The couples embraced each other with smiles and the odd teary eye outside the Nishi Gallery on Sunday night as they recalled the year that was.

Inside the gallery, they read congratulation notes from throughout the world – a tribute organised by US advocacy organisation GLAAD.

When Veronica Wensing walked into the gallery with her partner Krishna Sahana, her first reaction was "to burst into tears" and described the occasion as a "moving experience".

"We've made some friends over the year and most of the couples have met each other as a result of the political situation," she said.

"We've shared the journey together and that's been really nice."

Standing beside his partner Christopher, Brendon Condon had mixed feelings despite being happy to celebrate the occasion with the other couples.

"It's a positive thing that everyone is getting together and acknowledging what's happened but it's also quite painful," he said.

"We have to acknowledge we did get married but it's not valid anymore in the eyes of the law and our government.

"It's a mix of elation and a deep sense of pity and sadness."

Mr Condon said he was angry when he learnt of the High Court intervention and had to leave work for home after becoming emotional.

"I would be very, very shocked if we weren't in a position where we were couldn't be legally wed again in the next couple of years," he said.

"I feel vaguely embarrassed to be completely honest at being Australian at the moment as we're behind the times.

"We lost to New Zealand when it came to the women's vote and we've lost again when it comes to marriage equality."

Craig Berry and his partner Ulises Garcia recalled their wedding fondly and remained positive others would experience the same in coming years.

"Straight after the wedding and again a year later, the show of support has been fantastic," he said.

"There has of course been some naysayers but overwhelmingly, it's been more positive than negative."

Mr Berry said he hoped marriage equality could again be achieved for Canberrans as more people support change.

"With Andrew Barr becoming Chief Minister and the bill being passed in the Senate recently, there's increasing pressure on the government," he said.