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Only one same-sex couple in the Bronx and one same-sex couple in Manhattan walked down the aisle.

The city has allowed domestic partnerships since 1993, which grant couples some legal rights. But until now, a partnership only came with a certificate.

City officials decided earlier this year to allow couples to have a marriage-like ceremony. It costs $35 to become registered as domestic partners and the ceremony costs an additional $25.

"We thought it was a great idea to provide domestic partners with the opportunity to exchange and confirm their commitment to each other in a public ceremony in front of friends and family," said Michael McSweeney of the City Clerk's Office in Manhattan. "So that they can have the same sense of dignity that comes with a marriage ceremony."

McSweeney said that some law school interns proposed the idea last summer.

Some marriage equality groups are criticizing the ceremonies, saying they are masking the problem.

"It's a masquerade. Domestic partners gain you 10 rights on a city level," said said Cathy Marino-Thomas of the group Marriage Equality New York. "As soon as you step out of the five boroughs, you no longer have any protection at all, not even those 10 rights. Marriage equality, on the other hand, on a federal level, offers you 1,138 rights."

Meanwhile, same-sex partners of federal employees now have child care, medical leave and other benefits.

President Barack Obama ordered federal agencies to immediately allow domestic partners and their children the same rights that are available to the spouses and children of employees.

The president's memorandum only covers benefits that can be extended under the current law.