On Friday, Switzerland celebrated its first same-sex marriage. Equality marriages were approved in a referendum less than a year ago. The alpine country has joined most of Western Europe, along a path opened by the Netherlands in 2001.

Allen and Laure, 46 and 45, were among the first couples to say “I do” in front of their family and friends. “I am pleased to announce that they are officially married,” said Geneva Mayor Maria Barbie Chaboye, who personally led the ceremony. “It is time for marriage in Switzerland to be completely equal,” the mayor told AFP.

In the September referendum, the Swiss gave an affirmation of “yes” in favor of same-sex marriage. Their opponents, who considered the guild a threat to the welfare of the children, were crushingly defeated. Yes, she received 64.1% of the vote and won all the cantons of the country, including the most conservative. Switzerland banned homosexuality until 1942.

Prior to Friday, only same-sex couples were allowed to register a civil union. However, this status does not include the same rights as marriage, such as citizenship and joint adoption of children. Same-sex couples can now marry in civil ceremonies and enjoy the same rights as other couples.