First day of same sex marriage in New York (19 images)

The rings of Michael Johnson, 55, and Michael Roberts, 81, of New York, are ready during their marriage ceremony at the City Clerk's office in New York Sunday, July 24, 2011. Hundreds of gay couples were expected to marry in New York and across the Empire State on the first day same-sex marriage ceremonies. UPI/Craig Ruttle/Pool

Same-sex couple Ray Durand (L) and his partner Dale Shields kiss while having their picture taken after their wedding ceremony at the City Clerk's Office for their wedding ceremony in New York July 24, 2011. UPI/David Handschuh/Pool

Spectators hold up signs as couples wait on line to enter into a same sex marriage on the first day ever in the state of New York at the Manhattan City ClerkÕs office at 141 Worth Street in New York City on July 24, 2011. UPI/John Angelillo

Marcos A. Chaljub, left, and Freddy L. Sambrano exchange vows at the Manhattan City Clerk's office on the first day New York State's Marriage Equality Act goes into effect on Sunday, July 24, 2011. UPI/Michael Appleton/Pool