New York State Senator Malcolm A. Smith Joins Clergy and Leaders from around NYS to Announce Wedding Ceremony for Hundreds of Couples

(Bethpage, NY)-New York State Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D- St. Albans), clergy and other public officials joined together to announce the region’s largest wedding ceremony being offered for free at Bethpage State Park on July 26, 2011 at 12 Noon. The day will be recognized as Marriage for All Day.
 
 Over $300 Million worth of revenue will be pumped into the economy due to the influx of couples from across the nation that will come to New York City and Long Island to get married.
 
“History has been made in the State of New York. The Empire State has shown the world that we are ready for equality and that we really are One New York,” said Senator Smith.
 
The event held at Carlyle on the Green located on a 1,400 acre State Park, will be one of the first ceremonies for hundreds of couples to participate in after the new same sex law has been passed.
 
Steve Carl, owner of Carlyle on the Green said: “I think it’s great that the State of New York passed the gay marriage bill. It’s about time that everyone in New York State is given the opportunity to marry. I am delighted to be able to host this event.”
 
 David Kilmnick, PhD, MSW, Chief Executive Officer of Long Island  Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender(GLBT) Services Network said:“Same-sex couples have waited for decades to be able to get married and be able to access 1,324 rights and benefits that marriage provides in New York. To finally be an equal is almost indescribable to many GLBT New Yorkers. But the day has arrived where all New York families are equal and everyone across our great state can dream of marrying the person they fall in love with and we are thankful to all that have made that possible.”
 
All couples throughout New York State and beyond that would like to get married are encouraged to come out to Carlyle on the Green with their marriage license in hand. Couples may apply for marriage licenses in any town or city clerk's office with both people present and appropriate identification. A marriage license is valid for 60 days from date of issue, beyond that time a couple must reapply. Although a license is issued immediately, couples must wait at least 24 hours before marrying. Gay and lesbian couples may apply for marriage license as of July 5, 2011 but cannot be married until the official date of July 26, 2011. For more information call Carlyle on the Green at (516) 501-9700 or log onto Ligayweddings.org.