The top 6 Destinations for LGBTQI+ Weddings Around the World
This article originally appeared in Conde Nast Traveller: https://www.cntraveller.com/article/destinations-for-lgbtqi-destination-weddings
Whether you envision waltzing in as a wedded couple upon alabaster sands with a honey-hued sunset as the backdrop, or having your guests toast the best-person speeches with locally sourced wine inside a UNESCO world heritage site, it is no wonder why so many couples, whether they be gay, straight or non-binary, choose to travel to exotic or culturally significant destinations for their big day.
On the surface, we seem to be living in an era of increasing tolerance and acceptance towards marriage equality for the LGBTQI+ community, but as of 2024, same-sex marriage is only legally recognised in 35 countries, and we still have a long way to go. In celebration of love being love, as well as our evergreen passion for travel, here are Conde Nast Traveller’s top six destinations where LGBTQI+ couples can freely celebrate finding love while truly being themselves:
United Kingdom - The Cotswolds
For a quintessentially British wedding, populated with limestone cottages and smatterings of ivy-covered stately homes, nothing exudes the English romance of the countryside like The Cotswolds. “There's some utterly beautiful wedding venues in this part of the world,” says Jaike Rowe, Head of Travel at Out of Office, a luxury travel service for the LGBTQI+ community. “From rustic barns to historic manor houses, if you're dreaming of a wedding that is straight from the pages of a fairytale, you can even get married in a castle.”
Jaike isn’t the only one praising The Cotswolds as a major global wedding destination. Jane Riddell, an award-winning luxury Wedding planner, who runs “Planned For Perfection” in The Cotswolds, says: “People from all over want to escape here. It’s a little hamlet of joy in the heart of the British Countryside. There are so many incredible venues, so we are truly spoiled for choice.”
Coupled with the fact that the UK has led the international front for LGBTQI+ rights by allowing same-sex marriage since 2014, it’s easy to see why so many queer couples choose this area of undulating hills and scenic pastures for a wedding. On her experience planning LGBTQI+ weddings in The Cotswolds, Jane Riddell says: “A popular choice here is having your wedding at one of the many beautiful family homes. When you have a wedding at a family home, it’s a blank canvas, and we can do what we want, when we want, with who we want. Your wedding can be completely tailored to you.” We can think of nothing more celebratory of queer love than that.
2. Malta
This Mediterranean sunshine state is not only unique for its intoxicating mix of Italian, Spanish, French and Moorish influences, but also for its tolerant attitudes towards queer relationships. The Maltese Islands have seized the top spot on the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index for the last eight years, making it a remarkably gay-friendly destination. Ancient cities such as the capital of Valletta star as an outdoor museum, housing temples that predate Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt, alongside stunning picturesque national parks such as Ta’Qali and Salina.
“The diversity of Malta, not just in the liberal attitudes of the Maltese people, but also in the landscape - where history meets the beach, is what our couples of all sexes and genders love”, says Ridell. She also loves the island because of the exquisite quality of artisanal goods from local suppliers, bringing unique and beautiful accents to any wedding design, such as world-class flower arrangements. “There are some fantastic local suppliers on the ground in Malta, especially florists, and we always recommend them as they know the local market so well.”
In terms of properties, LGBTQI+ couples are spoiled for choice. “I always recommend The Phoenicia Malta, located in the heart of historic Valletta,” says Rowe. “This iconic landmark hotel was where the Queen and Prince Phillip used to go dancing when they lived in Malta, and it still has a really romantic, classical feel to this day.” We can think of nothing better than being treated like Royalty on a destination wedding day.
3. Spain - Seville
As well as being the star of the beloved Costa del Sol, acting as the backdrop for Hollywood epics such as Lawrence of Arabia, and boasting three UNESCO World Heritage sites, Seville is the Arabian-tinged jewel of Andalucia that has long been a romantic getaway for many queer couples looking to tie the knot.
Add in the infamously relaxed yet design-oriented Spanish hospitality, and you have a recipe for a celebration in style. “The Spanish do five-star well, but not in a way that is fussy or pretentious,” advises Riddell, while Jove Meyer, New York based LGBT+ Wedding Designer and Celebration Expert adds: “The energy of Spain is so freeing and relaxing. Their everyday way of life is more relaxed than ours, without compromising on quality, and it’s very appealing to same sex couples.”
When it comes to wedding venues, think of Moorish-influenced architecture, sun-soaked plazas and gothic chapels, combined with the classic Andalucian laid-back approach. “The way that nature is involved in the venues is so beautiful”, says Meyer. “The buildings are architecturally significant, everything has history, the wine is delicious and the food is amazing.” Rowe says: “Seville is a fantastic destination for same-sex couples, and we've just recently planned a ceremony at the world-famous Plaza de España for a lovely gay couple, which made for some incredible photos.”
For an instagram-ready wedding, with the fine wines and the unmistakable touch of Spanish laid-back hospitality, you can do no better than Seville.
4. French Polynesia - Bora Bora & Tetiaroa
Not only is this treasure trove of islands home to sparkling lagoons, spectacular coral reefs and paradisiacal overwater bungalows, it’s also one of a handful of destinations where it's never been illegal to be gay. Bora Bora is the eternal jewel in French Polynesia's crown of palm-fringed islands, and that's where you'll find pristine beaches, and top-end luxurious resorts and wedding venues.
Any queer marriage ceremony in Bora Bora will involve gliding in on a white-blossom-filled canoe, local musicians performing traditional Polynesian songs, and Tahitian dance ceremonies. “The Four Seasons in Bora Bora is my absolute favourite, although it does come with a higher price tag”, says Jaike from Out of Office, who plan luxury LGBTQI+ weddings across the globe. “Le Bora Bora by Pearl is another amazing option that's slightly more affordable, with beautiful interiors following their recent renovation.”
But for a truly spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime gay wedding, it must be The Brando on star-studded Tetiaroa island. Out of Office say: “What was once Marlon Brando's private atoll is now a super-luxe resort that attracts any couples seeking a truly bucket-list experience. They have a big focus on sustainability, too, and arrange beach clean-ups and coral restoration to preserve their island - this is why you won't find overwater bungalows here.”
Either way, you can’t go wrong with either island, if you’re manifesting a tropical dream fantasy of a queer wedding.
5. Mexico - Riviera Maya
From the breathtaking backdrop of Cabo, to the sublime cuisine and rich indigenous past of Oaxaca and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a Mayan chocolate-box assortment of delicious destinations in which to get married. However, it’s the historic coast of the Riviera Maya that truly makes our jaws drop with its sumptuous coastline and dramatic ruins.
“Riviera Maya is a gorgeous destination, with powder-white beaches, ancient Mayan historic sites, magical cenotes and so much more,” says Jaike, head of travel at LGBTQI+ specialists Out of Office. “It's also a country where you can enjoy a full legal wedding ceremony as a same-sex couple, so it's actually one of the most popular wedding destinations for our clients. You can even get married legally on the beach here, so there's no need for a separate legal ceremony.”
Jove Meyer, LGBTQI+ activist and luxury wedding designer, has planned several queer wedding ceremonies in Riviera Maya: “The selection of venues is amazing. Mayakoba, which uniquely takes up different parts of the coastline and brings them together, is superb. Belmond also just reopened their Maroma hotel here, and it’s gorgeous. They just renovated all of their rooms, the spa is pure luxury, and the weddings here are just breathtaking.”
Jaike adds: “The Riviera Maya is great for weddings, with the Caribbean Sea providing a breathtaking backdrop for beach weddings. My hotel pick for this region would be the Chablé Maroma - this luxurious resort is in a peaceful and leafy spot that's right on the beach, and there's also lots of traditional wellness experiences here that you can enjoy.”
Beyond the dazzling resorts and five-star service, it’s the unique Mexican culture that keeps bringing queer couples here to get married. “For me, Mexican culture always comes down to heart. They go out of their way to do whatever they can to make you happy. It’s not hotel training or a formality, there’s just a genuine sincerity in the culture and in their hospitality,” says Jove. But beyond warm-hearted service and first-class hospitality, it seems like a wedding in Mexico would also be a feast for the eyes, as well as for the stomach: “Mexican food is one of the best cuisines in the world,” says Jove, “and their design is so striking, and they fully embrace the roots of their culture in such a big way.”
6. Thailand - Koh Samui
The former Kingdom of Siam, known for its fragrant cuisine, gold-speckled temples, tranquil Buddhism and friendly smiles, is also known for its tolerance towards same-sex couples, and its thriving LGBTQI+ social scene. Although same-sex unions aren't technically legal as of January 2024, Thailand informally grants equal human rights to all couples regardless of gender or sexuality, and is currently working towards formal legalisation of marriage equality. And while adrenaline-fuelled Bangkok is the pulsating megalopolis of open attitudes and diversity, it’s the mesmerising magic of the Thai Islands that have stolen our hearts.
“Koh Samui has to be singled out for its spectacular scenery,” says Jaike from Out of Office, who has been planning LGBTQI+ weddings in Thailand for years. “It has some breathtaking beaches, and it's a wonderfully spiritual country to tie the knot in. You can even appoint a Thai monk to give their blessings in a symbolic ceremony.” When you imagine wading waist-deep into the bath-warm waters of the Andaman Sea that lap onto sugar-white sands, with the fragrance of coconut milk from bowls of Panang spiced curry drifting in the air, you have a confetti-ready concoction fit for the most dazzling of Queer nuptials.
“Thailand has been inclusive from the start,” remarks luxury LGBT+ wedding designer Jove Meyer. “There’s an energy of joy and acceptance there. Thai culture is so genuine and inclusive, and Thai service is always a ten out of ten. Tie in the fact that getting married in Thailand is much more affordable than equivalent weddings in the West, and you can see the attraction.”
“Our favourite property is the Six Senses Samui”, says Jaike, “a beautiful collection of private villas with some amazing sea views. For those seeking something slightly more boutique, Rocky's Boutique Resort is a hidden gem.”
And when it comes to designing your dream Thai wedding, design expert Jove advises this: “The world is your oyster in Thailand. The textures and patterns are rich, from gold leaf inspired by the temples, to the incorporation of nature in the venues, and letting the views speak for themselves, and the flower market in Thailand is next level. The level of design that local suppliers and artists can achieve there is a fraction of the price anywhere else. You get a lot more bang for your buck there, without compromising on quality.”
By Pritham Pummy Bhatia
Thank you to the experts we spoke to:
Jove Meyer, LGBTQI+ activist, luxury wedding designer and celebration expert. Based in NYC. https://jovemeyer.com/
Jane Riddell, award-wedding luxury wedding planner for all couples, based in London and The Cotswolds. https://www.plannedforperfection.co.uk/wedding-planner-jane-riddell
Jaike Rowe, Head of Travel at Out Of Office, a full-service, luxury travel specialist, sending LGBTQ+ couples out to enjoy weddings in spectacular destinations all around the world. Based in Brighton, https://www.outofoffice.com/en-gb/
