What started as an idea for low-cost weddings at Y’all-Mart, a quarterly art fair in Columbia, South Carolina, turned into a completely free celebration of love. Originally set to cost $100 per couple, the weddings became complimentary after a fundraiser exceeded expectations, raising over $3,500. The proceeds will help cover fees for individuals seeking to legally change their name or gender, a process that costs $150 per filing.
The event, fueled by an Instagram post on January 20 inviting people to “come get gay married at Y’all-Mart,” drew strong support from the community. Couples received full wedding packages, including flowers, cupcakes, photography, and bolo ties, all within the welcoming and artistic atmosphere of the fair. For many, the decision to get married now was driven by a sense of urgency amid shifting political tides. While South Carolina has not recently taken action to challenge LGBTQ marriage rights, a recent resolution in Idaho’s House of Representatives called for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark 2015 decision legalizing same-sex marriage.
This uncertainty led some couples to take the leap sooner rather than later. Klo Hampton, one of the newlyweds, expressed feeling the urgency to act while they still had the right. Others, like Sharon Thrailkill and Christine Fowler, saw the event as a full-circle moment, as they had met through the fair’s founders and had their first date at Y’all-Mart. Despite the short notice, they were able to marry surrounded by loved ones.
Throughout the ceremonies, Y’all-Mart co-founder Caitlyn Viars delivered a heartfelt invocation, acknowledging the struggles LGBTQ couples continue to face in America. She encouraged guests to stand in solidarity with the newlyweds, recognizing that simply existing and loving openly in today’s climate remains an act of resistance.
“When we find our queer joy … we are resisting, just by existing and loving,” Viars reflected. “It’s almost a form of protest. It shouldn’t be, but it is.”
The event was a powerful reminder that love endures, even in uncertain times. Through their marriages and the support of their community, the newlyweds at Y’all-Mart embraced their joy as both a celebration and a statement.
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