If nothing else changes between now and then, Monday will be the first day gay marriage licenses are issued in the state.

The day is one of celebration for gay rights advocates across the nation, but the greatest joy will likely be experienced by the numerous Alabama same-sex couples who will be ringing in the occasion by saying their vows.

From Montgomery to Birmingham, gay couples will be putting a ring on it across Alabama starting Monday in one of the most consequential civil rights developments to take place in the state in decades.

This photo gallery provides a brief introduction to 21 gay couples who plan to get married in Alabama or to have their marriage licenses from other states honored here beginning Monday.

The photographs and images in this gallery were provided by Freedom to Marry, a national gay rights advocacy group working to make gay marriage legal across the nation.