The Williams Institute

Extending marriage to same-sex couples in Wyoming would generate an estimated $2.4 million in spending to the state economy. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 657 same-sex couples live in Wyoming. Of those couples, it is estimated that 50 percent, or 329 couples, would choose to marry in the first three years, a pattern that has been observed in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Over 211 marriages would occur in the first year alone, and bring over $1.6 million in revenue to the state of Wyoming that year. This economic boost would add $134,000 in sales tax revenue to state and local coffers. In addition, spending related to same-sex couples’ wedding ceremonies and celebrations would create 8 to 24 jobs in the tourism and recreation sector for the state.