11 December 2013
Last updated at 20:47 ET
The ACT parliament passed a bill in October making the territory the first part of Australia to legalise same-sex weddings.
But the national government challenged the decision, saying it was inconsistent with federal laws.
Some 27 couples who married since the law came into effect last weekend will now have their unions declared invalid.
The legislation had allowed gay couples to marry inside the ACT, which includes the Australian capital, Canberra - regardless of which state they live in.
Federal law, however, specified in 2004 that marriage was between a man and a woman.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who leads a Liberal-National coalition, opposes same-sex marriage.
Last year, a bill allowing same-sex marriage was voted down in both houses of Australia's national parliament.
Australia court bans gay marriage
Australia's high court has overturned legislation allowing gay marriage in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
But the national government challenged the decision, saying it was inconsistent with federal laws.
Some 27 couples who married since the law came into effect last weekend will now have their unions declared invalid.
The legislation had allowed gay couples to marry inside the ACT, which includes the Australian capital, Canberra - regardless of which state they live in.
Federal law, however, specified in 2004 that marriage was between a man and a woman.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who leads a Liberal-National coalition, opposes same-sex marriage.
Last year, a bill allowing same-sex marriage was voted down in both houses of Australia's national parliament.
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