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Church of England indicates it will no longer campaign against the issue. Historic law legalizing same-sex marriage comes into force in England and Wales The legislation was approved in England and Wales last year, despite some opposition Scotland gave green light to same-sex marriage last month

Andrew Wale is a writer and actor. His partner, Neil Allard, is a guesthouse owner. Together, they helped make history.

After the clock struck midnight on Friday, the couple were among the first men marrying men and women marrying women in a range of ceremonies across England and Wales as a historic law legalizing same-sex marriage finally comes into force.

Wale and Allard have long known they wanted to commit officially and have waited five years for gay and lesbian couples to be able exchange vows legally in their home country.

That day has finally come.

"When we were born, it was illegal to be gay, let alone get married," Wale, 49, said during last-minute preparations ahead of the wedding. "I didn't think about the possibility for most of my life. It is only really recently that suddenly the option seemed to be on its way."

The marriage law was the final victory in a long battle that has secured the same age of consent as heterosexuals and the right to adopt. England and Wales are among 15 countries as well as parts of the United States and Mexico that allow same-sex marriage. The Netherlands was the first in 2001, and last year Brazil, Uruguay, New Zealand and France also joined the list.

'They are equal'

Going through final details with the wedding's organizers earlier this week, Wale and Allard said they were excited beyond measure.