Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit overturned same-sex marriage bans in Nevada last month, paving the way for gay marriage in Las Vegas.
In addition to being a victory for gay couples, the ruling could lead to even greater tourism numbers in Vegas, from hotels to wedding chapels.
In fact, MGM Resorts International, which owns 13 properties in Vegas, is already promoting wedding packages based on the ruling.
A release from MGM Resorts read: "Wedding chapels across MGM Resorts' destinations in Las Vegas are delighted to welcome all couples to celebrate their special day. Prior to Nevada's marriage ban for same-sex couples being eliminated, MGM Resorts' Las Vegas chapels offered commitment ceremonies and are now able to offer wedding ceremonies to all couples."
In addition to MGM Resorts' existing packages, MGM Resorts properties such as Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Luxor and Excalibur are featuring wedding packages to accommodate same-sex couples. Bellagio is promoting its "Amore Mio" package. ARIA offers its "Serendipity" and "Dream" packages. MGM Grand features its "And Then Forever" package. Luxor and Excalibur are offering up two separate packages dubbed "Same Love." The Wedding Chapel at ARIA is offering same-sex couples a 20 percent discount on any wedding package and a 10 percent discount on food and beverage packages as long as couples book before Dec. 31.
Many of MGM Resorts' wedding packages allow for customization to ensure same-sex couples are accommodated entirely. Mandalay Bay and Circus Circus also have existing wedding packages that can be customized to suit the needs of same-sex couples.
Caesars Entertainment is another company for gay couples to consider in Vegas. After the ruling, Caesars announced that same-sex couples will receive 15 percent off wedding ceremonies at any of its chapels through March 1. Caesars has supported such events as the local pride festival for years, forming partnerships with Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) and the Human Rights Campaign. Caesars has scored a perfect 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index for six consecutive years.
But the potential impact of gay tourism on Vegas also goes beyond hotel companies, of course. Local wedding chapels stand to draw more visitors and experience an increase in business, especially chapels that have serviced the gay community the best they could for years.
Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel, one such chapel, is the only gay-owned chapel in Vegas. The chapel, courtesy of owner Ron Decar, is not only known for offering special themed weddings, but it was also the first to offer non-binding commitment ceremonies to LGBT couples before gay marriage was legalized in Nevada.
The chapel's website proudly celebrates the same-sex marriage ruling. A webpage dedicated to same-sex marriage reads: "On October 7, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the freedom to marry, allowing same-sex couples to legally marry in Nevada. We are thrilled and excited to offer lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples legal same-sex wedding packages in Las Vegas. Come join us when it's time to celebrate your marriage with a Traditional, Elvis or Themed wedding from Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapels."
Couples can view Viva Las Vegas' entire selection of wedding packages at www.vivalasvegasweddings.com.
While not all companies that offer wedding ceremonies are providing for gay couples after the ruling, the quick response and commitment of large companies such as MGM Resorts and well-respected local companies like Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapels demonstrate that gay couples can finally legally and comfortably marry in the "Wedding Capital of the World."
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