We do: Youngest gay bride joins dozens of couples across the country on the first day same sex marriage is legal in Britain
- Sarah-Louise Billington, 23, exchanged vows with Rebecca Green, 31
- Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act valid in England and Wales at midnight
- Couples across country raced to tie knot first as clock strikes 12
- Comes 4 years after Netherlands, 13 years after Catholic country Argentina
- Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby welcomed change despite tensions
- Tells Church to embrace gay marriage law and spread Christian love
- Historic moment marred by study showing 1/5 wouldn't attend wedding
- Research also claims Cameron's backing of law will shake Tory support
A 23-year-old bride has become the youngest married lesbian after tying the knot with her fiancée on the first day of legalised gay marriage.
Sarah-Louise Billington exchanged vows with Rebecca Green, 31, in a ceremony at Dudley Register Office this morning.
Both wore white wedding gowns to mark the occasion just hours after the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act came into effect.
They joined couples across Britain celebrating the law, passed in July and brought into force today, 13 years after the Netherlands, and four years after Argentina, a Catholic country.
![Tied the knot: Sarah-Louise Billington, 23, (right) became the youngest married lesbian in the UK after saying 'I do' to her 31-year-old fiancée Rebecca Green at Dudley Register Office today wearing wedding dresses](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-0-1CAA61F600000578-399_634x422.jpg)
Tied the knot: Sarah-Louise Billington, 23, (right) became the youngest married lesbian in the UK after saying 'I do' to her 31-year-old fiancée Rebecca Green at Dudley Register Office today wearing wedding dresses
Dozens flocked to register offices at midnight vying to claim the title of being the first ever to be married in the country.
Miss Billington and Miss Green, who have now taken the name Billington-Green, got engaged in Corfu in May 2012, before the Act came into effect, but waited until they could be officially married.
Fortunately for the couple from Tipton, West Midlands, who have been together for three years and share an 18-month-old son, the sun shone on their 'emotional' big day.
Rebecca said: 'It's absolutely amazing; it was such a nice ceremony and so emotional.
'It feels like we're part of history being one of the first couples to get married.
![The couple from Tipton, West Midlands, got engaged in Corfu in May last year before the Act was passed](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-0-1CAA620200000578-690_634x421.jpg)
The couple from Tipton, West Midlands, got engaged in Corfu in May last year before the Act was passed
![They shared the day with their 18-month-old son and their families in the beaming sunshine](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-0-1CAA624500000578-962_634x416.jpg)
They shared the day with their 18-month-old son and their families in the beaming sunshine
'We had originally arranged a commitment ceremony, which happened last weekend, but as soon as it became possible to legally marry we jumped at the chance.
'We couldn't be happier!'
Rebecca, who said she had always know that she was gay having never had a boyfriend, confirmed both families had been extremely supportive in their lifestyle choice.
'Even Sarah's granddad and my grandma, who sadly passed away five months ago, were really understanding, they were just glad we'd found each other,' she said.
![Now Mrs and Mrs Billington-Green, the pair said their families have been incredibly supportive](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-0-1CAA61F200000578-596_634x783.jpg)
Now Mrs and Mrs Billington-Green, the pair said their families have been incredibly supportive
![They joined couples around Britain jumping at the chance to marry on the first day of legalised gay marriage](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-0-1CAA624B00000578-466_634x422.jpg)
They joined couples around Britain jumping at the chance to marry on the first day of legalised gay marriage
Despite all the media attention the beaming brides celebrated their nuptials with a quiet family meal.
It was not until March 13 this year when couples were able to register their intention to marry under the Act for the first time.
From that date couples who had taken advantage of legal gay marriage abroad were able to officially recognise their unions in the UK.
![Colourful: In a pink and rainbow-themed ceremony, Phil Robathan (left) and James Preston released doves](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAA387400000578-608_634x422.jpg)
Colourful: In a pink and rainbow-themed ceremony, Phil Robathan (left) and James Preston released doves
![The couple were one of five marrying in Brighton today on the first day of legalised gay marriage](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAA387000000578-658_634x424.jpg)
The couple were one of five marrying in Brighton today on the first day of legalised gay marriage
![Guests came dressed in style for the emotional ceremony](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAA3EF600000578-527_634x423.jpg)
Guests came dressed in style for the emotional ceremony
![This guest welled up as the ceremony came to a close in Brighton this morning](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAA3E8600000578-955_634x424.jpg)
This guest welled up as the ceremony came to a close in Brighton this morning
![Tears of joy: Phil Robathan (left) and James Preston (centre) hold hands as a guest (right) reacts during their wedding ceremony in Brighton](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/30/article-2592290-1CAD3EC700000578-361_634x424.jpg)
Tears of joy: Phil Robathan (left) and James Preston (centre) hold hands as a guest (right) reacts during their wedding ceremony in Brighton
Today, Islington Town Hall hosted three weddings, including that of Louis Monaco and his partner Aarron Erbas at 10am.
The 46-year-old is originally from New Jersey in the US but now lives in Angel, north London with Mr Erbas, 23.
After the wedding, they celebrated with a reception at a north London pub where they met a year and a half ago.
THE MIDNIGHT WEDDINGS: COUPLES RACED TO BE CROWNED FIRST TO WED
Since midnight, gay couples across the country have been exchanging vows, including five in Brighton, another four in Westminster, and three in Islington, London.
One man who wed his partner at the stroke of 12 said he had never dreamed same sex marriages would happen during his lifetime.
John Coffey, who married Bernardo Marti, was the first in the country to request a midnight wedding slot, and believe their union at Westminster City Hall was the first.
![Earlybirds: Peter McGraith (left) and David Cabreza embraced each other outside Islington Town Hall in the early hours of this morning after their wedding on the stroke of midnight](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CA8696600000578-351_634x503.jpg)
Earlybirds: Peter McGraith (left) and David Cabreza embraced each other outside Islington Town Hall in the early hours of this morning after their wedding on the stroke of midnight
'We are changing one of the absolute most fundamental building blocks of our society - marriage.
'And that's quite daunting, actually,' Mr Coffey told the BBC.
They competed for the record with Peter McGraith and David Cabreza in Islington, who are also tied the knot at 00.01 this morning.
Mr McGraith and Mr Cabreza, who have been together for 17 years, said they wanted to wed as soon as the marriage laws changed.
Mr McGraith said: 'We are thrilled to be getting married.
![Signing the book: Actor Andrew Wale (left) beamed at friends as his new husband Neil Allard signed the register](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CA861D300000578-445_634x514.jpg)
Signing the book: Actor Andrew Wale (left) beamed at friends as his new husband Neil Allard signed the register
'It is a mark of significant social progress in the UK that the legal distinction between gay and straight relationships has been removed.
'Very few countries afford their gay and lesbian citizens equal marriage rights and we believe that this change in law will bring hope and strength to gay men and lesbians in Nigeria, Uganda, Russia, India and elsewhere, who lack basic equality and are being criminalised for their sexual orientation.'
Brighton couple Andrew Wale and Neil Allard also vied for the title with their wedding in the city's famous Royal Pavilion.
The couple, who got together after chatting on a bench in the building's gardens seven years ago, won a council competition to marry at the venue.
Friends and family flew in from across Europe to attend their wedding, which they have planned in just six weeks amid much media attention.
Mr Wale said: 'We had planned on a small wedding before we entered the competition.
'But having the Music Room as our venue, it was obvious that we and to invite as many friends as possible to enjoy the occasion.
'As far as the media interest goes, it's important for us to use the opportunity to raise awareness of the fact that, while we are overjoyed at the change in the law which enables us to marry, there are other people in the world who are not nearly as lucky as us.'
'We're very excited, we have family coming from New Jersey and California,' said Mr Monaco, a clinical psychologist.
'We're going to the Town Hall and we'll have a ceremony there and after we'll be going to a pub where we met.
'Aarron is so excited, he proposed to me. Once I told him we were able to get this date he had the invitations and the reception venue picked out by that night.
![Britain's first gay fathers Barrie and Tony Drewitt-Barlow married at The Greenwood Hotel in Essex today](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAB280400000578-382_634x671.jpg)
Britain's first gay fathers Barrie and Tony Drewitt-Barlow married at The Greenwood Hotel in Essex today
![The wedding was picketed by anti same-sex marriages but they ignored the protests and celebrated in the sun](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAB272200000578-934_634x436.jpg)
The wedding was picketed by anti same-sex marriages but they ignored the protests and celebrated in the sun
![Singer David Van Day (fourth from left) and TOWIE star Bobby Cole Norris (fourth from right) attended](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAB27C000000578-431_634x397.jpg)
Singer David Van Day (fourth from left) and TOWIE star Bobby Cole Norris (fourth from right) attended
'We wanted to do
it for different reasons. I am older and I didn't think this would
happen during my lifetime anywhere in the world.
'For Aarron, he's
younger and he only came out last year. It is historic and we thought:
"Yes, let's do it".'
Meanwhile, broadcaster Sandi Toksvig and her civil partner Debbie Toksvig will renew their vows at a public event at the Royal Festival Hall on the Southbank in London on Saturday morning.
'WE FEEL PRIVILEGED TO BE A PART OF IT': FIRST COUPLE IN NORTH EAST
![Proud: Mandy Hutchinson, right, and Trisha Doyle will become one of the first lesbian couples to marry in the UK](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-1CA6585600000578-182_306x423.jpg)
Proud: Mandy Hutchinson, right, and Trisha Doyle will become one of the first lesbian couples to marry in the UK
At 10am today Mandy Hutchinson, 43, became Mandy Hutchinson Doyle as she married her partner of four years, Trisha Doyle, 34.
They were the first gay couple to marry in South Tyneside on the first day same-sex marriages are legalised in the UK.
Miss Hutchinson, of South Shields, South Tyneside, said: 'It is a huge and momentous day for us.
'It is history in the making for the town we live in, and we feel privileged to be a part of it.
'It has been a mad rush leading up to this day because we thought it would be August before the law is passed.
'We had to save, save and save after Christmas once we knew the date was in March.
'Now we will be the same as everyone else.
'There should be no difference in treatment because of sexuality.
'I know there will always be people who won't accept it and will be against it.
'I hope that more gay couples get married, and that soon this will become the norm and won't even be talked about.
'We will be together, bound by law, and this is very important for us.
'If I died at work, for example, everything would then go to Trisha, and that is a comforting thought.
'What's mine is hers.'
![They will marry at 10am today in front of 130 friends and family members](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-1CA6586200000578-379_634x433.jpg)
They will marry at 10am today in front of 130 friends and family members
Miss Hutchinson, an ASDA delivery driver, has three children, Jade, 19, Holly, 18, and Cole, 16, from a heterosexual marriage before she began a relationship with Miss Doyle.
She proposed on the day the divorce papers came through.
They now live together in a home of their own.
Miss Hutchinson added: 'It won't change the love we have for each other.
'Trisha couldn't love me any more and I couldn't love her any more than I do.
'It has never been an issue with my children.
!['It already feels like barriers have come down in society,' said Mandy, who proposed in August](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-1CA658EE00000578-822_634x384.jpg)
'It already feels like barriers have come down in society,' said Mandy, who proposed in August
'It is just normal to them and they are excited about the wedding.
'On Sunday it is Mother's Day and they have gifts for my wife, then, Trisha as well.
'People have been approaching us and cuddling us.
'This has been something to talk about and already it feels like the barriers have come down in society.
'This is definitely a step in the right direction.'
Gay rights campaigners have rejoiced at the move saying Saturday will be a 'momentous day'.
Ruth Hunt, acting chief executive of gay rights charity Stonewall, said: 'Saturday is a momentous day for England and Wales, as the first same-sex marriages mark full legal equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
'The first weddings will send a powerful message to every person in Britain and around the world that you can live and love as you choose, regardless of your sexual orientation.'
![Helen Brearley (right) and Teresa Millward walked down the aisle after being married at Halifax Register Office](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAA694400000578-300_634x641.jpg)
Helen Brearley (right) and Teresa Millward walked down the aisle after being married at Halifax Register Office
![They kissed for cameras to celebrate the moment, which has come an entire 13 years after Holland](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAA698400000578-278_634x401.jpg)
They kissed for cameras to celebrate the moment, which has come an entire 13 years after Holland
The Church of England announced it will no longer resist gay marriage within congregations, and Justin Welby has ordered the Church to accept that this is now law.
But changing the law has caused bitter divisions within the church, and research reveals it could deal a blow to the Tories just months ahead of the general election.
Last month, bishops attempted to ban clergy from marrying same-sex partners, provoking a backlash among Christian supporters of the change.
'IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE THE SAME TITLE AS HETEROSEXUAL COUPLES': FIRST WOMEN TO MARRY IN UK HAVE HAD A JEWISH CEREMONY
The first women to marry were Jewish couple Nikki Pettit, 29, and Tania Ward, 28.
Although Miss Ward is not Jewish, they both observe rituals and belong to the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood, London.
Today, they said their vows in a ceremony in Brighton performed by Rabbi Janet Daley.
![Jewish bride Nikki Pettit (left) and Tania Ward pose for photos after their wedding ceremony in Brighton](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAAC90F00000578-369_634x622.jpg)
Jewish bride Nikki Pettit (left) and Tania Ward pose for photos after their wedding ceremony in Brighton
![First women: Nikki Pettit (left) and Tania Ward will marry in a Jewish ceremony in Brighton today](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-1CA59D3C00000578-534_634x650.jpg)
First women: Nikki Pettit (left) and Tania Ward will marry in a Jewish ceremony in Brighton today
Bakery
chef Miss Ward, who met childcare worker Miss Pettit on a blind date
six years ago, said: 'It is important for us to have the same title as a
heterosexual couple.
'The way the law was before, it just emphasised the difference of having a civil partnership.'
Addressing their marriage, chief executive for Liberal Judaism Rabbi Danny Rich said: 'Liberal Judaism is delighted to be correcting an injustice.
'The
issue of equal marriage on which Liberal Judaism led and gave evidence
to parliament has always been to us a matter of prophetic justice, in
accordance with our founding principles that fairness trumps legal and
ritual technicalities.
'We are delighted.'
Now, it has emerged one in five Britons is less likely to vote Conservative because of the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
According to a ComRes study, just 14 per cent indicated that the policy made them more likely to back David Cameron's party.
The Prime Minister offered his congratulations to those who had already tied the knot on 'this historic day', but the poll will come as a blow ahead of May's European elections - with the results suggesting that his support for gay marriage was damaging efforts to persuade Ukip voters to switch to the Conservatives.
![Sean Adl-Tabatabai, left, and Sinclair Treadway kiss each other after they were announced officially married during a wedding ceremony in the Council Chamber at Camden Town Hall in London, minutes into Saturday](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAA413C00000578-622_634x407.jpg)
Sean Adl-Tabatabai, left, and Sinclair Treadway kiss each other after they were announced officially married during a wedding ceremony in the Council Chamber at Camden Town Hall in London, minutes into Saturday
![Sandi Toksvig (centre right) and Debbie Toksvig (centre left) dance during a mass sing-along of Bring Me Sunshine as they renew their vows at the Southbank Centre](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1CAAD37600000578-680_634x423.jpg)
Sandi Toksvig (centre right) and Debbie Toksvig (centre left) dance during a mass sing-along of Bring Me Sunshine as they renew their vows at the Southbank Centre
The research, carried out for the
Coalition for Marriage - which has campaigned against of same-sex
weddings, found 21 per cent of voters were less inclined to vote
Conservative in May because of the reform.
Some
14 per cent were more likely to back the Tories because of the
legalisation of same-sex marriage - and for 55 per cent the change made
no difference.
The
historic moment has also been marred by research claiming about one in
five British adults would reject an invitation to a same-sex wedding.
MY GAY WEDDING, THE MUSICAL: COUPLE TIE KNOT IN SONG AND DANCE
It was a historic milestone marked by gay couples everywhere with midnight vows or the throwing of doves.
But one pair celebrated their right to wed in a slightly more flamboyant fashion.
Benjamin Till and Nathan Taylor tied the knot today with a musical - with sung vows, sung reading and show-stopping ensembles featuring the whole confregation of family, friends and special guests.
![Filmmaker Benjamin Till (left) and West End star Nathan Taylor (right) wrote and directed a musical staging in London's Alexandra Palace today during which they exchanged vows and said 'I do' to one another](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/29/article-2592290-1C1AC93100000578-669_634x399.jpg)
Filmmaker Benjamin Till (left) and West End star Nathan Taylor (right) wrote and directed a musical staging in London's Alexandra Palace today during which they exchanged vows and said 'I do' to one another
Attended by celebrities including Gok Wan, the union of West End performer Nathan and filmmaker Ben at London's Alexandra Palace was entirely their own creation.
And the performance, titled Our Gay Wedding: The Musical, was filmed for television and will be commentated by Stephen Fry as it screens next week on Channel 4.
Benjamin and Nathan said: 'We’ve been together for nearly 12 years, and never thought we’d get the chance to get married, for real.
'Doing what we both do for a living has meant that we’ve spent our entire lives expressing emotion through song, so getting married in a musical, particularly one that we’re writing ourselves, felt like the most natural thing in the world.'
John Hay, Commissioning Editor, Arts, said: 'We are proud to be marking a huge milestone for gay rights – a cause that has long been close to Channel 4’s heart.
'I’m enormously grateful to Benjamin and Nathan for sharing their day with us, and for the talent, creativity and generosity they’re bringing to this amazing piece of work.'
A survey by BBC Radio 5 live found 68 per cent of 1,007 people agreed gay marriage should be legal.
Of those questioned, 26 per cent opposed it, and 22 per cent said they would not attend a ceremony.
Catholic Voices claims the findings
show people remain 'deeply uncomfortable' with admitting their honest
feelings about same-sex marriage.
But David Cameron has blasted opponents to the bill, saying he ‘didn't want to see people's love divided by law’.
![Supportive: Justin Welby has caused waves among conservative clergy members by backing the change](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-1CA1AFAB00000578-983_306x423.jpg)
![Rabbi Danny Rich, of Liberal Judaism, has hailed the change as 'correcting an injustice'](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-01CAE6760000044D-580_306x423.jpg)
Supportive: Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has caused waves among conservative clergy members by backing the law, and Rabbi Danny Rich, of Liberal Judaism, has hailed the change as 'correcting an injustice'
![Celebration: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said there will be a rainbow flag flown from the Cabinet Office](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-1C68FC7300000578-775_634x541.jpg)
Celebration: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said there will be a rainbow flag flown from the Cabinet Office
Mr
Cameron said: ‘Making marriage available to everyone goes beyond
individual relationships, proposals and weddings– it says something
deeper too about the sort of country we are.
‘This is a country with proud traditions of tolerance, respect and equal worth.
AROUND THE WORLD: WHEN GAY MARRIAGE WAS LEGALISED ELSEWHERE
2001: Netherlands
2003: Belgium
2005: Spain, Canada
2006: South Africa
2009: Norway, Sweden
2010: Portugal, Iceland, Argentina
2012: Denmark
2013: Uruguay, New Zealand, France
'With this reform we are being true to those values.
‘In
turn we are sending a powerful message to young people growing up who
are uncertain about their sexuality: we are telling them that they are
equal.’
Mr Cameron has previously admitted gay marriage has been deeply unpopular within Tory ranks.
But
in an article in PinkNews ahead of the first ceremonies taking place on Saturday,
Mr Cameron said he was ‘pleased’ that the commitment people make to each
other will now be recognised as equal.
The
Prime Minister said: ‘I backed this change because I didn't want to see
people's love divided by law.
'There is something special about marriage.
‘It is a declaration of commitment,
responsibility and stability that helps to bind families.
'The values of marriage are give and take, support and sacrifice – and it is right that same sex couples will now be able to be a part of it.’
![Moss Bros celebrated the change with a special window display yesterday, and cards are on sale nationwide](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-1CA5AE4000000578-363_306x423.jpg)
![Moss Bros celebrated the change with a special window display yesterday, and cards are on sale nationwide](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-19E51068000005DC-84_306x423.jpg)
Today, Moss Bros celebrated the change with a special window display, and cards are on sale nationwide
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who will attend the McGraith-Cabreza wedding tonight, said: 'Peter and David are personal friends and long-time gay rights campaigners. I am delighted to be their witness on this historic day.
'Their
marriage is a celebration for them and for the whole lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
'It marks the end of the ban on same-sex marriage and is another hugely significant milestone in the quest for lesbian and gay equality.
'THIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING': AFTER 8 YEARS, THEY CAN SAY 'I DO'
![Glenn Smith and Craig Shelton, soon to be Mr and Mr Shelton, have been waiting for eight years to tie the knot](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-1CA7053C00000578-402_306x423.jpg)
Glenn Smith and Craig Shelton, soon to be Mr and Mr Shelton, have been waiting for eight years to tie the knot
Glenn Smith, 38, and Craig Shelton, 27, will tie the knot on the first day the legislation comes into force.
The couple raced to pull together a ceremony for all their friends and family as soon as they heard about the law change.
They met through friends eight years ago and have been waiting since then for the law to be passed to enjoy their big day.
Glenn, a van driver, said: 'It’s very important to us both to have our relationship sealed on a formal basis.
'We shall be walking up together to say ‘I do’.
'We wanted to do it for a while but decided to wait because we heard this legislation was being debated, we're so happy it has been passed.'
Glenn and Craig, who works for a funeral directors, will be exchanging rings at the 4pm service at Gravesend Old Town Hall, in Kent.
Around 50 friends and family are invited to the nuptials and there will be about 120 at the reception
Glenn said: 'I am nervous and worried I will fluff my lines, but Craig is more laid back.
'This has been a long time coming, but it has been worth the wait.
'I know the Church of England is against same-sex ceremonies. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion.'
The partners, who live in their own house in Norfleet, Kent, have both bought new suits for the wedding and Glenn will be taking Craig’s surname.
'The legalisation of same-sex marriage ends the last major legal discrimination against gay people in England and Wales.
'Scotland will follow later this year. Sadly, Northern Ireland remains a bastion of homophobia.
'Same-sex marriage is an unstoppable global trend because love and commitment are universal human traits, regardless of sexual orientation or nationality.
![Around the world: Argentina approved same-sex marriage in 2010, one of the first ten nations to do so](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-076D5A4E000005DC-461_634x501.jpg)
Around the world: Argentina approved same-sex marriage in 2010, one of the first ten nations to do so
![Mary Davidson, 27 (left), and Monica Rozgay, 29, said 'I do' in Seattle on December 9, 2012, four days after gay marriage was legalised by Washington state](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-166F4A4A000005DC-633_634x423.jpg)
Mary Davidson, 27 (left), and Monica Rozgay, 29, said 'I do' in Seattle on December 9, 2012, four days after gay marriage was legalised by Washington state
![The latest country to legalise gay marriage was France in 2013. Here Vincent Aubin and Bruno Boileau, the first gay couple to marry in France, celebrate at Montpellier City Hall on May 29, 2013](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-1A0D9DD5000005DC-383_634x434.jpg)
The latest country to legalise gay marriage was France in 2013. Here Vincent Aubin and Bruno Boileau, the first gay couple to marry in France, celebrate at Montpellier City Hall on May 29, 2013
'No ignorance or prejudice can hold back the triumph of love.'
Rainbow flags will be hung all over the country to celebrate the occasion.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said a multi-coloured flag - adopted as a symbol of the gay community in 1970s San Francisco - will be flown above the Cabinet Office and Scotland Office from today.
HOW THE NATION CELEBRATED CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS LEGALISED IN 2005
![Landmark: Sir Elton John wed his partner David Furnish in a civil partnership ceremony in 2005](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/28/article-2591430-03B38ADC0000044D-788_306x423.jpg)
Landmark: Sir Elton John wed his partner David Furnish in a civil partnership ceremony in 2005
On December 5, 2005, The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into effect in the UK, allowing gay or lesbian couples to have legal recognition of their relationship, and the same rights as married couples.
Due to 'banns' in place, the first ceremonies did not take place until December 21.
Any couples who enter into a civil partnership obtain the new legal status of 'Civil Partners', instead of the traditional husband and wife status.
Sir Elton John and David Furnish famously celebrated the landmark ruling by tying the knot on December 21, 2005, in an emotional civil partnership ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall after 12 years together.
Only a handful of guests witnessed the private ceremony - held in the same venue where the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles married in April.
Among them were close friends artist Sam Taylor-Wood and her husband, art dealer Jay Jopling.
Sir Elton's mother Sheila and stepfather Fred, and Mr Furnish's parents Gladys and Jack, who flew in from their native Canada, were also there, as was Sir Elton and Mr Furnish's black and white spaniel Arthur.
The happy couple emerged from the Guildhall arm-in-arm after the 20-minute ceremony.
Instead of their usual colourful attire, they wore sober black morning suits - Sir Elton's one flamboyant touch was a diamond brooch on his lapel.
The ceremony was conducted by registrar Clair Williams, who also presided over the union between Charles and Camilla.
The act was not met without controversy, as the government had expected. Christian groups spoke out against civil partnerships, and committed mixed sex couples who live together argue that they do not receive the same rights as 'married' same sex couples now do.
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