New Jersey is the fourteenth state where same-sex couples can get married, now that Governor Chris Christie dropped his appeal today. The New Jersey Supreme Court agreed to allow same-sex marriages on Friday in a unanimous decision, which Christie originally wanted to fight. Christie said that while he disagrees with the court’s decision, he decided not to continue with an appeal.

“Although the governor strongly disagrees with the court substituting its judgment for the constitutional process of the elected branches or a vote of the people, the court has now spoken clearly as to their view of the New Jersey Constitution and, therefore, same-sex marriage is the law,” Christie’s spokesman Michael Drewniak said in a statement. “The governor will do his constitutional duty and ensure his administration enforces the law as dictated by the New Jersey Supreme Court.”

Gay couples began tying the knot at midnight, hoping that the appeal that was then planned by Christie wouldn’t have any impact on their nuptials. Mayor and senator-elect Cory Booker officiated seven gay marriages in Newark.

“It is officially past midnight, marriage is equal in New Jersey,” Booker told the crowd that gathered at City Hall. When Booker asked if anyone had reason to object to one of the marriages he officiated, a protester yelled out, “This is unlawful in the eyes of God and Jesus Christ.” The person was removed.

When Booker married one couple, he got a little teared up. “There’s some law about making a mayor cry, ” he joked. “It’s illegal.”

In Lambertville, New Jersey, Beth Asaro and Joanne Schailey made things official just after midnight. “When I go to bed tonight I don’t have to worry about the living will or powers of attorney and do I have everything dotted and crossed,” Asaro said. “I’m equal now. I’m not an exception on all the forms.”

People all over Twitter are celebrating Chris Christie dropping his appeal against same-sex marriages:

Wow, I completely overlooked the fact that New Jersey is the 14th state to legalize gay marriage! Congratulations! 🙂 #LoveIsLove

— Garrett Meyer (@UnseenMessiah) October 21, 2013

Now that gay marriage is legal in New Jersey, my mother can complain that I can't find a nice Jewish woman to marry either

— Shira (@shiraselko) October 21, 2013

Gay marriage and medical marijuana are now both legal in New Jersey, which is the perfect prescription for the most delicious wedding ever.

— Warren Holstein (@WarrenHolstein) October 21, 2013

Image via YouTube