Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Summer is typically the busiest season of the year for weddings, but planners and city officials are preparing for an overloaded schedule as same-sex couples will be able to marry in New York State on Monday, July 25.
From invitations to decorations, wedding planners are adjusting to new possibilities. For many planners in the area, the same-sex marriage business is not yet in full bloom, but they've been preparing to meet the needs of any couple that walks in the door.
“Cakes will be cakes, flowers will be flowers because that's all personal taste whether we're gay straight or otherwise. But I do believe that finally getting that certificate is saying that they're man and man, wife and wife, family and family will be more special,” said Jamie Owens of wedding planning agency A Pink Door.
And Syracuse is helping couples obtain their certificates even faster. The City Clerk's Office announced it will be open over the weekend to accommodate the influx of people expected.
The door will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Sunday that same-sex couples can apply for their marriage licenses.
The Syracuse City Clerk says the marriage law goes into affect during the busiest time of year for marriage applications. Opening on Sunday will be the best way to manage that first week.
“People on the phone have been very upbeat and happy about the opportunity to come as soon as possible, so that's the other reason we decided to open on Sunday,” said Syracuse City Clerk John Copanas.
With the paperwork settled, wedding bells will ring in Syracuse no matter who is topping the cake.
The city workers that will be staffing the office on the extra Sunday will not be paid overtime. He says they are salary-based and the day will be slotted as a half day.
