New York's Wedding Industry Likely To Benefit From Marriage Equality Law
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- New York hotel chains and wedding planners are anticipating increased wedding business because of the new marriage equality law.
"New York is definitely a destination for weddings of all sizes," said Kathleen Duffy, market director of public relations for New York City Marriott hotels.
Duffy says they have already hosted some same-sex civil unions. "Our guess is with the legislation passing, we will see an increase in the number of couples who do decide to tie the knot," she said.
WCBS 880's Ginny Kosola reports: Hotels Ready For Marriage Equality
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Duffy says Marriott has 14 hotels in the city, including a dramatic location in the heart of it all. "For a bigger ceremony, where would you go other than the Marriott Marquis in Times Square," she said.
Wedding planners are also expecting to see an increase in business thanks to the new same-sex marriage law and one wedding planner from Boston is even moving to New York City because gay marriage is now legal.
WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports: Wedding Planner Excited About Same-Sex Marriage In New York
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For the past seven years, Bernadette Smith has been planning gay wedding celebrations in Massachusetts, but she is packing up and moving back to her home state of New York to help couples plan their "I do's."
"Same-sex weddings is such a fantastic business and every time a state approves same-sex marriages, there is so much demand for wedding planning services," said Smith.
Smith said there is such a positive and fun energy at same-sex weddings. "I see myself not only as a wedding planner but also as an advocate to make sure couples have a traditional wedding celebration."
With same-sex now legal, gay wedding-related spending in New York could generate more than $150 million.
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