As we near the exciting date in Washington when same-sex couples’ marriages will be legally recognized, vendors around the state are celebrating.

Two of Seattle’s premier wedding venues, The MV Skansonia and The Lake Union Café & Bakery, are opening their doors with a very special event in support and celebration of Washington State’s passage of Referendum 74.

Each site is hosting a complimentary multi-ceremony and reception for a limited number of registered couples on December 9 (couples can apply for their marriage licenses on December 6). And vendors, from florists to photographers, are sponsoring the event and donating their talents to make each couple’s day memorable.

At the MV Skansonia: Registered couples should arrive at 2 p.m. with their completed marriage license. They will then pick up boutonnieres/bouquets designed by MyDann.com and Emerald City Orchids and get their photos taken by A Beautiful Day Photography and Photo Elan. Hors d’oeuvres will be passed until 3 p.m., when couples will proceed to the ceremony, conducted by Rev. Ray Van Winkle. A reception will follow, beautifully decorated by Celeste Cooning, with appetizers and wedding cake from The Lake Union Cafe & Bakery, music by Music Man, Inc. and Champagne. Each couple is welcome to bring six guests, two of which will be witnesses.

At The Lake Union Café & Bakery: Registered couples and their guests will be asked to check-in starting at 2 p.m. on December 9 (don’t forget your marriage license!). Couples will then pick up their boutonnieres and bouquets designed by Floressence Design, and get their photos taken by Jenny GG Photography.  Couples and their guests will enjoy in-house hors d’oeuvres before moving into the ceremony site at 3 p.m., conducted by Reverend Bill Wood. A celebratory reception of appetizers, wedding cake, dancing, music and Champagne will follow.

Spots are limited and registration ends tomorrow, December 5! Couples wanting to book at The MV Skansonia should email Shauna Wu at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 206-545-9109.

For those who want to say “I do” at The Lake Union Café & Bakery, email Victoria Haberman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 206-568-1258.

UPDATED: They have extended the registration deadline to Friday, December 7.

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