Despite much confusion over the issue, it appears the first same-sex marriages will take place this year after all.

However, the only gay marriage ceremonies that can take place before the end of the year are those involving couples who have already notified the Civil Registration Office of their intention to enter into a civil partnership, reports The Independent.

As there is a three-month waiting period, couples making new applications will likely not be able to marry until early 2016.

Couples already in civil partnerships will be able to marry one another without having to dissolve their civil partnership.

A provision has been included in the new legislation to allow civil partnerships to be converted to marriage licences in a “quick and straightforward” manner.