Updated: Fri Jun. 27 2008 7:12:15 PM

ctvtoronto.ca

Many U.S. residents are tying the knot in Toronto during Pride Week, as the event moves into its big weekend.

Officials say the number of same-sex marriages generally spikes in the city around this time, and many of the happy couples travel a long way to get hitched here because same-sex marriages are illegal in most states south of the border.

Korrine Johnson and Tracy Wathen came from Florida to be wed at Toronto city hall on Friday.

"I did cry yesterday getting the marriage license, just because we could (get one)," Johnson said.

Alan Zimmerman and Larry Schulte, who have been together for 23 years, travelled from New York to tie the knot in Toronto.

"We applaud Canadians and thank you," Zimmerman said.

"It's wonderful that people like us can now have the same rights and same responsibilities as heterosexual couples," added Schulte.

The chapel at city hall has also seen a spike in the number of people coming from across Canada throughout the year, and their figures show the number of same-sex ceremonies couples is now almost equal to heterosexual weddings.

Meanwhile, Pride Toronto's two biggest events take place this weekend.

The Dyke March, now in its 13th year, starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday, while the 28th annual Pride Parade begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Click here for parade routes and additional information.

The Pride festivities draw about one million people to Toronto and generate about $100 million for the local economy.

With a report from CTV Toronto's Naomi Parness