Same-sex couples across Australia are "over the moon" after tying the knot on the first official day of marriage equality.
One of the first ceremonies took place near Tweed Heads in NSW with athletes Craig Burns and Luke Sullivan signing the paperwork just after midnight on Tuesday.
"It's a very surreal feeling," Mr Burns told AAP in the lead-up to the event.
The pair met three years ago and fell in love "straight away" before Mr Burns popped the question at Byron Bay in March.
Same-sex marriage legislation cleared parliament on December 7 nearly a month after it was revealed 61.6 per cent of participants in a voluntary postal survey backed the change.
Amid scenes of jubilation, same-sex couples were quick to lodge formal intentions to wed.
Some were granted an exemption to the month-long waiting period but Tuesday marked the first official day ceremonies could take place.
In Sydney, two fathers finally got to walk their daughters down the aisle as long-time loves Casey Capple and Penny-Marie Mackenzie-Smith said "I do".
"I'm sure they thought they probably would never get to," Casey told AAP on Tuesday.
The pair have been together for five years and shared their wedding day with their two daughters Brooklyn, three, and Hadley, aged six months.
In a more low-key ceremony, also in Sydney, Tahleah Wood married Leah Houlden, making their commitment official on paper after committing to each other in March.
The couple are expecting their first child in April and were keen to get the legalities out of the way before things get "too crazy".
"It's just confirmation that our relationship is just as equal every other relationship," Leah told AAP.
In Newcastle, 32-year-old Rebecca Hickson is now officially married to partner of nine years Sarah Turnbull, 34.
The pair wanted to be part of history as one of the first couples to wed so held their ceremony at 8am.
"We have a real certificate - it feels amazing," Rebecca told AAP.
"We are wife and wife."
The couple had a commitment ceremony three years ago but Sarah said knowing their marriage was now recognised by everyone meant much more.
"We are over the moon," a jubilant Sarah said.
Three hours later also in Newcastle, Jenny Thompson and Felicity Evers were "on top of the world" when they tied the knot after 15 years together.
"It's so important to recognise that gay couples' relationships and their love is just as valid and just the same as everyone else's," Jenny told reporters.
Relentless campaigner Magda Szubanski tweeted her excitement on Tuesday.
"Congratulations to all the LGBTQI people who are getting married today, I am so thrilled ... we have all waited so long for this wonderful day."
