United Kingdom (England, Scotland & Wales)

On July 17, 2013, the Queen of England granted royal assent to a bill extending the freedom to marry to same-sex couples in England. The final approval came after the British House of Commons and House of Lords voted overwhelmingly in favor of the legislation multiple times. Same-sex couples in England and Wales were able to begin marrying on March 29, 2014. In the fall of 2013, on November 20, a marriage bill also passed Stage 1 of the process in Scotland, with a final debate and vote approving the bill for good on February 4, 2014. The first marriages in Scotland will take place on December 31, 2014.