Same-sex couples able to marry in Estonia from New Year’s Day

Marielle Tuum (L) with her girlfriend Annika Unkauf: ‘I’m really happy that I can do a proper wedding at home.’ Photograph: Marielle Tuum

Same-sex couples in Estonia are able to marry from New Year’s Day, in a milestone move people say brings the Baltic nation closer to its Nordic neighbours.

Estonia became the first former Soviet-ruled country to legalise gay marriage when the Riigikogu, Estonia’s parliament, voted in favour of marriage equality in June. A majority of 55 MPs voted for amending the Family Act, while 34 MPs voted against the bill in the 101-seat parliament.