Culture

Please Enjoy These Photos Of The First Official Day Of Same-Sex Weddings

And the sky didn't fall in.

by Tom Clift  9 January 2018
Marriage Equality

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Today’s the day! A month ago marriage equality officially became Australian law. The road was needlessly long and often painful, but in the end, love won. And now, finally, couples are starting to tie the knot.

The reason same-sex weddings are only beginning in earnest today is simple: in Australia, you need to declare your intent to get married 30 days before you can actually tie the knot. This requirement can be waived in special circumstances — for example, Melbourne couple Cas Willow and Heather Richards were permitted to wed in mid-December because doctors feared Willow, who was suffering from terminal brain cancer, might not make it to the New Year.

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For most same-sex couples, however, today is the first day that Australian law permits them to get hitched. Given how long some people have been waiting, it’s hardly surprising that they’re not wasting any more time.

A number of couples got married at midnight, including Commonwealth Games sprinter Craig Burns and his partner, fellow athelete Luke Sullivan. “It’ll be a special moment to know that we’re a part of that and it’s an awesome step forward for Australia,” Burns told the Mackay Daily Mercury ahead of the ceremony.

So this happened. Last night CRAIG and LUKE created history becoming one of the first same sex couples to marry on the stroke of midnight. Today is the first official date that same sex weddings have become legalised in Australia. ————— ???? Can’t wait to bring you more images from the dream team of vendors @sarahmayalexander_celebrant @summergroveestate @jadoreweddingfilms @yourplattermatters @poptaco @theitalianjobkirra @bella_brides @bennyhannamusic @aerialpyro @twolittlebakers @michaelhillj @eventletters #insta.kombi @invitationdesignsbyeliza @tm_event_planning @woodandbeau @jacquimdesign . . . . #loveislove #samesexwedding #twogroomsarebetterthanone #sarahmayalexandercelebrant #marriedbysarah #proud #imarrythebestcouples #gaywedding #gaylove #rainbowlove. #yes #marriageequality #marriageequalityaustralia #samesexmarriage #lbgt #gaywedding #mountainluxe #mountainwedding #oreillysrainforestretreat #rainforestwedding #pride #sarahmayalexandercelebrant #marriedbysarah #equality #imarrythebestcouples #gayrights #positivevibes #celebrantsformarriageequality #weddingvendorsformarriageequalitymidnight on the first day that same sex weddings are officially recognised in Australia!

A post shared by Gold Coasts Best Celebrant (@sarahmayalexander_celebrant) on

Plenty of other couples have said “I do” this morning, and social media has been flooded with wedding photos and messages of love.

Sooo… this is what we were doing on the stroke of midnight!! ?? With the 9th January being the first legal day in Australia for same-sex couples to get married, Teegan + Mahatia did just that ?? If you were there last night you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say you could feel the love emanating towards these guys and the whole victory this symbolized for so many couples around Australia ❤️ We can not wait to share more of this epic wedding with you Australia! So many amazing vendors made this possible ?? @ferdydurkebar ⠀ @thealtarelectric ⠀ @gooddayrentals_vintage ⠀ @goodgraceandhumour ⠀ @katemakeupart ⠀ @notelmelbourne @lovekittypimms ⠀ @gingerandgoldbridal ⠀ @lunar_red_films ⠀ @fatandskinnycatering ⠀ @anthonycribbes_celebrant ⠀ @mrs.hitchcelebrant ⠀ @marrymedee ⠀ @fidelandsarah #lovewon

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Despite the fears of some conservtives, the sky doesn’t appear to be falling, and no one has been forced to marry anyone they don’t want to. But we’ll update this story if and when that happens.

In the meantime, congratulations!

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Feature image via Christian Marc Photography.