Same-sex marriage around the world
The law enables gay couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies in England and Wales, although the Church of England is barred from conducting same-sex unions. It also will allow couples who had previously entered into civil partnerships
France
Read more: France legalizes same-sex marriage after harsh debate
New Zealand
Read more: Same-sex marriage legalized in New Zealand
The Netherlands
In this photo Jan van Breda (left) and his partner Thijs Timmermans cut the cake after their wedding in Amsterdam, April 1, 2011.
Belgium
In this photo, Marion Huibrecht and Christel Verswyvelen celebrate their marriage in Antwerp, Belgium, June 6, 2003. Huibrecht and Verswyvelen became the first same-sex couple to marry in Belgium, celebrating 16 years of official partnership with wedding vows during their civil ceremony.
Canada
In this photo, Ric Reed and Ernest Lacasse show off their wedding rings after their marriage ceremony at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, June 28, 2003.
Spain
In this photo, Carlos Patino (left) and Ramon Linaza kiss after getting married in Madrid, Nov. 30, 2005.
Argentina
In this photo, Couple Alejandro Freyre (left) and Jose Maria Di Bello walk near the Congress building during a demonstration supporting a same-sex marriage bill in Buenos Aires, July 14, 2010.
South Africa
In this photo, a gay woman shows off a shirt with the slogan "Equal marriage for all, nothing less" at a debate on the civil union bill in Soweto, outside Johannesburg, Sept. 20, 2006.
Iceland
Denmark
In this photo, Stig Ellins (left) and his partner Steen Andersen pose with a rose after their wedding at Frederiksberg church in Copenhagen, June 15, 2012.
Norway
In this photo, Norwegian finance minister and chairwoman of the Socialist Left party Kristin Halvorsen stands next to wedding figurines outside the House of Parliament in Oslo, June 11, 2008, where she celebrated the passing of a new law awarding equal rights to same-sex partnerships as those enjoyed by heterosexual marriages.
Portugal
In this picture, gay activists celebrate with champagne in front of the Portuguese parliament in Lisbon, Jan. 8, 2010, after the approval of a bill to legalize same-sex marriages less than 30 years after the country revoked its ban on homosexuality.
Sweden
In this photo, Yvette Ramirez and Christina Branting wed in a registered partnership ceremony at Oscar Fredriks church in Gothemburg, Sweden, June 30, 2001.
Uruguay
In this photo, protestors walk alongside soldiers carrying the Uruguayan flag, as Uruguayan legislature discussed the "Equal Marriage" law, in Montevideo, April 10, 2013.