TOPHOTELNEWS Influencer: Top hotel venues for LGBTQ+ destination weddings

Photo credit: Rich Howman

Where love is love, no matter what; and it’s a luxurious love at that.

More and more options are arising for LGBTQ+ couples to celebrate their love with a destination wedding (most recently adding Northern Ireland to the list in early January 2019!), so we did some digging to find five 5-star luxury hotels, resorts and venues around the globe where they can feel safe and secure celebrating the moment they say ‘I do!’

“When planning destination weddings as an LGBTQ+ couple, it’s crucial to do some research on the location. Ask yourself questions like ‘Have I seen other LGBTQ+ weddings here; what are the countries laws about the LGBTQ+ community; will we feel safe here?’” says Kate Schaefer, Founder and Editor of H&H Weddings.

“If you’re unsure whether a hotel or venue is LGBTQ+-friendly, look through their social media and website – do you see LGBTQ+ representation there? If not, you can always reach out and ask to see work from previous LGBTQ+ weddings. But remember – just because someone is open to working with LGBTQ+ couples, that does not mean they are experts in the field of LGBTQ+ weddings by any means. This is a big day and you should have people around you who understand what goes into an LGBTQ+ wedding,” continues Schaefer.

Every couple—regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or any other identifying factor—all deserve outstanding and customized treatment for this special day honoring the rest of their lives together. The following venues have committed to being 100% understanding, accepting, and devoted to all couples. They are also experienced and familiar with the LGBTQ+ community: Its history, its needs, its inspirations.

“The best hotels for your event are the ones that go the extra mile for you without charging you every time they lift a finger. A venue should want to make sure every aspect of your event is successful and reflects your vision,” says Renee Clancy, Owner of Gay Weddings and Marriage Magazine.

London, England: Shangri-La Hotel, At the Shard

Photo credit: Rich Howman

London is a fascinating and eclectic city where the LGBTQ+ community shines. If you want to tie the knot in a private and exclusive indoor venue in an iconic city, the Shangri-La Hotel, At the Shard might be what you’re looking for. With floor to ceiling glass windows in their ballroom (and every guest room) you panoramic views of the city, but your memories are kept private. Uniquely located in one of the most famous buildings in Europe, the hotel offers luxurious and exclusive wedding settings such as the grand staircase. Combine this with their LGBTQ+ wedding expertise (half of all their weddings are same-sex marriages) for a truly specialized and customized celebration, as they hosted the first-ever luxury LGBTQ+ wedding showcase in 2019, PrideLux. Bring a select, intimate group of family and friends, and you’ll feel as though you’re all members of The Royal Family. They can host civil ceremonies and weddings for up to 100 guests, and we certainly suggest having Afternoon Tea with your wedding party prior to the ceremony. Afterwards, check in to see if their Gong Bar is still serving Star Wars-inspired cocktails that are actually presented in levitating glasses.

Christchurch, New Zealand: Otahuna Lodge

Photo credit: Otahuna Lodge

If you picture a garden soiree for your wedding, you’ll have your pick of where to set up on the 30 acres of formal Dutch Gardens at Otahuna Lodge, a gay-owned property by two males who gave up real estate and publishing jobs in New York City to bring this historic estate back to life. Besides the glistening lake or under the century-old oak trees are just two options. Don’t worry about having a rain plan – you’ll be led through open fires and colorful stained glass to their Ballroom for an inside ceremony – detailed by a 7-meter vaulted ceiling and large bay window that overlooks the gardens so you can still feel like you’re dancing amongst the flowers. The venue can host up to 64 guests for a cherished affair, which is more than enough room if only a select number of friends and family can travel all the way to Pacific Ocean’s South Island. Personalizing your wedding down to every detail, you can consult with their executive chef to design your very own garden-inspired menu. And if your floral enthusiasts want wedding weekend activities, they’ll be delighted to bike their way through Christchurch’s cycling paths to Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Cape Town, South Africa: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Photo credit: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

As a world leader in legalizing same-sex marriage (one of the first countries to do so in 2005), Cape Town is supportive of all types of love. The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel specifically is a longtime member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Assocation and has even hosted a LGBTQ+ Tourism Convention in its iconic pink, colonial-style hotel. Not far from The Pink Panther Club and a bustling gay and lesbian nightlife, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel will let you strut the streets in your wedding attire for the after-party, but still feels set apart for a luxurious ceremony. Set at the foot of Table Mountain, your photographs will have no shortage of an awe-inspiring backdrop. Their staff will take care of everything from flowers to photography. Whether you want to get married inside their Ballroom or outside on their sun-splashed terraces, they have venues for 14 guests, and all the way up to 400 guests. And if you want to bring a bit of your home culture into the destination wedding, their chefs are adept at making cuisine from every continent – from Mediterranean finger food to shucked oysters or sushi platters.

Taipei, Taiwan: Humble House

Photo credit: Humble House

With the still recent legalization of same-sex marriage in May 2019, Taiwan is now a perfect city if you want your destination wedding to take place in Asia. It’s considered one of the most liberal parts of Asia, so LGBTQ+ couples and their guests will definitely feel welcome. As a World Rainbow Hotel member, Humble House can accommodate you at their rooftop pool and terrace area with the iconic Taipei 101 tower as your backdrop, or inside… This wedding venue is best for art and design lovers, as it’s a concept hotel inspired by the Rabindranath Tagore quote, “Let life be beautiful like summer flowers.” The entire building pays homage to the relationship between nature and humanity with a sleek grey, modern aesthetic to emphasize their green spaces. It is also filled with contemporary art, light installations, and even technological art where you can pose for the most dramatic and unique wedding portraits with your new partner. Even on the terrace, there’s a butterfly statue that changes color with the seasons and the architecture of illuminated lines in the Grand Ballroom is just as eye-catching. It can host up to 1,000 guests with four separate halls, two function rooms and a VIP room. With top-notch audiovisual, lighting and technology equipment, you can create your own art with 3D projection mapping.

Riviera Maya, Mexico: Hotel Esencia

Photo credit: For The Love Of It

Everyone thinks of Puerto Vallarta for the go-to LGBTQ+ spot in Mexico, but if you prefer the east coast, Hotel Esencia is the spot for an all-inclusive, family-friendly destination wedding. Located in between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, the surrounding area is full of gay bars, drag shows, residents who are open-minded about sexuality. Upon purchase by a gay couple, the 50-acre Hotel Esencia was redesigned back to its original prowess (like when it was owned by an Italian duchess) to attract more glamorous and fashionable couples to its suites and villas along a white sand coast. It’s more remote than other seaside resorts, so you can bring up to 300 guests for a private destination wedding at the beach. If you’re lucky, sea turtles will join your ceremony, as they return to nest here each year. You can also enjoy tranquil sunrise yoga each day or get ready in their spa with local ocean and jungle treatments. For smaller groups, you can reserve the Yum-Ha Private Villa, a three-bedroom retreat on its own 15-acre property next to the main hotel. It comes with its own private butler, chef and full-size swimming pool so you can relax in luxury after you say ‘I do.’

Once you’ve said ‘I do’ to your destination wedding venue, now it’s time to find inclusive vendors! Use the same approach as finding your LGBTQ+-friendly – research, speak to people, and make your decision based on where and who you feel most comfortable with!