This Wednesday marks exactly 25 years since the Netherlands made history by allowing same-sex couples to marry. Just after midnight on April 1, 2001, Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen officiated the very first wedding at City Hall, watched by audiences around the world. For the couples involved, it was a deeply personal moment — their love officially recognized for the first time. Hundreds of couples followed in the weeks that came after, and this year many celebrate their silver anniversary: 25 years of marriage.

Since that historic night, same-sex marriage has spread across the globe and is now legal in nearly 40 countries, from Europe to the Americas, Oceania, and parts of Asia.

To mark the anniversary, couples once again married just after midnight on April 1, 2026, at Amsterdam City Hall, echoing the historic ceremonies of 25 years ago. The weddings of April 1, 2001, demonstrate how historic moments can transform lives and move societies forward. Even after 25 years, this night remains a symbol of equality and hope for LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide.