Hawaii’s new law allowing same-sex couples to marry went into effect at midnight on Monday, and couples around the state wasted no time in tying the knot.
Just moments after midnight, resorts hosted mass ceremonies for couples to become among the first to take advantage of the new law, according to the Associated Press. The state’s marriage laws allow couples to to register for a marriage license and be married on the same day, and and license agents set up laptops at some locations to allow couples to register shortly before being married.
Because Hawaii allows for same-day marriage licenses, the state is already a tourist destination for couples getting married, and marriage tourism is expected to increase now that the new law is in effect. A University of Hawaii researcher estimated that the state will benefit to the tune of $217 million over the next three years because of the gay marriage law.
[AP]