Wedding bells rang for same-sex couples in New Jersey just after midnight when gay marriage became legal in the state.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker opened City Hall at midnight to officiate some of the state's first gay marriages.

"Tonight we have crossed a barrier," said Mr Booker, a Democrat who will be leaving office this month after his election to the US Senate.

"While you all have fallen into love, the truth is the state of New Jersey has risen to love."

The ceremony was briefly disrupted by a protester who cried out: "This is unlawful in the eyes of God and Jesus Christ."

Similar ceremonies for gay weddings were held in towns such as Lambertville, Red Bank and Jersey City.

The marriages took place after New Jersey's Supreme Court on Friday ruled against a request by Republican Governor Chris Christie to delay

the implementation date of same-sex weddings.

New Jersey is the 14th state in the US to legalise gay marriage.

"I never thought I's see this in my lifetime," said Barbara Milton, who was married to Kay Osborn in Jersey City.

"To have this moment of equality is overwhelming."

Ewwww...

Hmmm...