Outvite, an online purveyor of stationery catering to the LGBT community, has added Maine, Maryland and Washington to its popular “Hitched” collection of wedding invitations.

Following the exciting news earlier this month when Maine, Maryland and Washington became the first states to pass marriage equality through a public vote, the whimsical designs feature vanity license plates for each state that legally recognizes same-sex marriage. 

The new additions join six other states: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire. Perfect for those tying the knot in the selected states, the designs are printed on are printed on high-quality card stock with the ability to customize the font colors.

Price: $124.99 for a set of 100.
View all Outvite invitation options here.

Brittny Drye is the senior editor of Equally Wed, the nation's premier online magazine for gay and lesbian weddings and honeymoons. Follow her @BrittnyDrye.

Giving thanks has never been sweeter if the wedding is planned for mid-November. The store shelves are stocked with endless cheesy turkeys and old-timey settlers’ garb, but don’t let that deter you from keeping in line with your chic wedding. Skip the prepackaged crafts and try these elegant DIY Thanksgiving-esque centerpieces for the wedding tables.

PUMPKIN VASES

Pumpkins are perfect for gracing the center of guest tables, whether you go au naturale or colorfully chic.

CORNUCOPIA CENTERPIECES

For centerpieces from the 1600’s with a modern twist, try Martha Stewart’s cornucopia tutorial. The interior elements can vary from delicious fruits to accent the holiday, or wedding favors for guests can spill from the horn.

RUSTIC CHIC

The natural elements of twigs and pinecones seamlessly embody fall and Thanksgiving and bring back warm memories from childhood.

FALL FLAVOR

Celebrate the harvest with bundles of seasonal bounty.

The holiday season gives those newly engaged couples the perfect opportunity to announce their engagement to friends and family the old-fashioned way (i.e. pre-Facebook). Here are six creative ways to loop your loved ones in on your exciting news.  

WEDDING WEBSITE

Add a twist to the typical way you tell family by leaving up your new wedding website on the home computer. Imagine your aunt’s surprise when she goes to Google stuffing recipes and ends up seeing your fantastic news!

GAME NIGHT
While you relax in your food coma state post-Thanksgiving dinner, surrounded by family, suggest playing a game and sneakily work in your announcement (we suggest Pictionary or Scrabble).

FAMILY VIDEOS

As part of the holiday traditions, many families like to embarrass you show off your childhood videos to your other half. After watching your five-your-old self in ballet class, insist that you and your partner have your own video to share and pop in the DVD of your announcement.

SAY IT WITH SWEETS

If it’s your duty to bring the dessert, announce your engagement with icing.

NOT-SO-SECRET KEEPER

Have a young niece/nephew/cousin who notoriously can’t keep a secret? Whisper that you are getting married and see how the rumor spreads.

GREATEST GIFT

Pass out gifts for everyone disguised as holiday presents and consisting of your save-the-date or photo showing off the ring. (But don’t forget to give them real gifts!)

Brittny Drye is the senior editor of Equally Wed, the nation's premier online magazine for gay and lesbian weddings and honeymoons. Follow her @BrittnyDrye.

Photo: Real Weddings Jay and Paul, photography by Fodorov Foto; jenicasparks.com; mysweetcenter.blogspot.com

Massachusetts was the first state to successfully pass and instate a same-sex marriage law in 2004, and it has since become one of the most popular locales for gay and lesbian couples to tie the knot in. Thinking of getting hitched in the first marriage equality state? Here’s everything you need to know about getting it in writing:

Do I have to live in Massachusetts to get married there?

No. Any couple can get married as long as other qualifications are met.

Where can I apply for a marriage license?

Both of the intended must appear at a city or town hall and fill out an application form, a Notice of Intention of Marriage. An informational copy is available online, listing the information necessary and the materials you will need to bring.

Is a blood test required?

No.

Is there a waiting period to get the marriage license?

There is a three-day waiting period.

How soon after applying for a license can I get legally married?

There is a three-day waiting period, although a wavier is possible.

Are there witnesses required in order to get legally married?

The state law does not require a witness. However, the clergy and your religious doctrine may require another to be present.

How much is the marriage license application fee?

The fee varies, so specific information can be gathered from the city where you will be applying. A copy of the marriage certificate, after the marriage is registered, can be secured for between $5-$15.

How long is the marriage license valid for?

The license is valid for 60 days after the completion of the application form. (You’ll have 57 days after physically obtaining the license.)

Can I apply online for a marriage license?

The form in online, but both partners have to go to the courthouse.

What paper is required when I apply for my marriage license?

Proof of age is necessary, such as a passport, birth certificate, baptismal certificate, school record, immigration record, naturalization record, life insurance policy, employment certificate or a court record.

Who can officiate the marriage ceremony?

There are three options to perform the marriage ceremony: an in-state Justice of the Peace or clergy, an out-of-state clergy with special permission is granted by the governor, and specially designated “Justice of the Peace for a day” if special permission is granted by the governor.

If I don’t live in Massachusetts, will my marriage be recognized in my home state?
The marriage will be respected in some states, such as Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Washington D.C., Maryland and New Mexico. Rhode Island recognizes the marriage in certain situations. In New Jersey, Illinois and Delaware, the marriage will be respected as a civil union, and in California, Washington and Nevada, the marriage will be seen as a domestic partnership.

Is my Massachusetts gay marriage recognized by the U.S. federal government?
Unfortunately, no it is not.

If I get legally married in Massachusetts, will I still need special legal paperwork to protect my family?

Yes, if you plan to travel with your partner beyond the state of Massachusetts, it will be necessary for you to hire an attorney to draw up paperwork to protect your family in case something happens in a state where your marriage is not recognized. Read our expert advice on how to legally protect your relationship and children.

Is a divorce decree required?

Yes. A divorce must be final at the time of marriage application. Depending on the municipal clerk, proof of divorce may be required.

How do I change my name?

The Notice of Intention marriage application also acts as a legal name change document. There will be questions asking about the new last name you will be taking. If you decide to change your name later, the usual process in the court is available.