LOS ANGELES, June 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As gay and lesbian couples in Southern California line up on this historic day to finally receive their marriage licenses, they -- and the many more who will apply in the coming months -- are now faced with a joyous, but daunting task: planning their first wedding!

In response to an overwhelming number of calls from couples looking for gay-friendly businesses, and from business owners who want to provide wedding services for gay and lesbian couples, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center has developed LAGayWeddingGuide.com. From bakeries to DJs to wedding planners, the fast-growing online Guide features businesses that not only want to work with gay and lesbian couples, but support the LGBT community.

"A wedding is often one of the most significant events of a person's life. Planning one is often one of the most overwhelming," said Jim Key, the Center's chief public affairs officer. "Many gay and lesbian couples who are planning to wed now are faced with the double obstacles of locating local wedding-related service providers who support same-sex marriage, as well as planning a wedding on a shorter-than-normal timeframe."

All businesses listed in the guide have made a donation to support the Center's wide range of services for the LGBT community. Couples who use the Guide to plan their weddings can take pride in the fact that they are supporting businesses that support the local LGBT community.

"We are very excited to be listed on this website!" said Susan White, of Bella Weddings and Events, an L.A.-based wedding planning firm listed in the Guide. "We are so proud to be part of this groundbreaking time in California's history."

Additionally, LAGayWeddingGuide.com serves as a valuable resource for out-of-state or out-of-area couples who are planning to come to Southern California to wed and need to locate local businesses to help them plan their ceremonies.

A June 2008 study by UCLA's Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy found that same-sex weddings will account for $683 million in spending from weddings and tourism over the next three years. It is estimated that 118,000 same-sex couples will get married in California in this timeframe, with more than half coming from outside the state.

Businesses looking to add their listing to LAGayWeddingGuide.com can find more information, and an online order form, on the site. Visitors and couples looking to plan weddings should check back often; new businesses and categories are added daily.

About the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center

Since 1971 the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center has been building the health, advocating for the rights and enriching the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Visit us on the Web at: www.lagaycenter.org.

SOURCE L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center