LONDON — Elton John on Sunday married his partner, David Furnish, converting their civil partnership after laws allowing gay marriage in Britain came into force this year. John, one of Britain's most prominent musicians and gay celebrities, announced the wedding by posting an invitation on Instagram.
"Sir Elton John and David Furnish request the pleasure of your company to celebrate their wedding on Sunday the 21st of December," said the invitation, printed against a red rose-filled background. John and Furnish later posted pictures from the wedding, including the exchange of vows and the menu, which featured beef short rib and caramelized onion pie, wedding cake and a selection of wine.
Local media reported the ceremony was taking place at John's home in Windsor, 25 miles west of London. Photographs posted online by other celebrities showed that former footballer David Beckham and his wife Victoria were at the event with their children. Actress Elizabeth Hurley also said on social media that she was attending.
John and Furnish's civil partnership was one of the first to take place after they became legal in 2005. John has often used his status in the music world to make statements on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. Prime Minister David Cameron pushed through changes to English laws last year, which came into effect in March, to allow same-sex couples to marry.
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— Reuters