What Are The Top Gay Wedding Destinations in the United States?

A wedding is one of the ultimate expressions of love. It is something that most people want to experience at least once in their lives. In order to ensure that everyone has the perfect day, choosing an ideal location is paramount. There’s nothing better than planning a wedding at a place that’s unique, breathtaking, and fun.

The LGBTQ community has come a long way since the days when same-sex marriage was illegal. There are now over 1 million same-sex couples living in the U.S. These new couples need places to celebrate their nuptials, so we created a list of the top destinations to make planning your wedding easier. From the West Coast to the East Coast and several spots in between, here are some of the best places to celebrate love in the United States.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a perfect choice for LGBTQ couples looking to celebrate their love with a little bit of Louisiana flair. The city is voted one of the best places for same-sex weddings because of the unique history and culture that were brought by the French settlers when they founded the city. 

Aside from several historic landmarks, such as the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, and Jackson Square, the city also has businesses that offer excellent accommodation, great food, friendly people, beautiful scenery, and affordable prices. It also has some of the best gay bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels. So, if you’re planning a same-sex wedding in New Orleans, you’ll feel right at home!

San Francisco, California

There are many reasons why San Francisco is known as the gay mecca of the world, whether you’re looking to visit the oldest gay bar or you want to learn about the history of the LGBTQ community.  Furthermore, it is one of the largest cities in the country that hosts an annual Pride Parade, a major event celebrating social and self-acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride that attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators each year.

Each year, San Francisco hosts thousands of weddings. There are many locations to choose from, including City Hall, the Civic Center, Yerba Buena Gardens, Ocean Beach, the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, as well as numerous other LGBTQ-friendly businesses, restaurants, hotels, and clubs. It literally has wedding locations in every corner of the city, plus same-sex weddings are legal throughout California, so couples should easily find a venue and vendors that suit them.

New York City

New York City has more than 13,000 LGBTQ weddings every year and has become one of the best places for same-sex couples to tie the knot. The city offers great venues like the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall where same-sex weddings can be held. In addition, New York City also has many churches and temples where same-sex couples can marry legally. 

New York City also has many gay bars and clubs where they can meet other gays or lesbians. The city has always been known for its progressive attitude towards human rights and equality, diversity of cultures, religions, and lifestyles that’s why it’s one of the best places for LGBTQ couples to marry. 

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs has become a popular destination for same-sex couples due to the city’s warm climate, beautiful scenery, and high-quality hotels. The city offers several  locally-famous venues for same-sex weddings such as the Palm Springs Convention Center, El Pueblo Hotel & Spa, Desert Inn Resort & Casino, and the Caliente Tropics Resort & Casino. 

Rainbow-themed hotels like the Saguaro and Ace hotels offer gorgeous outdoor spaces perfect for receptions. Their rooms come in every color imaginable, providing a backdrop for ones of the biggest days of your life.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts is a great place to hold a same-sex wedding because of its historical significance, legal rights, and benefits. Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriages in 2004, making it the first state to do so. For many, Boston is the center of the gay community in the United States. With a reputation for being a bustling seaport, Boston has a rich history of revolutionizing social justice.

Boston has many LGBTQ-friendly hotels, restaurants, clubs, and it has several tourist attractions such as the Freedom Trail, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Fenway Park. 

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is a great place to get married for various reasons. First, you don’t need permission from anyone when getting married, since gay marriage is legal in Nevada. Second, it is cheap to get married in Vegas with no permit fees. Third, you can also register your marriage at the courthouse after the ceremony for a marriage license. Las Vegas is known for many things, but none more than glitz, glamour, and extravagant celebrations. Many gay men and women choose to get married there because it offers them an opportunity to celebrate their love with a splash of extravagance. While some couples opt for a less flashy location, others prefer to make their nuptials extra memorable by going all out and opting for lavish locations like the Bellagio or Encore Beach Resort & Casino.

Las Vegas is one of the ultimate destinations for LGBTQ wanting to tie the knot. There’s no shortage of hotels, restaurants, or bars that cater to the needs of the LGBTQ community. 

Miami, Florida

Greater Miami and Miami Beach have become favorite destinations for couples looking to tie the knot. In addition to gorgeous beaches, the city also offers luxury accommodations and incredible wedding venues. Coral Gables is home to some of the most breathtaking hotels in the country. These include the Biltmore, which boasts lavish gardens and a grand ballroom, and the Omni Royal Palm, which features a luxurious spa, pool, and a spectacular ocean view. Another great venue around Miami for same-sex weddings is The Church at Key Biscayne.

Miami Beach has long been known as a gay hotspot; today it is also a hot spot for wedding planners. The city boasts dozens of luxury hotels and intimate inns that offer everything from beachfront ocean views to romantic garden suites. Progressive policies have ensured that South Florida is a welcome destination for all visitors. From historic mansions to sparkling hotels, there’s something there for everyone!

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is one of the best cities in America to live in and has a great reputation for its people and economy. It is the third-largest city in the United States and is known for having some of the most beautiful parks and nature reserves in the world. The city also boasts some of the best museums and art galleries in the country. For all these reasons, same-sex couples often consider Chicago when planning their weddings.

It is a great city for same-sex couples looking for a beautiful venue for their wedding. If you want a beautiful scenic view of Lake Michigan or other large parks, such as Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Oak Street Beach, and Millennium Park, this is a city perfect for you. There are also many museums, restaurants, bars, and clubs where you can also celebrate your marriage.

The United States is home to some of the most progressive same-sex marriage laws in the world. It may come as no surprise that same-sex couples looking for love and commitment head to the U.S.A. when planning their weddings. Each city has its own unique charm and culture that makes it a great place to tie the knot. And with so much diversity among these cities, couples looking for inspiration should explore all the options available to them.

Planning to hold your wedding in one of these cities? Click here to browse a list of LGBTQ-friendly vendors around the area. www.weddingvendors.gay