With same-sex marriage finally being recognized and legal in the State of Florida on Jan. 6, many people are looking for ways to celebrate this historic event – whether they’re looking to get married or not.
Here is a list of some wedding ceremonies and celebrations that are taking place throughout Central Florida and Tampa Bay that you can attend in honor of marriage equality coming to Florida Jan. 6.
POLK COUNTY
Polk Stands Together
Jan. 6, 10 a.m.
Polk County Government Center
Join Lakeland Equality as they rally and show support for Polk County residents finally being able to obtain same-sex marriage licenses. For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/781484128591097/.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Mass Wedding
Jan. 6, 12 p.m.
Joe Chillura Courthouse Square
Join Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Pat Frank and couples from around Tampa Bay as they participate in a mass same-sex wedding ceremony in downtown Tampa. All couples must have their licenses beforehand. The park is located directly across the street from the Clerk’s downtown Tampa office.
Tampa: Marriage Recognition Celebration
Jan.6, 6 p.m.
Metropolitan Community Church
Join ACLU of Florida and the Tampa LGBT Support Network as they celebrate same-sex marriage recognition finally coming to Florida. A wedding cake and light refreshments will be provided to those in attendance.
ORANGE COUNTY
Greater Orlando Celebration for Marriage Equality
Jan. 6, 7 p.m.
The Hammered Lamb
Join The Hammered Lamb as they celebrate this historic day for same-sex couples across Florida. This will also be the reception place for the newlyweds from The Center’s Mass Wedding event. This event is hosted in partnership with many local LGBT organizations, including Equality Florida, The Center, Zebra Coalition and many others.
Vowed & Proud
Jan. 6, 9-11 a.m.
Orlando City Hall Rotunda
The City of Orlando and MBA Orlando are teaming up to help celebrate this historic moment in Florida by holding a mass wedding ceremony for same-sex couples on the first day same-sex marriages will be recognized. Mayor Buddy Dyer will be officiating, and Commissioners Patty Sheehan, Robert Stuart, Regina Hill and Samuel Ings will be present along with many others.
Vowed & Proud Reception
Jan. 6, 11 a.m.
The Veranda at Thornton Park
Partnering with MBA Orlando, The Veranda will be hosting the first-ever reception for a same-sex wedding after the City of Orlando’s “Vowed & Proud” ceremony. Light hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary champagne toast will be provided. All of the family and friends of the newlyweds are invited to join. RSVP at Jennie@VerandaEvents.com.
Central Florida Gets Married!
Jan. 6, 6 p.m.
The Center
Approximately 50 couples will tie the knot at this mass wedding ceremony, with Circuit Court Judge Bob LeBlanc as the officiate. Everyone and anyone is welcomed to cheer on and congratulate the participants on this special day. A wedding reception will be held at The Hammered Lamb afterward.
Love Wins
Jan. 6, 7 p.m.
Joy MCC
Rev. Terri Steed Pierce will perform a series of marriages, along with a gay marriage rally and celebration that will also take place in honor of same-sex marriage legalization across the state of Florida.
Marriage Equality Victory Rally
Jan. 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Space Coast Pride is holding a rally to celebrate the first day same-sex couples can legally be married in the State of Florida. They’re inviting people to bring signs and noisemakers. They will be meeting on the corner of corner of Evans and US-192.
Free Weddings for Same-Sex Couples
Jan. 10, 1-5 p.m.
First Unitarian Church of Orlando
Free wedding ceremonies will be offered to couples the Saturday after same-sex marriage becomes legal in Florida. Make sure you bring your marriage license. There will be wedding cupcakes and photographs taken also. Ceremonies will be for each individual couple and brief. Couples may request a ceremony time by emailing minister@orlandouu.org.
DRIP Celebrates Marriage Equality!
Any couple of any gender married in the first year of same-sex legalization
DRIP
DRIP events is celebrating marriage equality coming to Central Florida by offering a free reception or engagement party venue. The venue 5,100 sq. ft. creative warehouse with an available bar that holds parties of 50 to 250 people. Booze and entertainment options available. Call 347-855-3747 or email events@ilovedrip.com to reserve a date.
BREVARD COUNTY
Marriage Equality Victory Rally
Jan. 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Space Coast Pride is holding a rally to celebrate the first day same-sex couples can legally be married in the State of Florida. They’re inviting people to bring signs and noisemakers. They will be meeting on the corner of corner of Evans and US-192, 1990 West New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32904.
