Sydney's Mardi Gras parade took place under a sombre shadow on Saturday, after the killing of a gay couple by a police officer. 

Organisers asked uniformed police not to participate in the city's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade after an officer was charged with the double murder of a TV presenter and his flight attendant boyfriend.

They also observed a moment of silence, with the parade coming to a halt in a collective act of remembrance.

The organisers therefore described the parade as a "chance to collectively reflect on the lives of Jesse and Luke and to  stand together in solidarity.

The bodies of journalist Jesse Baird, and Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies, were found this week at a rural property outside Sydney.

A 28-year-old serving police constable who had previously been in a relationship with Baird has been charged with two counts of murder.