Beginning on Thursday, August 1 the Freedom to Marry law will take effect that will allow same-sex couples to get married.

According to Stearns County Office Services Supervisor Christina Gapinski, five applications from same-sex couples have been submitted in Stearns County as of Wednesday morning.

Earlier this week, Stearns County distributed all same-sex marriage licenses applied for, provided the required 5-day waiting period has passed, however all same-sex marriages licenses applied for and distributed will not be valid until Thursday, August 1.

Marriage applicants may apply for and pay for their license online, but both people are required to go in person to sign the application.