Same-sex couples lined up to tie the knot in Miami-Dade County in Florida on Monday, after a judge ruled that the couples could wed right away. 

If they could put off their dream wedding after midnight Tuesday, another judge's decision to overturn a gay ban took effect in the whole state of Florida.

Like Us on Facebook

The ban that had kept same-sex couples from saying "I do's" had been defeated, perhaps for good, after a long struggle to win the right to marry.

Overwhelmed with relief and joy, men and women who sought to overturn the ban broke out in celebration inside Miami's courthouse on Monday morning. Outside, the gay marriage advocates raised their arms in triumph.

Catherina Pareto held on to her partner of 14 years, Karla Arguello.  They became the first gay couple married in Florida, tying the knot in a quick ceremony led by the same judge who decided in their favor.

Judge Sarah Zabel of the Miami-Dade Circuit also wed another couple who sought to repeal the marriage ban, Todd and Jeff Delmay.

Zabel found Florida's ban on gay marriage unconstitutional six months ago but her decision was put on hold until the appeal process is over. Five months ago, Tallahassee District Judge Robert Hinkle also struck down the ban. But the judge put his decision on hold until Monday this week to make way for appeals.

Florida's Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Republican who stood by the ban, asked the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to stay the reversal of the gay marriage ban. Both courts rejected her plea.

Bondi apparently conceded defeat on Monday afternoon. The Supreme Court have yet to decide on the legality of same-sex marriage nationwide, but the justices did not move against lower court decisions that overturned bans on gay marriage, similar to Florida's.

Tagsgay marriage, LGBT, Miami Dade, Florida, same sex marriage