Planning the Perfect Gay Wedding Abroad: Your Complete Guide

A gay wedding abroad offers something truly special — a chance to celebrate love in a setting that reflects who you are. Whether you’re dreaming of a barefoot beach ceremony or a grand celebration in a historic villa, the key is finding a destination that’s not only beautiful but welcoming. Your wedding should feel like an extension of your relationship — personal, joyful, and free of judgement.

Many couples are already familiar with LGBT+ friendly travel, but weddings add extra layers to consider. The legal requirements, local attitudes, and the finer details of creating a celebration that feels entirely yours all matter. Planning ahead makes the difference between a good experience and a once-in-a-lifetime moment you’ll never forget.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we believe that “gay friendly” is not always friendly enough. We look for destinations, venues, and suppliers who actively celebrate LGBT+ love, so you can focus on the joy of the day rather than worrying about how you’ll be received.

Whether you’re based in the UK, the United States, or further afield, our tailor-made wedding planning service gives you the reassurance of ATOL protection, Supplier Failure Insurance, and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance — all with the personal touch you’d expect from a gay-owned travel company.

Choosing the Right Destination for Your Gay Wedding Abroad

The first step in planning your gay wedding abroad is deciding where to say “I do.” While it’s tempting to choose purely on scenery, the legal recognition of same-sex marriage and the cultural attitude towards LGBT+ travellers are equally important. You want somewhere that feels safe, accepting, and ready to make your day memorable for all the right reasons.

Start by thinking about the atmosphere you want. Is it tropical sunsets and sandy toes, or elegant city streets with world-class dining? Picture your day from morning to night. This will help narrow your search before you even look at the finer details.

We recommend focusing on countries where same-sex marriage is legally recognised and celebrated. Popular choices include Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand. Each offers its own style — from the romance of Lisbon’s cobbled streets to the drama of Cape Town’s coastal views.

It’s also worth considering the travel requirements for your guests. A long-haul location may be a dream, but it can be tricky for friends or family with limited time off work. On the other hand, a short-haul European wedding can be easier to coordinate and may allow more people to attend.

For couples who prefer a more private celebration, a luxury adults-only or exclusively gay resort can create the perfect atmosphere. These venues often understand the nuances of LGBT+ events, from décor to music, and are staffed by teams who will make you feel entirely at ease.

If you choose one of our featured destinations, we can provide current offers to help make your day even more special. For a comprehensive list of countries where same-sex marriage is legal, refer to the Weddings Abroad Guide.

Understanding Legal Requirements for Your Gay Wedding Abroad

Before you book a venue or send out invites, you’ll need to understand the legal side of getting married abroad. Every country has its own rules, and for same-sex couples, these can vary widely. Some destinations offer full marriage equality, while others only allow symbolic ceremonies.

If you want your marriage to be legally binding in your chosen destination, research the documentation needed. This may include birth certificates, passports, certificates of no impediment, and official translations. Some countries also have residency requirements, meaning you must spend a certain number of days there before the wedding can take place.

For couples travelling from the UK or the United States, it’s important to check whether your marriage will be recognised at home. This ensures you don’t face unexpected legal complications later. Where legal recognition isn’t possible, we can arrange a civil ceremony in your home country followed by a symbolic celebration abroad. That way, you still enjoy the wedding of your dreams without compromising on legality.

Our team at Wide Awake Holidays works with trusted suppliers who understand LGBT+ marriage laws. We’ll help you gather the right paperwork, meet deadlines, and avoid costly last-minute issues. This allows you to focus on the personal touches rather than administrative headaches.

We can also recommend local officiants and registrars who have experience in conducting same-sex ceremonies. This makes the service feel both personal and culturally fitting to your chosen destination.

If you select one of our partner resorts or venues, we’ll confirm current offers available for wedding packages at the time of booking.

Budgeting and Cost Planning for Your Gay Wedding Abroad

Setting a clear budget early will make planning your gay wedding abroad much smoother. Costs can add up quickly, especially when travel, accommodation, and wedding-specific expenses are combined. Knowing your priorities helps you decide where to spend and where to save.

Start with the essentials: venue hire, officiant fees, catering, photography, and travel. Then add in extras such as décor, entertainment, flowers, and pre- or post-wedding events. Don’t forget to factor in travel costs for key suppliers if they’re not local to your destination.

A destination wedding can often be more cost-effective than a traditional at-home event, especially if it doubles as your honeymoon. Smaller guest lists and package deals can keep spending under control without sacrificing quality.

Booking through Wide Awake Holidays gives you access to a wide range of suppliers and tour operators, meaning we can source the best value without compromising on service. We also secure ATOL protection and insurance cover as standard, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

Think about currency fluctuations too. If you’re paying overseas suppliers, exchange rates can impact your final cost. Our team can advise on the best times to make payments and suggest ways to protect your budget against sudden changes.

Finally, leave a little room for the unexpected. Whether it’s a last-minute upgrade or extra champagne for the reception, having a small buffer means you can say “yes” to those special touches without stress.

If your chosen venue is one of our featured properties, we’ll share any special offers that could make your budget stretch even further.

Finding the Perfect Venue for Your Gay Wedding Abroad

Your venue sets the tone for the entire celebration. It’s not just where you’ll exchange vows — it’s where your guests will gather, where your photographs will be taken, and where many of your memories will be made. For a gay wedding abroad, the right venue combines beauty, inclusivity, and experience with same-sex celebrations.

Begin by deciding on the type of setting you want. Do you picture a barefoot beach ceremony in Mykonos, a vineyard wedding in South Africa, or a luxury hotel terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast? Your destination choice will often guide the venue style.



Look for venues that have hosted LGBT+ weddings before. This can make a world of difference — from understanding seating arrangements to ensuring the officiant uses the right language during the ceremony. Venues with this experience often have in-house coordinators who can anticipate your needs before you even voice them.

Mykonos, Greece – The Elysium Hotel

Mykonos has long been a favourite for LGBT+ travellers. The Elysium Hotel is an exclusively gay property, offering a romantic cliffside location with panoramic sea views. It’s the kind of place where every guest feels celebrated, not just accepted.

Ask us about current wedding package offers at the Elysium Hotel.

Cape Town, South Africa – Vineyard Hotel

Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, the Vineyard Hotel offers elegant gardens and refined indoor spaces. South Africa recognises same-sex marriage, and Cape Town’s inclusive atmosphere makes it a welcoming choice for couples from around the world.

We can provide details on seasonal offers for weddings at the Vineyard Hotel.

Amalfi Coast, Italy – Belmond Hotel Caruso

This former palace offers sweeping coastal views and timeless elegance. Italy legally recognises same-sex civil unions, and many couples choose to have a symbolic ceremony here alongside a legal service in their home country.

Contact us for the latest wedding package promotions at Belmond Hotel Caruso.

Toronto, Canada – The Omni King Edward Hotel

Canada offers full marriage equality, making it a straightforward choice for legally binding ceremonies. The Omni King Edward Hotel blends historic charm with modern luxury, right in the heart of downtown Toronto. We’ll let you know if there are current deals for weddings at the Omni King Edward Hotel.

Wherever you choose, we’ll match you with venues that align with your vision and values. From boutique hideaways to grand resorts, every option we present will be one we’d recommend to our closest friends.

Working with Local Suppliers and Planners

One of the most important parts of organising a gay wedding abroad is finding suppliers who share your vision and respect your identity. From florists and photographers to caterers and musicians, the right team will not only bring your ideas to life but also make you feel comfortable at every step.

Local suppliers have the advantage of knowing the area, its venues, and the best ways to navigate any cultural differences. For example, a local florist can suggest seasonal blooms that will look their best on your wedding day, while a photographer familiar with the location will know the perfect spots for portraits.

For LGBT+ weddings, it’s especially important to choose professionals who have experience with same-sex celebrations. This ensures everything runs smoothly, from the language used in the ceremony to the way couples are presented in photos. Wide Awake Holidays works with vetted suppliers who understand these details and will treat your celebration with the respect it deserves.

Some couples choose to hire a local wedding planner in their destination. This can be invaluable if you want someone on the ground to coordinate set-up, handle last-minute changes, and act as a point of contact for guests. We can recommend trusted planners who not only speak your language but also understand the importance of an inclusive atmosphere.

By working with our network, you also get access to exclusive packages and negotiated rates. We can often secure extras like upgraded décor, complimentary spa treatments, or extended photography hours at no additional cost.

If you opt for one of our featured venues, we’ll let you know about any supplier-inclusive packages currently available.

Incorporating Personal Touches into Your Gay Wedding Abroad

Your gay wedding abroad should feel unmistakably yours. The destination sets the scene, but it’s the personal touches that make it unforgettable. From the ceremony to the reception, each detail can reflect your shared story, your personalities, and the journey that brought you together.

Think about the moments and traditions that matter to you. Maybe you want to include readings from LGBT+ authors, a favourite song for your first dance, or a themed menu that blends your cultures. Even small touches, like customised place cards or hand-written vows, can leave a big impression.

Destination weddings offer opportunities you might not have at home. You could host a pre-wedding sunset cruise, exchange vows on a clifftop at sunrise, or treat guests to a local wine tasting the night before. These experiences help create a wedding that feels like a holiday for everyone involved.

Colour schemes and décor can also draw inspiration from the destination. A beach wedding might feature soft pastels and seashell accents, while a city rooftop could be styled with modern florals and dramatic lighting. The key is to let the location enhance your style rather than dictate it.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we make sure your personal vision is never lost in the logistics. From sourcing unique décor pieces to recommending entertainers who’ll keep the dance floor full, we handle the behind-the-scenes work so you can focus on celebrating.



If you’re booking one of our featured destinations, we’ll check for current upgrades and complimentary extras that can add even more of your personality to the day.

Travel and Guest Coordination for Your Gay Wedding Abroad

One of the biggest challenges in planning a gay wedding abroad is ensuring your guests can join you with ease. While it’s your day, having the people who matter most there to share it makes the celebration complete.

Start by sending save-the-date notices early, ideally 9–12 months ahead. This gives guests time to arrange time off work, secure passports, and budget for the trip. The earlier they know, the more likely they’ll be able to attend.

We recommend creating a simple wedding information pack for guests. Include travel options, accommodation details, and any planned group activities. This helps avoid a flood of last-minute questions and ensures everyone arrives prepared.

Wide Awake Holidays can handle group bookings, securing competitive rates and coordinating arrival times to make transfers seamless. Whether your guests are flying from the UK, the United States, or other parts of the world, we can arrange everything so they arrive relaxed and ready to celebrate.

Some couples like to organise group excursions before or after the wedding — think catamaran trips, guided city tours, or wine tastings. Not only do these activities make the event feel more like a holiday, but they also create extra opportunities for guests to mingle and make memories together. For a comprehensive list of countries where same-sex marriage is legal, refer to the Weddings Abroad Guide.

We also ensure all travel arrangements are covered by our ATOL licence and Supplier Failure Insurance. That means if anything goes wrong with a flight or hotel, your guests’ bookings are protected.

If your chosen venue is one of our featured properties, we’ll share details of any group discounts or special rates available at the time of booking.

Jamie Says:

"Planning a gay wedding abroad should be filled with excitement, not stress. Our job is to take care of the complexities so that couples and their guests can focus on celebrating love in a truly magical destination”

Jamie Wake, Managing Director

Protections You Receive with Jamie Wake Travel

Booking your gay wedding abroad with Wide Awake Holidays means your investment is safeguarded every step of the way. As a UK-based gay-owned travel company, we are proud members of Protected Trust Services and hold a full ATOL licence. This gives our clients peace of mind, whether you’re travelling from the UK, the United States, or anywhere else in the world.

All our tailor-made holidays, including gay weddings abroad, come with Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance. This ensures that if a hotel, resort, or airline cancels, your deposits and payments are protected, removing one of the biggest stresses in international wedding planning.

Additionally, Wide Awake Holidays manages all your contracts and documentation, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. For same-sex marriages abroad, this can be crucial, as different countries have varying requirements for legal recognition, residency, or documentation needed for a ceremony.

We also offer guidance on travel insurance options for guests, meaning everyone attending your celebration can travel safely and confidently. Whether it’s flight delays, lost luggage, or unforeseen cancellations, you can trust that Wide Awake Holidays has you covered.

Bringing Your Dream Gay Wedding Abroad to Life

Planning a gay wedding abroad is an opportunity to combine your love story with the adventure of travel. From sun-soaked beaches in the Mediterranean to luxury resorts tucked away in private settings, the options are endless. At Wide Awake Holidays, we go beyond simply finding a “gay-friendly” location — we curate experiences that reflect your personality, style, and needs.

Every detail, from accommodation to legal paperwork and supplier management, is handled with care, ensuring your day runs seamlessly. Whether you are travelling with a small intimate group of close friends or hosting a large celebration, our team provides tailored support, giving you confidence and peace of mind. Choosing to book with Wide Awake Holidays also means you benefit from our full ATOL protection, Supplier Failure Insurance, and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance, ensuring that both your guests and your investment are protected. You can relax knowing that even the unexpected won’t disrupt your celebration. Remember, planning your gay wedding abroad doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. With our expertise, worldwide connections, and dedication to creating exceptional, personalised experiences, your wedding can be as relaxing, joyous, and memorable as possible. So why wait? Bring your dream gay wedding abroad to life with Wide Awake Holidays. Call us today on 01495 400947 to start your personalised planning journey, or use our holiday enquiry form on the website to let us create your perfect celebration. Your magical day deserves nothing less than the very best.

Frequently Asked Questions