British pop star Elton John and his long-term partner David Furnish were given a rousing reception by well-wishers today after tying the knot in one of the first 'gay weddings' in England and Wales.
Sir Elton John and partner David Furnish at the Guildhall in Windsor on the day of their civil partnership ceremony.
There was no public kiss, but the beaming couple - dressed in restrained dark suits - laughed and posed for photographers following their civil partnership ceremony at Windsor's Guildhall.
Star-struck fans had travelled from as far away as Australia for a glimpse of them at the venue, which also played host to the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in April.
Sir Elton and Mr Furnish are among nearly 700 couples 'marrying' today, with many racing to be the first when the new law came into effect this morning.
The 58-year-old singer said the ceremony would be "the happiest day of my life", and planned to make it a small, low-key affair with the couple's parents acting as witnesses.
More in keeping with the songwriter's flamboyant reputation, though, will be a lavish party for 700 guests which is expected to take place in the evening at John's mansion near Windsor.
Among the guests likely to attend are former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and singer George Michael.
The new civil partnership law gives gay couples the same property and inheritance rights as married heterosexuals and entitles them to the same pension, immigration and tax benefits.
Unlike in Belgium, Spain and Canada it is not a marriage, however, prompting criticism from gay rights campaigners.
"By legislating a two-tier system of relationships, Labour (government) has, in effect, created a form of legal apartheid based on sexual orientation," Peter Tatchell of the OutRage! group wrote on his Web site (www.petertatchell.net).