Happy day: Elton John, David Furnish marry in England

FILE – A Wednesday Dec. 21, 2005 photo from files showing pop star Elton John, right, and his longtime partner David Furnish, after they had a civil ceremony at the Guildhall in Windsor, England. Elton John and his partner David Furnish plan to tie the knot for a second time this weekend, following the legalization of same-sex marriage in Britain. AP PHOTO

LONDON — Entertainer Elton John and longtime mate David Furnish have officially converted their civil partnership into a marriage.

The ceremony took place exactly nine years after they entered into a civil partnership.

The couple was able to marry under new laws that took effect in England earlier this year.

John had earlier tweeted about their plans and Sunday posted a photo on Instagram showing them getting ready to sign official papers.

“That’s the legal bit done. Now on to the ceremony!” the couple wrote on their posting.

They planned a celebration at their estate near Windsor Castle west of London. An A-list crowd is expected.

The singer has praised England for changing its laws to allow same-sex marriage. He said the wedding would be a joyous occasion shared with their children.