The first same-sex couple to be married in Chilton County held a ceremony amid confusion about the status of gay marriages in Alabama.

“We are setting a milestone today for everyone who loves one another,” Racheal Higgins said.

Higgins, from Clanton, and her partner Amanda Bone, from Autauga County, arrived at the Chilton County Courthouse before 8 a.m. to apply for their marriage license.

The Chilton County Probate Office issued the license to the couple but stopped issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples shortly after, due to an order by Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore.

The license issued to Higgins and Bone was the only one issued to a same-sex couple Monday.

“We have stopped issuing them right now because we are waiting to see how we should proceed,” Probate Judge Bobby Martin said. “We aren’t really sure what is going on right now. It is complete confusion.”

Martin’s decision came after U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. “Ginny” Granade ruled that Alabama’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.

A stay was issued on Granade’s ruling that put the ruling on hold until Monday.

Moore issued an order late Sunday night stating that all probate judges and employees in Alabama must follow existing state law and not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples or recognize same-sex marriages.

The dispute left Martin’s office unsure of what to do.

“Until we receive another court order, we will not be issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples,” Martin said.

Martin said due to Alabama recognizing marriage as being between a man and a woman, it was his understanding that heterosexual couples could still apply for marriage licenses.

Gov. Robert Bentley issued a statement Monday saying the issue of same-sex marriage would be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court later this year.

“I have great respect for the legal process, and the protections that the law provides for our people. I am disappointed that a single federal court judge disregarded the vote of the Alabama people to define marriage as between a man and woman,” Bentley said in a release.

Bentley said the issue has created “confusion” with conflicting direction for Probate Judges in Alabama.

“Probate judges have a unique responsibility in our state, and I support them,” Bentley said. “I will not take any action against probate judges, which would only serve to further complicate this issue. We will follow the rule of the law in Alabama, and allow the issue of same-sex marriage to be worked out through the proper legal channels.”

Meanwhile, Higgins and Bone spent the morning preparing for their wedding ceremony that was held across the street from the Chilton County Courthouse, at Clanton Downtown Corner Park, with about 25 friends and family, including Higgins’ four sons.

The ceremony was officiated by Jaysin Fisher, who recently became ordained to marry anyone interested.

The Chilton County Probate Office made the decision last week that they would no longer perform marriage ceremonies for couples requesting the service.

“I became ordained so I could perform wedding ceremonies,” Fisher said. “Everyone should have an equal chance. God does not create any love that is wrong. I am willing to marry whoever is interested.”

Fisher said he does not charge for wedding ceremonies but wanted to provide an opportunity for any couple to get married.

Higgins, dressed in a white dress with a hot pink bouquet of flowers, stood beside her partner Bone, dressed in black pants, a white button down shirt and a hot pink tie as they waited for the ceremony to begin shortly after 11:30 a.m.

“I’m nervous,” Higgins said. “I have butterflies in my stomach.”

Bone said the couple wanted to get married Monday to stand up for what they think is right.

“We aren’t bashing anyone for their beliefs, and we ask people to not bash us for ours,” Bone said. “People are people, and it is important for us to stand up for that.”

Fisher welcomed those in attendance by saying it was a “day of hope.”

“This is a wonderful moment in their lives,” Fisher said.

Fisher read a passage from 1 Corinthians 13 and asked the couple to exchange their wedding vows, which they had written for one another.

As the two exchanged their vows, a passing motorist yelled out a vulgar remark before driving away.

Fisher declared the couple legally married by saying they are “partners for life, in life.”

Higgins thanked everyone for coming after greeting friends and family and posing for pictures before leaving to spend time with her new spouse at a private reception.

“We are a family now,” Higgins said. “We are just thrilled.”