Sarah Narcus, owner of the event and wedding space Olio on 43 Main St., is offering free elopements to members of the LGBTQ+ community who want to get married before the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2025.
Narcus purchased the property with her mother at the end of 2018, turning the historic building that was once the Peabody Theater into a beautiful, industrial-style event and wedding venue.
Olio, named after the “Olio Curtains” that she found left on one of the building’s stages, opened its doors at the end of 2019. Since then, she has been host to hundreds of marriages involving couples from all walks of life with varying identities.
“From the very first day we opened, we have been clear about our goal to create a welcoming and open environment,” said Narcus. “I have always felt extremely supported by the LGBTQ+ … I feel strongly that the community which has always embraced my property deserves my support.”
When the election results came in earlier this month, Narcus realized she had the opportunity to materially show her support to these groups who were now worried about their right to marriage, which had been secured by the 2015 landmark Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges, was now in jeopardy under a Republican president.
“I was acutely aware of people who were affected by that ruling and were feeling like that may not be protected much longer, basically that it was at risk,” she said.
Thus, the idea to help couples “make things official” before January with a one hour ceremony of 10 to 15 people came into fruition. What followed was an outpouring of encouragement and gratitude.
“I really did not foresee the response it would get,” Narcus commented. “What surprised me right off the bat was there were dozens and dozens of other people who work in wedding related fields who wanted to offer their services at no charge.”
From photographers to people with ministry licenses who could officiate, Narcus’ free elopements idea was taking on a life of its own, and inspiring a community of people who wanted to show their support for vulnerable couples.
Now, Olio will be providing their space for around a dozen LGBTQ+ marriages through December and early January.
Narcus was particularly affected by the heartfelt stories conveyed by the people contacting her. For example, one story shared to her was someone who was worried about the new state they were moving to honoring gay marriage.
“All these stories that I could not believe were sitting in my inbox, and I felt really heartwarmed that I could do one small thing to support folks,” Narcus said. “If I can take the one thing that I have and use it for good, I feel like this promotion is worth sharing.”
