Same-Sex Marriage Law Could Boost Local Business

Same-sex marriage could supercharge the local economy, as some 63,000 gay and lesbian couples are expected to marry in New York State in the next three years once the law takes effect July 24, according to a recent report by the Senate Independent Democratic Conference.

The report estimates 21,309 gay and lesbian couples from New York and some 41,907 non-New York gay and lesbian couples looking to New York for a "destination wedding" will tie the knot between 2011-14. It also claims that New York marriage equality could generate approximately $391 million in "increased economic activity, revenue and savings" in that same time period.  

The Marriage Equality Act passed the Senate June 24 by a vote of 33-29 and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation into law that same evening.

This was welcomed news for The Garden City Hotel, which has been catering weddings for decades. In February, the hotel was approved as a Travel Alternatives Group (TAG) accommodation because of its "non-discriminatory business practices" on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

"We have a deep appreciation for the diversity of our community," said Kim Morrone, the hotel's marketing communications director. "Through TAG approval, we are open in our show of respect to both guests and employees who are gay and lesbian."

Patrick S. Smalley, the hotel's managing director, adds, "We have served the LGBT market for many years and welcome being a part of their lives with this new dimension of celebration. As with every couple, we continue to do what we always do well at The Garden City Hotel. We host dream weddings tailored to each couple's hopes and wishes to create a lifetime of memories. We are also part of many couples' lives from proposals and engagement parties to anniversary celebrations. We wish all our couples many happy years together."

Garden City-based event photographer Rachel Wolf is hoping New York's passage of same-sex marriage will expand her clientele.

"I'm hoping it boosts business," she said. "In fact, I'm running a special for same sex marriages - $1,000 for the big day! I am also offering a $500 engagement special for gay/lesbian couples too."

A fourth-generation owner, Tim Feldis of Feldis Florists in Garden City and Merrick said they specialize in smaller and mid-sized weddings and parties, catering to more than 100 events each year.

"We are excited about the Marriage Equality Act," he said. "We are hopeful that we will see an increase in wedding business."