Gay weddings could boost D.C. economy

An analysis released by the D.C. Office of the Chief Financial Officer estimates that as much as $22 million in revenue for area businesses could be generated by weddings for thousands of same-sex couples who flock to the city from other states.

The analysis calls the $22 million figure a “high end” estimate and lists a “low end” estimate of $4.5 million to be generated in D.C. and the surrounding suburbs through bookings of hotel rooms, banquet halls and other expenses related to same-sex weddings.

Total tax revenue for the city from same-sex weddings over the next three years could range from a low of $14,970 to a high of about $1 million, according to the analysis. The analysis points to a U.S. Census Bureau survey tracking the years 2006-2008, which shows there were 3,896 same-sex households in the District of Columbia.

“Based on the experience of Massachusetts, we estimate that 50 percent of all same-sex households in D.C. will marry in the three years following the legalization of same-sex marriage,” says the analysis.

“We assume that 25 percent of all same-sex couples in the Virginia and Maryland suburbs in the D.C. metropolitan area will marry in D.C. in three years following the legalization of same-sex marriage,” it says.

It adds, “We assume that 2.5 percent of all same-sex couples in the remaining states will marry in D.C.” in the same three-year period.

The analysis estimates that the surrounding suburbs are likely to share a significant portion of the revenue from same-sex couples traveling to D.C. to marry. “Fifty percent is our best guess,” it says.