Planning a destination wedding should be joyful, exciting, and centered on your love — not shadowed by legal red tape or worry. Whether you’re picturing barefoot vows in Mexico or a mountaintop ceremony in Canada, this guide will help you choose the perfect, inclusive destination for your big day.

The Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Destination Wedding Locations

Mexico

Legal for LGBTQ+ Couples: ✅ Yes – Civil same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.

Why We Love It: Stunning beaches, endless resort options, and LGBTQ+ friendly cities.

Top Wedding Spots: Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta

Inclusive Resort Brands:

UNICO 20°87° – Adults-only and incredibly inclusive
Hyatt Ziva & Zilara
Hilton Playa del Carmen
Hard Rock Hotels
Velas Resorts – Upscale and welcoming
AMR Collection (Secrets, Dreams, Breathless) – Part of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection

Costa Rica

Legal for LGBTQ+ Couples: ✅ Yes

Why We Love It: Lush rainforests, boutique eco-lodges, and romance in the air.

Top Wedding Spots: Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio, Papagayo

Inclusive Resorts:

Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Secrets Papagayo
LGBTQ+ friendly eco-lodges for nature-loving couples

Curaçao

Legal for LGBTQ+ Couples: ❌ Not legal to marry on-island, but legal Dutch marriages are recognized. Symbolic ceremonies are popular.

Why We Love It: A mix of Caribbean charm, Dutch heritage, and genuine LGBTQ+ hospitality.

Top Resorts:

Dreams Curaçao Resort
Sandals Royal Curacao
Avila Beach Hotel – Actively supports Pride and LGBTQ+ travelers

Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curaçao

Canada

Legal for LGBTQ+ Couples: ✅ Yes (since 2005)

Why We Love It: Marriage equality is fully embraced, and the backdrops are unbeatable.

Top Wedding Spots: Banff, Whistler, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Prince Edward County

Unique Venues:

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Mountaintop ceremonies
Vineyard and barn weddings

Portugal

Legal for LGBTQ+ Couples: ✅ Yes

Why We Love It: Dreamy landscapes, romantic cobblestone towns, and delicious cuisine.

Top Wedding Spots: Lisbon, Algarve, Sintra

Inclusive Venues: Boutique hotels, vineyard estates, and historic palaces

South Africa

Legal for LGBTQ+ Couples: ✅ Yes (since 2006)

Why We Love It: Wine country weddings, luxury safaris, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Cape Town.

Top Wedding Spots: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Cape Town

Get a FREE Destination Wedding Quote

Destinations to Avoid for LGBTQ+ Weddings

Some places may look dreamy in photos but can pose serious legal or safety concerns for LGBTQ+ travelers. We recommend avoiding:

Jamaica – Same-sex intimacy is criminalized
Maldives – Homosexuality is criminalized; no legal recognition of marriage
Dubai/UAE – Extremely strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws
St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Dominica – Progress made, but same-sex intimacy is still criminalized
Russia, Egypt, Tanzania, and parts of Africa/Middle East – Same-sex marriage is illegal, with potential legal risks

⚠️ Pro Tip: Even if resorts offer symbolic ceremonies, that doesn’t guarantee the location is safe or welcoming. Always work with a travel specialist who understands the legal landscape.

Resort Brands That Celebrate All Love

These hospitality brands go above and beyond to make LGBTQ+ couples feel welcome:

Sandals Resorts – Once exclusive to opposite-sex couples, now fully inclusive
Hyatt Inclusive Collection (Secrets, Dreams, Breathless) – Stunning venues and inclusivity training
Hard Rock Hotels – A fun, open-minded, music-loving atmosphere
UNICO 20°87° – Inclusive, stylish, and romantic
Marriott International – Global leader in diversity and inclusivity

How We Help LGBTQ+ Couples Plan Their Dream Wedding

At World of Wonder Travel, we believe every couple deserves a stress-free, joyful celebration. We:

Recommend destinations where your marriage is legal and celebrated
Connect you with LGBTQ+ inclusive resorts and venues
Handle guest logistics, including travel and group bookings
Coordinate with on-site wedding teams trained in inclusivity
Offer personalized wedding websites and RSVP support

You focus on the love. We’ll take care of the details. 💖

FAQs About LGBTQ+ Destination Weddings

Q1: Can we legally marry abroad and have it recognized in the U.S.?
A: Yes, if the marriage is legally performed in a country where it’s recognized, it will typically be valid in the U.S.

Q2: Are symbolic ceremonies common for LGBTQ+ couples?
A: Absolutely! In destinations where marriage isn’t legal, symbolic ceremonies are a popular alternative.

Q3: How far in advance should we start planning?
A: Ideally, start 12–18 months ahead, especially if you're traveling with a group or want a specific date.

Q4: Are there all-inclusive wedding packages for LGBTQ+ couples?
A: Yes! Many inclusive resort brands like Hyatt and Sandals offer packages tailored for LGBTQ+ couples.

Ready to Say “I Do” Somewhere Wonderful?

Let’s design a wedding that reflects your story — in a destination that celebrates your love without limits. 💕

Contact World of Wonder Travel today to start planning your unforgettable LGBTQ+ destination wedding.