First Same Sex Couples Get Married in Hawaii in Sweet Group Ceremony

Early Monday morning, a group of same sex couples were the first to get married in Hawaii in a group wedding celebration. Gay marriage was legalized in the state in November, making Hawaii the 15th such state to do so in the United States.

According to the Associated Press, the law in Hawaii lets couples get a marriage license and marry in the same day, which makes it a particularly great place for those who want to tie the knot (and if flights out there ever get cheaper, should make Las Vegas nervous. In a piece for NPR entitled “Could Hawaii Become A Same-Sex Wedding Destination?” (the answer is yes, just like it’s a straight marriage wedding destination), researcher Summer Lacroix says, “Same sex couples will be attracted to Hawaii for the same reasons that opposite sex couples are attracted to Hawaii” – the weather, the beaches and “the aloha spirit.”

Gary Bradley, right, along with partner Paul Perry, anxiously wait for their marriage license to be approved.

Lacroix also estimates that the legalization of same sex marriage in the state will boost tourism revenue $217 million in the next three years.

Saralyn Morales, center left, and Isajah Morales walk down the aisle at the Sheraton Waikiki.