ARTICLE: Now that same-sex marriage is legal in New York State, let’s examine some potential wedding venues that are embracing this new legislation and supporting the couples who will benefit.
And, it’s not just couples who are benefiting. According to an article in the “New York Daily News,” hotels, restaurants and major tourism destinations will also benefit from gay couples who choose to tie the knot in New York City.
W New York Hotels: This hotel group was the first in line to help gay couples celebrate the “right to unite.” W New York hotels include: W New York Downtown; W Union Square; W New York; and W Times Square. The full “Right to Unite” wedding package includes:
- Car service to and from City Hall
- A flipcam
- Champagne and a custom wedding cake
- A suite at one of the W New York properties
- Suit press/shoe shine or dress steaming
- Two free nights at the W Vieques (this location recently hosted the gay and lesbian film festival). This offering is subject to availability.
- $200 dinner vouchers and free room upgrades at Kura Hulanda Resorts to couples who book a four-night honeymoon stay.
Rates start at $1,010- per night.
Le Parker Meridien: The $25,000, “Love Has No Boundaries” package is designed for 100 guests (each additional guest is $250). This gay marriage package includes an officiant/ceremony room; one-hour cocktail reception with butler-passed hors d’oeuvres; a five-hour, sit-down dinner with champagne toast, open bar and wedding cake; presidential suite and personalized “Mr. and Mr.” or “Mrs. and Mrs.” monogrammed robes. Each additional guest is $250 per person. For those with a smaller budget, the “Born This Way” brunch package includes 30-minute reception with butler-passed hors d’oeuvres; a two and a half hour sit-down brunch, wedding cake and photo booth with costumes for take-away memorabilia ($125 per person; 25 person minimum).
The InterContinental New York Barclay: The “Worth the Wait” package combines tradition, fun and peaceful harmony. It includes: a complimentary specialty suite for two nights overlooking the stunning Chrysler Building; a one-hour cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres; a four-course sit-down dinner; champagne toast; open bar; rainbow wedding cake; a 50-minute couples massages; and a reception serenade by New York’s famous Stonewall Chorale. The package starts at $175 per person with a minimum of 40. A percentage of the wedding cost will be donated to GMHC, the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy.
The Setai: This trendy, boutique hotel offers a “Yours Truly” gay wedding package that starts at $350 per person. This package includes use of dressing rooms for the brides or grooms; two, one-hour Swedish massages; a four-hour premium open-bar; cocktail hour with four canapés; champagne toast; a three-course dinner; and cake cutting.
Glen Cove Mansion Hotel: This venue is located just outside of New York City on Long Island. It has introduced a “rainbow edition” of its iPad wedding package. Couples who marry in 2011 and hold their celebration at the Mansion will receive a new iPad 2, outfitted with a rainbow case and loaded with their wedding photos. Glen Cove Mansion is also waving the ceremony fee and including champagne at the wedding event…whether it’s a ceremony or the reception.
So, as you can see, there are many choices for gay couples when it comes to getting hitched in New York City and this is only the short list. So, if you are ready to say “I do,” New York City awaits.
Copr. © 2011 New York Netwire and Liisa Sullivan. Originally published on NewYorkNetwire.com. No payment or consideration has been provided by any venue mentioned in this article.
