How to Have a Perfect LGBT+ Honeymoon

Ready to make your dreams real? Your LGBT honeymoon should be as unique, authentic and joyful as your union. From sun-drenched beaches to boutique city retreats, this is where you begin your married life together — feeling safe, celebrated and utterly in love. We'll guide you through planning, choosing destinations, and making it truly yours.

How to Plan an Unforgettable LGBT Honeymoon

You’re recently married (or about to be), and you’re ready for your honeymoon. But as an LGBT+ couple you may have additional questions: where you’ll feel welcomed, how to avoid awkward moments, and how to celebrate in a way that honours your partnership. This post covers the key planning stages, top destinations, and how to find a perfect stay for your special trip with confidence.

Setting the Stage – What Makes an LGBT Honeymoon Special

When you think “honeymoon”, you think luxury, romance, and time together. But choosing an LGBT honeymoon means adding a layer of specific considerations: • Feeling safe and visible as a couple • Being welcomed at your hotel and destination • Having the freedom to hold hands, share a toast, relax publicly together without worry

Transitioning from wedding to honeymoon should feel seamless. You’ll want a place that celebrates you both.

Here are key early-planning steps:

• Discuss your honeymoon “tone” – what vibe do you want? Adventure, relaxation, culture, or all three?
• Budget together – set realistic expectations for length, style, and experience.
• Check legalities and rights – some destinations are extremely welcoming; others less so. Research local LGBTQ+ laws, social acceptance and hotel policies. For instance, some guides emphasise that feeling safe and free from worry is the top requirement for an LGBTQ+ honeymoon. 
• Pick your style of stay – boutique hotel, all-inclusive resort, villa, city break. Think about whether you want the honeymoon to be private or social.
• Book with protection in mind – since weddings often take months to plan, your honeymoon should be stress-free. Choose a specialist who understands LGBT+ travellers, including deposit and cancellation flexibility.
  

Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice

For couples who love adventure and wide-open beauty, Iceland is a spectacular choice for an LGBT honeymoon. It’s a place where you can feel the raw power of nature and the warmth of inclusivity at the same time. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that Iceland doesn’t just welcome same-sex couples — it celebrates them.

Spend your days exploring landscapes that feel almost otherworldly: black-sand beaches, tumbling waterfalls, and endless volcanic plains. Warm up in natural hot springs, wander hand-in-hand through Reykjavik’s colourful streets, and watch the sky explode with northern lights. It’s dramatic, romantic, and unforgettable.

How gay-friendly is Iceland? In a word, completely. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and Icelanders are famously open-minded and kind. You’ll feel comfortable showing affection wherever you go — from small-town cafés to rural guesthouses. The country’s strong equality culture makes it one of the safest and most inclusive honeymoon destinations in the world.

The best time to visit depends on the experience you want. Summer brings the midnight sun and endless light for road trips, while winter offers cosy nights and the chance to see the aurora. Either way, the mix of fire and ice feels symbolic — a perfect balance of passion and peace.

For couples who crave something a little wild but deeply romantic, Iceland is more than a destination; it’s an experience that mirrors the strength and beauty of your love.

Santorini, Greece – Romance Beneath the Endless Sunsets

For couples dreaming of a romantic Mediterranean escape, few places shine brighter than Santorini. It’s one of those destinations that feels tailor-made for an LGBT honeymoon. The whitewashed architecture, endless blue horizons and intimate cliffside terraces make every moment feel cinematic. You can wake to soft sunlight spilling through the shutters, enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the caldera, and spend afternoons wandering through narrow lanes where bougainvillaea spill over white walls.

Santorini’s strength lies in its blend of privacy and indulgence. Many boutique villas are adults-only, perfect for couples wanting peace and quiet. You can book private wine tastings, sunset cruises, and poolside dinners with menus designed for two. While Greece’s social attitudes have evolved rapidly in recent years, Santorini is one of its most open-minded islands. Local staff and businesses are used to LGBT travellers, and affection between partners rarely draws unwanted attention.

How gay-friendly is Santorini? In short, it’s welcoming, but with a touch of traditional caution. Same-sex couples are not only accepted but often celebrated, especially in tourism-centric spots like Oia and Fira. You’ll find the atmosphere relaxed, inclusive and easy-going. For couples seeking an elegant, serene start to married life, Santorini delivers breathtaking views and complete tranquillity.

The best time to visit is between May and October, when the island glows in soft light and the sea stays warm enough for swimming. The off-season offers even more privacy — perfect for couples who prefer quiet walks and cosy dinners to busy nightlife. You can expect a rhythm that lets you slow down, reconnect, and simply enjoy being together.

Every detail here feels intentional: the meals, the views, the pace. For couples beginning their life together, that level of intimacy is priceless. Isn’t that exactly what a honeymoon should be?

Bali, Indonesia - Spiritual Calm and Tropical Passion

For couples who crave a touch of adventure with their romance, Bali makes a deeply atmospheric choice for an LGBT honeymoon. Despite being part of a conservative nation, Bali has a reputation for warmth and hospitality that extends across cultures and identities. The island’s spiritual calm, creative communities, and lush natural beauty combine to create a magical sense of freedom.

Start your trip in Ubud, the heart of Bali’s jungle. Private villas surrounded by rice paddies offer serenity and seclusion. Days begin with soft sunlight, birdsong and the scent of incense drifting through the trees. You can take yoga classes together, explore waterfalls, or indulge in traditional Balinese spa treatments designed for couples. Every part of Ubud encourages you to slow down, reflect and reconnect.

Next, head south to Seminyak or Canggu for a completely different energy. Here you’ll find chic beach clubs, lively dining scenes and a vibrant expat community where same-sex couples blend in effortlessly. While public affection is best kept subtle, the island’s open-minded vibe makes it easy to feel at home. Resorts are used to international guests, and many welcome LGBT couples without hesitation.

How gay-friendly is Bali? It depends on where you go and how you travel. In tourist-heavy areas, attitudes are tolerant and respectful. The key is discretion balanced with authenticity — you shouldn’t feel like you have to hide who you are, but you’ll find it easier to relax in places that naturally attract diverse visitors. Choose well-reviewed hotels, stay aware of local customs, and you’ll discover an island that’s more nurturing than you might expect.

What makes Bali special for an LGBT honeymoon is its ability to blend deep relaxation with cultural depth. One day you might be cycling through rice terraces; the next, sharing a candlelit dinner on the beach as waves break softly nearby. It’s romantic without feeling staged. That sense of easy connection is what sets Bali apart. Couples drawn to quiet reflection might also enjoy discovering relaxing LGBT wellness retreats designed for connection and calm.

Canada’s Rockies - Love Among the Mountains

If you and your partner love nature, space, and serenity, Canada’s Rocky Mountains might just redefine what an LGBT honeymoon can feel like. The vastness of the landscape inspires a quiet sense of awe — mirror-still lakes, snow-dusted peaks, and pine-scented air that clears your head the moment you step outside.



Canada is widely recognised as one of the most progressive countries in the world for LGBT rights. That sense of inclusion translates beautifully into how couples are treated on the ground. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Banff or hiking through Jasper National Park, locals are friendly, welcoming, and genuinely happy to celebrate your marriage with you. There’s no need for caution here — just genuine hospitality and respect.

Couples often start in Calgary or Vancouver, then travel into the Rockies by car or rail. You can stay in a luxury lodge overlooking Lake Louise, where the turquoise water reflects surrounding mountains like glass. Days fill easily: canoeing, spa treatments, scenic drives, wildlife watching. Evenings are best spent by a log fire, wrapped in blankets with a glass of local wine, talking about the future.

How gay-friendly are the Rockies? Entirely. Canada’s social and legal framework offers full equality, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005. The area’s tourism sector attracts international visitors from every background, so inclusivity isn’t a question — it’s a given.

For couples who want beauty and peace over nightlife, the Rockies offer the sort of honeymoon that nourishes you quietly. It’s about shared adventure, not just luxury. Wouldn’t that be the perfect way to start your life together?

South Africa’s Western Cape - Wine, Wilderness and Wonder

There’s something about South Africa that captivates newlyweds who want more than a typical resort stay. The Western Cape — home to Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route — offers a dazzling mix of landscapes, cuisine and culture. It’s sophisticated, scenic, and genuinely welcoming to LGBT travellers.

Cape Town in particular stands out as one of the most inclusive cities in the world. It’s proud, open, and expressive — a place where holding hands on the V&A Waterfront or sharing a sunset picnic on Signal Hill feels entirely natural. The city’s gay-friendly hotels and vibrant nightlife mean you can enjoy luxury and fun in equal measure. But beyond the city, the Winelands and coastal towns like Knysna bring a slower, softer side to your honeymoon.

Imagine driving along the Garden Route, windows down, salt air rushing in, and wild ocean on your left. One evening you might dine at a vineyard under a canopy of stars; another, you could hike to a secluded beach for a private picnic. For adventurous couples, a safari in a private game reserve adds something extraordinary — waking early to see lions at dawn, then returning to champagne breakfasts and quiet afternoons by the pool.

How gay-friendly is South Africa? Legally, same-sex marriage is recognised nationwide, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by its constitution. In practice, urban and tourist areas such as the Western Cape are extremely open-minded. The combination of natural beauty and social freedom makes it one of the most balanced LGBT honeymoon destinations on earth.

A South African honeymoon feels alive — vibrant, colourful and real. It’s for couples who want stories to tell, not just photographs to post.

Jamie Says:

"A perfect LGBT+ honeymoon isn’t about luxury or location — it’s about being free to love openly, laugh loudly, and start your next chapter somewhere that celebrates you both."

Jamie Wake, Managing Director

Before You Go: Planning and Protection for Your LGBT Honeymoon

Planning the perfect LGBT honeymoon isn’t only about where you go; it’s how you go. The way you prepare can shape your entire experience. A little foresight turns good trips into unforgettable ones.

Planning the perfect LGBT honeymoon isn’t only about where you go; it’s how you go. The way you prepare can shape your entire experience. A little foresight turns good trips into unforgettable ones.

Start by thinking about timing. Honeymoons work best when they’re not rushed. Give yourselves breathing room after the wedding, even if that means leaving a few weeks later. A short pause allows the excitement to settle, so you can arrive relaxed rather than exhausted. Many couples say their best decision was spacing the wedding and honeymoon apart.

Weather matters too. While destinations like Santorini and Bali shine in summer, others — such as Iceland or the Rockies — can be even more magical in winter. Research shoulder seasons, when crowds thin out but conditions stay comfortable. You’ll find better prices, quieter hotels and more personal attention.

When booking, use specialists who understand LGBT travel deeply. Not every travel company has genuine experience arranging honeymoons for same-sex couples. The right consultant will know which resorts are truly welcoming, not just tolerant. They’ll guide you toward properties that respect your relationship fully — from the moment you check in, to the small romantic touches that make a honeymoon feel intimate.

If you’re booking independently, take time to read reviews carefully. Look for recent comments mentioning inclusivity or same-sex couples. Don’t hesitate to email hotels directly and ask about policies; the tone of their reply can tell you everything you need to know.

Security and protection are vital. Always ensure your booking includes financial protection — ideally through an ATOL or ABTA-bonded agent if you’re based in the UK. This covers your payments and flights if a supplier fails. It’s also worth taking out comprehensive travel insurance that recognises same-sex partnerships without question. Include medical, cancellation and missed-connection cover, and double-check any destination-specific rules before you fly.

Consider bringing digital and physical copies of key documents: marriage certificate, insurance details, and confirmation letters. Though rarely needed, they provide reassurance if an official asks about your relationship while abroad.

Health preparation is another overlooked part of honeymoon planning. Book vaccinations early if required, and pack prescriptions in their original containers with your names clearly visible. Many travellers also bring a small comfort kit: painkillers, hydration tablets, sunscreen, and a printed list of emergency numbers.

Once logistics are covered, focus on the emotional side. Honeymoons are about connection — a pause from planning, guests, and celebration noise. Couples sometimes underestimate how quickly wedding energy shifts to fatigue. Plan your first few days around rest. Sleep in. Order breakfast to your room. Wander with no itinerary. The same mindfulness that goes into choosing the right LGBT wellness retreat.

After that, build small rituals that anchor your time together — a sunset toast, morning walks, or journaling before bed. These tiny moments often become the memories that linger most. It’s less about sightseeing and more about being fully present with each other.

Travelling as an LGBT couple can bring added layers of awareness. Even in welcoming places, you might find yourself subtly checking your surroundings before showing affection. That’s normal. The goal isn’t to hide — it’s to choose destinations where those worries fade naturally into the background. When you feel safe, you relax; when you relax, love expands.

You can also keep safety practical: share your travel plan with someone at home, register emergency contacts, and note the local embassy or consulate details. Most of this will never be used — but having it written down removes anxiety before it starts. For a deeper look at staying safe while travelling, Jamie’s guide to LGBT+ travel safety offers simple, empowering advice based on years of experience.

For multi-stop honeymoons, build in decompression days between flights. Airports and transfers can drain even the most enthusiastic newlyweds. Spending one extra night in transit cities can make your arrival feel smoother. If budget allows, consider upgrading just one leg of your journey — the outbound flight sets the tone for everything that follows.

Finally, remember that a honeymoon is not a performance. Social media will still be there when you get home. The most memorable moments happen when you stop curating and simply exist — laughing over a missed bus, dancing in your hotel room, watching a thunderstorm roll in from your balcony. That’s the real heart of a honeymoon.

Why Your LGBT Honeymoon Matters More Than the Destination

Planning your LGBT+ honeymoon is about more than ticking off dream destinations. It’s an expression of who you are together — your values, your freedom, your love. The best honeymoons don’t follow trends; they follow connection. Whether you’re chasing northern lights, swimming in warm seas, or walking hand in hand through quiet vineyards, what matters is that you feel seen, celebrated and completely yourselves. For a deeper look at staying safe while travelling, Jamie’s guide to LGBT+ travel safety.

And when you’re ready to start crafting that journey, choose people who understand what that freedom means. Your story deserves a beginning that feels as effortless as it is unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions