The Rainbow Flag Flies Proudly Over Trafalgar Square As First Same-Sex Marriages Take Place In England And Wales

The first same-sex marriages have taken place in England and Wales after gay marriage become legal at midnight in both countries. According to the BBC, David Cameron said the move sent a message that people were now equal “whether gay or straight.” Cameron told Pink Website the prime minister wrote: "This weekend is an important moment for our country. "It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth." Although England and Wales were the first countries to legalise same-sex marriage in the UK, Scotland passed a similar law in February and are due to host their first same-sex marriages in October. Cameron later tweeted to congratulate the many couples who have tied the knot since midnight.

Congratulations to the gay couples who have already been married - and my best wishes to those about to be on this historic day. — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 29, 2014

The below images are of some of the marriage ceremonies which have taken place already. Teresa Millward and Helen Brearley married in Halifax. Andrew Wale and Neil Allard in Brighton. Sean Adl-Tabatabai and Sinclair Treadway tied the knot in Camden. All images via BBC. Main image via Lefteris Pitarakis/AP.