Gravesend’s first gay wedding will take place at the Old Town Hall on Saturday.

Glenn Smith, 38, and Craig Shelton, 27, will tie the knot on the first day the legislation on same sex ceremonies is introduced.

The couple, who live in Northfleet, met through friends eight years ago.

And they have been waiting since then for the law to be passed to enjoy their big day.

They finally got their chance after MPs agreed to the Same Sex Marriage Bill last year, although Gravesham’s Adam Holloway, Dartford’s Gareth Johnson and Sevenoaks’ Michael Fallon all voted against.

Glenn, a van driver, said: “It’s very important to us both to have our relationship sealed on a formal basis.

“We shall be walking up together to say ‘I do’.”

Glenn and Craig, who works for a funeral directors in Maidstone, will be exchanging rings in the service.

Fifty friends and family are invited to the nuptials and there will be about 120 at the reception, also at the High Street venue.

The couple, of Vale Road, will have two best men and seven flower girls at the ceremony which starts at 4pm.

Glenn said: “I am nervous and worried I will fluff my lines, But Craig is more laid back.

“This has been a long time coming, but it has been worth the wait.

“I know the Church of England is against same sex ceremonies. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion.”

The partners have both bought new suits for the wedding and Glenn will be taking Craig’s surname.

Glenn joked: “I did ask Craig if he would wear a dress. But he drew the line at that.”