Gay and lesbian couples in Maryland rang in the New Year with wedding bells.

Maryland's marriage law was the third and last to take effect on midnight after winning voter approval in November. Couples began marrying in Washington state on December 9 and in Maine on Saturday.

Among the first to take advantage of the law were Sabrina Pettis, a member of the Maryland National Guard, and Natasha. The couple married at an Annapolis church at 12:01AM on Tuesday, the Washington Blade reported. At least four gay couples exchanged vows in Cumberland, as well.

Baltimore City Hall opened its doors at 12:30AM to host the weddings of seven couples.

The first to marry were Baltimore mayoral aide Jim Scales, 68, and his partner of 35 years Bill Taskers, 60. (A video report is embedded on this page. Visit our video library for more videos.)

Ian Brennan, press secretary for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, said the mayor agreed to officiate over Tasker's wedding because “She wanted to make a statement to tell gay, lesbian, transgendered couples that they're welcome here.”

“It is a remarkable achievement for Maryland,” Mayor Rawlings-Blake told WBAL. “And we are excited to open City Hall to host some of the first wedding ceremonies in our great state.”