🌈Your go-to guide to gay destination weddings

From all corners of Mexico to the most romantic Caribbean getaways, these are the best places for gay destination weddings—filled with love, inclusivity, and unforgettable memories.

 

Planning a gay destination wedding? Start here.

First off—congratulations! Whether you’re newly engaged or deep into dreaming about your big day, choosing a destination wedding is an incredible way to celebrate your love story. And if you’re looking for LGBTQ-friendly destination wedding locations that are as breathtaking as they are warm and welcoming, you’ve come to the right place.

This guide is here to help you discover the top spots for gay-friendly destination weddings, plus the legal details, venue suggestions, and travel tips to make your wedding in paradise stress-free and oh-so magical. Whether you’re planning a symbolic ceremony or a legally-binding wedding abroad, these destinations are pros when it comes to gay-friendly wedding venues and experiences.

Have you already decided on the destination and want to jump-start the planning process? Our experts at D’Amico Travel will help make planning your LGBTQIA+ destination wedding easy, so that this exciting time will be filled with nothing other than a lifetime of fun and fruitful memories!

 

Get a jump-start on your wedding planning! Our ultimate destination wedding checklist lays everything out for you, from the beginning stages to the moment when you say “I Do”.

Where can gay couples get married abroad?

Gay destination weddings offer something truly special—an intimate, extended celebration in a stunning location, surrounded by your closest support system.

That being said, a destination wedding can be two things: a celebration of your love with your closest friends and family, with a reception and a ‘symbolic’ wedding ceremony. Or it can be a full-on wedding, with the legal filling and ceremony done in the destination country. The fact is that lots of couples, gay or straight, opt for a ‘symbolic’ ceremony for their destination wedding, and do the official marriage ceremony and filling the paperwork back in the U.S.

Wherever you land, the key is choosing a destination that’s not only beautiful but inclusive. And yes, gay weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean are not only possible, they’re thriving in welcoming locations with years of experience hosting LGBTQIA+ celebrations.

Gay couples have that extra amount of research to do, because they have to find a destination location that’s welcoming to LGBTQ people, whether the ceremony will be symbolic or not. Don’t worry, because all of the beautiful destinations we’ve listed below are welcoming and inclusive!

 

Legalities in popular LGBTQ destination wedding locations

Here’s a quick rundown of the legal status for same-sex marriage in some of the top gay destination wedding locations:

• Mexico: As of 2023, same-sex marriage (matrimonio igualitario) became legal in all 32 states, including popular spots like Cancun (Quintana Roo), Cabo (Baja California Sur), and Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco).
• Aruba & Curaçao: Both now legally recognize same-sex marriage under the Netherlands’ 2024 ruling.
• Puerto Rico: Same-sex marriage has been recognized in this U.S. territory since July 2015, following the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling in June 2015.
  
• Dominican Republic: Same-sex marriage is not currently legal in the Dominican Republic, but many resorts welcome LGBTQ+ couples and host symbolic ceremonies with joy and open arms.

If you’re looking to have the ceremony performed abroad, know that as of 2025 a total of 38 countries around the world recognize same-sex marriage, and this includes some of the most beloved places for destination weddings!

 

🌴 7 hot spots for LGBTQ destination weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean

From the best gay-friendly wedding venues in Mexico and beyond, these destinations offer a mix of stunning scenery, relaxation, fun, accessibility, and safety for all.

1. Cabo, Mexico

Best for: a gay destination wedding with chic vibes and out-of-this-world food

 

Most people have heard of Cabo, but many don’t truly know how amazing it is. Think crystal blue waters crashing against white sand beaches, juxtaposed against eye-catching resorts and stunningly unique natural landscapes. From outdoor restaurants with impeccable views to fun and lively bar scenes it’s pretty hard to not fall in love with Cabo, and it’s no surprise that this magical Mexican hot spot is also a top choice for an LGBTQ destination wedding. 

The iconic “Cabo” consists of two resort cities (Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas) located along the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Boasting a ton of entertainment options offered by a number of Cabo’s all-inclusive resorts, you’ll be whisked away to pure luxury as you enjoy your celebration of love with all of your favorite people.

No matter where you stay, we highly recommend a trip to see El Arco, a natural archway in the sea cliffs of Cabo San Lucas. The views here make for an unforgettable and romantic experience that’s perfect to kick off your newly-married life. 

Gay-friendly wedding venues:

• Dreams Los Cabos
• Breathless Cabo San Lucas by Hyatt (complete with 8 wedding venues! Each with a unique character and vibe)
• Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
• Grand Velas Los Cabos
  

We’re pros at planning your perfect trip to paradise. Contact a destination wedding specialist today to guide you along this journey.

 

2. Cancun, Mexico

Best for: a gay destination wedding in Mexico to relax and let loose in picture-perfect paradise

 

If there’s one thing most people know about Cancun is that it’s party central. While that’s definitely a big selling point of Cancun’s brand, this beautiful spot along the Mexican Caribbean is also a top spot for holding your LGBTQ destination wedding. And you don’t have to be a party person – with its picture-perfect white sand and turquoise waters, the stunning Zone Hotelera of Cancun remains unparalleled, fit to accommodate any and every type of traveler. 

Here in Cancun, you can count on lots of sun and fantastic vibes to accompany your wedding ceremony. You’ll spend your leisure time playing in the turquoise waters before unwinding with a delicious dinner and drinks for sunset at your hotel. 

Gay-friendly venues to consider:

• Hyatt Ziva Cancun
• Grand Fiesta Americana
• Live Aqua Cancun

Let us match you with the perfect fit for your guest list, vibe, and budget. Book a call with us and let’s chat—we’ll give you the rundown of the best gay-friendly wedding venues in Cancun about how we can help you better plan your perfect destination wedding.

 

3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Best gay wedding destination for couples who want renowned resorts & amazing amenities

 

One of the most well-known destinations for LGBTQIA+ weddings is Puerto Vallarta, along Mexico’s vibrant Pacific Coast. A beloved gay-friendly destination for decades now, Puerto Vallarta is home to one of the best Pride festivals in the world as well as the Zona Romantica, where you’ll find plenty of gay-friendly bars, beaches, and restaurants in this beautiful community.

You can expect everything here in Puerto Vallarta, from lively beach bars, a bustling town with plenty of shopping, delicious eats (it’s Mexico, after all), and unforgettable excursions that will have you and your guests planning your next trip in no time.

Gay-friendly wedding venues:

• Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
  
• Marival Distinct Luxury Residences & World Spa
  
• Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit 

 

4. Curaçao

Best gay wedding destination for couples looking for luxury, pristine views, & total rest and rejuvenation

 

Probably one of the most true-to-form tropical islands you could visit in the Caribbean for an LGBTQ-friendly-destination wedding is none other than Curaçao. This island in the southern Caribbean is world-renowned for its beaches that are tucked away into coves. Take a day trip during your destination wedding to explore these beauties on a local tour, where you can witness some of the unique marine life and gorgeous coral reefs that grace these turquoise waters. 

The island itself touts a ‘no better time than now’ motto and offers an escape that allows you and your beloved wedding guests to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit while witnessing this new chapter in your love story. 

Best gay-friendly wedding venues:

• Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa
  
• Sandals Royal Curaçao
• Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino

 

5. Aruba

Best LGBTQ destination wedding location offering world-class all-inclusives, safety, and beauty

 

Aruba’s always understood the assignment. This Caribbean paradise island consistently rates as one of the best when it comes to an inclusive, beautiful vacation destination. With stunning beauty (hello, perfect backdrops!), some of the best beaches in all of the Caribbean, not to mention amazing hospitality, we can confidently say that Aruba is a top choice for planning your LGBTQ-friendly destination wedding.

Venues we love in Aruba:

• Hotel Riu Palace Aruba/ Riu Palace Antillas
• Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
• Secrets Baby Beach Aruba

Our destination wedding experts can help you narrow down the best fit based on your guest list, ceremony size, and style.

 

6. Puerto Rico

Best destination wedding location for: a USA-based wedding with lots of adventure

 

Not only is gay marriage legal in Puerto Rico, but the historic capital city of San Juan has a ton of unique and beautiful locations to tie the knot. A centuries-old fortress? A sculpture garden? A beachside park? Take your pick!

And Puerto Rico definitely doesn’t come up short in the experiences department. From day trips to the El Yunque National Forest, gay-friendly beaches along the coast, and the spirited nightlife found in the streets of Old San Juan, this destination has something for everyone. 

Venues to check out:

• Condado Ocean Club
• Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
• Castillo Serrallés (a stunning century-old mansion)

Curious about more gay destination wedding locations in the U.S.? You can also check out Bungalows in Key Largo, an adult-only all-inclusive located in the beautiful Florida Keys.

 

7. Dominican Republic

Best gay wedding destination for: affordable all-inclusives and picture perfect beaches

 

Dominican Republic is the only destination on this list where you will have to go the ‘symbolic’ wedding route. While an official ceremony won’t be legally recognized, the Dominican Republic remains one of the top spots for gay destination weddings in the Caribbean.

Like Cancun, Punta Cana is some of the most accessible Caribbean destinations for those on the East Coast, with lots of daily direct flights currently available from Boston, Philadelphia, New York and other major cities. So in less than five hours, you and your guests can be whisked away to paradise for an amazing destination wedding for the books!

Venue favorites include:

• TRS Turquesa Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana
• Viva Wyndham Heavens (in Puerto Plata)

Even without legal status, this remains one of the most inclusive spots for gay destination weddings on a budget.

D’Amico Travel: Your go-to destination wedding planner & beyond

At D’Amico Travel, we love using our travel expertise to help our clients create a memorable and stress-free planning experience. Whether it be a destination wedding, your perfect honeymoon, a vow renewal, or any type of group trip our team is here to help you make your vacation visions come to life.

🎉 Next Steps:

✅ Book your free wedding planning call
✅ Download our Destination Wedding Checklist PDF
✅ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @damicotravel

Let’s make your destination wedding dreams come true—with a celebration that reflects who you are and the love you share. 💍🌴