Two men who flew from their home in Australia to get hitched in Brighton have tied the knot.

Australian Joel Taug, 24, and American Jamie Rogers, 27, made their life-long commitment at Brighton Town Hall yesterday afternoon in front of 20 friends and relatives.

Their civil partnership ceremony, which also took place on their first anniversary, was the 68th held in the city since same-sex partnerships were introduced on December 21.

Jamie and Joel had already arranged a trip to Britain but decided to combine it with the ceremony because civil partnerships are not allowed in either Australia or the US.

They saw Brighton as the natural alternative because Jamie lived in the city for a few years and has family in the area. Both have friends in Sussex.

After the 15-minute ceremony, Joel said: "I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend."

Jamie's mother, Pat Rogers, 54, and brother Paul, 31, flew from California on Wednesday to be the couple's witnesses.

Other guests included Jamie's grand-parents William and Doris Rogers, who live in Horsham, his uncle Paul Rogers, from Hove, and aunt Linda Maslin, from Woodingdean.

Mrs Rogers said: "It's fantastic Jamie and Joel are able to do this. They're so lucky.

"We tried to get it legal in California just last summer but it didn't happen and it's just so sad.

"When I met Joel last March, I liked him instantly. Anyone with a smile like Joel's, you have to love him."

The ceremony was changed at the last-minute to make it longer and Jamie was delighted with it.

He said: "It was really lovely. I'm very glad I've done it. I feel exactly how I thought I would and while having this might not be ideal for everyone, it suits us perfectly."

Zoe Houghton, 29, a friend from Sydney who was coincidentally in the country, is appalled Australia does not have the same legislation.

She said: "It's absolutely disgusting they couldn't do this in Australia. I'm so ashamed they can't."

Jamie's father wanted to attend but could not leave the family business in the US.

Joel's parents could not afford the expensive trip but a party is planned when the couple return to Australia to start a four-year nursing course this summer.

The wedding party was joined by more friends and family for a celebratory meal before the couple threw a party with about 150 guests at Brighton Rocks, where they both work.

Civil partnership legislation allows for same-sex relationships to be legally binded and to have the same legal rights as married heterosexual couples.

The ceremony does not mean the couple are married but both Joel and Jamie viewed yesterday's ceremony as a marriage.

A further 582 couples are getting ready for their civil partnership ceremonies to be held at Brighton Town Hall, making the city the most popular area for same-sex weddings in the country.