February 3, 2015
Get Hitched: 3 of the Latest Hotspots to Get Married (Legally!)
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 6 MIN.
Massive momentum is underway on the gay marriage front, thanks in large part to the longstanding efforts of the Human Rights Campaign. For younger members of the LGBT community, it may be hard to imagine that in 2006 Massachusetts was the only state to recognize gay marriage rights. Now - merely nine years later - a whopping 36 states recognize gay marriage, with Florida, Arizona and Virginia among the more recent additions to the roster.
HRC's 1.5 million members and supporters have been at the forefront of many initiatives across the country, continuing to put gay marriage front and center. While much has been accomplished, the fight continues. Yet there are triumphs to celebrate as thousands of gay and lesbian couples take advantage of recent rulings to formally declare their love for one another, and residents of remaining states are hopeful for Supreme Court hearings in April. With Florida's recent ruling, 70 percent of Americans live in marriage equality states.
EDGE highlights three destinations where you can legally tie the knot and do it in style.
A Beachside Wedding: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale, a longtime favorite LGBT destination, is so excited about Florida's recent ruling that they're hosting a historic sunrise beach wedding in front of the W Fort Lauderdale. The ceremony is scheduled for February 5 and will be presided over by Reverend Dr. Durrell Watkins, senior minister of the Sunshine Cathedral. For those not ready for a shotgun wedding, the W offers a "Love is Love" package that includes private airport transfer, oceanview room, massage and mani/pedi for two, and more amenities.
"I'm extremely proud of the willingness and openness of our hospitality community to affect change for the better. And as we commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the founding of Broward County in 2015, we're excited to extend our never wavering support of the LGBT community, and provide couples gay and straight from across the country to be a part of this significant day in history," said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
For post-ceremony celebrations, Fort Lauderdale locals recommend
Fort Lauderdale has been a longtime mecca for gay travelers (and locals, too), so while in town newlyweds should be sure to frequent some of the 150 LGBT-owned businesses, many of which are located in the self-proclaimed "gayborhood" of Wilton Manors. Those seeking culture can head to the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection and 20th Century Mexican Art from the Stanley and Pearl Goodman Collection will showcase exemplary samples of prominent works from contemporary Mexican artists. And, of course, no romantic trip to Fort Lauderdale is complete without a visit to The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens where visitors can walk among one of the largest collections of orchids in the Southeast United States.
For more Fort Lauderdale wedding ideas, visit www.sunny.org/lgbt.
A Desert Wedding: Scottsdale, Arizona
On October 14, 2014, Arizona joined the ranks as U.S. District Court Judge John Sedwick (who, ironically, was nominated by President George W. Bush) ruled against the state's amendment banning marriage equality.
"Yet again, today's court rulings affirm there is no justifiable reason to keep these discriminatory marriage bans on the books," said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Legal Director Sarah Warbelow at the time. "Laws prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying serve no purpose other than to harm Americans who simply want to protect and provide for themselves and their families."
One of the key players in mobilizing the state's resources was HRC Board of Directors member and Tempe resident Sheila Kloefkorn, who was named a "Fearless LGBT Advocate" by The Arizona Republic's editorial board, stating, "One of the founders of Why Marriage Matters Arizona, she (Kloefkorn) was among the first to make her union legal... She'd also been part of the effort to rally businesses against Senate Bill 1062, which she saw as a green light to discriminate against gays and lesbians."
Desert luxury awaits at W Scottsdale, which features an infinity pool with desert views, a reimagined soaring lobby called "The Living Room," and WET - a 24-hour pool experience offering luxurious private cabanas. Best of all, W Scottsdale is pet-friendly, so your four-legged friend can be the ring bearer and receive its own pet bed and turn down treat!
After a day of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, head to the heart of Old Town Scottsdale to The Upton for "undefined American" cuisine from chef Chriss Schlattman. Seasonal ingredients and global influences merge for casual riffs on familiar favorites. The cocktail menu is equally enticing, offering well-thought cocktails including the aptly named The Last Word, comprised of green chartreuse, No. 3 gin, Luxardo maraschino and fresh lime juice.
Scottsdale has a long history of fine art, and what better way to celebrate one's nuptials than by acquiring an original piece of art? Originally launched by Tom and Ann Morrow, Celebration of Fine Art commemorates 25 years as one of the city's most beloved perennial festivals, encompassing 40,000-square-feet as well as a sculpture garden. Special exhibitions and events are held throughout the 10-week event, which takes place this year through March 29.
A West Coast Wedding: Seattle, Washington
Washington is one of three states that passed gay marriage by popular vote and our friends in the northwest have been celebrating same-sex nuptials ever since. More recently, Seattle ranked as one of 38 cities across the U.S. that scored a perfect 100 on HRC's Municipal Equality Index, which examines the laws, policies, and services of municipalities and rates them on the basis of their inclusivity of LGBT people who live and work there.
The W Seattle puts guests at the center of downtown and a quick stroll from Pike Place Market. The 26-story hotel features 415 guest rooms and 8 suites, along with Trace Bar - a craft cocktail lover's dream featuring signature drinks co-created by celebrity mixologist Charlotte Voisey.
Seattle's welcoming vibe begins once guests land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which features a rotating roster of 40 local musicians playing throughout the airport seven days per week. But for a truly immersive LGBT scene, head to Capitol Hill.
For an unconventional marriage celebration in the neighborhood, consider:
Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
