Chicago officiant to host inclusive wedding event for same-sex couples ahead of Inauguration Day

CHICAGO - Love is racing against the clock as the nation prepares for a new administration in Washington, D.C., and one local wedding officiant is offering a solution for same-sex couples.

Carla Doshi, a wedding officiant, is hosting a one-stop-shop event designed to help couples tie the knot before a potential shift in policies regarding marriage rights.

"They've been afraid of a change with their rights to get married. I've had many at consultation with couples who are like, ‘what’s going to happen in the next year? What's going to happen in the next four years?'" Doshi said.

The Queer Elopement Marathon, set for Jan. 18, aims to provide a welcoming space for same-sex couples to celebrate their love. It includes a venue, an officiant, a photographer, and even a champagne toast.

"They inquired with another officiant who they thought was welcoming and open and they were excited about this person. And then they get on a call with them or get on a consultation and within a couple of minutes, that person, you know, pretty quickly, that person says, ‘you know what? I don’t perform same-sex weddings," Doshi said. 

Doshi emphasized the need for inclusive officiants after hearing troubling stories from couples.

"They can be in a beautiful environment surrounded by still being able to bring some family and friends were including up to 10 guests. So it's not just them. They can actually bring parents, family, friends – anybody who wants to be a part of it," Doshi said.

To learn more about the event, follow this link here.