Here's What Happens the Day a Country Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

At midnight on Saturday, March 29, England took a step forward in the fight for civil rights and began to legally recognize same-sex marriages. England approved the law to legalize same-sex marriage last year, and Brazil and Scotland have since followed suit, bringing the total count of countries that recognize same-sex marriage to 17.

Many couples were already prepared — saying their vows just moments after the clock struck 12 — and scores of weddings continued throughout the day. Photos from the day captured the sheer, unbridled joy of the moment; it's a moment we've seen before and, hopefully, one we'll see again. We've already shown you plenty of gorgeous real weddings from all over the US. Keep scrolling to look back at the first day of legal same-sex weddings in countries all over the world. Source: Getty / Alex Wong, Mario Tama