Taiwanese same-sex couples wed at vibrant banquet

Taiwanese same-sex couples kiss at their wedding party in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Taiwan became the first place in Asia to allow same-sex marriage last week. Hundreds of same-sex couples in Taiwan rushed to get married Friday, the first day a landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage took effect. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Taiwanese same-sex couples go red carpet at their wedding party in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, May 25, 2019. Taiwan became the first place in Asia to allow same-sex marriage last week. Hundreds of same-sex couples in Taiwan rushed to get married Friday, the first day a landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage took effect. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

TAIPEI, Taiwan – More than 1,000 people have attended a mass wedding banquet in Taiwan's capital to celebrate the marriage of same-sex couples after a landmark decision legalizing the unions.

Taiwan became the first place in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage last week following a vote by the island's legislature.

LGBT couples clad in flowing white gowns and matching suits gathered in Taipei on Saturday evening to walk down a red carpet flanked by cheering supporters.

They were honored in a gala that featured an emcee who wished them "100 years of happiness." A drag queen also performed with a group of scantily clad men.

Taiwan split with mainland China amid a civil war in 1949. China's ruling Communist Party considers the island part of its territory.