ST. LOUIS — St. Louis officials have challenged Missouri's constitutional ban on gay marriage by issuing four same-sex marriage licenses in a City Hall ceremony.

Four gay couples were married Wednesday in the office of Mayor Francis Slay in a ceremony presided over by a municipal judge.

Attorney General Chris Koster went to court Thursday seeking to stop the marriages.

St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison denied a temporary restraining order but will consider whether to grant an injunction at a later date.

Burlison said St. Louis officials have agreed not to issue more marriage licenses to same-sex couples at this time and would do so in the future only after notifying the court and attorney general's office.

State voters approved the constitutional ban on gay marriage in 2004.