Chinese Gay Couples California Weddings

If you live in one of the 37 states that allow same-sex marriage, the idea of gay marriage being outlawed may seem antiquated. But for gay couples in China, getting hitched is still a pipe dream. However, sometimes dreams do come true...

Let’s start from the beginning. Earlier this year, Chinese e-commerce behemoth Alibaba partnered with a Chinese gay-dating app named Blued for a contest offering the chance to win a California dream wedding for 10 Chinese couples. The mission? To raise awareness of same-sex relationships in China, where gay marriage isn't recognized by the government.

More than 400 video entries were posted on Alibaba's shopping site Taobao, and in February the couples were selected by a public vote, American Idol-style. (Unfortunately, only seven were able to make the all-expenses-paid trip, due to travel complications.)

Fast-forward to Tuesday. The couples were married in an emotional group wedding, officiated by none other than the City of West Hollywood's mayor, Lindsey P. Horvath.

“West Hollywood has long been at the center of the marriage-equality movement,” Horvath said in an official statement. “We hope that this wedding will send a strong message, especially to LGBT people across the globe, that the City of West Hollywood celebrates your right to marry and welcomes your destination wedding as a symbol of our commitment to equality for all.” Ahead, photos of the tearjerker nuptials.