Scotland's new same-sex marriage laws came into effect today, and Douglas Pretsell and Peter Gloster were the first to tie the knot.
Scotland voted to legalise same-sex marriage in February, following in the footsteps of England and Wales, where same-sex couples have been able to get married since March. Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK where same-sex marriage is illegal and has no plans to change the law.
From today, Scottish couples who are already in civil partnerships can take advantage of the new rules to convert their status to married.
Other same-sex couples in Scotland can give 15 days notice of their intention to wed, meaning the first Scottish same-sex weddings will take place on Hogmanay, which is 31 December.
The new legislation was used for the first time shortly after midnight, when Pretsell and Gloster converted their civil partnership at the British consulate in Sydney.
The couple told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland:
We always considered our civil partnership to be our marriage, but in the eyes of the law and society it wasn't held in the same regard. Prior to today, same-sex couples were deliberately treated as though our relationships were inferior and not worthy of the same recognition or respect. Well, from today it's official, we are married and we have the certificate to prove it.
The Scottish parliament passed the same-sex marriage act in February with a huge majority of 105 votes to 18.
As the laws came into effect, Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said: "I believe that the love between a couple, regardless of their gender, sexuality, belief or background, is powerful and should be valued and recognised."
A proud day for Scotland & equality. #equalmarriage
Civil partnerships are being converted into marriages all over Scotland.
That's it, Martin and I are officially married. First ones in Irvine! #equalmarriage
That's us officially Married Just converted our Civil Partnership. 😃 #equalmarriage
Now legally married to my wife! #equalmarriage
Woohoo! We Are Married! #EqualMarriage @LGBTIScotland
Others are now on the hunt for a potential Scottish spouse.
So excited for #equalmarriage Time to start lining up chaps. Who wants this?
Merry #equalmarriage (for people in civil partnerships already - 31st for others) day! To celebrate I have proposed to a friend of mine.
Available in Scotland today: Gay marriages for all! Get them while they’re hot. #equalmarriage
It's a good day for Scotland.
Thank you Scotland. My friends and I can all now marry the person we love, whoever that might be. #equalmarriage