to U.S. Supreme Court's decision not to grant the State of Alabama's motion for a stay.

"I regret the Supreme Court's decision not to stay the federal district court's ruling until the high court finally settles the issue this summer," said Attorney General Strange. "In the absence of a stay, there will likely be more confusion in the coming months leading up to the Supreme Court's anticipated ruling on the legality of same-sex marriage.

...The Chief Justice has explained in a public memorandum that probate judges do not report to me. I advise probate judges to talk to their attorneys and associations about how to respond to the ruling. Furthermore, I encourage any stat

agencies with questions about the ruling in Searcy and Strawser to contact the Governor's Office."

8:44 a.m. Shelby County Probate Judge Jim Fuhrmeister has decided to not issue any marriage licenses due to conflicting orders from the federal judge and Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. Martin Reed Same is true in Butler and Dekald counties and elsewhere, reports Amy Yurkanin, and others.

8:43 a.m. Jesse Jackson, visiting Alabama Media Group, won't talk gay marriage today. Only, "Human rights for all human beings." Michelle Holmes

8:42 a.m. No line, just media in Montgomery County. Four couples believed to be filling out paperwork. Erin Edgemon

8:30 a.m. Bibb County Probate Judge Jerry Pow said he is not issuing marriage licenses to any couples this morning. When asked why, he said: "I don't know whether I want to defy the Chief justice of the state Supreme Court or a federal judge."

8:30 a.m. And the marriages begin, in Jefferson County.

One of the first couples to get married - Olanda Smith and Dianah McCaryeo pic.twitter.com/hUyvWpk58H

-- Madison Underwood (@MadisonU) February 9, 2015

8:29 a.m. Baldwin Probate Judge Tim Russell says he stopped doing marriages on Thursday. He's morally opposed to same sex marriage. He is accepting some license requests and holding them until issues are resolved. John Sharp

8:24 a.m. There is a delay in opening marriage license windows at Mobile County Probate Court. A lawyer for plaintiffs in the case asks for patience, says licensing should open soon. Casey Toner

8:23 a.m. Washington County Judge Nick Wiliams on his refusal to marry gays: "I'm not worried about following the U.S. constitution." Casey Toner

8:17 a.m. US Supreme Court won't stop gay marriages from starting in Alabama, denies state's request, reports The Associated Press.

8:15 a.m. Calhoun County probate judge will not issue any licenses today.

8:10 a.m. The first gay couple in Jefferson County steps to the counter and gets a marriage license, Dee and Laura Bush.

Dee and Laura Bush are 1st couple to apply for a #marriage license in #Birmingham! #ALMarriage http://t.co/oPBJj531DC pic.twitter.com/xRf1DZeTo4

-- Equality Alabama (@equalityalabama) February 9, 2015

8 a.m. Couples were lined up in Anniston, at the Madison County Courthouse and at locations around the state. Also, around various courthouses, those supporting marriage as being only between men and women, and supporting biblical views, handed out literature.

Two men handing out information from a Jacksonville church supporting traditional marriage. pic.twitter.com/4Nl4iBpigr

-- WilliamThornton (@billatalcom) February 9, 2015

8 a.m. Jefferson County Probate Judge Alan King says they will begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples at 8 a.m. Kent Faulk

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office has roads surrounding the probate office closed @alcomMontgomery

-- Erin Edgemon (@eedgemon) February 9, 2015

"We applaud probate judges in majority of counties that will be issuing licenses" - Ben Cooper #ALMarriage #Alabama http://t.co/he7I2XdRNO

-- Equality Alabama (@equalityalabama) February 9, 2015

Man interrupts same-sex marriage press conference at Jeffco courthouse by saying saying 'it's an abomination" pic.twitter.com/MVaUsh0avM

-- Kent Faulk (@krfaulk) February 9, 2015

Battling judges have turned #Alabama upside down. Today, marriage equality plays out on our courthouse steps. Live: http://t.co/v94H5Clz2m

-- Michelle Holmes (@mlh_holmes) February 9, 2015

7:22 James Robinson, one of the LGBT advocates gathered at the Madison County Courthouse, says Roy Moore has no authority to block issuing of permits. "He needs to be removed and disbarred." Robinson said this day is supposed to be about celebration and if there is any violence "it's on (Moore)'s hands." Huntsville resident Melissa Hiley, an LGBT advocate, "This is about celebration, not division." Shelly Haskins

Area around Montgomery courthouse blocked this morning as gay marriage/ media frenzy begins pic.twitter.com/V6p2onZL6d

-- Kim Chandler (@StatehouseKim) February 9, 2015

7:15 At least four couples have shown up at the Jefferson County as of 7 a.m.

Dee and Laura Bush have been together seven years and met when Dee's son was in Laura's daycare. He is 9-years-old now. The couple has a total of five children.

"We have had tons of support," Laura said. "We are doing it because we can," Dee said.

"We just want to feel like we are equal," Dee said.

They plan to get married in Linn Park.

Several ministers of multiple faiths are on the scene prepared to perform ceremonies.

Jessie Odell and Cooper Odell are also in line with their 12-year-old son, George. "(Roy Moore) is just blowing smoke trying to bully anyone he can," Cooper said. Kent Faulk

Gay rights leader James Robinson says Moore has no authority to block marriages, "needs to be removed and disbarred." pic.twitter.com/rx3dSqsHZx

-- Shelly Haskins (@Shelly_Haskins) February 9, 2015

#Tuscaloosa Co. probate judge Hardy McCullom says he will NOT issue same-sex marriage licenses today, in light of Roy Moore's order.

-- FOX6 WBRC-TV (@myfoxal) February 9, 2015

6:55 One of the first couple seeking to get married has arrived at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Greg Mullins and Joshua Laning plan on having a private ceremony late this morning at a friends house with a friend who is a minister. Kent Faulk

#Tuscaloosa Co. probate judge Hardy McCullom says he will NOT issue same-sex marriage licenses today, in light of Roy Moore's order.

-- FOX6 WBRC-TV (@myfoxal) February 9, 2015

6:25 a.m.: Patrick Scarborough,board member with Equality Alabama, and his husband Tony Lee are at the Jefferson County Courthouse this morning to support those gay couples who will try to get married.

"I'm optimistic it will be a great day. Let's just hope it moves forward," Scarborough said of Sunday nights order by Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. "The right thing we all know to do is to issue the marriage licenses."

No couples were in line as of 6:15 am Monday.

Equality Alabama is one of the groups that will hold a press conference at 7:15 am today on the courthouse steps. When or if the probate court issues the licenses the groups will be in Linn Park with cupcakes, flowers and even people who can perform the marriages.

Scarborough and Lee were married in Boston in 2013. Scarborough said there will be celebrations at courthouses in Tuscaloosa. -- Kent Faulk

Roy Moore standing in the courthouse door: Where have we seen this before? Opinion http://t.co/k8z0Clf5QR via @aldotcom

-- Chuck Dean (@charlesjdean) February 9, 2015

Judge Roy Moore + New York Times = never a good combo: http://t.co/x9e8LjcBVf

-- George Talbot (@georgetalbot) February 9, 2015

Tents outside the Montgomery Co Probate Court. This couple has been here overnight. @ALNewsNetwork pic.twitter.com/52UhdxN2a0

-- Catalina Trivino (@CatTrivinoTV) February 9, 2015

NEW: same sex couple just showed up at Jeff co courthouse to get marriage license. pic.twitter.com/fFRQJ42eHF

-- Clare Huddleston (@Fox6Clare) February 9, 2015

Across Alabama, people have offered to perform same-sex weddings as couples plan to marry, following one of the most consequential civil rights developments to take place in the state in decades.

The two gay couples in Mobile whose lawsuits brought down Alabama's same-sex marriage ban -- Cari Searcy and Kim McKeand and James Strawser and John Humphrey -- plan to be at the Mobile County Probate Court today to do something they could not do before U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. "Ginny" Granade's ruling: Get a marriage license.

"We're still feeling ecstatic. I think it's good that there will be time for everyone to get ready for Monday," said Searcy. "We're one step closer to being a (legally recognized) family."

The ruling continues to meet opposition.

Some Alabama probate judges say they refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples while others say they will issue licenses but will no longer perform wedding ceremonies of any kind.

Clarke County Probate Judge Valerie Davis said in a news release Friday that her office wouldn't issue marriage licenses or perform marriages.

"I do not think I am required to compromise my religious beliefs to be Probate Judge," Davis said in the release. "Alabama law does not mandate me to issue marriage licenses to anyone of any gender."

Protests were held over the weekend at the state capitol and in Anniston,

Pastor Franklin D. Raddish of South Carolina, who led a prayer vigil against same-sex marriage at the Alabama Capitol, urged southerners to refuse to recognize marriages that he called "from the devil's hell."

Tori Sisson and Shante Wolfe of Tuskegee planned to camp outside the Montgomery County courthouse in the hopes of being the first gay couple to obtain a license in Alabama's capital city.

"There was just the really overwhelming sense of love and affection from people who were happy for us," Sisson said of news of the decision.