Jesse Tyler Ferguson feels like he is ''part of something'' bigger since getting married.

The 'Modern Family' star, who wed Justin Mikita in 2013, admits he always dreamed about walking down the aisle, but never thought it would be possible.

The 39-year-old actor explained: ''Being married was something I always dreamed of but never though of as attainable; I grew up in a time where being gay meant that you weren't able to be a part of the institution of marriage.''

Jesse believes everyone should be able to make the commitment if they wish to.

He said: ''Look, if you want to get married, you should be able to. If you don't, that's great - but we really wanted to.

''I didn't know if it would make me feel different, but there was one day when I got to mark the 'Married' box while filling out paperwork at the doctor, and I got extremely emotional. It made me feel like I'm part of something bigger. It's something everyone should have the right to do.''

The Emmy winner also created a bow tie company called Tie the Knot in 2012 to support marriage equality.

He told PEOPLE magazine: ''I wanted to get into the fashion world and also do something philanthropic. My husband had the idea to combine the two: Create a bow-tie line where the proceeds go to organisations fighting for marriage equality.

''Tie the Knot is a great play on words, and a fun way to support the cause.''