BOSTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court refused to block gay marriages in Massachusetts Friday.

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Janet Wu Reports On Marriage

The decision comes just hours after a federal appeals court denied a bid for an emergency injunction Friday afternoon, clearing the way for gay weddings Monday. The court, however, did agree to hear the case at a later date.

So far, the historic decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has withstood every legal challenge.

Meanwhile, NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported, same-sex couples are getting ready to ring wedding bells Monday.

For centuries, the Arlington Street Church has been the center of the abolitionist movement, the women's suffrage movement and for the last 40 years, the gay rights movement. Robert Compton and David Wilson will be the first to be married at the church under the new law Monday.

"This really represents the latest chapter in the history of the civil rights movement in America and the history of the civil rights movements in this particular congregation starting with the anti-slavery movement here in this congregation, moving right up to some of the antiwar movements," said Jeff Quinlan of the Arlington Street Church.

But the biggest day comes later in the week, when couples that did not seek a waiver of the three-day waiting period for all marriage license holders walk down the aisle. In all, 37 couples will do so.

"Thursday is the big day," said Jeff Bouchard of the Arlington Street Church. "Every 20 minutes there will a couple coming up, they will be meeting with the clergy, they will speak with them, sign their license, walk out with a picture of themselves and a rose."

Across the city, caterers, florists and wedding planners are hoping for a boost in business this spring. At the Copley Marriott, Michael Horgan and Ed Balmelli will marry Monday night, followed by a casual celebration that won't include some of the traditions of other weddings.

"You certainly won't find some of the things you would normally find, even a champagne toast, no cake, and the ceremony will be very simple and straight forward, very quick," said Kurt Brown of the Boston Marriott Copley.

Many same-sex couples marrying next week have lived together for years, even decades, but they are realistic and know that not everyone who shows up on Monday will be celebrating their unions.

"In any situation of this magnitude, something like that is always there. Yes, it does concern us, but we are prepared for anything of that event and this is life. We expect it to be that way," said Bouchard.

Gov. Mitt Romney called on protesters to be respectful and hospitable to those getting married on Monday. The state's most prominent opponent of gay marriages, Romney said he might attend same-sex wedding ceremonies in the future. But he declined the first invitation from radio personality Darrell Martini, known as the Cosmic Muffin. Romney said he had a scheduling conflict.