Gay and Lesbian couples have been racing to the alter in California this week after a Supreme Court ruling to legalise same-sex marriage was finally put in place.

The law came into effect at 5pm this Mon, June 16, with some county offices staying open late for eager couples, while others waited until Tuesday to make the most of the first full day of legal same-sex marriage in the State.

The change comes one month after the Supreme Court historically overturned a ban on same-sex marriage.

Thousands of ceremonies for couples all over the country are expected to take place in the coming weeks, now being dubbed California's new 'Summer of Love' - the state has no residency requirement for a marriage license.

The move is also expected to generate several hundred million dollars for the Californian economy.

Despite the historic change, there are still fears that the November 4 federal elections may see conservative sections of the community attempt to re-apply the ban.

California is the second state after Massachusetts to allow same-sex marriages.

By ANDIE NOONAN