WASHINGTON — Virginia’s economy hopes to see a boost from same-sex marriages in the state.
This year, two lower courts overturned the state’s ban on same-sex marriages, but pending a decision from the Supreme Court, license were not handed out.
On Monday, the Supreme Court announced it won’t hear the case and same-sex couples began tying the knot immediately.
Wedding planning is a big money business and local planners hope to see a boost.
“We can go to all kinds of awesome locations in Virginia that we’ve been just so excited about for years,” says Maggie Winters, of the wedding planning business Pop! Wed Co. in Virginia.
Winters says vendors will also see the benefits of more marriages in the state. Businesses from floral companies, to catering, to hotels will see more business as same-sex couples look to tie the knot.
Tourism may also see a boost, says Winters. She says they have planned weddings in Washington D.C. for same-sex couples that have traveled from as far away as Australia.
Hours after word got out, Winters says Pop! Wed Co. received a number of inquires about wedding packages.
But, Winters says this big change in the Commonwealth is about more than just better business, it’s about couples being able to marry wherever they want.
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