2,000 Brazilian couples say 'I do' in Rio's largest collective wedding

A couple pray during their wedding ceremony at the Maracanazinho gymnasium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014. They where part of about 2000 couples married during a massive wedding ceremony called the "Day of Yes", that was the biggest ever in Rio de Janeiro. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) (The Associated Press)

Civil judges make the shape of a heart with their hands before a massive wedding ceremony at the Maracanazinho gymnasium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014. About 2000 couples married during a massive wedding ceremony called the "Day of Yes", that was the biggest ever in Rio de Janeiro. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) (The Associated Press)

A fiance arrives for his wedding as he carries his kids during a massive wedding ceremony at the Maracanazinho gymnasium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014. About 2000 couples married during a massive wedding ceremony called the "Day of Yes", that was the biggest ever in Rio de Janeiro. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) (The Associated Press)

Nearly 2,000 Brazilian couples have said "I do" in the largest collective wedding Rio de Janeiro has seen.

The state of Rio de Janeiro hosted the ceremony for low-income couples who can't afford to get married. With relatives joining in, Sunday's celebration at the indoor Maracanazinho sports venue gathered about 12,000 people.

Some couples arrived on a commuter train where brides polished their looks, applying makeup and fixing their hairdos.

Rio de Janeiro has promoted the mass wedding for eight years in a tradition called "The Day of I Do", which is for people with a monthly family income of less than $1,000. At the end they get a free marriage certificate.

A priest representing the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro was present as well as evangelical Christian pastors.