Beth Asaro, left, and Joanne Schailey celebrate after exchanging vows to become the first same-sex couple married in Lambertville, N.J. history at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, 2013.
New Jersey Becomes Latest US State to Recognize Gay Marriage
Same-sex couples began marrying in New Jersey early Monday morning.
Dozens of couples exchanged vows one minute after midnight local time, when a judge's order that the state must allow gay marriages formally went into effect.
The New Jersey Supreme Court Friday refused a request by Republican Governor Chris Christie to delay the ceremonies until it could hold a hearing on his administration's appeal against same-sex marriage, clearing the way for Monday's ceremonies.
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Outgoing Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who won a special election to the U.S. Senate last week, presided over several same-sex marriage ceremonies when the ruling went into effect.
New Jersey joins 13 other states and Washington, D.C. in legally recognizing same-sex marriages.
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