Elton John joins 'gay wedding' rush

Elton John and David Furnish were given a rousing reception by well-wishers today after tying the knot in one of the first "gay weddings" in England and Wales.

There was no public kiss, but the beaming couple – dressed in restrained dark suits – laughed and posed for photographers following their civil partnership ceremony at Windsor’s Guildhall.

Star-struck fans had travelled from as far away as Australia for a glimpse of them at the venue, which also played host to the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in April.

Sir Elton and Mr Furnish are among nearly 700 couples ‘marrying’ today, with many racing to be the first when the new law came into effect this morning.

Debbie and Elaine Gaston, Gino Meriano and Mike Ullett, and Roger Lewis and Keith Willmott-Goodall, simultaneously signed official documents to cement their partnerships at Brighton Register Office as the clock struck 8am.

Mr Meriano kissed his partner before saying: “I’m really excited! I’m very happy to be one of the first.”

Businessmen Michael Rothwell and Terry George also signed the register the second the new law came into force.

They held a civil partnership ceremony at their own flat above their Leeds nightclub, Fibre, and were greeted by around 100 family and friends as they arrived in white tuxedos on a horse-drawn carriage.

The Moulin Rouge-themed ceremony gave Mr Rothwell and Mr George, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, official recognition of their 16-year relationship.

Best man Dennis Dewsnap said: “It’s history in the making.”