The first legally binding unions between same-sex couples began in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday 1 May) in Colorado.

Couples were lining-up since 2pm yesterday outside the municipal Webb Building Denver where civil union ceremonies were scheduled to be performed from 12.01 to 2am, The Denver Channel reports.

Lawmakers legalized civil unions on 12 March, seven years after the state voted to ban same-sex marriage.

The couples who legally vow to be joined in civil union today will get rights including transferring property to each other, making medical decisions for each other, adopting a child together and qualifying for health insurance benefits.

The County Clerk and Recorder’s Office in the city of Boulder also opened at midnight to issue civil union licenses.

‘May 1 will be an exciting and historic day for same-sex couples in Boulder County and Colorado,’ clerk Hillary Hall said. ‘We’re eager to serve local couples who’ve waited a long time for civil unions to be recognized by the state.’