Couple aim to ease path to a same sex marriage (From Warrington Guardian)

Couple aim to ease path to a same sex marriage

SAME sex marriages will become legal later this year and two Winsford businesswomen are hoping they can help gay and lesbian couples fulfil their dreams.

The Civil Partnership Bill will mean that from December 21 gay and lesbian couples will be able to enter into civil unions and benefit from many of the rights currently enjoyed by married people.

Sarah Hughes, 37, owns UK Gay Weddings and believes the Civil Partnership Bill will transform the way gay and lesbian relationships are viewed in society.

She said: "It is a huge step forward and I'm sure it will encourage people who want to commit to each other to do just that."

Sarah's business organises weddings for gays and lesbians and these often turn out to be very different from the traditional white wedding.

She said: "They can be quite outlandish and flamboyant affairs ranging from beach weddings to weddings on boats with fireworks.

"Because the weddings aren't what you would call a 'normal' wedding between a man and a woman then there is no need to stick with tradition.

"In essence we can arrange whatever kind of ceremony our clients want."

Sarah set up the business with her partner Julie Smith after they struggled to find information on gay and lesbian marriages when they wanted to commit to each other.

Sarah said: "We realised there was very little available in terms of advice for gay and lesbian couples who want to get married so we decided to set up our own business.

"It has been very successful so far and when the Bill comes into effect that should only continue."