Top 13 gay wedding destinations around the world

Buenos Aires is a city of rich culture, historic architecture, and vibrant nightlife, making it a top destination for luxury gay weddings. The Alvear Palace Hotel in Recoleta stands as a symbol of classic elegance with its French design, and is renowned for its impeccable service and luxurious rooms. It’s also conveniently located near some of the city’s best art galleries, museums, and the Recoleta Cemetery. Also in fashionable Recoleta, Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta provides an exquisite blend of contemporary luxury and French savoir-faire, with proximity to high-end boutiques, fine dining, and the city’s key cultural attractions. For a more intimate stay, Hotel Casa Lucia is a boutique option in Palermo, offering chic, design-forward interiors and personalised service, perfect for couples seeking a modern romantic escape.

Few gay wedding destinations in Europe exude romance quite like Ireland. A small island with big-time thrills, a drive across the country quickly reveals Ireland’s dramatic beauty—from its arresting coastline to its bucolic countryside to its charming candy-coloured towns. Add to the mix a fascinating history that’s left visible marks across the country in the form of ruins and castles, and you’ve got a treasure trove of delightfully dreamy experiences all in one spectacular setting. Ireland is renowned for its next-level hospitality towards tourists, and gay travellers are no exception. In 2015, Ireland became the first nation to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote. Dublin, Belfast, and Cork are where you’ll discover the most lively Ireland gay travel scenes.

Dublin offers a mix of Georgian elegance and modern vibrancy, ideal for a chic gay wedding. Nestled in the city centre, The Merrion Hotel offers five-star opulence within a set of Georgian townhouses, with lush gardens and Michelin-star dining at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, perfect for couples seeking a sophisticated wedding setting. Dylan, Dublin’s chicest boutique hotel, is a blend of old-world charm and contemporary design, located in a quieter part of the city but within easy reach of the lively nightlife and culture of St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. For a stay with a boutique edge, The Wilder is a beautifully restored Victorian townhouse, exuding charm and intimacy, ideal for couples looking to combine heritage with modern luxury.

Cape Town’s blend of natural beauty and cosmopolitan flair makes it a prime gay wedding destination. Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, set at the foot of Table Mountain, offers timeless elegance and a serene atmosphere, with beautiful gardens and an on-site events team for bespoke wedding planning. For those wanting an ultra-luxurious experience, One&Only Cape Town provides opulent suites with breathtaking views of the marina and Table Mountain, plus renowned dining at Nobu and an exclusive wedding team to craft your perfect day. Alternatively, Cape Grace, located on the V&A Waterfront, offers classic luxury, a world-class spa, and a prime location near the city’s vibrant cultural and nightlife scene.

Dazzling cerulean waters, lush rolling hillsides, and a thrumming downtown gayborhood provide the backdrop to Mexico’s time-honoured gay beach capital: Puerto Vallarta. While it’s important to note that only civil unions are legal in Mexico, 12 states have legalized full marriage equality—including Puerto Vallarta’s state of Jalisco. Those inclined to say “I do” with their toes in the sand and the Pacific gently lapping behind them need not look further than the LGBTQ Almar Resort. An idyllic beachfront location and in-house wedding planner make it easy to see why this gay hotel regularly tops most lists of top 10 wedding destinations.

Puerto Vallarta’s Riviera Nayarit offers stunning Pacific views and the perfect setting for a beachside gay wedding. The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is a luxurious all-inclusive resort with sophisticated suites, world-class gourmet dining, and an expert wedding team to assist in planning your dream ceremony by the sea. For an eco-luxury experience, One&Only Mandarina provides exclusive, nature-immersed villas and treehouses along the coastline, blending design with nature, perfect for a romantic and unique wedding backdrop.

Barcelona’s vibrant culture and stunning architecture make it an iconic wedding destination for the discerning gay traveller. The Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is located on the Passeig de Gràcia, offering opulence and world-class service with Michelin-starred dining, just steps from Gaudí’s masterpieces. Wittmore Hotel, hidden in the Gothic Quarter, is a stylish adults-only boutique hotel, offering privacy and sophistication in one of the city’s most historic areas. Meanwhile, Serras Barcelona, located on the waterfront, blends modern luxury with a storied past, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and a rooftop perfect for intimate celebrations.

The quintessential image of paradise found this Tahitian gem is on every list of gay beach wedding destinations for a reason. Think mesmerizing starry night skies, dreamy overwater bungalows, sparkling turquoise waters, and kaleidoscopic marine life. Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia, so gay weddings have been legal here under French law since 2013. A bevvy of ultra-luxurious gay-friendly resorts means you’ll have no problem finding local talent to help construct the perfect day. And when it comes to gay honeymoon destinations? Well, you’ve already arrived at one of the sexiest.

For a dreamy tropical gay wedding, Bora Bora is the ultimate destination. The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offers luxurious overwater bungalows with stunning views of Mount Otemanu and a dedicated wedding team to curate your perfect day in paradise. Equally opulent, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort features expansive villas, personal butlers, and gourmet dining, ensuring your wedding is as seamless as it is unforgettable.

For a wedding set against Iceland’s dramatic natural beauty, The Reykjavik EDITION is a design-forward luxury hotel in the city’s vibrant harbour district. Its sleek, modern aesthetic blends perfectly with Reykjavik’s cultural heart, offering easy access to local art galleries, museums, and the city’s famous nightlife. The hotel’s personalised service ensures an unforgettable experience for couples seeking to wed in this extraordinary location.

Gay New Orleans is, in one word, ravishing. Land of art, music, superstition, and Cajun spice, this loud and proud Southern city marches to the beat of its own drum—a testament to its unique French, Spanish, and Creole influences. With the sounds of jazz wafting through the air, New Orleans makes an ideal spot for an LGBTQ destination wedding in the otherwise mostly conservative South. The Lavender Line is the starting point of any gay New Orleans travel guide. You’ll find it in the insatiably fun French Quarter, where lavish hotels, cast-iron balconies, and traditional cuisine are bound to inspire the most fabulous gay wedding ideas.

New Orleans, with its rich culture and lively energy, is a romantic and fun destination for a gay wedding. Maison Metier offers a boutique experience, with a modern, stylish aesthetic right in the heart of the French Quarter. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans brings classic luxury to your stay, with elegant rooms and a stunning courtyard perfect for intimate weddings. The Windsor Court provides a stately setting with exceptional service, making it an excellent choice for couples looking for Southern charm with a touch of grandeur.

Boston’s mix of historic charm and modern luxury makes it an ideal wedding destination. Raffles Boston, with its opulent rooms and refined service, offers the perfect setting for a sophisticated city wedding. Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street combines sleek design with unrivalled luxury, offering couples the chance to wed in a stunning contemporary setting, just steps from the city’s best museums and galleries. The Newbury Boston, recently restored to its former grandeur, offers classic elegance with views of the Public Garden, perfect for a stylish and unforgettable celebration.

Chicago’s diverse culture and striking skyline offer a vibrant backdrop for your wedding. The Viceroy Chicago, located in the trendy Gold Coast neighbourhood, blends historic charm with contemporary luxury, offering an ideal setting for intimate city weddings. Pendry Chicago brings sleek, modern design to the iconic Carbide & Carbon building, close to the Magnificent Mile’s shopping and dining. Park Hyatt Chicago offers a refined, art-filled atmosphere and stunning views of Lake Michigan, making it a chic option for a luxurious urban wedding.

Rio’s vibrant energy and stunning beaches create an unforgettable setting for a gay wedding. Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, is a Rio icon, offering old-world luxury with a glamorous beachfront location and an on-site events team to make your wedding dreams a reality. For a more contemporary vibe, Emiliano Rio offers sleek, minimalist design on Copacabana Beach, with personalised service and exceptional dining. Nestled in the bohemian district of Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa Hotel RJ provides a lush, tropical retreat with a colonial feel, perfect for a romantic and relaxed celebration.

San Francisco’s iconic skyline and cultural vibrancy make it a dream destination for gay weddings. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco provides understated luxury and a prime location near Union Square’s shopping and theatre district. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco offers a timeless, elegant setting in Nob Hill, with beautifully appointed rooms and event spaces for an unforgettable celebration. The St. Regis San Francisco combines modern design with impeccable service, ensuring your wedding is nothing short of spectacular.

It’s hardly any secret that anything goes in fabulous Las Vegas. While other couples are fretting over registering, so their guests know precisely what to buy a gay couple for their wedding, getting married in Las Vegas means an epic celebration that swaps the typical wedding stress for dazzling decadence—and hopefully a sprinkle of debauchery. With everything from infinity rooftop pools to one-of-a-kind helicopter weddings, narrowing down the top 10 places to get married in Las Vegas will likely be your most challenging task. Yet again, that’s all part of the allure of planning a gay wedding to the inimitable, neon-swathed city that is Las Vegas.

Las Vegas offers a unique blend of glamour and excitement for a truly memorable gay wedding. Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, with its non-gaming atmosphere and luxurious tranquillity, is perfect for couples seeking a sophisticated setting. For those who prefer something more vibrant, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas boasts bold, contemporary design and a plethora of world-class dining and nightlife options. Bellagio remains an iconic choice, with its stunning fountains, elegant rooms, and exceptional event spaces for a wedding infused with classic Vegas style.