Gay marriage kicks off in Washington state
Parade of gay couples tie the knot on first day that law comes into effect after vote
Hundreds of same-sex couples have flocked to get married in the northwest state of Washington on the first day possible after the state approved gay marriage in a referendum last month.
At the Seattle city hall on Sunday, couples streamed through - to the cheers and music of a crowd that had gathered on the rainy day to celebrate the advance for gay rights.
According to local newspaper The Seattle Times, more than 800 couples statewide got marriage licences last Thursday, the first day the law came into effect. With a state-mandated three-day waiting period to have a wedding, Sunday was therefore the first day ceremonies could take place.
King County, which includes Seattle, started officiating marriages as soon as the clock struck midnight.
Among the many couples there were Robin and Danielle, who did not give their last names.
"We renewed our vows today," Robin said via webcam, wearing, like her wife, a white jacket with a rose in her lapel.