If you’re dreaming of an LGBT destination wedding but aren’t sure where to start, I’ve got some ideas for you.
As a destination wedding photographer who loves capturing love stories of all kinds, here are my top picks for locations that are both breathtaking and super welcoming.
Ready to discover the best LGBTQ+ wedding venues and destinations? Let’s dive in!
Where to go for your LGBT destination wedding?
Here are the best LGBTQ+ wedding locations that mix a bit of adventure, luxurious high-end resorts with a relaxed & peaceful atmosphere.
French Polynesia
If a Polynesian LGBT destination wedding on the beach sounds like your dream, this is the place to be. The setting here is almost too perfect to believe.
Just imagine getting picked up from your eco-luxe overwater bungalow in a canoe filled with white blossoms and going to a pristine beach with a powdery white sand.
Palm trees sway gently overhead, there’s a turquoise ocean on one side, and a sparkling lagoon on the other.
You’ll wear a traditional tiara (a gorgeous flower crown), take part in a traditional Tahitian dance ceremony, and say your “I do’s” in the most divine setting. If you’re a beach lover, this is pure paradise.
The best part about French Polynesia? It’s incredibly welcoming to all couples. In fact, it’s one of the few places where being gay has never been illegal! So… ready to start packing?
Sydney, Australia
What could be more fun than a wedding down under? Sydney is one of the most gay friendly cities in the world and even hosted WorldPride in 2023. There is such a great queer community here and you are right on the Pacific ocean. What more could you ask for?
When it comes to your wedding itself, Sydney is also a major city so there are plenty of options for you to choose from whether you want something a bit more extravagant or something a little more laid back and by the ocean.
There are also so many great places to stay for your destination wedding, plus you can start your honeymoon right there and travel throughout Australia or even New Zealand!
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is the perfect mix of city vibes, mountain views, and beach beauty, all wrapped into one. No matter where you decide to have your wedding, you’re in for some seriously breathtaking scenery.
South Africa is also super welcoming to LGBTQ+ couples. In fact, it was one of the first countries in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation in 1996. Cape Town is one of the most open-minded and free-spirited places in the world—perfect for a warm, welcoming wedding.
Here, you and your guests can soak in stunning views of Table Mountain, go surfing, indulge in wine tastings, or simply get pampered at your resort. And speaking of resorts, the one I’m about to recommend is truly something special.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
For a bit of uniqueness and tons of color, you can head into Europe and tie the knot in Amsterdam. The Netherlands was actually the first country in the world to legalize same sex marriage back in 2001 and still has a very active queer community.
A lot of people may skip over Amersterdam and the Netherlands when they are thinking about destination elopement locations, but there are so many amazing areas around the city to explore. Whether it is the canals, the beautiful colors, or the art, there is nothing quite like this city.
If you are looking for the perfect place to elope while still being able to have a fun and adventurous day, this is the perfect place. You can say “I do” and then hop on some bikes and explore this amazing city with your new spouse!
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Next up, the Riviera Maya—easily one of the most delicious spots on the list. If you and your partner are total foodies with a love for vibrant, colorful streets and Mexican cuisine, this destination is an absolute dream.
The Caribbean coastline here is beyond stunning, with endless white-sand beaches and jaw-dropping ancient ruins. Just imagine all the powdery sand, breathtaking Mayan historical sites, magical cenotes… it’s like something out of a fairy tale.
And then there’s the culture. Mexican people are some of the warmest, most welcoming souls you’ll ever meet. Their genuine hospitality will make you feel right at home the second you arrive.
When it comes to venues, you’ll have no shortage of amazing options, and like all the other destinations on this list, same-sex marriage is fully legal and celebrated here.
Portugal
Portugal is an absolutely beautiful country and is such an underrated destination. It has a little bit of everything from beaches to incredible food to mountains and amazing wine. You truly get a little bit of everything in Portugal.
Since there is so much variety within the country, it creates a really unique opportunity for you to pick and choose what you want your wedding day to look like and your entire destination wedding experience.
You can head further south in Portugal to the capital city of Lisbon. Here there is a great queer community and so much to do around the city. There is no shortage of places for you to choose from for your wedding.
For somewhere a bit less visited, but still incredible, you can head up the coast a bit to Porto, Portugal. Here you get the incredible charm and history of the city mixed with incredible people and food.
You are also right on the river and are just an hour away from the heart of the Duoro Valley filled with beautiful vineyards. There is so much beauty to be seen here and it is a bit of a less visited spot which can create the perfect wedding for you and your partner!
Iceland
If beaches and sunshine aren’t really your thing and you’re craving mountains and adventure, Iceland might just be the perfect choice!
Iceland offers everything from mind-blowing glaciers, lush green landscapes, epic mountains, starry skies, and maybe even a glimpse of the northern lights (if you visit at the right time).
You’ll experience complete silence and get to have the coziest, most intimate time together—talk about hygge vibes. Could it get more romantic?
I’ve got a soft spot for Iceland myself, and I love capturing love stories here. Plus, Iceland is incredibly open-minded, making it a welcoming place for legal LGBTQ+ marriage ceremonies.
Frequently Asked Questions: LGBTQ+ Destination Weddings
What should LGBTQ+ couples prioritize when choosing a destination wedding location?
Legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the country, local cultural attitudes toward LGBTQ+ couples, vendor availability and experience with queer weddings, and how openly welcoming the destination is day-to-day — not just legally. A place that technically allows same-sex marriage but where couples don’t feel celebrated isn’t the right choice. The destinations in this guide are places where LGBTQ+ couples are genuinely welcomed and celebrated.
What country first legalized same-sex marriage?
The Netherlands, in 2001 — which makes Amsterdam one of the most historically significant destinations for LGBTQ+ couples. It has one of the world’s most active queer communities and has been a beacon for LGBTQ+ rights for decades.
Is French Polynesia welcoming to LGBTQ+ couples?
Yes — being gay has never been illegal in French Polynesia, which puts it in a small category of places with a genuinely long history of acceptance. The setting — overwater bungalows, white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons — combined with that cultural openness makes it one of the most extraordinary options for couples who want a beach destination wedding.
Is Iceland a good destination for LGBTQ+ weddings?
Iceland legalized same-sex marriage in 2010 and has strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ couples. The scenery — glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes — is extraordinary and unlike anywhere else on earth. I’ve photographed in Iceland and the images are genuinely unlike anything else in my portfolio. My Iceland elopement photographer post covers what shooting there actually looks like.
What European cities are most welcoming for LGBTQ+ destination weddings?
Amsterdam is the historic leader. Copenhagen, Barcelona, Berlin, and Lisbon all have strong LGBTQ+ communities and legal same-sex marriage. The Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and Portugal all legalized same-sex marriage early and have well-established infrastructure for queer weddings.
Do you photograph LGBTQ+ weddings?
Yes — love is love, full stop. I’ve photographed same-sex weddings across the United States and internationally, and inclusive photography is genuinely central to how I work. Every couple deserves photographs that honor their relationship with the same care and attention.
Do you travel internationally for LGBTQ+ destination weddings?
Yes — I travel extensively for destination work and I’ve shot in Iceland, France, Finland, the Caribbean, and more. If you’re planning an LGBTQ+ destination wedding anywhere in the world, I’d love to hear about it. My destination wedding portfolio shows the full range of international work.
What should LGBTQ+ couples ask a photographer before booking?
Ask directly whether they photograph same-sex weddings and whether they have examples in their portfolio. Ask how they approach photographing queer couples — do they treat it as completely normal (the right answer) or do they make a point of noting it as a specialty in a way that feels othering? Look at their existing work. A photographer whose portfolio includes same-sex couples alongside all other couples is showing you something important about how they see the world.
Every love story deserves to be photographed with the same care and intention. If yours is a destination wedding, I’d love to hear about it.
