Paving the Way
Same-sex couples packed clerk's offices in New York early Sunday to tie the knot on the first day of New York state's official recognition of same-sex marriage. Mayor Bloomberg's office estimated that almost 500 gay couples got hitched in the city on Sunday. Same-sex couples from across the Empire State also jumped the broom. New York joins Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia in performing same-sex marriages.
Captions by Joshua R. Weaver
Daniel and Dennis
Daniel Mackey and Dennis Josue hold hands in front of a New York City Hall backdrop after getting married at the Manhattan City Clerk's Office.
Da'onna and Amanda
Pennsylvania couple Da'onna and Amanda Johnson kiss outside the Manhattan City Clerk's Office after their wedding ceremony.
Marcos and Freddy
Marcos Chaljub and his partner, Freddy Sambrano, tie the knot at the Manhattan City Clerk's Office as friends and family snap pictures of the ceremony.
Jeanette and Kawane
Jeanette Coleman and Kawane Harris cheer on supporters as they wait for their chance to get married in Manhattan.
Michael and Douglas
Michael Elasser and Douglas Robinson exchange wedding bands during their ceremony in Manhattan.
Kim and Rhonda
Kim and Rhonda Waldon married at the Brooklyn City Clerk's Office after 16 years together.
Michael and Michael
Michael Roberts and Michael Johnson talk to the press after receiving their marriage license at the Manhattan City Clerk's Office.
Sabrina and Lillian
Sabrina Velez and Lillian Hernandez wed at the Brooklyn City Clerk's Office.