More tying the knot in Mississippi

GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) - The marriage business is booming on Mississippi's Gulf Coast since a state law that cuts waiting time took effect July 1.

Adams County lawmaker Melanie Sojourner sponsored the bill in part to boost Natchez' antebellum attractions as destination wedding venues.

But The Sun-Herald reports that two of the three coastal counties report big increases in applications for marriage licenses.

The biggest is in Harrison County, which had more than 100 applications in two weeks. Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk Connie Ladner says that's more than double the previous average.

Hancock County Circuit Clerk Karen Ruhr says she hasn't seen a major increase. But she says she expects to, once Louisiana couples realize they can get married without the 72-hour wait that is still required in the Bayou State.