Are you or someone close to you planning to celebrate marriage equality in Washington State with a wedding? While most of us are still savoring this sweet electoral victory, the S'Klallam Tribe, new owners of Heronswood in Kingston, are getting busy making gay marriages happen.
Tell everyone you know - Heronswood is offering to host up to 20 couples on this historic first-possible-day of gay marriage in our state. Not only is this a beautiful and practical and heart-warming idea, but I think the tribe is building up a great deal of good karma for themselves and the future of Heronswood...and they're offering the gardens for free. No rental charge (donations gratefully accepted). Now that's the way to host, and to celebrate.
The details: On December 9 from noon to 5 p.m. the world-renowned botanical garden will open its gates for up to 20 same- sex couples looking to be among the first to tie the knot in Washington State.
As a part of the December 9 wedding event, same-sex couples can book their own private, intimate ceremony at Heronswood. Each ceremony can include up to 12 guests and a wedding officiant will be on site. While donations are appreciated, the rental is being provided free of charge.
While still a place of beauty and splendor, Heronswood, which was purchased by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe this past summer, is in the middle of an extensive garden restoration effort. The expectation is to reopen the garden to the public, in part, through special events and open houses several times a year.
While Heronswood, which was purchased by the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe last summer, is still under renovation, and won't debut at a wedding facility officially until spring of 2013, the opportunity to host same-sex couples as they celebrate their special day was too important to pass up.
“Heronswood is a magical place that has touched the hearts and lives of many people. We can think of no better way to show our support and express our congratulations to the gay community than to welcome same-sex couples as among the first to get married there,” said Noel Higa, Economic Development Director for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. The Tribe supported Referendum 74 while it was on the ballot.
Weddings on December 9 will be limited to 30 minutes, but the grounds will be open to wedding parties for pictures and self-guided tours.
Space is limited to the first 20 responding same-sex couples. For reservations, contact JoAnn at 360-297-6305 or send an email to heronswoodgardens@gmail.com.
Contact: Ginger Vaughan (ginger@quinnbrein.com) 206-842-8922
Doesn't this make you happy to live here and be part of our very generous gardening community?? Best wishes to all of you for a joyous wedding in a beloved Northwest garden (below) ...and, please, send me photos from your ceremony to post here on Plant Talk .....I'd love to share the historic moment and the beauty of the garden with readers who will be with you in spirit....
Sunday December 9th, not Saturday
Posted by: Dawn purser | December 02, 2012 at 06:34 PM
Val, isn't this great? My partner Dusty and I have been together 25 years, and we will be one of the couples being legally married at Heronswood next Sunday. We had a big wedding and party in a Kitsap County garden last summer (which we began planning in early spring, when the Legislature made it possible.) Now, we can have our legal ceremony at my favorite garden in the world, which I thought was lost to us for a time. We are grateful to the Tribe, and to the people of Washington for this convergence of two miracles.
Posted by: Maria Carlos | December 02, 2012 at 07:32 PM
Hi Maria,
I'm very happy for you and Dusty, and it really must feel amazing for you, after your long and rich association with Heronswood, to be married there. Why does something that should be a basic right for everyone feel like such a miracle? Well, it does, doesn't it? Congratulations....I'll think of you with all best wishes for your happiness on the 9th....thanks for letting me know...
Val
Posted by: valerie Easton | December 02, 2012 at 07:38 PM
Right, Val! But it does seem like a miracle because just a few years ago it seemed so impossible. And getting Heronswood back seemed impossible too. It makes me feel so hopeful for the future if two things that seemed unattainable are coming to be.
Congrats, Maria! I know it will be an extra special day because it is at Heronswood.
Posted by: Sarah Reichard | December 03, 2012 at 01:46 PM
This news makes me so happy on so many levels I can't even put it into words! Congrats to Maria and Dusty, and all the other couples who will be married here on the 9th, and thanks to the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. In these literal and figurative dark days, I am so happy to live in the Pac NW where we seem to be able to see the light of day and of reason.
Posted by: Ruth | December 03, 2012 at 02:43 PM
My partner JoIda and I are also very blessed to be one of the couples getting married at Heronswood. We are grateful to the Tribe for their generousity and support. Looking forward to a magical day and incredible beginning for our marriage.
Posted by: Kathryn Higgins | December 04, 2012 at 07:20 AM
As Kate's mother and JoIda's "second mom" I am delighted by this news! Many, many thanks to the Port Gamble S'Klallam tribe and their loving and generous offer to share their beautiful Heronswood with these twenty couples!
Posted by: Helen Jeude | December 05, 2012 at 05:57 AM
This is so wonderful in so many ways!! As the mother of a young, gay son, I am so happy his journey with his, yet to be partner won't be anywhere near as difficult as it has been for so many, for so long!
And what a beautiful place to celebrate Love!! :)
Posted by: Chris | December 12, 2012 at 12:16 PM