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Ultimate Guide to LGBTQIA+ Destination Weddings Palladium Weddings

The Ultimate Guide to LGBTQIA+ Destination Weddings

Let us help you plan the perfect (and inclusive) destination wedding of your dreams. 

Ultimate Guide to LGBTQIA+ Destination Weddings Paradisus Playa Del Carmen

How to plan an inclusive destination wedding in paradise

The steps it takes to plan a destination wedding as an LGBTQIA+ couple are nearly identical to those for a heterosexual couple. However, there are a few additional factors to consider to ensure you have the inclusive celebration you deserve.

Review this LGBTQIA+ wedding planning guide and you'll be on your way to the destination wedding of your dreams. 

Ultimate guide to LGBTQIA+ Weddings

Work With Inclusive Vendors

You're in the right place! Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists have been accredited by the prestigious Equality Institute, whose mission is to help lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples have a positive, supportive experience while planning their wedding.

Not only are we trained to plan your destination wedding from start to finish, we also have the expertise and awareness of the global sensitivities surrounding same-sex marriage.

Let Us Know Your Pronouns

It's beneficial to let your Certified Destination Wedding Specialist know your pronouns and any other gendered word preferences. When planning a wedding, you'll most likely come across instances where the terms "bride" and "groom" are used often. Simply let us know what makes you feel most YOU, so we can ensure a comfortable experience from start to finish.

Furthermore, we're happy to adopt the following gender-neutral wedding titles and terms throughout your planning process: 

  • Celebrant/marrier
  • Wedding suite
  • Wedding gown
  • Wedding party attendants
  • Person(s) of honor 
  • Bach/bachelorx party
  • Primary bouquet/boutonniere
  • Head/sweetheart table 

Find An Inclusive Destination & Venue

A major priority when planning a gay destination wedding is to make sure you get married in an inclusive destination, at an inclusive resort/venue. Not only should you consider destinations where same-sex marriage is legal, but also their overall equality index. Our LGBTQIA+-friendly resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean are hand selected to ensure a total embrace for everyone, so you don't need to worry about any types of discrimination throughout your stay.

Our top LGBTQIA+ friendly wedding destinations are:

Find the perfect LGBTQIA+ friendly wedding resort

Sandos Playacar, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Sandos Playacar

Riviera Maya, Mexico

4 Star Resort Note: Hotel Class - 4/5 star rating based on hotel quality ranking
Average Cost: $$
Family-Friendly
3 Venues
click on view details - Sandos Playacar
Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Cancun, Mexico

Hyatt Ziva Cancun

Cancun, Mexico

4.5 Star Resort Note: Hotel Class - 4.5/5 star rating based on hotel quality ranking
Average Cost: $$$
Family-Friendly
5 Venues
click on view details - Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Riu Palace Aruba, Palm Beach, Aruba

Riu Palace Aruba

Palm Beach, Aruba

4 Star Resort Note: Hotel Class - 4/5 star rating based on hotel quality ranking
Average Cost: $$$
Family-Friendly
3 Venues
click on view details - Riu Palace Aruba
Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino, Curacao, Caribbean

Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino

Curacao, Caribbean

4.5 Star Resort Note: Hotel Class - 4.5/5 star rating based on hotel quality ranking
Average Cost: $$
Family-Friendly
2 Venues
click on view details - Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino
Armony Luxury Resort & Spa, A Marival Collection, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Armony Luxury Resort & Spa, A Marival Collection

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

4.5 Star Resort Note: Hotel Class - 4.5/5 star rating based on hotel quality ranking
Average Cost: $$$
Adults-Only
8 Venues
click on view details - Armony Luxury Resort & Spa, A Marival Collection
Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico

Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres

Cancun, Mexico

5 Star Resort Note: Hotel Class - 5/5 star rating based on hotel quality ranking
Average Cost: $$$
Family-Friendly
4 Venues
click on view details - Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya, Mexico

4.5 Star Resort Note: Hotel Class - 4.5/5 star rating based on hotel quality ranking
Average Cost: $$$
Family-Friendly
6 Venues
click on view details - Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica, Costa Rica, Central America

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Costa Rica, Central America

4.5 Star Resort Note: Hotel Class - 4.5/5 star rating based on hotel quality ranking
Average Cost: $$$
Family-Friendly
10 Venues
click on view details - Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
Ocean Riviera Paradise, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Ocean Riviera Paradise

Riviera Maya, Mexico

4 Star Resort Note: Hotel Class - 4/5 star rating based on hotel quality ranking
Average Cost: $$
Family-Friendly
3 Venues
click on view details - Ocean Riviera Paradise

Unfortunately, we must recommend avoiding the following destinations if you or anyone on your guest list is part of the LGBTQIA+ community: Antigua, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia.

Plan Your Ceremony

The first step to planning a destination wedding ceremony in another country is to determine if you want the marriage to be legal or not. Many couples opt for a symbolic (otherwise known as commitment) ceremony in their chosen destination. Then, upon their return home, they will legalize the marriage in their home state. This is an especially convenient option for LGBT+ couples, whose destination may be welcoming to the community, but not legally recognize same-sex marriage yet.

Make sure to hire an inclusive officiant/non-denominational minister to perform your ceremony. Your onsite wedding coordinator can assist with this to ensure your vows are personalized to your exact vision.

Other considerations include:

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Gender-neutral readings and songs

from the ceremony to the reception, you can personalize the music to your taste.

The wedding party

feel free to have a man of honor, best woman, bridesmen or groomswomen!

Gay wedding attire

whether you're shopping for a wedding dress as a trans bride, or looking to mix and match your bow ties as a gay couple, you'll want to feel comfortable.

Pride details

decide if and how you'd like to showcase your LGBT+ pride. We've seen everything from rainbow suspenders to wedding cakes; colorful shoes and bouquets.

Remember that the most important aspect of your destination wedding is celebrating your love and commitment with your dearest friends and family. With thorough planning and consideration, your gay destination wedding can be a truly magical experience.

Wedding Planning FAQs

How do I plan an LGBT+-friendly destination wedding?

When planning an LGBT+-friendly destination wedding, it’s important to work with a professional who can guide you through the important steps to ensure you have a kind and inclusive experience. The first step is to contact a Certified Destination Wedding Specialist who has expertise in gay-friendly travel. Next, you’ll want to research the destinations you’re interested in and understand their stance on equality and same-sex marriage. When choosing a venue, consider resorts that are either part of the IGLTA, or are known to welcome LGBT+ travelers on property. Once you have those important steps nailed down, you can focus on the fun part – choosing a wedding date, sending your invitations, selecting your decor and finalizing the details before jetting off to paradise!

What are the most gay-friendly destinations to get married?

Many destinations throughout Mexico and the Caribbean are gay-friendly and support same-sex marriage, including:

  • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
  • Riviera Maya, Mexico
  • Cancun, Mexico
  • Saint Martin/Sint Maarten
  • Puerto Rico
  • Aruba
  • Curacao
  • Saint Croix
  • Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

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