Photo above: Brocco Lee, Feature photo: johnsheldon

Following California’s passage of Proposition 8 last November, which revoked the right of homosexual couples to marry, Eva Holland posted “The World’s Best Spots for a Same-Sex Wedding.” The piece highlighted six international destinations where folks of the same sex could still tie the knot.

Photo: CarbonNYC

Today’s post comes on the heels of more upbeat news — Maine has become the latest U.S. state to legalize gay marriage.

The bill passed 21-13 in the Senate and was signed into law by Governor Baldacci a mere hour later.

Rights groups are obviously thrilled, though it’s possible the new legislation could be overturned by voters, much as it was in California.

New Hampshire lawmakers also approved a gay marriage bill, but Governor Lynch has yet to sign it. The governor’s contact info can be found here if you’d like to weigh in.

Anyway, with a new addition to the ranks, I think it’s time to name the best spots for a same-sex wedding…in the U.S.:

Portland, Maine

The “other” Portland just got a little hipper. Now you can walk cobblestone streets, dine on clam chowder, and wed your same-sex partner. What are you waiting for?

Visitors, also make sure to check out Matador’s green guide to Portland.

Des Moines, Iowa

As Julie Schwietert reported last month, Iowa’s Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of allowing gays to marry.

Since California folded, this makes the Hawkeye State the only one outside New England to give homosexuals this right. The first marriages were held April 27th.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Yup, this one was the only U.S. destination featured in Eva’s piece, and it’s still relevant today. Not only was MA the first to open its arms to gay marriage, it also allows couples from out of state to tie the knot.

Burlington, Vermont

Once upon a time the first state to authorize civil unions for gay couples, Vermont joined the marriage ranks last month when its legislature overrode a governor’s veto to pass the law.

Burlington is gorgeous in the summertime. The late evening sunsets turn Lake Champlain a deep crimson — the perfect backdrop for your outdoor nuptials.

Waterbury, Connecticut

Just a month before California’s Prop 8, a Connecticut Supreme Court ruling made it the third state to accept gay marriage. What better place than historic Waterbury to exercise new rights of matrimony?

Community Connection:

Have you tied the knot in one of these or other U.S. destinations? Share your experience in the comments!