THE first same-sex marriage ceremony will take place at Bournemouth’s town hall this weekend.

Under the new law passed last year homosexual couples will be legally allowed to get married from Saturday.

The council said that a number of gay couples in the area had already taken up the opportunity, with 12 ceremonies scheduled for 2014 so far.

Cllr David Kelsey, the council’s equality and diversity champion, said: “It was great news last year when same-sex marriage achieved legal recognition and a vital step for gay equality.

“This Saturday will be a historic moment for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, their families and their friends.

“It is fantastic that so many same- sex couples have chosen the Town Hall as their venue to celebrate their special day.”