The 71-year-old actor, known for his role as Sulu on the "Star Trek" sci-fi TV series, paid $70 for a marriage license in West Hollywood early Tuesday. The marriage license is good for 90 days.

"I think it's a glorious California morning to make history," said Takei. "Congratulations to all of us: May equality live long and prosper."

"It's going to be the only day like this in our lives," Takei told the press upon receiving the document. "And it is the only day like this in the history of America."

Takei and Altman are planning a big wedding on September 14, but don't expect to see Takei's co-star William Shatner there.

"We have only 200 seats. Our contact list has, like, 3,500 names, so we have to whittle it down and I don't know if William Shatner is going to make the cut," Altman has told AP radio.

Last update: 01-31-2009 14:05