NY Same-Sex Marriage: 31 Couples Revive Niagara Falls As Honeymoon HQ

31 same-sex couples will be married in Niagara Falls next Monday, after Governor Cuomo’s marriage equality bill goes into effect, as part of an attempt by the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation to revive Niagara Falls State Park as the nation’s honeymoon headquarters. From the post-Civil War era through the 1960’s Niagara Falls was the honeymoon destination for America and popular around the world. The 1953 movie Niagara, with stars Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotten cemented the Falls reputation. But more recently, Niagara Falls has lost its pull.

An article in the local NY Niagara Gazette profiles the wedding of one of the thirty-one couples.

Youngstown [NY] resident Mark Lynch and his long-time partner, Thomas Korn, have been dreaming about their wedding day for years.

Next week, Lynch and Korn — who recently celebrated their 29th anniversary together — will officially tie the knot as part of a unique group same-sex marriage ceremony at Niagara Falls State Park.

“To be married in that park is so special to me,” said Lynch, a Niagara Falls native who recalls visiting the park often as a youngster. “It’s just so cool. It really is just the coolest thing in the world to not only be married in the state of New York, but to be married in Niagara Falls and in that park.”

Lynch and Korn are among 31 same-sex couples who have signed on to participate in what representatives from the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp. believe will be the first group ceremony of its kind since last month’s passage of the Marriage Equality Act. Representatives from the tourism agency have now officially set the date. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Monday on Goat Island near the brink of the American and Bridal Veil Falls.

“This is such an historic moment for the gay and lesbian community,” Lynch said. “We are so happy that this is finally happening in New York state.”

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