The highest court in New Jersey agreed to uphold a lower court's ruling that allows gay marriages to begin on Monday, USA TODAY reported.
A request from Republican Governor Chris Christie to delay the gay marriages from being administered was denied by the court.
"We can find no public interest in depriving a group of New Jersey residents of their constitutional right to equal protection while the appeals process unfolds," the judges ruling said.
Christie, who is currently running for reelection, wanted to halt the weddings from happening until the state's Supreme Court determines whether it should be legalized or not. In January, the court will begin hearing those arguments.
John J. Hoffman, Christie's acting attorney general, said allowing the gay marriages before a full review by the New Jersey Supreme Court would cause "irreparable harm."
"Once the state grants marriage licenses to even a handful of same-sex couples, it is virtually impossible, both in practical and legal terms, to undo that action later," Hoffman wrote in an Oct. 11 filing.
Last month, Judge Mary Jacobson ruled gay couples were being denied of equal rights and should be allowed to marry, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act.
Gay marriage advocates commended Jacobson's decision.
"This is a historic moment for all loving and committed couples in New Jersey," said Mike Premo, campaign manager of New Jersey United for Marriage. "The fact that those who have waited so long for this moment can get married in just 11 days is truly amazing and something to be celebrated."
In his first debate with challenger Barbara Buono for governor, Christie expressed his unchanging stance on gay marriage.
"I believe that the institution of marriage for 2,000 years is between a man and a woman, and if they're going to change that definition of marriage, I don't think that should be decided by 121 politicians in Trenton or nine judges on the Supreme Court," he said.
