In San Francisco, Del Martin, 87, and Phyllis Lyon, 84, longtime
gay rights activists, were the first and only couple to be wed here,
saying their vows in the office of Mayor Gavin Newsom, before emerging to a throng of reporters and screaming well-wishers.

Ms. Martin and Ms. Lyon, who have been together for more than 50 years, seemed touched, if a little amazed by all the attention.

“When
we first got together we weren’t thinking about getting married,” Ms.
Lyon said before cutting a wedding cake. “I think it’s a wonderful
day.”