Gay Weddings Keep California Economy Moving in Tough Times
Market Watch - The Wall Street Journal Digital Network
November 3, 2008

Just one day before a State wide election that may overturn the California Supreme Court's recent ruling in favor of same-sex marriage, staffers at The Hollywood Chapel in West Hollywood are gearing up for a record number of same-sex weddings.

"Over the last several weeks, we've seen a steady increase in the number of same-sex couples coming in to get married," says Reverend Lorelei Starbuck, an ordained minister and co-owner of the Hollywood Chapel. "Clearly some same-sex couples are feeling the pressure to tie the knot before the election." Most experts have agreed that same-sex weddings that occur before the November 4th are likely to remain legal regardless of the outcome of the election. Many couples have rushed to marry in advance of the election in case the controversial measure is passed by voters.

A June 2008 study produced by the Williams Institute at UCLA estimates that extending marriage to same-sex couples could boost California's state and local government revenues by over $63.8 million. "We opened our chapel less than a year ago and we've been operating in the black ever since the May court ruling," says Starbuck. "Our business is thriving despite the economic downturn, as are the florists, caterers, tailors, spas, hotels and other vendors we work with to create wedding packages for our couples and their out-of-town guests."

Many of California's small business owners that have seen an uptick in revenue related to the recent rush of same-sex marriages worry that if measure 8 passes, couples will take their business to other states that legalize same-sex marriage sooner rather than later. "Given the state of the economy, it seems silly to send business to other states," says Starbuck. "Why not keep it in California where it can do us all some good?"