Top 13 gay wedding destinations around the world

As the first country in Latin America to establish marriage equality, Argentina is an obvious choice for gay weddings abroad. In particular, ever progressive Buenos Aires is a gay mecca full of grandiose architecture, heavenly (albeit meaty) gastronomy, and sultry, queer tango parties. Toast to the upcoming nuptials over a glass of velvety malbec—the local variety is inexpensive, abundant, and delectable. Chic neighbourhoods, riveting theatres, and upscale luxury hotels round out the gay cosmopolitan experience.

Adventure lovers will be hard-pressed to find a gay wedding destination more ravishing than Cape Town. Did someone say cave diving with sharks followed by jumping from the world’s highest bungee? Flanked in natural wonders, with Table Mountain National Park to the North and powdery white sand beaches to the South, awe-inspiring landscapes seemingly await around every bend. Gay marriage is legal across South Africa, but Cape Town takes the prize as the gayest city in the country. Even better? A temperate climate means gay destination weddings in Cape Town are a fabulous idea year-round.

Spain is one of the gayest, most gorgeous countries in the world. Widely regarded as a model nation for gay rights in Europe, Spain continues to promote equality with laws in place to protect same-sex marriage, adoption, and transgender rights. Just a short way from Barcelona, the romantic beach town of Sitges vies for the title of Spain’s most gay-friendly city. By day, soak up the sun on one of Sitges’ picturesque gay beaches; by night, hop from world-class restaurants to thought-provoking art galleries with your new spouse by your side. If you prefer an enchanting locale that’s not synonymous with sand and sea, any of these top gay destinations in Spain would make foolproof spots for a gay wedding abroad.

Wild and rugged with the lunar-like landscape, glittering glaciers, and turquoise geothermal waters, if ever there was a destination of jaw-dropping beauty, it’s Iceland. With an ever-changing terrain that is as extreme as it is spectacular, this Nordic wonderland is a smart gay wedding destination for those who want to marry to a backdrop of ice-covered volcanoes or cascading waterfalls. Gay travellers who choose to marry in Iceland will be in good company; Iceland same-sex marriage was legalized in 2010, shortly after which then Prime Minister Jóhanna Siguroardóttir married her partner.

Arguably America’s oldest city, Boston boasts a riveting history as a trailblazing revolutionary—one that would continue when Massauchessets became the first U.S. state to legalize gay marriage. And with charming gay Provincetown near at hand, the gay Boston scene makes an ideal spot for couples looking to combine an elegant city wedding with a romantic seaside rendezvous on the Cape. The Elliot Hotel is one of Boston’s most opulent settings for a gay Boston wedding; think Italian marble countertops, a Beaux-Arts-style entrance, and sumptuous suites.

At first glance, Chicago might not seem like the obvious choice to make a list of top gay wedding destinations around the world, but you’ll want to hear us out. With cutting-edge architecture, a swanky nightlife scene, world-class cuisine, and a buzzing LGBTQ+ community, gay Chicago is a surprisingly delightful spot to tie the knot. Lakeview (more commonly referred to as Boystown,) is the Windy City’s historic gay neighbourhood, though the most spectacular gay wedding venues in Chicago are over in the ritzy Gold Coast neighbourhood. Of the elegant locales here, The Thompson Hotel wows with its elevated mid-century design and a dual-level penthouse (ideal for the newlyweds to escape to.)

Dubbed the world’s sexiest and best gay destination two years in a row, Rio de Janeiro is an alluring mix of sultry samba rhythms, lush mountainous scenery, and flawless golden sand beaches. Plus, if you’ve ever glimpsed footage of the city’s legendary Carnival jubilees, then you already know that Rio is a city that knows how to throw a good party. The Marvelous City has no shortage of adventures to entertain your wedding guests. From hiking through lush, monkey-filled rainforests to sailing across the Guanabara Bay at sunset, gay Rio de Janeiro thrills with its brilliant blend of wild landscapes and cosmopolitan charm.

Ah, San Francisco. Ever flamboyant with her forward-thinking, queer-leaning ways—and iconic for her legislation on gay freedoms, including being the first U.S. city to legalize gay marriage. We can hardly think of a more enigmatic, rainbow-lined city to raise a glass to a lifetime alongside your special someone. San Francisco gay wedding destinations don’t get more glam than The Cliff House with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows that reveal striking Pacific Ocean views. Or, for the oenophiles among us, hop over to a nearby vineyard for rolling hills and magical views all within easy access to the highlights of gay San Francisco.

Whether you want a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, once-in-a-lifetime adventure or weekend escape, the trip curation experts at Mr Hudson make travel planning a breeze. Find out how we can handle the finer details of vacationing in style.