Same-Sex Couples Begin Marrying In Wash.

One woman getting married at Seattle City Hall today says: "It's not very private, but very historic." And her bride added "very awesome."

Same-sex couples have been reciting wedding vows at events across Washington state today. It's the first day they can legally marry since the state's gay marriage law took effect.

About 140 couples registered to marry at Seattle City Hall, which set up five separate chapels to accommodate the revelers. Sixteen local judges volunteered to officiate the weddings.

Starting at 10 a.m., cheers and applause regularly broke out as another couple's marriage became official. Weddings at city hall are to continue through 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Mayor Mike McGinn greeted couples as they arrived, calling it a "great" and "joyous day." He says: "A new civil right is going to be recognized in this great civil institution."