Gay Couples from Maryland Marry in DC

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Some of the gay couples married in Washington on Tuesday live in Maryland. They crossed the border to join other same-sex couples from D.C. because of a narrow yet welcoming window in Maryland law embracing gay marriage.

FOX 5's Bob Barnard attended the wedding of Katie Allen and Catherine West, who have been together for six years. They were one of 10 couples tying the knot at Universalist National Memorial Church on 16th Street Northwest on the first day gay marriage is legal in the nation's capital.

"This is the greatest joy of my life. The greatest blessing has been given to me and then it's been recognized by the rest of the world, and it just feels like the best dream I've ever had. It's the greatest day of my life," said Allen.

Their families celebrated as well.

"I'm proud of Washington, D.C. I think it's just so liberating and they're showing compassion. For the first time, maybe not conflict," said Rita O'Brien, the grandmother of the bride.

Newlyweds Corita and Andrea Waters are celebrating with friends, family and co-workers. They're taking advantage of the new D.C. law. They live in neighboring Maryland, and were one of a number of gay couples from the free state getting married in Washington.

"We did a ceremony four years ago, so we're already married in our hearts. This was about trying to get protection for our family," said Andrea Waters.

They have a young son, and at the moment, the law is on their side.

Just last month, Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler issued a legal opinion ordering all state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside of Maryland. The opinion stands until the legislature takes action, or the courts take action.

And gay rights activists say Maryland lawmakers are not yet ready to legalize gay marriage outright.

"We have the votes on the House Judiciary Committee. We have the 12 votes necessary. We believe we have the votes on the floor. But our stumbling block, like many other progressive groups is the state Senate which remains far more conservative," said Kevin Walling of Equality Maryland.

Still, what the District has done gives these Maryland couples hope.

"We hadn't made a choice to go anywhere else and get married because, you know Massachusetts, we have friends in Vermont, friends and family in California, and D.C. is very close to home. We're both from here," said Corita Waters.