Stockton celebrates its first gay wedding following this year's historic change to law

Wendy Stobbart and Lyndsay Dixon became the first same sex couple to get married at Stockton Council's register office at Nightingale House

Stockton has celebrated its first gay wedding following this year’s historic change to the law.

Wendy Stobbart, 21, and Lyndsay Dixon, 22, both from Stockton town centre, became the first same sex couple to get married at Stockton Council’s register office at Nightingale House, Stockton.

Since new legislation became law on March 29, 2014, marriage is available to everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender.

Welcoming the chance to show her love and commitment to Lyndsay, Wendy said: “We wanted to make our relationship official because we know we are right for each other – we are soul mates.

“When we rang the council’s registration services we were really pleasantly surprised to learn that we could actually get married rather than just have a civil partnership.

“We didn’t know this and we are delighted that we were able to have a marriage ceremony.”

Stockton Council’s registration services team is available to help couples wishing to celebrate their love for each other by planning a marriage ceremony.

Councillor David Coleman, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for access and communities, said: “Marriage is a very special occasion and signifies a couple’s commitment to each other as well as uniting family and friends to share in the couple’s happiness.

“Until recently we have only been able to offer same sex couples a civil partnership.

“But we are now pleased to be able to offer same sex couples the opportunity to marry.

“Staff at the register office were proud to help Wendy and Lyndsay create a special day they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

Despite the change to the law, couples already in a civil partnership cannot currently convert the civil partnership to a marriage.

This would require additional legislation for which further Government announcements are anticipated later in 2014.

If you would like to plan a marriage or civil partnership in Stockton Borough and would like more information contact the register office on 01642 527720, email registrars@stockton.gov.uk or visit <a href = 'www.stockton.gov.uk'>http://ift.tt/1qYfHnP;