INGHAM COUNTY - The United States Supreme Court ruled on Friday, June 26th that same sex couples have the constitutional right to marry in a 5-4 decision, and couples here in Ingham County wasted no time in taking advantage of the court's ruling.

Dozens of same-sex couples made their way to the Ingham County Courthouse to get their marriage certificates. Some were married right then and there.

The County Clerk's office had extended hours on Friday, and did not close until the last couple was served. Clerk Barb Byrum says that 26 marriage certificates were issued on Friday.

She performed 16 of the marriage ceremonies.

"The office has been very busy serving couples who have been waiting decades to marry, and it's an absolute honor to also be asked to perform many of those marriage ceremonies," Byrum said.

69th District State Representative Sam Singh also released a statement, saying, "This ruling marks another step towards the promise of equal protection for all citizens that is enshrined in our Constitution. I congratulate the couples whose long battle is finally over."

And Governor Rick Snyder also said, "Same-sex marriage has been a divisive issue in Michigan and across our country. With this matter now settled, as Michiganders, we should move forward positively, embracing our state’s diversity and striving to treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve."

Clerk Byrum also said that in light of the court's decision, same-sex marriage will now simply be known as marriage.