Photo: Tony Nelson.

MN United mobilized one of the largest grassroots campaigns in state history.

The group behind the push to legalize gay marriage in Minnesota spent more than $2 million on its Capitol lobbying efforts, according to figures obtained by the Associated Press.

The official deadline to report spending isn't until next month, but Minnesotans United for All Families is sure to be among the top spenders of the legislative session.

SEE ALSO:
COVER: A history of the gay marriage debate in Minnesota
Same-sex couples might have to wait just a little longer to wed in Minnesota

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Amy Nelson on Twitter

"Saint Paul welcomes same-sex couples to tie the knot in Minnesota's capital city," the city's website says.

In the wake of love becoming the law in Minnesota, the city of St. Paul quickly overhauled its I Do St. Paul website to make it gay friendly.

SEE ALSO: Mary Franson wonders whether marriage equality extends to polygamy

"With the passing of the Freedom to Marry act, Saint Paul is now strongly positioned to offer our complimentary services to same sex couples and bring even more people to Minnesota's beautiful capital city," the website says. "It is important for same sex couples to know they are welcomed in Saint Paul for their big day and that they, their family and friends will receive the same top level of service from our hospitality community that all wedding couples receive on their big day."

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If love is love, then what's wrong with Big Love?

One of the arguments used by marriage equality opponents is that gay marriage leads down a slippery slope to people marrying animals, adults marrying children, polygamy, and other unsavory arrangements.

SEE ALSO: Mary Franson co-authors civil unions bill months after saying being gay isn't "normal"

Well, according to Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, our state is already slip slidin' down that path.

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When will the first couple actually be allowed to wed legally in Minnesota?

Since Gov. Mark Dayton signed the gay marriage bill into law Tuesday, same-sex couples around the state have already begun planning their weddings, many hoping to wed the day the law goes into effect on Aug. 1.

But those couples looking to be among the very first to legally marry in Minnesota might want to hold off on booking that venue. At this point, it's still unclear if the first marriages will actually be allowed to take place Aug. 1, or if couples will have to wait until Aug. 6.

SEE ALSO:
COVER: A history of the gay marriage debate in Minnesota
Mark Dayton signs gay marriage bill into law

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photo by Tony Nelson for City Pages

Governor Mark Dayton signs marriage equality into law on Tuesday.

Minnesotans United is the lobbying group responsible for all those "Vote No" bumper stickers and yard signs in the fall.

After the amendment was defeated, the campaign transformed into "Vote Yes," and MN United became the force behind the blue-and-orange "Support the Freedom to Marry"shirts that crowded the Capitol as first the House, then the Senate voted to pass a marriage equality bill that Governor Mark Dayton signed into law late Tuesday afternoon.

Now the group is setting its sights on a third goal: Making sure that the legislators who stuck their necks out for the bill don't get booted out of office.

See Also:
- Mark Dayton signs gay marriage bill into law
- Slideshow: Marriage Equality Bill Signing: History in the Making
- From November: Watch the moment MN United found out they beat the marriage amendment [VIDEO]


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Fittingly, Minneapolis City Hall will be among the first places in the state to host gay marriages.

Wanna be one of the first gay couples to tie the knot and have your wedding officiated by none other than a smiling Mayor R.T. Rybak to boot? That can be arranged. Just be at Minneapolis City Hall at midnight on August 1 (or whatever night ends up being the first when gay weddings can occur -- the specific date remains in question, but it'll be sometime in early August).

SEE ALSO: Mark Dayton signs gay marriage bill into law

City Hall will be opening as soon as possible the day gay marriages become legal in Minnesota, and according to a city release, there's no better place for a wedding.

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Photo: Andy Mannix

Only a few opponents to the bill showed up to the signing.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed the gay marriage bill on the Capitol steps Tuesday evening, officially making Minnesota the 12th state to allow same-sex couples to wed.

Thousands gathered on the Capitol lawn on this sweltering evening to witness the historic moment, many wearing orange t-shirts -- the color for Minnesota United for All Families, the primary group lobbying for the bill -- and waving rainbow flags and balloons.

See also:
Marriage Equality Senate Vote: People and Scenes
Best Signs at the Senate Vote for Marriage Equality

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Today is the day, you guys! (Well, gay marriages won't really be legal until August, but you know what we mean.)

This afternoon, barring a shocking last-minute heel turn, Mark Dayton will sign the marriage equality bill approved yesterday by the Senate, paving the way for Minnesota's first gay marriages to occur in August.

HAPPENING AFTER THE BILL SIGNING: Love Is the Law concert celebrating marriage equality announced

Dayton's signing ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. You can history being made live below the jump.

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Amy Nelson on Twitter

The Wabasha Street Bridge certainly looked the part today.

This afternoon, the Minnesota Senate followed the House and approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage with a 37-30 vote.

:::: UPDATE :::: Mark Dayton signs gay marriage bill into law

Gov. Mark Dayton is reportedly wasting little time and planning to sign the legislation into law during a ceremony tomorrow afternoon, so it's now a foregone conclusion that gays will be able to get married as of August 1.

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Will our state go to hell in a handbasket once gay marriage is legalized, as some fear? We'll soon find out.

Within a few hours, all that will stand in the way of legal gay marriage in Minnesota is Mark Dayton's signature, and we already know his pen is ready and willing for action.

SEE ALSO: House approves marriage equality; four Republicans vote in favor, two Dems against [UPDATE]

Days after the House approved a marriage equality bill with a 75-59 vote, the Senate is set to follow suit this afternoon. You can watch the debate unfold live below the jump.

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