Gay couple want to tie the knot at popular Qld beach

SANDY and Chris always knew they would get married one day. But 'one day' was always just that - a distant plan that could never be set in set stone.

OVER THE MOON: Sandy Wert and Chris Symanski are simply delighted that they can now marry each other. Picture: John McCutcheon

SANDY Wert and Chris Symanski always knew they would get married one day.

But 'one day' was always just that - a distant plan that could never be set in stone due to Australian law.

Now that same-sex marriage is officially legal in Australia, the Maroochydore couple can swap vows.

Sandy was sitting next to his partner Chris when the gay marriage bill passed in Parliament.

With a tear in his eye and a heart full of joy, he turned to his partner, told him he loved him and promised they would soon be married.

"It is so crazy," he said.

"I honestly just never thought it would pass, but when I did I was just so glad."

While there has been no proposal yet, the couple plan to wed at either Mooloolaba Beach or Coolum.

"We have decided we want it to be kind of laid-back, and neither of us will wear shoes."

Sandy said the gay marriage bill was an important step for Australians to learn how to accept others.

"People do it tough - gay people do it tough," he said.

"I was bullied in school and so was my partner - called names like 'little faggot'.

"...While watching Parliament live on television, I was covered in goosebumps.

"When it was announced I cried happy tears - especially when they started singing 'I am, you are, we are Australia'.

"It meant everything."

Same-sex couples will need to give notice of their intention to marry at least one month before the date of the marriage.

The first date same-sex couples will be able to get married is January 9, 2018.