New York City Sees Spike in Marriages Following Trump’s Reelection
New York City saw a significant increase in marriage licenses issued in the weeks following Donald Trump’s electoral victory, with a 33% increase in marriage license appointments made in November 2024 compared to the same month the previous year. The surge was driven in part by same-sex couples and individuals with concerns about their immigration status.
"The Appointments Are Going Faster"
According to City Clerk Michael McSweeney, the appointments to pick up marriage certificates and for in-person ceremonies went online every Monday morning. "The appointments are going faster. It feels like the election had an impact," McSweeney said. While the city does not track couples’ gender or immigration status, some couples leaving the Marriage Bureau in Lower Manhattan said the election played a role in their decision to tie the knot.
Same-Sex Couples Rush to the Altar
For same-sex couples, the election was a major concern. Ryan Addario, 36, and his partner, 39-year-old Nicholas Caycedo, said they decided to get married in the days following Trump’s election. "We already fought for [gay marriage] I don’t want to have to do it again," Addario said. "I just didn’t want to have any potential obstacles whenever that happens."
Immigration Concerns
For some couples, the election was driven by concerns about immigration status. A 30-year-old woman from Ecuador, who declined to give her name, said she and her 28-year-old partner were getting married to secure their immigration status. "Just the fact that we’ve been together for so long, we don’t want anything to get in the way of our life plans," she said.
Attorney’s Warning
Attorney Diana Adams, the executive director of the Chosen Family Law Center, warned that if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, unmarried same-sex couples could face problems when traveling to red states that don’t have the same protections. "Having a legal connection to your child, having a legal connection to your partner is very, very helpful. And so if you were intending to get married, this is the time to get married," Adams said.
Racing the Clock
While it wasn’t just same-sex couples who were rushing to tie the knot, the increase in marriage licenses also included international couples. Rachel, a 40-year-old bride, was picking up a marriage certificate with her Israeli fiancé. They met while she was visiting Tel Aviv seven months ago and were rushing the marriage to jumpstart his immigration paperwork. "We wanted to get everything signed and dotted, especially with Trump," she said.
Conclusion
The surge in marriages in New York City following Trump’s election is a testament to the uncertainty and anxiety that many couples feel about their future. For same-sex couples, the election was a major concern, and for some, it was a deciding factor in their decision to tie the knot. For others, it was a matter of securing their immigration status or protecting their parental rights.
FAQs
Q: Why did same-sex couples rush to get married after Trump’s election?
A: Same-sex couples were concerned about the potential overturning of the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision and the impact it could have on their relationships.
Q: Why did international couples rush to get married?
A: International couples were concerned about immigration status and the potential changes to immigration policies under the new administration.
Q: What is the Chosen Family Law Center?
A: The Chosen Family Law Center is an organization that offers free legal consultation to low-income LGBTQ New Yorkers.
Q: What is the purpose of the Marriage Equality Act?
A: The Marriage Equality Act was signed into law in 2011, making same-sex marriage legal in New York State.
