Union-Seekers Elope to Vermont Inns

Author: Greg Duggan

Whether or not Vermonters agree or disagree with civil unions on moral grounds, they would have a difficult time disputing the practice on an economic basis. Since Vermont became the first and only state to offer civil unions to same-sex couples, yet another group of visitors has a reason to travel to the Green Mountains. In addition to already established draws such as hiking and camping, fall foliage and skiing, civil unions have allowed for the already-important tourism sector of the state's economy to grow even larger. For both residents and out-of-staters, Vermont's many inns and bed-and-breakfasts serve as ideal locations for same-sex couples to spend a romantic weekend while obtaining and celebrating a civil union.

In the two and a half years since civil unions were legalized, over 5,600 ceremonies have been performed, the large majority for non-residents. Inns and bed and breakfasts throughout the state took advantage of the Internet to advertise civil union packages on gay-oriented Web sites and travel Web sites, reaching a large population that would be interested in seeking civil unions. Some inns report hosting 300 civil unions over the past three years, often by offering packages that can include anything from massages to daily ski passes.

Addison County has not established itself as a hotbed for couples seeking civil unions, but local innkeepers have nonetheless taken steps to welcome same-sex couples. Neither Tracey Getty, owner of Middlebury's Waybury Inn, nor Joyce Henderson, owner of Ripton's Chipman Inn, has noticed a significant increase in business since the creation of civil unions. Getty estimated that the Waybury Inn sees between three and five couples a year coming for civil unions, while Henderson has had just three civil unions that she is aware of since the creation of the law.

As Henderson added, however, "There has been no negative side" to the unions. This attitude has given both innkeepers motivation to reach out to the gay community and offer themselves as a place for same-sex couples to stay when visiting Vermont. While the Waybury Inn does not provide specific packages to civil union-seekers - Getty said, "We treat civil unions the same way we treat a wedding" - it does have links on its Web site that provide gay couples with all the necessary information and paperwork regarding civil unions. Like the Waybury Inn, the Chipman Inn does not offer any special packages, but it does advertise itself on several gay-oriented Web sites.

Other areas of the state have received more beneficial economic gains as a result of civil unions. Brattleboro, for instance, has hosted close to 300 civil unions during each of the three full years since the unions came into being. Because the majority of these ceremonies have been held for non-Vermonters, it can be assumed that at least a portion of the visitors have made use of local businesses. In addition to inns and bed-and-breakfasts, photographers, florists and restaurants all receive some of the money spent by couples in civil union ceremonies. While other states across the country debate whether or not to open themselves to gay marriages or civil unions, Vermont has and continues to take advantage of the benefits it affords itself by being the sole provider of the practice.