Over 800 same-sex couples were registered to get married legally in New York City for the first time, N.Y., July 24, 2011. (Mylan Cannon/The New York Times)

The first same-sex couple in New York City to get married legally, Phyllis Siegel, 74, standing, and Connie Kopelov, 77, in Manhattan, N.Y., July 24, 2011. (Mylan Cannon/The New York Times)

Jon Weatherman, left, and Richard Pleak wait, amongst other same-sex couples, outside the New York City Clerk's Office to become married in Manhattan, N.Y., July 24, 2011. (Mylan Cannon/The New York Times)

Patricio Chicaiza and Anthony Vazquez are married by Judge Charles Troia at the Staten Island Borough Hall City Clerk's Office in Staten Island, N.Y., July 24, 2011. (Mylan Cannon/The New York Times)