The long-awaited day has finally come for same-sex couples in Australia to marry legally. Over a dozen couples went down in history, as the first gay marriage ceremonies were held in the capital city of Canberra on Dec. 7.

Forty-six couples have registered in their eagerness to marry after the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has legalised gay marriage. Those who were married on Dec. 7 went ahead of a High Court decision as to whether or not to recognise gay marriage in Australia.

One of the first to tie the knot on the historic day is Western Australian Upper House MP Stephen Dawson. His marriage to his partner Dennis Liddelow was held on the Federal Parliament grounds in a midnight ceremony.

Mr Dawson said he had long wanted to call his partner a "husband" for the longest time. He was pleased for the ACT's legalization of gay marriage and appealed to the High Court to recognise the marriage equality law. Mr Stephen said the marriage was all about professing their love and reminding each other to be there through the years.

On Dec. 7 and onwards, the Old Parliament House and various venues overlooking the lake are booked for same-sex marriage ceremonies.

According to ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher, she felt encouraged by the number of people who were willing to get married despite the uncertain circumstances. She said Australian same sex couples recognise the importance of the marriage equality law.

If the Australian High Court decides to dismiss the ACT's marriage equality law, Ms Gallagher said she will have no regrets in passing the law. She believes the world has changed and the desire to legalise gay marriage will only continue to build. Ms Gallagher said the debate changed without a doubt.

Australian Marriage Equality national director Rodney Croome urged Prime Minister Tony Abbott to let MPs decide whether gay marriage should be recognised at a federal level. Mr Croome said the Coalition government does not allow a conscience vote which the majority support.

Same-sex couples who are planning to get married in Australia on that day might grow frustrated when their unions would be declared invalid by the Australian High Court five days later. Mr Croome said the same-sex couples awaiting marriage know the issues and the risk that their union might be overturned by the High Court.

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