Wedding Equality

Rick and P.D.

Des Moines, Iowa

The Chicago couple traveled to their neighboring state where they were able to be legally married. Rev. Mark Stringer officiated. Thanks to P.D. for the submission!

Becky Stamler and Lisa Macdonald

Lynn Helms and Laura Murphey

John Johnson and Eric Hinson

April 3, 2011

Washington, D.C.

These pictures feature three of seven couples who recently traveled together from Charlotte, North Carlina, to Washington, D.C. to be legally married - even though their marriages will not be recognized back at home. Three clergy also made the journey to officiate the weddings: Rev. Nancy Allison, a United Church of Christ pastor; Rev. Robin Tanner, a Unitarian Universalist pastor; and Rabbi Judy Schindler. The source link includes a full news story. 

(Source: charlotteobserver.com)

Bruce Knotts and Isaac Humphrie, 2006

Canada

The couple, who live in New York City, were married in Canada. They are now fighting for the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act so that their marriage will be recognized at home. Add your voice here.

(Source: standingonthesideoflove.org)

Terrance Heath and Rick Imirowicz, together with their sons, Parker and Dylan, and officiant, Rev. Robert Hardies, March 9, 2010

Washington, D.C.

Marriage licenses first became available to same-sex couples in D.C. a year ago today. Those licenses were accepted for filing starting on the 9th, making this couple among the first same-sex couples to marry there. More photos here. Interview with the couple here. Video here. 

Sean Fritz and Timothy McQuillan, August 31, 2007

Des Moines, Iowa

They were the first same-sex couple to marry in the state during a brief window when it was legal for just a few hours. The district court judge who had ruled in favor of marriage equality issued a stay the next day, preventing any other same-sex couples from obtaining a wedding license until the state’s Supreme Court ruled in 2009. Also featured in the picture is the couple’s officiant, Rev. Mark Stringer, minister of the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. The wedding took place on Stringer’s front lawn. 

Dave Wilson and Rob Compton, May 17, 2004

Boston, Massachusetts

Rev. Kim Crawford Harvie signs the couple’s wedding license at the Unitarian Universalist Arlington Street Church the day that same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts. The couple was one of seven who sued the state for the right to marry. 

Jackie and Terry, 1996

Iowa

Zach Wahls, 19, the son of Jackie and Terry, recently made a viral video splash with his eloquent testimony before the Iowa House of Representatives in defense of marriage equality. He later appeared on television together with his mothers and his sister. This picture features him at his mothers’ commitment ceremony in 1996. They later legally married in 2009 when Iowa extended the freedom to marry. At their second ceremony, Zach served as his moms’ best man.

Hillary and Julie Goodridge, May 17, 2004

Boston, Massachusetts

The Goodridges were lead plaintiffs in the case that led to marriage equality in Massachusetts. They were married on the first day that it became legal. Also in the picture are their daughter, Annie, serving as ring bearer, and the officiant, Rev. William Sinkford, who was then president of the Unitarian Universalist Association.