A couple kisses immediately after getting married during the “I Do at Darcelle” in Darcelle XV Plaza in Portland, Ore., on July 18, 2026. They were one of 22 couples either marrying or renewing their vows.
Saj Sundaram / OPB
Twenty-two couples married or renewed their vows simultaneously in downtown Portland on Saturday as part of the city’s Pride Weekend celebrations.
The colorful ceremony — complete with music and tiny wedding cakes — was a chance not just for couples to celebrate their marriages, but also for the local LGBTQ+ community to honor the new Darcelle XV Plaza.
The plaza was named after legendary drag performer Walter Cole, whose drag name was Darcelle XV. Cole died of natural causes in 2023.
Sydney Mead, senior director of downtown programs with Downtown Portland Clean and Safe, said her organization had long wanted to organize a mass wedding.
“This is just a joyful occasion to come together,” Mead said. “I think that weddings do that, and in theory, they’re going to bring out the best in everyone.”
Mark Gallina, left, and Marx Phillips, right, sign marriage certificates with drag queen Poison Waters at “I Do at Darcelle” in Darcelle XV Plaza in Portland, Ore., on July 18, 2026.
Saj Sundaram / OPB
In many ways, it felt like a smaller version of a traditional wedding. Some couples wore wedding dresses, while others had boutonnieres. While checking in to the event, some nervously held the marriage licenses they were required to bring.
Mark Gallina and his husband, Marx Phillips, arrived at the ceremony sporting matching bedazzled suits. Gallina said he cared for Darcelle in the final years of her life and wanted to honor her by getting married at the plaza.
“I’ve been a really great friend of Darcelle since the age of 19,” Gallina said. “She’s watching from above.”
Portland City Councilor Olivia Clark sang a heartfelt rendition of “It Had to be You” during the event, encouraging those in the audience to sing along.
During the ceremony, couples held hands and whispered messages of love and devotion to each other as they exchanged rings. Poison Waters, another iconic Portland drag performer, officiated the proceedings.
For Charlie and Jacqueline Blackwood, the current political atmosphere played a role in their decision for a quick wedding.
“We were a little concerned about how much longer gay marriage would remain fully legal under current administration, and we just wanted to get the legal part kind of out of the way quickly,” Charlie Blackwood said.
Mark Gallina, left, and Marx Phillips, right, hold a small wedding cake after signing their wedding certificate at “I Do at Darcelle” in Darcelle XV Plaza in Portland, Ore., on July 18, 2026.
Saj Sundaram / OPB
Still, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, even for those not technically getting married. Ricardo Barrera and Patrick Cornelius got married six years ago, but decided the event was a good time to renew their vows.
While it’s been 11 years since gay marriage became legal nationwide, Barrera said it still feels amazing that he’s able to do so.
“I never in a million years thought that marriage was even on the table for me,” he said. “It just goes to show you like life can just throw surprises at you, and just when you think you have charted a course, life is going to tell you differently.”
