Updated: Same-Sex Couples Wed on Long Island

For the very first time, same-sex couples will be permitted to legally marry in New York Sunday, marking the end of a long battle in the Legislature, and a huge triumph for gay rights advocates.

Approximately 823 couples have signed up in advance to obtain marriage licenses in New York City on Sunday, according to The New York Times. Many of those couples are expected to marry minutes later in city clerk’s offices throughout the five boroughs.

However, representatives of local churches say couples have expressed interest in having their ceremonies, instead, on Long Island.

Glen Cove City Hall opened its doors Sunday at midnight for one same-sex couple who wished to have their civil ceremony in Glen Cove. Mayor Ralph Suozzi, in the presence of the City Clerk, officiated the wedding. The couple's marriage became officially legal in New York at 12:08 a.m., said Suozzi.

Rev. Elisabeth Simpson, Pastor of the , said she is very happy that New York State has passed the Marriage Equality Law.

"It is truly a human right, and a civil right, that has been denied same-sex couples for far too long," she said. "It does put me at odds with my denomination for the moment, but I believe that will change sometime in the foreseeable future."

So far, there have been no requests by same-sex couples to be married at the First Presbyterian Church in Glen Cove, an open and affirming church, according to Simpson.

"There are other same-sex couples, members and non-members, who may wish to get married sometime in the future," she said.

The Prince of Peace Independent Catholic Community - a ministry of the Celtic Christian Church in nearby Syosset - has garnered four requests for same-sex marriages in the next four months, according to Assistant Pastor Rev. Maura Bernard, who is also a local professor of Broadcasting at C.W. Post, Long Island University.

"I’m so excited about [the Marriage Equality Law] being passed," she said. "I think that gay couples should have the same rights and privileges as straight couples, especially if one partner is not well. God’s love is for everyone, there are no exceptions."

Rev. Bernard anticipates even more same-sex couples to be married at her church in the coming months.

"We want the gay community to know that we are open, welcoming and affirming, and we invite all people no matter what," she said. "We treat marriage as a sacrament, and we’ll bridge the gap between two spiritualities, customizing the ceremony accordingly."

New York is the sixth, and largest, state with legalized same-sex marriage.

For license availability, contact the Glen Cove Office of the City Clerk.