Meg Ten Eyck is one of the world’s leading experts in LGBTQ+ Travel. Meg has visited 60+ countries, serves on the Board of Directors for IGLTA and Belmond Hotels, has spoken at conferences on five continents, written three books and had her content read by millions. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @MegTenEyck
At Skyscanner we believe travel is for everyone. But we also recognise for members of LGBTQ+ communities there are some important considerations that need to be accounted for when planning your wedding to ensure your safety and happiness while tying the knot.
Couples plan LGBTQ+ destination weddings for a variety of reasons, but for any couple, the biggest advantages of a destination wedding often have to do with cost, convenience and the overall experience that a dream destination wedding can provide. There are some normal downsides to destination weddings like planning the logistics from afar – but finding an LGBTQ+ welcoming and affirming destination should not be one of them.
New Zealand
New Zealand is home to soaring snow-capped peaks, giant glaciers and lush evergreen forests. New Zealand is the perfect setting for a wedding in nature.
Vibe
New Zealand has become known for destination luxury elopements for small wedding parties. Take a helicopter to the top of a glacier for your ceremony and photos, then celebrate with your closest loved ones at one of New Zealand’s many wineries.
Legalities
Marriage equality has been legal in New Zealand since 2013. Having a legal marriage ceremony in New Zealand is relatively simple. The only required document for a first marriage in New Zealand is its statutory declaration form and identification. If you’ve been divorced or widowed, that also requires documentation.
Budget
The average traditional wedding in New Zealand is around £280 per person. However, Kiwi luxury elopements can be significantly less expensive and still have the hallmarks of a traditional wedding.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a collection of 118 islands that covers an area about the size of Europe in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Tahiti, Bora Bora and Mo’orea are popular destination wedding locations.
Vibe
French Polynesia is home to a wide variety of tropical islands perfect for a beachfront wedding. But it’s also home to lush rain forests, soaring luxury treehouses and jaw-dropping, giant waterfalls.
Legalities
French Polynesia has celebrated marriage equality since 2013. In terms of documents for a legal marriage ceremony in French Polynesia, it’s relatively similar to most countries. You’re required to submit an application, birth certificates stamped with an apostille, a certificate saying that you’re not already married and a utility bill to show proof of your country of residency.
Budget
If you’re planning to get married at one of the beautiful resorts in Tahiti you can anticipate it costing somewhere in the ballpark of £2,400 per person. There are far more accessible options, but the minimum cost of the legal paperwork, translation services and lawyers is about £640.
France
Known for Parisian glamour, classic francophone aesthetic and open sensuality as a healthy expression of love, France is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
Vibe
From Eiffel Tower weddings to countryside châteaux, France is the ultimate destination for romantic old-world vibes. Have an intimate, high glam ceremony in Paris or invite all your family and friends to an elegant celebration in Burgundy or the Loire Valley.
Legalities
Marriage equality has been legal in France since 2013. Despite the country’s openness to LGBTQ+ couples getting married, it is exceptionally difficult for any couple that is not a French citizen or does not reside in France to have a legally binding wedding performed in France. However, many couples choose to have their legal marriage ceremony in their home country and their religious or symbolic ceremony in France.
Budget
Destination weddings can range in price, with elopements costing as low as £6,000-£12,000. For a full-scale wedding, couples can anticipate anywhere between £80- £320 per person, before the cost of travel.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a Spanish-speaking island and US Territory, three hours off the coast of Florida. Puerto Rico delivers almost 300 miles of stunning coastline and wedding options at a variety of price points.
Vibe
Puerto Rico is home to lush landscapes of mountains, waterfalls and the United States’ only tropical rainforest, El Yunque. While a beach ceremony is the most obvious wedding vibe in Puerto Rico, old-world haciendas and Spanish colonial manors are also popular wedding venues on the island.
Legalities
Marriage equality has been legal in Puerto Rico since 2012. For non-residents of Puerto Rico, there’s a simple process to having a legal Puerto Rican wedding ceremony. Both spouses will need to show government issued ID, birth certificates, notice of intention and a £120 tax stamp purchased on the island.
Budget
The cost of a wedding in Puerto Rico will vary depending on the number of guests, location and amenities the couple desires, but before the cost of travel prices start at about £80 per person.
Italy
Italy has become an iconic celebrity wedding destination because of its seamless blend of natural wonders and centuries-old architecture.
Vibe
From Tuscan vineyard nuptials to chic coastal ceremonies in Amalfi, Italy nails the charming romanticism that many couples are looking for on their big day. Common Italian venues can be grand castles, luxurious villas, stately palazzi or charming countryside farms.
Legalities
Marriage equality has been recognised in Italy since 2016. Getting legally married in Italy requires several steps and a lengthy documentation process, in order to submit two forms: the apostille-sealed Nulla Osta ‘Sworn Affidavit’, and the Atto Notorio, which must be sworn in front of the Italian consulate in your home country. Each form requires several documents to be submitted, an in-person meeting and fees.
Budget
On average for an Italian wedding, couples can anticipate spending between £150-£650 per guest.
There are currently 29 countries where marriage equality is legal, but there are many welcoming and affirming destinations that have not reached the legal milestone yet.
Thailand, for example, is one of the most welcoming and affirming countries in the world for LGBTQ+ people and transgender people in particular – but it has yet to earn marriage equality.
Keep in mind most destination weddings – regardless of the identities of the couple – are performed as symbolic or religious ceremonies, and the legal portion can be completed in your home country. Regardless of where you get married, your special day should focus on your commitment and the love you share.
Discover where you can go
Ready to get back out there? Plan your next trip using our flight search tools and Asher & Lyric’s excellent LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index.
