Kids & Family
Same-Sex Couple Wed at Paper Mill Playhouse
Paper Mill Playhouse's artistic director Mark Hoebee marries long-time partner Larry Elardo in front of family and friends on Dec. 3.
Friends and family of long-time couple Mark Hoebee and Larry Elardo joined them at Paper Mill Playhouse on Dec. 3 as they were married by Millburn Mayor Sandra Haimoff.
Hoebee, who is the artistic director at Paper Mill Playhouse, and Elardo were married in the Paper Mill Playhouse Gallery on the second floor of the theater at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The couple have been together for 28 years and are currently residents of Glen Ridge, NJ.
In a release given to Patch before the ceremony, Hoebee expressed how meaningful the ceremony would be to him and Elardo.
"This December, Larry and I will celebrate 28 years together," Hoebee said in the release. “It will be brief and casual, but very meaningful for us - first, to be officially married in the state where we live and to have our relationship and family recognized legally, and second, to have the ceremony in a place that we consider home to us.”
The occasion also marked the first time Republican Mayor Haimoff officiated a same-sex wedding.
Hoebee was overcome with emotion at the ceremony as he spoke a few words about his partner.
"I'm so pleased I will legally and rightfully be able to say you are my husband," Hoebee said at the ceremony. "Thank you for always making my impossible dreams come true."
The couple were also joined by Hoebee's two children and after the ceremony, friends celebrated with champagne.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
