New Mexico Hopes to Get Tourism Boost from Same-sex Marriage Ruling

New Mexico towns and cities are expecting a leap in tourism from same-sex couples who now can get marriage licenses in the state following a New Mexico Supreme Court ruling this month. Officials are planning a

media blitz and gay and lesbian wedding expos in hopes of selling New Mexico as a wedding destination for couples who live in neighbouring states.

Hotels, private chapels, and businesses have started offering packages to couples who want to make the state their wedding destination. The New Mexico Supreme Court this month ruled it unconstitutional to bar same-sex couples from getting marriage licenses.

New Mexico joined 16 other states and the District of Columbia in allowing gay marriage through either legislation, court rulings or voter referendums in a national trend that has dramatically shifted in just a few years. New Mexico will have to fight other states to get the attention of same-sex couples who cannot marry in their home state.

Santa Fe’s Marriott Courtyard will host the state’s first “LGBT Wedding Expo” next month, targeting gay and lesbian couples making plans to tie the knot. The expo will feature 35 vendors selling food, photo packages, and flowers.In the meantime, Hotel Albuquerque has planned a similar expo for May.