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Got Engaged for Gay Pride Month? Here are Jordan Jack’s Top 10 LBGTQ Wedding Locations
Did you pop the big question during Pride Month or were you the lucky recipient of a heartfelt proposal? Congratulations on your engagement! Are you considering proposing? Start by finding the perfect gay engagement ring with Jordan Jack. Our at home try on service makes the process simple and enjoyable, bringing you one step closer to tying the knot!
As more and more countries around the world embrace same sex marriage, LGBTQ couples are thinking globally while making their wedding plans. There are more choices than ever for gay couples looking to marry abroad, so take the leap and plan that destination wedding! Jordan Jack has rounded up the Top 10 LGBTQ Wedding Destinations to help you narrow it down:
1. Iceland
It’s no wonder that Iceland has been climbing the ranks of top wedding destinations in recent years. “The Land of Fire and Ice” has a stunning array of scenery; black sand beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, the Northern Lights, long summer nights (22 hours of daylight!), quaint wooden churches in picturesque settings…Iceland has it all. Same sex marriage has been legal here since June of 2010 and Icelanders have a reputation for being welcoming and inclusive.
Foreigners find it simple and straightforward to get married in Iceland; you need only submit the required paperwork at the appropriate time.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
As the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage, Argentina is very LGBTQ-friendly. Known as Latin America’s unofficial gay capital, Buenos Aires has a booming LGBTQ tourism industry along with a vibrant gay night scene. Beauty and history abound, tango is king, and the food is extraordinary.
Foreign couples can navigate the requirements of getting married here themselves, but there are some complicated aspects, so hiring a travel agent or destination wedding planner to help with the process is advised.
3. Ireland
Ireland was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote and the Irish are proud to welcome gay couples to their country. The Emerald Isle has a turbulent and beautiful history that colors its people and culture. In Ireland, you’ll find dramatic coastlines, romantic fairytale castles, rugged beauty, and pubs full of warm and welcoming locals. Here you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect wedding venue. Charming B&Bs, lavishly landscaped estates, and romantic castles await to make your nuptial dreams a reality.
There are a lot of requirements for foreigners who want to marry in Ireland so advance planning is a must. Do your research and make certain you understand what you’ll need to do before the big day.
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is quintessential New Zealand, offering four seasons of beauty against a majestic mountain backdrop. Outdoor activities abound here. Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding from June to October, and consider tying the knot during Gay Ski Week in late August/early September. Warm weather activities include hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, golf, skydiving, paragliding, and more. Queenstown is the birthplace of bungee jumping and there are multiple places to leap off and get your adrenaline pumping. And when you’re ready to relax and recover from your Queenstown adventures wineries and day spas are plentiful. New Zealand is progressive and forward-thinking and there is a booming LBGTQ tourism industry with a network of gay friendly accommodations.
Getting married here is a relatively easy process, making it an excellent choice for your destination wedding.
5. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, the leading gay-friendly city on the continent, boasts a diverse and varied range of experiences. From flat-peaked mountains to golden beaches, Cape Town has much to offer. De Waterkant, a trendy and bohemian “gayborhood,” is a perfect place to shop, dine, and explore. Enjoy the fabulous nightlife after a day of touring the nearby award-winning vineyards. Visit Table Mountain’s 3,000 ft. peak and take your choice of hiking, paragliding, or riding a cable car down from the top. Relish in the novelty of taking both a penguin-spotting tour and a shark-cage diving excursion in the same day.
Cape Town makes it easy for anyone to get married here. Check for current information and requirements.
6. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco flies its gay flag higher and prouder than anywhere else in the US and has been the epicenter of gay culture since the 70s. One of the most gay-friendly cities in the country, San Francisco is also one of the best places to get married, as amazing wedding venues can be found all over the city. Visit the Castro District, ground zero for American LGBTQ culture, or enjoy the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Traverse the hilly landscape by foot (and tone those calf muscles!) or by the famous cable cars that crisscross the city. Picturesque fog and an eclectic foodie scene round out the experience. A cosmopolitan vibe mixed with natural beauty make San Francisco an excellent choice for your LGBTQ wedding.
7. Maui, HI
The Aloha spirit is famous worldwide for plenty of good reasons. Generations of diverse cultures have melded to create a unique laid-back culture found nowhere else in the world, with a food and cocktail scene to match. Hawaii is home to waterfalls with secluded pools and pristine beaches, lush tropical rainforests and volcanoes, crystal clear water, and perfect weather year-round. Maui is the most gay-friendly of the island chain and one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world for LGBTQ couples. If you’re feeling risqué, visit clothing-optional Little Beach. For a dream wedding, try private and secluded Poolenalea Beach, then stay on the island for a honeymoon in paradise.
8. Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay is one of only three countries in South America to legalize same-sex marriage and is considered the most gay-friendly of them all. The relaxed atmosphere of capital city Montevideo, combined with its authenticity and welcoming hospitality make this a quiet yet exotic wedding destination. A small but beautiful little port town, Montevideo boasts gorgeous beaches, a thriving nightlife, and an excellent restaurant and bar culture. You’ll also find historic architecture and several hotels exclusively for gay couples. Montevideo is a great place from which to explore several other popular destinations and activities yet manages to avoid being overrun by tourists.
There is a registration waiting period for foreigners to be married here, so be sure you’re in the country within the appropriate timeframe.
9. Barcelona, Spain
As the third country to legalize same sex marriage, Spain is one of the most gay-friendly places on the globe. Barcelona is the place to go to experience this open-minded attitude. Combining world-class architecture and art, legendary Mediterranean beaches, incredible tapas, rich history, and contemporary Spanish culture, Barcelona is a truly unique place to say “I do.” Learn flamenco, the dance of love and passion, or visit the Gaixample region of the city, home to LGBTQ-friendly restaurants, bars, and shops.
The requirements for foreigners to get married in Spain are restrictive, so many couples opt for a meaningful ceremony followed by a legal union back home.
10. New York City, NY
New York, New York…a classic if ever there was one. A thriving metropolis with endless possibilities, New York City has been at the forefront of the pride movement from the start. Excellent museums, Broadway theaters, iconic hotels, unforgettable food, and gay-friendly bars, clubs, and neighborhoods around every corner make New York an easy choice for your destination wedding. Your affair can be as posh or as quirky as you wish. Anything goes in the city that never sleeps!
There are so many amazing options for a dreamy destination wedding. Once you’ve chosen the perfect place to say “I do,” find your perfect LGBTQ wedding bands at Jordan Jack.
Bon voyage and best wishes from Jordan Jack!