Last year, the Supreme Court correctly ruled that under the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause, no state may deny the right of same sex couples to marry. So gay couples and members of the LGBTQ can now marry in any state.
So why marry in Maine?
1. Maine was the first state to legalize gay marriage by popular vote.
Maine is an exceptionally welcoming state with a strong record of individual rights. In fact, Maine was the FIRST state to legalize gay marriage by popular vote. While gay marriage was legalized in Massachusetts in 2004 by judicial ruling, Maine was the first to legalize it through referendum. In other words, the people of Maine wanted to allow gay marriage, and they now welcome members of the LGBTQ community with open arms.
2. Maine offers excellent value for high-end venues and vendor services.
Compared to the rest of New England, Maine wedding venues and vendors in Maine are exceptionally good value. An elegant Maine wedding venue might cost $4,000 to $15,000, compared to $10K to $50K in Boston or New York. The very best photographers, florists, caterers, and musicians in Maine will cost significantly less than their equally skilled counterparts in other New England locations. Even if you’re coming from far away, Maine is a great choice for a destination wedding, and here are some tips on how to plan your destination wedding from afar.
3. Get married in a traditional church setting or even a former Catholic church!
Many religions – most notably the Catholic church – do not recognize gay marriage, so if you’ve dreamed of a fairytale wedding in a traditional chapel or a former Catholic church, Maine offers several options. For example, the Agora Grand Event Center was created from the former St. Patrick’s Catholic church and has both a traditional chapel, surrounded by stunning stained glass windows, as well a large, beautiful reception hall, and LGBTQ couples are welcome to legally wed and celebrate their love at this former Catholic church. Other examples include the Bates College chapel in Lewiston, a gorgeous non-denominational chapel available for a small fee, and Grace Restaurant in Portland, a classy restaurant created from a former church and available for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
4. Maine offers the best of all worlds within an hour’s drive.
Consider Lewiston-Auburn (“L/A”), Maine’s second largest cosmopolitan area. L/A itself boasts excellent restaurants, bars, hotels, breweries, and a thriving art scene, but it is also within a half-hour drive to beaches, mountains, skiing, hiking, camping, National parks, and Portland.
Elegant and luxury wedding venues in Maine actively welcome gay couples and support gay marriage. If it’s time for you and your partner to tie the knot, consider the first state to legalize gay marriage by popular vote — Consider Maine. If you have more questions or would like more information about the Agora Grand, let us know!
Agora Grand Wedding Castle