If you are a fan of same-sex weddings, mark June 2nd in Chicago on your calendar. In celebration of the first day civil-union are legally recognized in the state of Illinois, the city is playing host to 30 simultaneous ceremonies at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 2, at Wrigley Square in Millennium Park.
“What a terrific way for the City of Chicago to ring in civil unions. Having dozens of couples celebrate their love and commitment literally surrounded by the entire city is such a powerful symbol for how far we have come as a society,” said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, in a prepared statement.
This year, the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act passed by a 61-vote majority in the House and a 32-vote majority in the Senate, making Illinois the sixth state to recognize civil unions. Of course the bill is flawed, stopping short of full marriage equality.
But marriage politics will not dampen the enthusiasm of the 30 couples. They will obtain a civil-union license from the Cook County Clerk’s office June 1, and then gather in beautiful Millenium Park for a grand ceremony to end all ceremonies.
Check out the full GayCities guide to wedding planning in Chicago
Photo of marriage ceremony submitted by GayCities member jclouser
Chicago’s Millenium Park by Explore Chicago
