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More than 15,000 same-sex couples marry, first figures reveal Gay marriage: 15,000 same-sex couples marry since law change
(35 minutes later)
More than 15,000 same-sex marriages have taken place since it became legal in England and Wales, the first official statistics have revealed.More than 15,000 same-sex marriages have taken place since it became legal in England and Wales, the first official statistics have revealed.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed a total of 15,098 couples had legally married since 2014.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed a total of 15,098 couples had legally married since 2014.
Of those, 7,366 were marriages while 7,732 accounted for conversions from civil partnerships.Of those, 7,366 were marriages while 7,732 accounted for conversions from civil partnerships.
The number of couples opting for civil partnerships fell by 70% between 2013 and 2014 it found.The number of couples opting for civil partnerships fell by 70% between 2013 and 2014 it found.
Same-sex marriage became legal just after midnight on 29 March 2014 with several couples opting to tie the knot moments afterwards.Same-sex marriage became legal just after midnight on 29 March 2014 with several couples opting to tie the knot moments afterwards.
Peter McGraith and David Cabreza married at 00:01 BST at Islington Town Hall having been together for 17 years.Peter McGraith and David Cabreza married at 00:01 BST at Islington Town Hall having been together for 17 years.
Mr McGraith said: "I don't think things have changed for us in many ways, we were already in a long-term relationship, we already had two kids, except the visibility of gay marriage across the world starts to make a difference. Mr McGraith said: "I don't think things have changed for us in many ways, we were already in a long-term relationship, we already had two kids, except the visibility of gay marriage across the world starts to make a difference.
"There have always been gay men and lesbians in long-term relationships that have quite happily survived within the context of family and community but the law caught up with the existence, and I'm hoping in other countries legislation can give people a chance.""There have always been gay men and lesbians in long-term relationships that have quite happily survived within the context of family and community but the law caught up with the existence, and I'm hoping in other countries legislation can give people a chance."
'Really embarrassing'
The ONS said the most popular month to get married so far had been August 2014 with 844 marriages. The summer months traditionally see more marriages than the rest of the year.The ONS said the most popular month to get married so far had been August 2014 with 844 marriages. The summer months traditionally see more marriages than the rest of the year.
It also revealed 55% of marriages were between female couples and 45% male with the average age being 37 for women and 40 for men.
The ability to convert civil partnerships was brought in from December 2014.The ability to convert civil partnerships was brought in from December 2014.
Couples wishing to do so arrange to attend either a register office or an approved premises to make the conversion official. Couples wishing to do so must attend a register office or an approved premises to make the conversion official.
Northern Ireland is currently the only place in the UK and Ireland that has not legalised same-sex marriage, which Mr McGraith described as "really embarrassing".