FORT SMITH — Supporters of same-sex marriages say legalizing the unions could have a $24 million impact on Arkansas' economy.
The Southwest Times Record newspaper, citing a Nerdwallet report based on data from Gallup and the Wedding Report, predicted couples will spend more time planning weddings and also spend more money.
It said that the average Arkansas wedding costs $22,364.
Marriage licenses were issued to 541 same-sex couples in Arkansas for a week in May after a judge overturned a voter-imposed ban. The state Supreme Court later issued a stay to review the decision.
A federal judge last week declared the ban unconstitutional but put her ruling on hold pending an appeal.
The newspaper reported the impact would total $32.8 million in Oklahoma, where the typical wedding costs $23,112.