Celebrating New York's First Day of Marriage Equality in Pictures

When same-sex marriage became legal in New York Sunday morning at 12:00 AM the number of gay and lesbian Americans with access to state recognized marriage more than doubled. And while some GLBT folks weren't in the mood to celebrate (like perpetual crank Larry Kramer, who thinks New York's milestone isn't much to cheer) hundreds of couples across the state took advantage of their new rights and said "I do."

Then they kissed, cried, hugged and did all the things newlyweds usually do, although these couples surely had a deeper appreciation of what their vows meant than, say, Britney Spears the last time she got marries.

Here are some pictures to commemorate this significant step forward in GLBT rights. (All pictures courtesy of Getty Images.)