Three in four Canberrans voted to legalise same-sex marriage.

Speaking at the Big Gay Out marriage equality picnic in Haig Park, Mr Barr said that overwhelming result gave the government "further ammunition" to roll out more social inclusion measures across the city.

"For a section of the community it's been an incredibly difficult period. Some of the ads that were run on television by the 'no' campaign were atrocious, were outrageous in the accusations they were making and were so off the topic of the debate it caused that campaign considerable damage," Mr Barr said.

"There were some people who voted no for reasons I can understand. Others voted no out of pure hatred but I think it's clear this community has spoken with a thunderous yes and we can go forward confident now in implementing all of the other policies that we took to the last election in this area particularly around establishing an office of LGBTIQ affairs and being an inclusive community."

Mr Barr said the government would paint murals and commission other public art to mark the "yes" vote.

"We're going to recognise this significant moment in our city and our nation's social and political history," Mr Barr said.

"I think Canberra as the home of the roundabout definitely needs a rainbow roundabout in the heart of the city."

Australia's first openly gay state or territory leader, Mr Barr said he shed "a quiet tear" when the results were announced.

"There should never be a political process like this foisted on minority communities ever again," he said.

"It's an appalling way in which to engage in law making.

"The issue is now firmly back with the federal parliament where it should have been right from the start and there is now an opportunity for our federal parliamentarians to deliver on what they should have delivered on some time ago and to enact a marriage equality bill that does not wind back years of hard fought gains on discrimination legislation."

Labor Member for Fenner Andrew Leigh said he had "mixed emotions" about the result.

"I was very pleased to see the result but at the same time I'm acutely aware of the other causes on which this money could have been spent and of the people in our community who have had to undergo enormous stress as a result," Dr Leigh said.

"This was not a process that was necessary. We didn't need to spend millions of dollars on it, we didn't need to damage the mental health of gay and lesbian Australians. We could have just looked at the public opinion and parliamentarians frankly could have just done our job and make marriage equality a reality months ago."

Labor Member for Canberra Gai Brodtmann said her party "stands ready to progress legislation through the Parliament as quickly as possible".

In a statement, Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury said the "unnecessary and divisive" postal survey had forced Australia to debate on "the private lives of people who simply want the right to marry the person they love".

"The people have spoken. It's time to end marriage discrimination - it's a common sense, human response, and reflects our community's values," Mr Rattenbury said.

Liberal Senator Zed Seselja said he was disappointed in the result.

"I voted no and whilst I am naturally disappointed in the result, I respect the decision of the Australian people," Senator Seselja said.

"I will now work to ensure the result is reflected in the Parliament and the appropriate safeguards are put in place to protect freedom of speech, freedom of religion and parental rights."

ACT Opposition leader Alistair Coe, who voted no in the survey, congratulated the federal government for "honouring" its election commitment to let Australians vote on the issue.

"The Canberra Liberals support the belief that a truly robust and vigorous democracy is built on the back of many voices engaging in public debate," Mr Coe said.

"We believe that all Canberrans, regardless of their views, culture, ethnicity, faith or sexuality, should be treated with respect."

Mr Coe again criticised the ACT government for supporting the "yes" campaign with rainbow buses and flags.

"While many Canberrans supported the 'yes' vote, many of these same supporters did not support the ACT government's use of taxpayers' money to fund one side of the campaign," Mr Coe said.

"It is my hope that the ACT government will now divest its attention to matters within its jurisdiction."

- with Isadora Bogle and Jack Price