IT'S A YES, AND IT COULD MEAN A BILLION-DOLLAR BOOST FOR THE ECONOMY

AUSTRALIA has had its say, and returned a result of 61.6 per cent in favour of legalising same-sex marriage.

The final count saw 7.8 million responses in favour of same-sex marriage, and 4.9 million against.

Those in the wedding industry believe that Australia can now become a hotspot wedding destination for same-sex couples looking to tie the knot in Australia's idyllic locations.

According to the Queensland Department of Tourism, the legalisation of same-sex marriage will result in several key economic benefits.

"We could see increased spending relating to honeymoon expenditure, inducing travel and accommodation, wedding planning, increased catering services and out-of-state wedding guests," says a Department spokesperson.

Legislative change could inject $1 billion into the Australian economy according to ANZ economists Cherelle Murphy and Mandeep Kaura in their report on the economics of same-sex marriage in 2015.

The resounding 'Yes' response means something extra special for Tara Baker and Arlia Hassell, founders of Dancing With Her.

Dancing With Her, founded in 2016 by engaged couple Baker and Hassell, is a wedding resource for LGBTQ+ women in love. They are an online blog, directory and magazine.

Baker and Hassell, who were finalists in the 2017 Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur Awards in the Arts & Culture category, have been shaking up the wedding industry with their company. Read more

David Simmons - Business News Australia - 15 Nov 2017