Life

These photos from same-sex weddings show everyone what love looks like

Two men dancing at a wedding
Photo: Shutterstock.

Five years ago today, the Supreme Court issued its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which required every state to let two people of any genders get married if they want to.

“The Constitution promises liberty to all within its reach, a liberty that includes certain specific rights that allow persons, within a lawful realm, to define and express their identity,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority.

Related: These brides set their dresses on fire for the most amazing wedding picture ever

Half a decade later, same-sex couples all over the country have gotten legally married. Here are a few of the happy couples who showed the world how beautiful marriage equality can be.

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Christian & Raheem met in New York City at a party on Raheem's birthday. Christian caught Raheem's eye as he was standing near the bar, and Raheem asked him to join him on the dance floor. It was that moment on the dance floor where the romantic journey between these two handsome gentlemen began. They stayed in touch with each other and frequently traveled between New York and Washington D.C. while they courted. After four years of dating, Raheem planned a fantastic weekend full of fun and cultural activities. Raheem arranged to have dinner at one of the couple's favorite restaurants in New York, set up with cake and champagne. Raheem popped the question, "Will you marry me?" Full of emotion, Christian replied, "of course." After being engaged for a year, Christian & Raheem tied the knot on September 15, 2019, at The Cactus Botanical Garden in Las Vegas, NV., surrounded by their loved ones. Couple: @christian.raheem Photography: @ivanavilaphptography Venue: The Cactus Botanical Garden, Las Vegas, Nevada #blackgayweddings #blackgaymen #lgbtwedding #weddinginspo #lovewins #lovewon #loveconquersall #marriageequality #noh8 #weddingphotograpy #pridemonth #weddinginspiration #hisandhis #gaygrooms #twogrooms #samesexwedding #gaywedding #engayged #weddingday #gayhusbands #weddingrings #gaymarriage #vegasweddings

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To feel the love of people whom we love is a fire that feeds our life. -Pablo Neruda #repost from @loveincmag • Just a little sunset stroll through cobblestone streets as newlyweds ✨⁠ .⁠ Photography: @vanessavelezphotography | Planning: @alexandra_rdgz | Florals: @lorrainesflowers⁠ ⁠ #samesexwedding #twogrooms #mrandmr #loveislove #lovewins #gaywedding #lgbtwedding #lgbtqwedding #queerwedding #weddingstyle #suitstyle #menswear #justmarried #groomstyle #grooms #mrandmr #loveinc #equalitymindedweddings #loveintentionally #uniquewedding #radlovestories #modernweddingideas #queerweddings #imengagednowwhat #loveislove #weddinggoals #lovesweetlove #marryingmybestfriend #loveauthentic #weregettingmarried

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👨🏽‍🤝‍👨🏼 One of the happiest moments of my life (out of many more). Relationships aren’t easy but @ryanisspeaking and I have worked as a team and helped each other accomplish our goals while having fun along the way. We don’t have a traditional marriage, being a same sex couple, so we expected some bumps along the way but I’m happy to say that we’ve been fortunate enough to have complete support from our entire family and friends. We’ve already accomplished a lot and we can’t wait for what’s next. Hopefully adopting kids within the next year or two… but we have have to sell a limb or two in order to afford it lol. _____ #love #loveislove #gaypride #gaymen #gaycouple #samesexmarriage #samesexwedding #gaywedding #gaymarriage #acceptance #familyiseverything #gaycouple #gaylatino #gayengagement #engagementphotos #weddingphoto

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Derrick and James' elopement was a whole vibe. ✌🏿 ⠀ 📷 by @ashlymccoy.wp. Elopement performer and organised by @tracybrisson at @savweddings. ⠀ Image description: Derrick and James are pictured here with their pupper on a beach on the day of their elopement. Derrick (pictured left) is wearing a gray jacket, white shirt, a decorative blue necktie with matching bouquet, and a stunning gray tulle skirt that Derrick made himself! Derrick's hair is worn in gorgeous gray locs. James is on his haunches, giving their pup scritches and dressed in a navy suit and waistcoat with a burgundy bowtie. The pup is dressed in a gray suit to match Derrick. Behind them, the beach is softly lit and dotted with driftwood. The colors are muted and calm, lending a dreamy aesthetic to the image. The pair are planning a larger wedding in their home town in August. Congratulations to the beautiful couple! ⠀ #lgbtq #lgbt #pride #lgbtqia #queer #hisandhis #samesexwedding #hesaidyes #grooms #twogrooms #loveislove #lovewins #gaywedding #lgbtqwedding #lgbtwedding #elope #elopement #beachwedding #nonbinary #gendernonconforming #femme #genderqueer #genderfluid #queerpeopleofcolor #blackgaymen #loveislove🌈 #lovewins🌈 #lgbtq🌈 #pride🌈 #gayisokay🌈

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Black Gay Weddings would like to congratulate Jade & Shaina who recently married on Top of the Rock. What a beautiful elopement with the skyline of Manhattan, NYC in the distance. It just doesn’t get any better than this, all we can say is stunning!!!! @shaay_rob @jade.nyasia Photography Credit: @aestheticsabotage Elopement Planner: @epicelopement Officiant: @kevinpbain Hair & Make-up: @liza_ray Florals: @navafloral #blackgayweddings #blackgaymarriage #blackgaylove #blackgaycommitment #blackgaycouples #engayged #shesaidyes #blacklgbtcouples #loveisloveislove #lovewon #lovewins #marriageequality #equallove #noh8 #equalrights #loveislove #equallove #lovehasnogender #lesbianlove #blackgaypride #couplegoals #samesexweddings #lesbiancouple #nycgays #nyclgbt

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