Hundreds of gay couples are getting ready to form civil partnerships in the coming weeks as the law changes after decades of campaigning.
At least 1,200 ceremonies are confirmed as being scheduled already, according to figures from councils as quoted by BBC.
Registrars are preparing for the first ceremonies, with couples permitted to register from Monday morning.
Campaigners have claimed the law ends inequalities for same-sex couples.
Under the law, couples wanting to form a partnership must register their intentions with local councils. Unlike marriages, the signing of the legal partnership papers does not need to happen in public.