First couples wed across country in same-sex marriages

Gay couple Neil Allard and Andrew Wale after they were married. Credit: REUTERS/Luke MacGregor

The first same-sex marriages in England and Wales have begun after a change in the law has given gay and lesbian couples the right to marry for the first time in history.

The law changed at midnight, with a number of gay couples getting married within seconds in Britain.

ITV News correspondent Ben Chapman reports:

Scotland passed a similar law in February; the first same-sex marriages are expected there in October. Northern Ireland has no plans to follow suit.

Peter McGraith (L) and David Cabreza marry in Islington Town Hall. Credit: REUTERS/Olivia Harris
A rainbow flag flies with the Union flag above British Cabinet Offices. Credit: REUTERS/Neil Hall.
Gay couple Neil Allard and Andrew Wale after they were married. Credit: REUTERS/Luke MacGregor

More than 2,000 people and a host of famous faces gathered to see comedian Sandi Toksvig and her partner Debbie renew their wedding vows at a public ceremony to celebrate the introduction of gay marriage in the UK.

Sandi Toskvig (Right) and Debbie Toskvig dance during a mass sing-along of Bring Me Sunshine. Credit: Justin Tallis/PA Wire

Read more on the same sex marriages that happened around England and Wales.