VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Since gay marriage became legal in BC in 2003, hundreds of same-sex couples have crossed the border northbound to exchange vows.

Chelsea Linton is a local wedding planner who specializes in gay-friendly unions and says she gets calls from Americans all the time; gay and lesbian couples that want to celebrate their big day in BC.

However, with Washington State voting earlier this week to legalize gay marriage, she’s not sure if that will happen anymore.

“Now with the changes in Washington, I actually think we’re going to get a lot less now, maybe not necessarily from just Washington but from all around.  For example, I had one couple they’re coming from Texas and Idaho.  [And] Washington, Oregon, I’d see them coming up here.  So now, I definitely think that aspect, that side of it would be impacted quite a bit, which is sad.”

That means a loss of thousands of dollars not just for planners like her but it’s a financial blow to florists, caterers, and venues.

“I think it will affect the whole industry.  There’s going to be less people travelling, so that’s less transportation costs and that’s less hotel rooms booked.  It’s still a bit early to tell,” says Linton.

She is trying to be optimistic and hoping people will choose to get married in BC.