LGBTQ Friendly Destination Wedding Locations
Last week, I got an inquiry for one of my international destination elopement packages. I was thrilled at first, and immediately started researching logistics. But the further I got into my research, it became apparent that the country they wanted to elope to was not an LGBT friendly destination wedding location.
So…. I said no. As amazing of an experience as it would have been, I just couldn’t justify taking this opportunity and promoting this elopement all over my page when couples interested in an LGBTQ destination wedding wouldn’t be able to do the same. As a lesbian destination wedding photographer offering LGBTQ adventure elopement packages, it felt hypocritical to say yes when I myself couldn’t get married there because the country’s laws prohibit same sex destination weddings.
Turning down this inquiry, however, has pushed me to compile a list of LGBT friendly destination wedding locations. So, keep reading to discover gay friendly wedding destinations to plan your LGBTQ elopement or adventure wedding.
Best Places to Elope for LGBTQ Couples
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Often considered the “San Francisco of Mexico,” Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice among same sex wedding destinations. If you’re dreaming of a sandy beach wedding with crystal clear ocean waters, this might be a good choice for your LGBTQ elopement destination.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a renowned gay destination wedding location, and for good reason! The country’s landscape is extremely diverse, meaning you can find just about anything you’re looking for in gay or lesbian destination wedding packages. Manuel Antonio and San Jose are well-known for their LGBTQ+ communities. Also, fun fact: Costa Rica was the first country I traveled to outside of the USA and Canada, and my first time on a plane!
Buenes Aires, Argentina
Argentina was the first country in South America to fully legalize same sex marriage, and has kept up with that legacy by becoming one of the best places to elope as an LGBT couple. Argentina has stunning mountains, deserts, and vibrant city culture. You can’t go wrong if you’re looking for an LGBT friendly wedding destination for your adventure wedding or elopement!
Ireland
Ireland is the most recent international trip I’ve taken, and the country has my heart for so many reasons. A huge one is that it is a great spot to travel for LGBTQ friendly destination weddings. I’m a sucker for ocean-overlooking cliffs and vibrant greenery, and the gorgeous castle ruins are just the cherry on top for me.
Iceland
Iceland is an extremely popular elopement destination, and for good reason! There’s waterfalls, mountains, glaciers - what more could you ask for?! Definitely a top contender among LGBTQ friendly destination weddings.
Cape Town, South Africa
Last but not least, if you want a slightly less popular LGBT friendly destination wedding location, you should consider eloping in Cape Town, South Africa. South Africa has such a unique landscape that you truly can’t find anywhere else, so don’t skip over Cape Town on your list of best places to elope for LGBT couples!
Some final thoughts from an LGBTQ adventure elopement & destination wedding photographer…
Of course, just because same sex marriage is legal in a country doesn’t mean that the general culture will be accepting of all queer people. Equaldex is a great resource that takes into consideration multiple factors when trying to find an LGBTQ friendly elopement or wedding destination. Also, if you need tips on how to find LGBTQ friendly wedding vendors wherever you’re planning your LGBTQ destination wedding, check out my blog on finding queer-friendly wedding vendors!
I’ve got my passport ready to go, tons of travel tips to share, and am here to help my couples like you put together LGBT elopement packages that are unique, true-to-you, and adventurous. Part of my job as a Midwest elopement photographer is to help couples find the perfect place to say “I do,” and navigate all the permits and logistical ins and outs of it all. If you’re ready to start planning the LGBT destination wedding of your dreams, click here to schedule a low-pressure, no-commitment discovery call.
xoxo,
Abi
(she/her)
