An actor and a guesthouse owner have become the first same-sex couple to marry in Brighton, marking a historic moment for the city. Andrew Wale and Neil Allard tied the knot in the music room of the Royal Pavilion, in a ceremony that was also the city's first late-night wedding.
The couple, who have been together for seven years, won a competition to be married at 00:01 GMT on Saturday, the first moment same-sex marriages became legal in England and Wales. "We are so privileged to live in an age where we can do this," said Mr Allard.
Five same-sex couples married in Brighton on the historic day. James Preston and Phil Robathan were the first to be married at Brighton Town Hall at 08:00 GMT, with performances from the Brighton Gay Men's Chorus.
Ahead of the wedding, Mr Allard expressed nervous excitement. "Inviting all our close friends and family has been brilliant. We made the commitment to each other three years ago and so we have just been waiting for this just to show our love for each other. It is great to be able to show the world a different side to love and marriage," he said.
Registrar Trevor Love, who conducted the ceremony, also officiated at the city's first civil partnerships in 2005. He acknowledged the historic nature of the day but emphasised the focus on the couple. "It is their wedding day and we don't want anything detracting from that. It is two people declaring their love for each other and getting married," he said.
