Towns and cities in New Mexico are expecting a tourism bump from same-sex couples who can now get marriage licenses in the state, after a ruling from the New Mexico Supreme Court earlier this month. State tourism officials are planning wedding expos for gay and lesbian couples as well as a media blitz.
They are trying to sell New Mexico as a wedding destination for couples living in neighboring states. Businesses including hotels and private chapels have started offering wedding packages to those couples.
Earlier this month, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled it is unconstitutional to bar same-sex couples from getting marriage licenses. New Mexico is one of 18 states plus D.C. that allows same-sex marriage, and while that means the state will have competition, one official in Taos believes New Mexico can sell itself as an inexpensive alternative to places like Hawaii or Massachusetts.
