This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

The rainbow flag will be flown over Whitehall this weekend to mark the country's first same-sex marriage ceremonies, Nick Clegg has said.

Gay couples are able legally to tie the knot from Saturday, with some planning to do so as soon as the clocks tick past midnight.

The deputy prime minister said the multi-coloured flag – adopted as a symbol of the gay community in 1970s San Francisco – would be flown above the Cabinet Office and Scotland Office from Friday. He encouraged the whole country to raise a glass to mark the occasion.

"As all the same-sex couples make their vows this weekend, they will be making history," he said.

"Finally, after years of campaigning, any couple who wants to get married can get married. Together we have made our country a place where we celebrate love equally, gay or straight – and for that reason we should all be raising a glass.

"Raising the rainbow flag on Whitehall is a small symbol to celebrate a massive achievement. I want to wish everyone getting married this weekend the very best of luck on what is a truly momentous occasion."