GayMarriageEl2012
Same-sex weddings are expected to bring a big economic boost to businesses across the state. (AP image)

Gay weddings expected to generate big bucks for Washington businesses

BY Josh Kerns  on December 3, 2012 @ 7:24 am (Updated: 8:16 am - 12/3/12 )

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There will be plenty of parties and ceremonies starting next Sunday when same-sex couples can start legally marrying in the state. Many Washington businesses are hoping plenty of money flows along with the champagne.

A number of hotels and other businesses are trying to attract same-sex couples with special promotions. Seattle's Edgewater Hotel is offering a "Plunge with Pride" package featuring overnight accommodations, champagne, an event room for their wedding and professional photography package. Other hotels are offering similar packages.

A report issued earlier this year by the UCLA-based Williams Institute estimates spending on same-sex weddings will generate about $88 million for the state and local economy over the next three years, with a $57 million boost in the first year alone.

The report predicts approximately 9,500 in-state same-sex couples will choose to get married in Washington State over the next three years. Many more are expected to travel to the state from elsewhere to tie the knot, further boosting wedding and tourism spending.

A number of businesses have stepped up their advertising, targeting potential customers on specialized websites like the Purple Unions Gay and Lesbian Wedding Directory, offering everything from catering to music.

With so many people planning to get married, questions are inevitable. The Seattle-based Pride Foundation says about 2,000 same-sex couples are expected to apply for marriage licenses when they first become available on Dec. 6, with weddings starting in earnest on Dec. 9.

The organization is planning a meeting Monday night at Town Hall in Seattle to help clear up confusion about the new law.

"We want to make sure couples everywhere, whether they're in Ephrata or Bellingham or Forks have the chance to learn what their rights and their impending responsibilities," Lisa Stone, Executive Director of Legal Voice, tells KING 5.

You can expect plenty of businesses there to offer their services as well.

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
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Comments (4)


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  • Fuego wrote...
    With marriage comes
    December 3, 2012 7:46 am
    the added joy of paying more taxes. Good to see the marriage penalty being spread to all walks of life.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Concerned US Citizen wrote...
    Gay DIVORCES
    December 3, 2012 7:47 am
    Gay divorces are going to also bring a lot of money to Washington. Didn't you see the lawyers dancing in the streets the day after the vote? Silly you, you thought they were the gay people celebrating gay marriage.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • chellesbelles wrote...
    Why do I have to keep commenting on this?
    December 3, 2012 8:54 am
    Can't you folks at MYNW just show two people frolicking happily down the street when talking about gays? Why do you ALWAYS have to show them kissing? I see that you have an agenda, but you don't have to make it so obvious.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • It's me! Ha ha! wrote...
    Big bucks for all the Homosexual unions?
    December 3, 2012 9:18 am
    Homosexual make up far less than ONE PERCENT of the population. Does this article figure than these unions will bring in more money than Marriage? Marriage between one man and one woman.

    Of course now that the Liberals in this state recognize and promote these unions as marriage, I suppose it possible that the population of Homosexuals in this state has increased.

    Still it is a loser in relation to how much money and business it will bring in compaired to marriage.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }