The Best Destinations for Queer Weddings

Destination weddings are many couples' dreams - and if you're a queer couple, finding an LQBTQIA+ wedding destination doesn't have to be difficult! We've put together a guide to the best places for Queer couples to head to for their Big Day. 

Queer couple in wedding clothing in front of arbour

4min read

Published 29 June 2023


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Destination weddings are many couples' dreams - and if you're a queer couple, finding an LQBTQIA+ wedding destination doesn't have to be difficult! We've put together a guide to the best places for Queer couples to head to for their Big Day. 


Finding an LGBTQIA+ wedding destination doesn’t have to be difficult. All you have to do is get in touch with our Group Travel Experts. We make it easy for gay, lesbian, and queer couples to plan their Big Day. 

While we’re helping you navigate same-sex marriage legislation around the world and finding a venue that’ll impress your entire guest list, we’ll also make sure you can enjoy competitive rates and fabulous little perks. 

Check out our Experts’ top list of LGBTQIA+ friendly wedding destinations.  

First Things First: Where is Gay Marriage Legal?

While there are many countries around the world that recognise civil unions, common law marriage, or registered partnerships, the following destinations have legalised same-sex marriage and are your best options for planning a beautiful wedding.  

AndorraArgentinaAustralia
AustriaBelgiumBrazil
CanadaChile Colombia
Costa Rica CubaDenmark
EcuadorFinlandFrance
GermanyIcelandIreland
LuxemborgMaltaMexico
The Netherlands New ZealandNorway
Portugal SloveniaSouth Africa
SpainSwedenSwitzerland
TaiwanThe United KingdomThe United States of America
Uruguay
Queer newlyweds
Queer newlyweds
Queer newlyweds

Expert Picks: The best LGBTQIA+ Wedding Destinations

Trust an Expert with all the travel details between “Yes” and “I Do”. Looking after you and everyone on your guest list is our specialty. Looking for ideas? Keep reading to see our top picks for destinations LGBTQIA+ travellers can have destination weddings AND the perfect honeymoon.  

Mexico

It’s hard to beat Mexico for a stress-free, all-inclusive wedding package, so let’s start here! The legal status of LGBTQ+ marriage in Mexico used to vary state to state but in October 2022, it became legal country wide. While Cancun has a party reputation, you can also find a lot of luxury that will be perfect for your day or head to the Riviera Maya, Tulum or Mexico City itself.  

Mexico
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Expert tip

Opt for the Mayan Riviera instead of Cancun for a better nature, relaxation and family stay. It features cenotes to swim in, Mayan ruins, and shopping in Playa del Carmen.

Stefanie

Product Designer

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Queer couple gets married on private beach in Mexico with friends watching
Queer couple gets married on private beach in Mexico with friends watching
Queer couple gets married on private beach in Mexico with friends watching

New Zealand 

The beautiful scenery, close proximity and our friendly Kiwis have made New Zealand a popular place for UK travellers to get married. Get married in the snow in Queenstown, on a cliff-top just outside Auckland, a glacier in the Southern Alps or if you’re a Lord of the Rings fan - in Hobbiton!  

Hobbiton in Waikato New Zealand
Hobbiton in Waikato New Zealand
Hobbiton in Waikato New Zealand

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is another popular place to head for a destination wedding and the good news is it is very gay marriage friendly! The country officially legalised gay marriage in 2018 and was one of the very first Latin American countries to do so. Manuel Antonio and San Jose represent the main LGBTQIA+ communities in Costa Rica, and Liberia is also a very strong choice for a wedding venue. Say "I do" deep in the rainforest on the Osa Peninsula or look out over the sea, on a mountain top on the Central Pacific.  

queer couple with children getting married in garden in London
queer couple with children getting married in garden in London
queer couple with children getting married in garden in London

Greece

Mykonos might be the country’s most famous gay-friendly travel destination, but there are so many wonderful wedding venues to choose from across the Greek islands including Santorini and Crete. It is important to note though that gay marriage is not currently legal in Greece but there are big political moves to change this in progress. This means that the ceremony will be a unification/symbolic one.  

Spain

Spain is one of the most LGBTQIA+ inclusive countries in the world, thanks to its anti-discrimination laws, legal gender changes, and same-sex marriages that have been legally recognised since 2005 but as always, make sure you check specific legalities. While the entire European country offers plenty of gorgeous wedding locations, most couples find the right venue in Sitges, Barcelona, or Gran Canaria. Of course, Spain offers incredible beach weddings, but you could also get married in a pink Moroccan Palace or a castle!  

queer couple in tuxedos getting married in Spain
queer couple in tuxedos getting married in Spain
queer couple in tuxedos getting married in Spain

Bonus: Get Married on a Cruise Ship!

Can’t pick just one place? Consider a cruise wedding! Many cruise lines offer legal ceremonies, on shore at select destinations, at sea, or even at your home port so non-sailing guests can be included too. Ask our Experts about planning a spectacular seaside ceremony with Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruises and more!


Ready to book your destination wedding? Head to your closest store now, or reach out to our Group Travel Experts


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