Same-sex couples began marrying in Connecticut today.

Connecticut does not have a residency requirement, and same-sex couples from around the country will be able to marry there. There is no effort to overturn the Connecticut law.

A lower-court judge entered a final order permitting same-sex marriage, after the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled last month that excluding same-sex couples from marriage was unconstitutional.

“Connecticut sends a message of hope and inspiration to lesbian and gay people throughout this country who simply want to be treated as equal citizens by their government,” said the plaintiff’s attorney.

Peg Oliveira and Jennifer Vickery were married outside New Haven City Hall less than two hours after the order. They look forward to calling each other “wife” and raising their 3-month-old baby, Willow, in a state that recognizes them as married.

Michael Miller and Ross Zachs handed out white frosted cupcakes with the letters M and R on them after marrying on the steps of West Hartford Town Hall. The crowd cheered when minister Carole MacKenzie concluded the ceremony, saying “By the authority invested in me by the state of Connecticut.”