Same-Sex Marriage Expected to be a Boon to Stillwater's Wedding Industry

Minnesota became the 13th state to legalize same-sex marriage today.

While Aug. 1 wasn’t filled with midnight marriage ceremonies in Washington County like it was in Hennepin and Ramsey, same-sex marriage is expected to be a boon to Stillwater’s wedding industry.

Washington County has been accepting same-sex marriage applications since the bill passed the legislature earlier this year.

County employees do not keep track of the number of marriage license applications.

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton issued a proclamation designating Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, to be ‘Freedom to Marry Day’ in Minnesota. 

Not one to miss the chance to weigh in on the historic hours to come, Dayton pointed to historic national documents and, of course, love in this proclamation. 

Fourth District U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a long-time supporter of the LGBT community, also praised the state’s legalization of same-sex marriage.

In a statement, McCollum wrote:

“Congratulations to all the couples who will profess their love and commitment, starting at midnight, when Minnesota will join a dozen other states that recognize same-sex marriages. I am inspired by the dedication, compassion, and courage of my fellow Minnesotans who worked tirelessly to make marriage equality a reality in our state.”

“Our state’s support for same-sex marriage rights represents yet another historic step in the fight for all LGBT Americans to be recognized and treated equally under the law.”

Same-sex couples have been celebrating commitment ceremonies at Stillwater wedding venues like the Washington County Histrocial Courthouse for several years, Carolyn Phelps said. So far, a couple who has been together for 19 years have booked a wedding at the historic courthouse that will take place later this week, and another have booked the venue for a date next summer.

Rev. Buff Grace told the Stillwater Gazette last week that one same-sex couple has registered for a marriage at Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Stillwater, but no date has been set yet.

Trinity Lutheran Church has also received a couple of same-sex marriage reservations, Phelps said.

“At the historic courthouse, we’ve had a number of calls, several visits and a couple of bookings,” Phelps said. “We’re always booked solid for weddings, but we expect to see even more interest—this is a new market for wedding venues and a new group we look forward to working with.”

In all, there are more than 20 wedding venues in Stillwater.