WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vt. Prepares for Same-Sex Marriages

Vt. Prepares for Same-Sex Marriages

Essex, Vermont - August 24, 2009

Vermont's new gay marriage law takes effect September 1st. Some observers predicted the state could see 1,000 same-sex ceremonies over the next three years, providing a big boost to tourism.

At The Essex Resort & Spa, the kitchen is always working on its offerings. The spot has been a popular destination for brides and grooms.

"We're really looking forward to the future," said Mimi Overman of the The Essex Resort & Spa.

Starting September 1st, The Essex can start hosting same-sex marriages and receptions when Vermont's new civil marriage law takes effect.

"I think we've definitely seen some good business from it," said Overman. 

The Essex has just a handful of same-sex weddings booked this year, but expects the numbers will climb in 2010 and 11, after word of the new law spreads well beyond Vermont's borders.

"When Massachusetts got gay marriage, the civil union business sort of dried up, because if they could get a marriage in Massachusetts, I think a lot of people were waiting for that here," said Newton Wells of Peak Entertainment DJs.

The wedding DJs at Peak Entertainment have six new jobs in September alone because of gay marriage. But Vermont has not advertised the new law in out-of-state markets as it does the state's ski industry and other offerings. Tourism officials say the fall foliage season may bring visitors here naturally, who may book events in future years.

"We've read the rules and regulations the state sent us," said Winooski City Clerk Pauline Schmoll.

City and town clerks are ready with new documents for the new law. Marriage license applications are now less gender-specific than the old papers. In Winooski, they expect September 1st will be business as usual.

"We haven't had that many requests, so I'm assuming we're not going to get hit hard. But we're ready no matter what," said Schmoll.

While the recession may have some couples scaling back plans or waiting to tie the knot, Vermont remains a top destination for heterosexual weddings. So the job for companies looking to cash in on gay marriage will be to promote the state as not just beautiful, but accepting.

"There's a comfort level to it too. We're really comfortable with same-sex marriages, and they can have a good time here," said Overman. 

Some inns have sent emails to past civil union customers asking if they now want to marry. One big question to the business of gay marriage is the federal government. Congress in considering a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. That move may open the door for other states to recognize marriages that take place in Vermont.

Jack Thurston - WCAX-TV