Same-sex couples could start getting married in Virginia as early as next week, after the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided not to delay its ruling that ended the state's ban on gay marriage, AP reported.

The state would also start recognizing gay marriages performed out of state by next Wednesday.

But the start of same-sex marriages is far from a done deal, as the U.S. Supreme Court could put the issue on hold if gay marriage opponents are able to win an emergency delay with the country's highest court.

Ken Connelly, who is representing the group seeking that delay in the start of same-sex marriages, said that the group will seek an emergency stay as soon as possible. The request would then go before Chief Justice John Roberts, who oversees the 4th Circuit.

Connelly said -- based on precedent -- he would expect the delay to be granted. The Supreme Court twice has place a stay on a same-sex marriage ban in Utah, according to The Washington Post.

Supporters of same-sex marriage in Virginia remain steadfast and will continue to fight for marriage equality.

"Virginia's loving, committed gay and lesbian couples and their children should not be asked to wait one more day for their fundamental right to marry," said Adam Umhoefer, executive director of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which argued to end Virginia's ban on same-sex marriage.

The gay marriage ban in Virginia dates back to 2006 when state voters approved a constitutional amendment that prohibited those marriages and the recognition of such marriages from other states. The 4th Circuit decision reverses that vote.

The Virginia lawsuit came from two couples, one of which was denied a marriage license and the other was denied recognition of their California marriage.

"(The decision) shows that there's no longer a justification to keep same-sex couples from marrying," Nancy Leong, a University of Denver law professor, said about the appeals court decision. "I wonder whether we've reached something of a tipping point."