When you think “wedding organization”, the first thing that comes to your mind is the number of guests that you want to invite, and depending on that, the venue where your wedding will take place. Now, since you probably want to get married only once, you want to find the most perfect wedding destination you can. And this will not be a difficult task, as there are literally hundreds of amazing venues and places that you can book, but why not focus on the most original or the most beautiful ones? Take a look at the ten best gay wedding destinations that you can find in the USA!
1. New Orleans
If you want an atmospheric wedding, why not choose one of the most atmospheric and special places in the USA, New Orleans? New Orleans really does have quite a lot to offer, and it is such an amazing city that it doesn’t matter what venue you choose – you will not go wrong. This city is full of southern charm, and it has been an LGBT+ touristic spot for quite some time now. So, pack your stuff and go get yourself a New Orleans wedding.
2. California
This is one of the spots that has been extremely popular with LGBT+ people, so no matter what place in California you choose as your wedding venue, you will not make a mistake as all of them are, first of all, very pretty and secondly, quite Instagrammable (and we all know that this is indeed quite important when weddings are concerned!). If you choose Los Angeles, for example, you will find plenty of chic hotels all around West Hollywood, but you will have to break the bank a bit for that.
3. San Francisco
On the other hand, you can opt for the epicenter of gay culture that is still located in California – San Francisco. There is literally not a better way to celebrate your community and your gay wedding than by choosing to host your wedding at one of the venues that you will find in this spectacular city. The good thing about it is that you can mix it a bit with LGBT+ history and incorporate important places or people into your wedding.
4. New York
However, it seems that the most important place to have your gay wedding is New York. And you cannot blame anyone for it, New York is the new cradle of gay life in the USA. Bear in mind that your gay wedding in New York needs to be absolutely perfect though, but this won’t be a big problem as you can find anything you want – simply visualize it and you will make it happen. Another amazing thing about throwing your wedding here is the legendary catering in NYC that is attracting tourists from all around the world. Incorporate it into your wedding, find an amazing venue (which will not be difficult here) and voila!
5. Boston
Massachusetts was the first state in the United States to legalize gay marriage, so why not opt to have your destination wedding here? Boston has quite a large and strong gay community, so you will have no difficulties finding the right venue for your own wedding. There are also plenty of gay bars and clubs (that have been in business since the ‘80s), so you can throw your wedding here as well.
6. Las Vegas
This is one of the most obvious options for a gay wedding – Vegas, baby! Vegas has been popular with weddings for quite some time, and we’re not talking only about gay weddings here. So, you can opt for this step if you like that Vegas type of weddings, but if you think it might be a bit cliché, you can turn to other options.
7. Hawaii
Oh, the magnificent Hawaii and the mind-altering beach weddings! These are perhaps the most beautiful weddings that a pair can ever have, and this is why they are so popular. Apart from having your wedding at the beach during sunset and having all the important people in your life next to you, you get to get married barefoot, while feeling the sand between your toes and holding the person you love. Amazing, yes?
8. Rhode Island
When we’re talking Rhode Island, we’re talking Providence. This is a super cute city between New York and Boston, which means that it holds the beauty and the life of the two, minus the high prices. So, if you want to have your gay wedding at a beautiful place on a budget, this is the place you should have in mind. What is also a plus is that it has a New Orleans feel to it, so it’s like killing three birds with one stone!
9. Florida
Similarly to California, Florida is also one huge tourist destination that many people (not just gays) turn to when they want to throw a wedding. What is great here is that you can opt for the Wilton Manors, which is one of the most LGBT-friendly towns in America. Yes, it is quite small, but this is the beauty of it. It promises that you will have a wedding of your dreams.
10. Chicago
Last but certainly not the least – Chicago. This place is filled with architectural pearls, which you can easily incorporate into your wedding photos, or even into your scenery if you choose a venue with a good view. There are also plenty of parks that you can have in mind here, as well.
It might be difficult to pick only one wedding venue, as plenty will be interesting to you. But sit together, decide on what’s best and which one you like the most! Good luck!
Peter is lifestyle editor at Queer Voices magazine. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.