Real Life

First same-sex couples wed in New Zealand

Paul McCarthy and Trent Kandler wed in New Zealand.

Paul McCarthy and Trent Kandler wanted a “traditional” wedding, but “historic” would more accurately describe their special day.

Today as an amendment to the Marriage Act was enforced in New Zealand, the 15th country to legalise gay marriage, more than 30 same-sex couples tied the knot.

The Newcastle couple who have been together for 11 years became the first Australian gay couple to be legally wed in New Zealand.

Proud gay couples and their family and friends have celebrated long awaited unions across the country today.

Paul McCarthy and Trent Kandler wed in New Zealand.

Paul McCarthy and Trent Kandler celebrate their marriage in Wellington.

These two same-sex couples were some of the first to wed at the Rotorua Museum.

Jess Ives and Rachel Briscoe.

Richard Rawston and Richard Andrew.

Natasha Vitali and Melissa Ray exchange rings.

The couple wed at the Auckland Unitary church

Lynley Bendall and Ally Wanikau wed this morning.

Paul McCarthy and Trent Kandler’s wedding cake.

The couple married in front of 20 friends and family.

Their marriage will not be recognised in Australia.

They told the *Dominion Post* they would love to marry legally in Australia.

They told the Dominion Post they would love to marry legally in Australia.

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