SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- California health officials say the words "bride" and "groom" will reappear on marriage license applications starting next month.

In a notice posted on its Web site, the California Department of Public Health says many couples still wanted the option of identifying themselves in traditional terms.

When same-sex marriage became legal in the state on June 16, new marriage forms were issued with "Party A" and "Party B" where "bride" and "groom" used to be.

The new paperwork, which county clerks must start using Nov. 17, will have space for applicants' names next to optional boxes for checking "bride" or "groom."