Places Where Gay and Lesbian Couples Can Get Married
Although gay and lesbian couples may no longer get married in California (see below), there are places in the world where they may get married legally:
Canada
There is no residency requirement for Canadian marriage, but do know that if you're state doesn't recognize gay marriage, your marriage won't be legal there. However, if you live in New York state, you will be considered married in New York if you get married in Canada, even though New York state doesn't allow gay marriages performed in the state.
Maine
Maine became the 5th state to legalize same-sex marriage in the United States in May, 2009. What took you so long, Maine?
Massachusetts
Gay people have been allowed to marry in Massachusetts since May, 2004. It used to be that you had to be a resident of Massachusetts to get married there (this applied only to gay and lesbian couples). However, now gay and lesbian couples from all over the U.S. can be married in Massachusetts.
Connecticut
Gay and lesbian couples are now allowed to marry in Connecticut, due to a ruling of Connecticut's Supreme Court in October, 2008.
Iowa
No, no April Fool's joke. Iowa. See news brief below.
Vermont
Another new addition. See news brief below.
Netherlands
The first nation in the world to legally recognize gay marriage in 2001.
Belgium
Became the second country in the world to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in 2003.
Spain
Since June, 2005, gay and lesbian couples are allowed to marry in Spain. Do you have to be a Spanish citizen to be married in Spain? This is taken from Wikipedia:
"According to the instructions from the Ministry of Justice (Dirección General de Registros y Notariado), Spanish Consulates abroad may carry out the preliminary paperwork for a same-sex marriage. At least one of the marrying partners must be a Spanish citizen, residing in the Consular demarcation. However, the marriage itself can only take place at the Consulate if local laws recognize same-sex marriages (Spanish consulates in Boston, Brussels, Amsterdam, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Cape Town as of March 2007). In all other cases, the partners must marry in Spanish territory. Two non-resident foreigners cannot marry in Spain, as at least one of the partners must be a Spanish citizen; two resident foreigners can do so."
South Africa
Gay and lesbian couples have been allowed to legally marry in South Africa since November 30th, 2006.
Norway
Norway will grant full marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples beginning in 2009.
Canada
There is no residency requirement for Canadian marriage, but do know that if you're state doesn't recognize gay marriage, your marriage won't be legal there. However, if you live in New York state, you will be considered married in New York if you get married in Canada, even though New York state doesn't allow gay marriages performed in the state.
Maine
Maine became the 5th state to legalize same-sex marriage in the United States in May, 2009. What took you so long, Maine?
Massachusetts
Gay people have been allowed to marry in Massachusetts since May, 2004. It used to be that you had to be a resident of Massachusetts to get married there (this applied only to gay and lesbian couples). However, now gay and lesbian couples from all over the U.S. can be married in Massachusetts.
Connecticut
Gay and lesbian couples are now allowed to marry in Connecticut, due to a ruling of Connecticut's Supreme Court in October, 2008.
Iowa
No, no April Fool's joke. Iowa. See news brief below.
Vermont
Another new addition. See news brief below.
Netherlands
The first nation in the world to legally recognize gay marriage in 2001.
Belgium
Became the second country in the world to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in 2003.
Spain
Since June, 2005, gay and lesbian couples are allowed to marry in Spain. Do you have to be a Spanish citizen to be married in Spain? This is taken from Wikipedia:
"According to the instructions from the Ministry of Justice (Dirección General de Registros y Notariado), Spanish Consulates abroad may carry out the preliminary paperwork for a same-sex marriage. At least one of the marrying partners must be a Spanish citizen, residing in the Consular demarcation. However, the marriage itself can only take place at the Consulate if local laws recognize same-sex marriages (Spanish consulates in Boston, Brussels, Amsterdam, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Cape Town as of March 2007). In all other cases, the partners must marry in Spanish territory. Two non-resident foreigners cannot marry in Spain, as at least one of the partners must be a Spanish citizen; two resident foreigners can do so."
South Africa
Gay and lesbian couples have been allowed to legally marry in South Africa since November 30th, 2006.
Norway
Norway will grant full marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples beginning in 2009.
Iowa to Allow Same-Sex Marriage
Well, I'm positively giddy. You go, Iowa!On Friday, April 3, 2009, Iowa's Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in a unanimous decision. The court upheld a lower court's ruling that found a state law restricting marriage to between a man and woman violated Iowa's constitution.
Take that, California. Now, for all you keeping Scores for Equality, it now stands like this:
States Recognizing Same-Sex Marriage: 4...oops, strike that, it's now 5
Iowa
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Vermont (see brief below)
Maine
Those Recognizing Same-Sex Civil Unions: 3
New Jersey
New Hampshire
Vermont
In a Weird Limbo
New York state recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, but does not at this time allow them to be performed in New York.
The State Supreme Court in California is still deciding on Prop 8. Most analysts feel that they will uphold Prop 8, meaning they would not allow gay marriage.
It may be at least several weeks before same-sex couples can seek marriage licenses.
New Jersey, New Hampshire and Vermont also offer civil unions, which provide many of the same rights that come with marriage. New York recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, and legislators there and in New Jersey are weighing whether to offer marriage. A bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont has cleared the Legislature but may be vetoed by the governor.
The ruling in Iowa's same-sex marriage case came more quickly than many observers had anticipated, with some speculating after oral arguments that it could take a year or more for a decision.
And, now, Vermont!
Vermont Legislature Votes to Allow Same-Sex Marriage!
This just in. The legislature of Vermont has voted to override the Vermont governor's veto, becoming the 4th state to allow gay couples to wed. As you may know, Vermont was the first state in the U.S. to allow same-sex civil unions. California Couples Can Stay Married
The State Supreme Court has decided to up uphold Prop 8 (ridiculous!), but has allowed those same-sex couples who were married during the time it was legal to stay married. Don't know what that means for couples who married in Canada before or during that time.
During the time it took the State Supreme Court to decide to legalize discrimination by allowing Prop 8 to stand, several more states have started to allow same-sex marriage. Most notably, Iowa. Yes, Iowa! Don't you feel truly ashamed, California?
Lawyers are now arguing in federal court to strike Prop 8. Will keep you posted.
During the time it took the State Supreme Court to decide to legalize discrimination by allowing Prop 8 to stand, several more states have started to allow same-sex marriage. Most notably, Iowa. Yes, Iowa! Don't you feel truly ashamed, California?
Lawyers are now arguing in federal court to strike Prop 8. Will keep you posted.
Gay Marriage in Massachusetts Now Available to Non-Residents!
Move over, California, there's a new venue in town for gay and lesbian couples wanting legal weddings.
Late July, 2008, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed a law repealing the 95-year statute that prevented gay and lesbian couples from most other states from marrying in Massachusetts.
Why was there such a law? It was originally on the books to prevent interracial couples from crossing the border to get married in Massachusetts. It stated that couples couldn't get married in Massachusetts if their home states didn't recognize their marriage. You see, back then 30 of the 48 states wouldn't allow interracial couples to legally say "I Do," much like the majority of states today won't allow gay couples to legally marry.
Very bigoted of them back then, wasn't it? Just as bigoted as the laws are today about gay and lesbian marriage.
It seems, though, that the law was never taken off the books, even after gay couples were allowed to legally marry in Massachusetts. Therefore, when gay couples wanted to get married in Massachusetts, they had to be residents, or hail from a state which allowed same-sex marriage.
But, not anymore! Thanks to Gov. Patrick and the state House and Senate, now gays and lesbians from all states can legally wed in Massachusetts, giving couples in the mid-western and eastern United States a closer venue for their wedding. In addition, if the voters of California reject gay marriage in November, Massachusetts will be the only state left for gay couples in the United States to legally wed.
Late July, 2008, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed a law repealing the 95-year statute that prevented gay and lesbian couples from most other states from marrying in Massachusetts.
Why was there such a law? It was originally on the books to prevent interracial couples from crossing the border to get married in Massachusetts. It stated that couples couldn't get married in Massachusetts if their home states didn't recognize their marriage. You see, back then 30 of the 48 states wouldn't allow interracial couples to legally say "I Do," much like the majority of states today won't allow gay couples to legally marry.
Very bigoted of them back then, wasn't it? Just as bigoted as the laws are today about gay and lesbian marriage.
It seems, though, that the law was never taken off the books, even after gay couples were allowed to legally marry in Massachusetts. Therefore, when gay couples wanted to get married in Massachusetts, they had to be residents, or hail from a state which allowed same-sex marriage.
But, not anymore! Thanks to Gov. Patrick and the state House and Senate, now gays and lesbians from all states can legally wed in Massachusetts, giving couples in the mid-western and eastern United States a closer venue for their wedding. In addition, if the voters of California reject gay marriage in November, Massachusetts will be the only state left for gay couples in the United States to legally wed.
Where to Have Your Massachusetts Gay Wedding
Now that you've decided to tie the knot, the biggest decision will be in choosing a venue for your wedding and reception. You might consider some of the following venues for your wedding in Massachusetts:
Unitarian Universalist Meeting House of Provincetown
236 Commercial Street
Provincetown, Massachusetts
508-487-9344
info@uumh.org
The Meeting House is just a couple of blocks from Town Hall and the MacMillan Wharf. You may choose to have your service in their historic Meeting House, in their garden, on the beach, or in the location of your choosing. Do note that if you choose to have your reception in the Meeting House, no alcohol is permitted (so, leave the margarita machine at home!)
The Harbor View Hotel - A Wyndham Luxury Resort
131 North Water St.
Edgartown, MA
Business Phone: (508) 627-7000, local
e-mail: sstempien@wyndham.com
www.harbor-view.com
Boasting scenic views and lovely gardens, The Harbor View Hotel has been a Martha's Vineyard landmark since 1891. They can accommodate a ceremony or reception for up to 175 guests indoors or 400 outdoors.
Provincetown Dunes
No, not a resort, but the actual dunes of Provincetown, along the Cape Cod National Seashore, provided by Arts Dunes Tours. You can contact Arts Dunes Tours at 508-487-1950 or 1-800-894-1951 to arrange for your ceremony.
The Red Inn
15 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA
508-487-7334
The Red Inn has won numerous accolades over the years. You'll be pleased they won a Silver Medal in 2003 by Cape Cod Life Magazine for "Best Place for a Wedding or Commitment Ceremony." And, in 2003/2004 they won the "5 Palm Award" from Out & About Travel. The Inn boasts beautiful views of the harbor and lighthouse on Long Point.
Just as an interesting aside, President and Mrs. Roosevelt stayed in The Inn when they traveled to P-Town.
Hotel Marlowe
25 Edwin H. Land Blvd.
Cambridge, MA
Hotel Marlowe overlooks Boston, and is blessed with a beautiful ballroom that can accommodate up to 200 guests. Contact Belinda Mazarello at belinda.mazarello@hotelmarlowe.com or call 617-395-2527.
Boston Marriott Quincy
1000 Marriott Drive
Quincy, Massachusetts
1-617-774-2008
Need help planning your wedding? The Boston Marriott Quincy has certified wedding planners just eager to help you plan the wedding of your dreams. Choose from 16 event room, and an outdoor terrace. If you have a large wedding, consider the President's Ballroom with seating for 1,200 guests.
Unitarian Universalist Meeting House of Provincetown
236 Commercial Street
Provincetown, Massachusetts
508-487-9344
info@uumh.org
The Meeting House is just a couple of blocks from Town Hall and the MacMillan Wharf. You may choose to have your service in their historic Meeting House, in their garden, on the beach, or in the location of your choosing. Do note that if you choose to have your reception in the Meeting House, no alcohol is permitted (so, leave the margarita machine at home!)
The Harbor View Hotel - A Wyndham Luxury Resort
131 North Water St.
Edgartown, MA
Business Phone: (508) 627-7000, local
e-mail: sstempien@wyndham.com
www.harbor-view.com
Boasting scenic views and lovely gardens, The Harbor View Hotel has been a Martha's Vineyard landmark since 1891. They can accommodate a ceremony or reception for up to 175 guests indoors or 400 outdoors.
Provincetown Dunes
No, not a resort, but the actual dunes of Provincetown, along the Cape Cod National Seashore, provided by Arts Dunes Tours. You can contact Arts Dunes Tours at 508-487-1950 or 1-800-894-1951 to arrange for your ceremony.
The Red Inn
15 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA
508-487-7334
The Red Inn has won numerous accolades over the years. You'll be pleased they won a Silver Medal in 2003 by Cape Cod Life Magazine for "Best Place for a Wedding or Commitment Ceremony." And, in 2003/2004 they won the "5 Palm Award" from Out & About Travel. The Inn boasts beautiful views of the harbor and lighthouse on Long Point.
Just as an interesting aside, President and Mrs. Roosevelt stayed in The Inn when they traveled to P-Town.
Hotel Marlowe
25 Edwin H. Land Blvd.
Cambridge, MA
Hotel Marlowe overlooks Boston, and is blessed with a beautiful ballroom that can accommodate up to 200 guests. Contact Belinda Mazarello at belinda.mazarello@hotelmarlowe.com or call 617-395-2527.
Boston Marriott Quincy
1000 Marriott Drive
Quincy, Massachusetts
1-617-774-2008
Need help planning your wedding? The Boston Marriott Quincy has certified wedding planners just eager to help you plan the wedding of your dreams. Choose from 16 event room, and an outdoor terrace. If you have a large wedding, consider the President's Ballroom with seating for 1,200 guests.
Wedding Officiants for Your Massachusetts Wedding
If you're considering a wedding in Massachusetts, you might want to consider the following wedding officiants:
Eileen Duff, Justice of the Peace
978-273-7627
e-mail: gayweddingsnow@yahoo.com.
Barbara M. Kahn, Justice of the Peace
781-322-1177
e-mail: justicebarbara@aol.com.
Antoinette Cavanna, Interfaith Minister
401-596-0201
www.newenglandceremonies.com
e-mail: rev.cavanna@newenglandceremonies.com.
Rev. Alison Hyder, Unitarian Universalist Meeting House of Provincetown
508-487- 9259
hyderali@comcast.net
www.uumh.org
Catherine Flanagan Stover, Justice of the Peace & Town Clerk
16 Broad Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-7217
e-mail: twnclerk@nantucket.net
www.Catherinestover.tripod.com/
Rev. Donna Favicchio
Dream Come True Wedding Ceremonies
Serving the Hudson Valley and Provincetown/Cape Cod
845-691-6283
e-mail: BrighidsCove@optonline.net
www.windsofchangeministries.org
Eileen Duff, Justice of the Peace
978-273-7627
e-mail: gayweddingsnow@yahoo.com.
Barbara M. Kahn, Justice of the Peace
781-322-1177
e-mail: justicebarbara@aol.com.
Antoinette Cavanna, Interfaith Minister
401-596-0201
www.newenglandceremonies.com
e-mail: rev.cavanna@newenglandceremonies.com.
Rev. Alison Hyder, Unitarian Universalist Meeting House of Provincetown
508-487- 9259
hyderali@comcast.net
www.uumh.org
Catherine Flanagan Stover, Justice of the Peace & Town Clerk
16 Broad Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-7217
e-mail: twnclerk@nantucket.net
www.Catherinestover.tripod.com/
Rev. Donna Favicchio
Dream Come True Wedding Ceremonies
Serving the Hudson Valley and Provincetown/Cape Cod
845-691-6283
e-mail: BrighidsCove@optonline.net
www.windsofchangeministries.org
There's Always Canada!
Not to be ignored is Canada. Gay and lesbian couples have enjoyed the freedom of legally marrying in Canada for years now. That's right, legal gay and lesbian marriages and the country of Canada is still standing! For many gay and lesbian couples in the United States, Canada is still a great place to say "I do."
Gay and Lesbian Wedding Accessories
Have your gay or lesbian wedding style with wedding cake toppers, favors and wedding rice (heart-shaped rice to be exact) from The Knot Wedding Shop:
Freedom To Marry Video
Short, funny and to the point.
Santa Cruz Gay Weddings in the News
June 17, 2008
Support for Same-Sex Marriage
Can people change their views on same-sex marriage? The mayor of San Diego did, in this tearful news conference last year.
Tearful Republican reverses his stance against gay marriage
9/19/07. San Diego's Republican Mayor Jerry Sanders revealed his plan to support a city measure guaranteeing equality to gays. San Diego's Republican Mayor Jerry Sanders revealed his plan to support a city measure guaranteeing equality to gays and lesbians, after previously opposing it. Through teary-eyes, Sanders revealed his stance on gay marriage had changed after considering that anything less than full marriage equality would be demeaning to his own daughter, who is a lesbian. More on this incident here: http://www.thedailybackground.com/2007/09/20/video-tearful-republican-reverses-his-stance-against-gay-marriage/
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curated content from YouTube
Lesbian Wedding Video
Cool San Francisco Gay Wedding
Websites and Pages to Check Out
- Gay Weddings
- My post on my California Weddings blog about Gay Wedding locations in California.
- Gay Wedding Photos by WE ARE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY
- Gay Wedding Photography San Francisco Bay Area, Napa, Sonoma, San Jose by photographer Charlotte Fiorito
- Cummerbunds for the Grooms
- Novelty, designer and rhinestone cummerbunds. Why be ordinary?
Your Turn to Sound Off
Any great California wedding locations you'd like to add?
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Reply
- californianative californianative Oct 9, 2008 @ 7:08 pm
- Love the lens! 5* But before we can continue the celebrations, we need to Vote No on California Prop 8.
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Reply
- NoonH8 NoonH8 Aug 22, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
- I just wanted to spread the word... California is going to have a referendum on the Nov ballot to stop the legal marriage of same-sex partners. Please, Californians, vote NO on 8, vote NO on Hate! And for those of you with friends in California, get them to register and get them to vote! Visit my profile for more info (squidoo.com/no8). Thanks!
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Reply
- Jeff Jeff Aug 20, 2008 @ 12:55 pm
- Celebrate your union with a stylish titanium wedding ring from MiamiMetals.com. Miami Metals supports the rights of gay couples.
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Reply
- charac charac Aug 12, 2008 @ 4:17 am
- That's a fantastic lens covering Gay weddings.
You may find these books for gay and lesbian couples useful.
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Reply
- Fitz Fitz Jul 28, 2008 @ 4:51 pm
- GREAT blog! I have something to add. A show from Logo called "First Comes Love" - about gay people getting married. SO good. They even have some eps about marriage planning. I am on Dish so I don't get Logo but I rented the DVD. I found it at http://www.logoonline.com/netflix or if you go to their main site you can find video clips. xoxo. LOVE!
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