Ellen and Portia get married

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Ellen DeGeneres made history of sorts in a low-key, understated ceremony as she became the most visible celebrity yet to marry her same-sex lover, the stunning Portia de Rossi,35. Only close friends and family attended the ceremony Saturday (Aug. 16), according to reports.

DeGeneres, 50, was taking advantage of a recent court decision that overturned California's ban on same-sex marriage. So, what did the bride and groom (groomette?) wear?

"I can't wait to be married. I feel like it is long overdue. And I think someday people will look back on this like women not having the right to vote and segregation and anything else that seems ridiculous like we all don't have the same rights," DeGeneres said recently in anticipation of the wedding.

The event took place at the couple’s $29 million Beverly Hills home, People and Us magazine reported.

The California Supreme Court paved the way for the ceremony with a ruling in May that same-sex marriages were permissible. DeGeneres immediately announced on television that she and de Rossi would wed. The audience, which included her smiling Australian-born partner that day, responded with a standing ovation. They have been a couple for four years.

Reports varied but about 20 to 30 guests, including DeGeneres's mom Betty and de Rossi's mother Margaret Rogers, who flew in from Australia. DeGeneres has promised to show some of the ceremony on her show. "It was all close friends and family," a source told E! Entertainment, adding that no celeb guests were spotted entering all day.

Meanwhile, the debate over same-sex marriage continues. Opponents in California have gathered signatures to put a measure on the November ballot. They are seeking a state Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, Hollywood is throwing it support behind the newlyweds. Many observers believe the ban is likely to pass, which would cast doubt on the DeGeneres-de Rossi union.

DeGeneres and de Rossi have been an item since December 2004. De Rossi has worn a Neil Lane marquise-cut pink diamond ring on her wedding finger since June.