At the time of writing this, only 30 countries in the world have legalised same sex marriage so it can be hard for same sex couples to plan a destination wedding, thanks to the more limited options.
Thankfully, there are some beautiful locations where same sex couples can have the destination wedding of their dreams without having to worry about discrimination being a part of their big day.
We’ve chosen five gorgeous places where same sex couples can get married freely and have a special day they’ll never forget.
Same Sex Weddings in South Africa
With gorgeous beaches, mountains and game reserves, and minimal time difference, South Africa makes a great location for destination weddings.
People might assume that homophobia would be an issue in South Africa, but same sex marriage has been legal since 2006 and it’s become a very popular destination for many couples looking to get away for their big day.
Our Top Pick: South African Wedding Venues
Our favourite for your South Africa destination wedding is the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. Located in Cape Town, you can get married in the Table Mountain Fynbos Garden, overlooking the ocean. For an intimate wedding with your nearest and dearest, look no further.
Same Sex Weddings in Malta
This sometimes overlooked Mediterranean island is the perfect setting for a romantic picturesque wedding.
Same sex marriage has been legal since 2017 and Malta could be just right for your nuptials. It’s also a short flight of around three hours from the UK so you won’t be too far from home, meaning more guests are likely to be able to join you.
Our Top Pick: Maltese Wedding Venues
We chose the Phoenicia Malta in Valletta for the perfect destination wedding venue. You can get married in the hotel or the beautiful landscaped gardens, overlooking the ocean and gorgeous historic bastion walls. If you want an unforgettable ‘I do’, this is perfect for you.
Same Sex Weddings in Brazil
Legal in Brazil since 2013, same-sex marriage is widely accepted and appreciated.
Brazil holds amazing pride parades and the LGBTQ+ community is strong and celebrated. Rio de Janeiro has a fantastic LGBTQ+ scene and you can guarantee a wedding that you’ll never forget.
Our Top Pick: Brazilian Wedding Venues
Our number one choice is the ultra-luxe Belmond Copacabana Palace. Perfect for an intimate ceremony or an extravagant soiree, it offers something special and unique for every couple. The stunning setting is sure to give you the wedding of your dreams.
Same Sex Weddings in France
A classic holiday destination for UK travellers, don’t count out France.
An inherently romantic country with gorgeous locations and fantastic weather, it could be the perfect destination for your wedding abroad. You can go for a cosmopolitan city ceremony or a dreamy beach wedding; France has it all.
Our Top Pick: French Wedding Venues
We picked the Château de Berne in Provence for the perfect destination wedding. Set in a gorgeous vineyard with stunning gardens and reception rooms, you can be sure of a wedding full of romance and charm. Plenty of fantastic wine too, if you’re a rose lover.
Same Sex Weddings in America
Despite the recent turmoil in America, it is still a supportive same sex marriage friendly country with lots of amazing locations for a gorgeous destination wedding. With fantastic cities and countryside venues, you can be sure to get exactly what you want.
Our Top Pick: American Wedding Venues
For classic elegance and old Hollywood glamour, we recommend the Millennium Biltmore in Los Angeles. With a range of stunning event spaces, including the Crystal Ballroom, you can have a grand fairy tale wedding that no one will forget – living the Hollywood dream.
Same Sex Weddings in Taiwan
Having legalised same sex marriage in May 2019, Taiwan is the first country in Asia to allow same-sex marriage.
The support has been overwhelming and Taiwan is making strides against homophobic culture in Asia. With gorgeous cosmopolitan cities, Taiwan is perfect for an elegant city destination wedding.
Our Top Pick: Taiwanese Wedding Venues
We’ve chosen the Regent Taipei, great for a sophisticated modern wedding. They have two gorgeous event spaces and fantastic wedding consultants to make sure you get the wedding of your dreams.
Same Sex Weddings in Australia
Despite the long journey, Australia is an amazing destination for your wedding.
The cities are unique, and you can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and great weather. Same sex marriage was legalised in 2017. The only problem could be the long flight time, which might mean Australia is better suited to couples who want to elope, rather than those who wanted to be surrounded by family and friends.
Our Top Pick: Australian Wedding Venues
Our favourite for your Australia destination wedding is The Langham Sydney. Located on the harbourside, it has different spaces so whether you want an intimate ceremony or an extravagant event, you can get the wedding you’ve always wanted.
Whilst these are our top picks for destination weddings, there are other beautiful countries where same sex marriage is legal such as Spain, Argentina, the Netherlands and Greenland, all of which are unique in there own way and can be the perfect place for your wedding.
