In New York City's five boroughs as well as across the state, clerk's offices -- which are usually closed on Sundays -- opened to marry gay couples for the first time in the state's history. Legislators passed the law legalizing gay marriage last month, and couples eagerly awaited for it to come into effect on Sunday.

New York City issued 659 marriage licenses yesterday and volunteer judges married 484 couples, gay and straight, according to a news release from Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office.

"Today, surrounded by family and friends, you are making history," Bloomberg said as he presided over the wedding of two aides at Gracie Mansion, his official residence.

The marriage-rights victory, which Governor Andrew Cuomo orchestrated and which and made headlines worldwide, more than doubled the number of Americans free to marry either gender, to 35 million.

Same-sex marriages in New York will be recognized in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington D.C., where the practice is legal, as well as in Maryland and Rhode Island, where it is not.

MUST READ: Gay Marriage Battle in New York Enters New Era: Fueled By 10,000 Protestors and NYCF Lawsuit

Here's a look at the ceremonies and celebrations on the first day:

RELATED STORIES
Gay Marriage
(L-R) Phyllis Sifel and Connie Kopelov celebrate after being married at the marriage bureau in lower Manhattan July 24, 2011.Thousands of gay and lesbian New Yorkers are getting ready to say "I do" this weekend, as the Empire State becomes the sixth in the U.S. to embrace same-sex marriage. REUTERS/Allison Joyce
Gay Marriage
People celebrate outside the marriage bureau in lower Manhattan July 24, 2011.Thousands of gay and lesbian New Yorkers are getting ready to say "I do" this weekend, as the Empire State becomes the sixth in the U.S. to embrace same-sex marriage. REUTERS/Allison Joyce
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg R walks away after presiding over the wedding of Jonathan Mintz L, the citys consumer affairs commissioner, and John Feinblatt C, a chief adviser to the mayor, as the newlyweds embrace their daughters Maeve 2n
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) walks away after presiding over the wedding of Jonathan Mintz (L), the city's consumer affairs commissioner, and John Feinblatt (C), a chief adviser to the mayor, as the newlyweds embrace their daughters Maeve (2nd L) and Georgia at Gracie Mansion in New York July 24, 2011. Reuters
marriage 1
Same-sex couple Mishan Moore (L), 39, reacts as her partner Jacqueline Rodriguez, 34, looks on during their wedding ceremony at Queens Borough Hall in New York July 24, 2011. REUTERS
marriage 4
Luz Heurtelou (L) and Nastassia Heurtelou wait to be married at the Brooklyn Clerk's Office, July 24, 2011. REUTERS
marriage 6
Michael Johnson (L), 55, and Michael Roberts, 81, of New York,smile during their wedding ceremony at the City Clerk's office in New York July 24, 2011. 24, 2011. REUTERS
marriage 7
Phyllis Sifel and Connie Kopelov (seated) celebrate after being married at the marriage bureau in lower Manhattan, July 24, 2011 REUTERS
New York New York New York Michael bloomberg