{{The first same-sex weddings have taken place after gay marriage became legal in England and Wales at midnight.}}
Politicians from the main parties have hailed the change in the law.
David Cameron said the move sent a message that people were now equal “whether gay or straight”, but some religious groups remain opposed.
Scotland passed a similar law in February; the first same-sex marriages are expected there in October. Northern Ireland has no plans to follow suit.
In an article for the Pink News website, the prime minister wrote: “This weekend is an important moment for our country.
{{‘Feels safer’}}
“It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth.”
The law change would encourage young people unsure of their sexuality, he added.
Later on Saturday morning, Mr Cameron tweeted: “Congratulations to the gay couples who have already been married – and my best wishes to those about to be on this historic day.”
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said “Britain will be a different place” as a result.
He congratulated his party for being part of the reform, saying: “If our change to the law means a single young man or young woman who wants to come out, but who is scared of what the world will say, now feels safer, stronger, taller – well, for me, getting into coalition government will have been worth it just for that.”
Labour leader Ed Miliband congratulated those planning to tie the knot.
“This is an incredibly happy time for so many gay couples and lesbian couples who will be getting married, but it’s an incredibly proud time for our country as well, recognising equal marriage in law,” he said.
However, he warned that the “battle for true equality” was not yet won.
{{‘Not about rights’}}
One of the first couples to take advantage of the law change were married at Islington Town Hall in London just after midnight.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell acted as chief witness at a packed ceremony as Peter McGraith and David Cabreza wed after 17 years together.
Mr Tatchell said the couple and all the others getting married had “made history” and “made Britain a more tolerant, equal place”.
With a crowd of photographers, journalists and well-wishers waiting, the couple took the opportunity to highlight the international struggle for gay rights.
But Mr Cabreza added: “From a global and political perspective it’s great too, but for us it’s also about us and our marriage.”
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said on Friday night the Church of England would now drop its opposition to same-sex marriage, as Parliament had spoken.
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