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And now, the many wives of P-town
Couple hopes to set vows record
By Andy Rosen
Globe Staff

The idea started simply enough. Alli Baldwin and Ilene Mitnick, who had been married in Connecticut, wanted to affirm their commitment to one another in their new hometown of Provincetown.

But the couple, who operate an inn in the Cape Cod town, didn’t think it would be in the community spirit to do it on their own.

“We had the idea that we would renew our vows but we would invite the planet and make an event of it,’’ Baldwin said Tuesday.

What followed was an ambitious plan to attempt a new world record: “World’s Largest All-Girl Wedding and Renewal Ceremony.’’

The couple hopes to gather 100 couples on the lawn of their Roux Bed and Breakfast Oct. 15 to say “I do,’’ or, “I still do.’’

The “Bride Pride’’ event is set during the community’s Women’s Week celebration, which draws thousands to Provincetown.

The officiant will be Kate Clinton, a humorist described by organizers as an LGBTQ icon.

In an interview, Clinton said she’s conducted weddings before, but never with a crowd like this.

It will be particularly meaningful given the setting, she said.

“Massachusetts is the home of gay marriage,’’ said Clinton, who lives in New York and spends summers in Provincetown. “It started here, and last June when it became court-ruled that we have the federal right to marry, it was just a big party.

“I know people in town are excited in the same way to make it real.’’

So far, 39 couples had signed up Tuesday, according to Baldwin. But there’s still plenty of time to recruit people who might be coming for Women’s Week, anyway.

Those who want to actually get married will need a few days to get a marriage license. But people planning vow renewals can just sign up, Clinton noted.

There is no Guinness World Record on file for such an event, but the organizers say they believe that the organization will create a record if they reach the threshold of 100 particpants.

If they don’t make it, they’ll savor the inaugural effort and try again next year.

“When Kate is conducting the ceremony and all the women say their vows simultaneously, there will just be a hum of love. It’s just going to be a love fest on the front lawn,’’ Baldwin said.

“It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful day.’’

Andy Rosen can be reached at andrew.rosen@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter at @andyrosen.