Orange wedding venues are already receiving calls from same-sex couples preparing for when they are finally able to tie the knot.
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One venue had five calls in one day after the Yes vote to legalise same sex marriage won the national postal survey on Wednesday.
Orange wineries, celebrants, cake makers, florists and photographers are set to take a slice of an estimated $650 million to be spent across Australia on same sex weddings in the first year after the federal government passes the legislation.
Mayfield Vineyard cellar door and functions manager Jess Channon said they were promoting themselves as a same sex marriage venue and would be advertising in a same sex community magazine.
“We have already had interest from people,” she said.
“I had five calls just yesterday.
“The average wedding for us is $10,000-$20,000, and we offer accommodation.
“We’re a same sex [marriage] venue.”
Mrs Channon said weddings were already big business with an average three a month ranging from 50-350 people.
“Eighty per cent of our weddings come from Sydney.
“A lot of weddings are on Friday and all the guests stay on to see Orange over the weekend, they love it.”
I think it is going to be huge.
- Willa Arantz, Racine.
Racine owner Willa Arantz said she was expecting plenty of bookings for same sex weddings.
“I think it is going to be huge,” she said.
Mrs Arantz said the winery already had wedding bookings for 2019.
“It’s rapidly growing now without the same-sex marriages coming in,” she said.
“I felt a noticeable increase last year, there’s been a lot more inquiries.
“It [Orange] has become a wedding mecca.
“It’s ripe for the picking.”
Borrodell Vineyard’s Gaye Stuart-Nairn said they expected to share in the same-sex wedding market.
“I think we all will,” she said.
“It will be quite substantial, it is a big industry.”
She said the winery had bookings into 2019 with many from Sydney and some from Canberra.
“They are locking in that far ahead.”
Orange wedding celebrant Ann Kelly said she was awaiting the passing of the legislation.
“I think it will have an impact,” she said.
“There will be a lot more weddings.
“Up till now we can do a commitment ceremony [for same sex couples].
“I’ve done a couple. I think people have been waiting.”
She said Orange was well placed as a wedding venue.
“Orange has everything,” she said.
“We have got the scenery, the accommodation and the food.
“It is a wonderful place for people to celebrate their wedding.
“Let’s keep our fingers crossed.”
Cakemaker Kristy Mansell has seen her business grow since opening about two years ago.
Mrs Mansell was busy on Friday preparing cakes for four weddings over the weekend.
She said they cost $200-$500 depending on taste.
“This is the busiest weekend I’ve ever had,” she said.
And she expects it will get busier once same-sex marriage is legalised.
“I know quite a few gay couples and I’m assuming they will get married in Orange,” she said.
“I hope so, I honestly do because Orange has so many venues.”
Orange deputy mayor Joanne McRae said she believed Orange could be promoted as a wedding venue for same sex couples.
“A lot of people have been travelling overseas,” she said.
“It’s a huge opportunity for Orange.”