Maine Same-Sex Marriage Becomes Legal: Couples Line Up For Marriage Licenses

Same-sex marriages became legal for the first time in Maine on Saturday, and happy couples lined up for marriage licenses just after midnight.

In November's election, voters in Maine passed a state law allowing same-sex marriage, as did voters in Maryland and Washington State. That makes nine states that allow two people of the same gender to get married: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Iowa and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia.

Reports say the first same-sex couple married in Maine were Steven Bridges and Michael Snell, who exchanged vows at Maine City Hall in Portland shortly after midnight.

"It's historic," Bridges said. "We've waited our entire lives for this."

Bridges and Snell held a commitment ceremony six years ago, so they opted for a simple ceremony to make their marriage official.

The November vote was also historic, as the referenda passed in Maine, Maryland and Washington mark the first time voters in the United States have enacted same-sex marriage by popular vote.

In the past, every state that has allowed same-sex marriage has done so as a result of either a court ruling or a bill passed by the legislature.

Maine legislators actually passed a same-sex marriage law three years ago, but a voters overturned the law in a referendum.

This time, supporters of same-sex marriage poured funds and volunteers into the legalization campaign, sending canvassers knocking on doors across the state.

While Maine is full of generally conservative folk, there is an independent, live and let live streak. Obama carried the state both times he ran, and Maine has voted for the Democratic candidate in each presidential election since Bill Clinton swept in during the 1992 campaign.

As with much of the rest of the country, attitudes in Maine are changing rapidly.

"We've been together for 30 years, and never thought that this country would allow marriages between gay couples," said Roberta Batt, a 71-year-old antiques dealer, and her partner Mary, speaking to NBC News.

"We're just very thankful to the people of Maine, and I hope the rest of the country goes the way this state has," Batt said.

Suzanne Blackburn and Joanie Kunian also waited in line for their marriage license, though their wedding will be on Valentine's Day at the behest of one of their grandchildren.

"I don't think that we dared to dream too big until we had the governor's signature," Blackburn said. "That's why it's so important, because it feels real."