Now that New York’s Marriage Equality Act has been signed into law, love and marriage can finally go together, legally, for same-sex couples in New York.
That’s good news, of course, for the thousands of same-sex couples that have been waiting to walk down the aisle, say "I do," and go home with an official marriage license.
But it’s also good news for the hotels, restaurants, horse and carriage drivers and other segments of the New York state travel industry and the Empire State’s overall economy.
New York City is about to roll out a global marketing campaign - NYC I DO - to promote the attractiveness of the city’s five boroughs as gay wedding destinations. A list of NYC I DO hotel and wedding packages are already listed on the nycgo.com website .
"The potential spending associated with gay marriage is quite simply immense," said Ian Johnson, CEO of global LGBT marketing specialist, Out Now .
How immense? In 2007, the New York City comptroller’s office studied the potential economic impact of marriage equality on the state and the city. The "Love Counts" report estimated that marriage equality would add $184 million in net spending to the state’s economy and $142 million to New York City’s economy during the three years following legislative approval.
"The $142 million benefit to New York City’s economy includes spending on weddings by New York state residents who live outside the city but choose to marry here," the report noted.
In some jurisdictions, one or both partners must be a state resident. However, New York’s newly enacted law allows nonresidents to get married in-state.
"That is a huge draw for people who just can't wait for marriage equality to make it to their own state," said Johnson. "They can visit New York to marry and stay on to honeymoon. That will lead to major economic benefits for the state."
The first same-sex marriage licenses in New York will be issued beginning July 24. That’s a Sunday, but because it’s such a big day,the New York city clerk’s offices in all five boroughs will be open. Also on that day, some New York state judges will be volunteering to perform ceremonies and review waiver requests of the state's 24-hourwaiting period between when a marriage license is issued and a ceremonycan beperformed.
And on July 26, there will be a free mass wedding ceremony and reception on the grounds of Bethpage State Park on Long Island.
Related stories
N.Y. becomes sixth and largest state to legalize gay marriage
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First day hiccup for NY same-sex marriages
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