State cashing in as same-sex marriages soar

THE change to Australia’s marriage laws is already a win for Queensland’s economy with wedding suppliers reporting a spike in inquiries and bookings from couples.

Heartlift Ceremonies celebrant Christine Cuskelly said that in the four weeks since the law had been changed, four same-sex couples had booked weddings with her.

“I have two booked in January, one in February and another one in April,” Ms Cuskelly said.

“I think this is past time, but wonderful that it’s happening, and the fact any person can now marry their beloved is a fantastic thing.”

Ms Cuskelly said she had performed civil ceremonies for clients who were now booking wedding ceremonies to make the union official.

“The fact it has finally gone ahead means a lot to these people.”

The weddings today will likely be the first same-sex ceremonies in Queensland. Couples who have married in other states were granted an exemption to rules requiring a month-long notice period.

White Lily Couture creative director Alera Kingham-Evans said that female couples had started shopping for wedding dresses even before the “yes” vote win.

“We have noticed more (same-sex) brides coming in together and separately to look at gowns,” she said.

“At the end of the day, for us it doesn’t matter what your sexual preference is, whether you’re gay or straight.

“For us, it’s just about showing any bride … that we have a gown for them and we support marriage in any capacity.”

Mrs Kingham-Evans said that inquiries from same-sex couples had been steadily increasing.

Workplace diversity expert Conrad Liveris estimated in October that same-sex marriage would result in more than $650 million being injected into the national economy and the creation of about 8000 jobs.

Brisbane travel agent Craig Fyfe runs Your Travel Expert and said he had noted a spike in same-sex couples booking honeymoons.

“I’ve got a couple looking at doing a Sea Dream Charter and doing their vows on board with all their family and friends on board.

“I’ve also got couples looking at honeymoons to Africa, the Great Barrier Reef and Japan.

“It’s great to see it all happening.”