How to Have a Gay Wedding

By eHow Weddings Editor

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Gay marriage is legally recognized in just one of the 50 U.S. States, Massachusetts. However, many other countries consider same-sex marriage as binding as heterosexual unions. Here are some ways to have a gay wedding in the United States or abroad.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate
Step1
Choose where you will have the wedding if you want to have a legal same-sex marriage. Massachusetts has legalized same-sex marriages but sanctioning countries including Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Spain, and South Africa.
Step2
Realize that some restrictions may apply to people from other countries marrying in jurisdictions that have legal same-sex marriage. Thorough investigation is necessary before deciding to have a wedding in another country.
Step3
Recognize that a gay wedding performed legally in another country may not be recognized as legal in the United States. Individual states aren't obligated to validate marriages from other locales, so check the laws carefully.
Step4
Prepare to only be able to have a civil wedding, rather than a church wedding. Churches are not required to perform same-sex marriages, so a civil ceremony may be your only option.
Step5
Be aware of other options for legal recognition of same-sex couples as you plan your wedding. Some jurisdictions grant partnerships, civil unions and domestic partnerships to gay couples. These relationships can have many of the legal benefits of traditional marriages, including inheritance, insurance plans, social security benefits, pensions, tax reductions and unemployment benefits.

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eHow Article: How to Have a Gay Wedding

eHow Weddings Editor

eHow Weddings Editor

Category: Weddings

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