How does one obtain a civil union?

In a state where civil unions have been legalized, a same-sex couple goes to the issuing authority (usually a town clerk or city clerk) and applies for a civil union license. They must appear together, meet all the necessary requirements, present the necessary identification and pay the applicable fee. Then, a ceremony is held before an authorized officiant who signs the civil union license and returns it to the clerk who registers the civil union and issues a certificate of civil union.