11 Safe LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Destinations
Choosing the right honeymoon destination can be a daunting task especially when you’re a queer couple trying to find options that are safe and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. On top of that, you also have to decide what you’re ideal honeymoon destination should have, such as a vibrant gay nightlife, stunning architecture, a reputable food scene, and or fun outdoor activities. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure puzzle without an easy solution.
Well, we hope to help you gain some clarity with our list of LGBTQ+ honeymoon destinations, which includes Puerto Rico, Montreal, Gibraltar, and French Polynesia. Some of the destinations listed below also double as great locations for a destination wedding for LGBTQ+ couples. The choice is yours!
Greece
Greece is surrounded by three seas (Mediterranean, Ionian, and Aegean) and blessed with an average of 80°F (27°C) in the summer – just a couple reasons why LGBTQ+ couples are lured to the country for a post-nuptial getaway. Just do a simple online search for photos of Greece, and you will see why couples spend their honeymoon here and understand why it’s such a popular vacation spot for anyone.
Greece is a great honeymoon destination because there are 227 islands to visit, including postcard-perfect Santorini, a romantic spot for newlyweds. There are other options, too! Mykonos is known for its fun gay nightlife, and Crete is ideal for honeymooners who enjoy history, culture, and beautiful beaches. Of course, you can start your honeymoon with a stop inland to explore the gorgeous and iconic city of Athens.
Greece is very LGBTQ+ friendly. According to IGLTA, although the country is traditionally Greek Orthodox and conservative, attitudes have shifted over the decades. Civil unions have been allowed since 2015, and same-sex marriages are recognized. So, it’s safe to say, for example, that you and your honey can hold hands while walking along the beautiful beaches without much to worry about.
French Polynesia
When you think of what an island paradise looks like, French Polynesia should come to mind! Situated in the Pacific Islands, it is arguably one of the most beautiful parts of the world. French Polynesia is said to be the ideal queer honeymoon destination or relaxing beach vacation, with the island of Bora Bora standing out as the ideal queer honeymoon destination. Blue waters galore, great food, relaxing spas, and loaded five-star accommodations, and you can see why Bora Bora is the perfect spot for queer honeymooners and travelers.
Not only is French Polynesia known as the perfect gay honeymoon spot, but the islands of Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea, and Taha’a are also popular as queer wedding destinations. So, you can have your wedding and honeymoon all rolled up into one little gorgeous sandy blue package.
Having said all of that, you could probably guess that same-sex marriage is legal in French Polynesia. In general, the local attitude toward LGBTQ+ people is welcoming and accepting, and there’s no legal or institutional discrimination allowed against the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, Tahitian culture includes a third gender called rae rae, traditionally, usually men who’ve been raised as women. This is not fully in line with how we view gender expression in the West, but it serves as an example of why Polynesian culture is so open and accepting of queer identities, and why it’s considered one of the safest places for LGBTQ travelers.
Puerto Rico
Yes, it’s another island paradise and another opportunity for you and your new spouse to soak up sun rays and enjoy the beautiful clear blue water! Not only is the island of Puerto Rico beautiful but it’s packed with things to do! If fun activities and sightseeing are something you want to do, in addition to having time to relax on the beach, then Puerto Rico is the place for you!
If you plan on staying in Puerto Rico’s capital city San Juan, you will get to experience the charming colonial architecture and five-star local cuisine! Visit the Old San Juan Forts, go zip lining at ToroVerde, go snorkeling with the sea turtles on a sailing excursion aboard a Catamaran, go hiking at the El Yunque National Rainforest, or visit one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays to see the plankton glow in the dark!
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and San Juan is hailed as the “Gay Capital of the Caribbean,” offering a large number of gay and LGBTQ+ clubs, bars, and guesthouses. It’s become the ideal location for destination weddings since same-sex marriage became legal in 2015. So, if you decide to tie the knot in Puerto Rico, you can spend a few extra days alone to celebrate afterward. And, of course, the pictures will be absolutely beautiful!
Thailand
Yes, Thailand has more than 1,500 miles of coastline and 1,430 islands. Experience it all – from gorgeous and otherworldly limestone formations jutting out of the blue-turquoise sea to the bright colorful coral reefs under the sea.
Thailand offers honeymooners so much culture, sharing its border with Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. That means Thailand’s culture is a blend of strong Indian influences and Chinese traditions that merge to make something that is uniquely and beautifully Thai. Thailand is separated into four distinct regions, and each region has its own cultural and geographic features. This, combined with some of the most romantic resorts in the world, sets the stage for lots of exploration, relaxation, and a cultural experience that queer couples will never forget.
Known for its genuinely friendly culture, Thailand has to be one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries for our community. Thailand is considered one of the most welcoming and affirming countries for Trans people. Not only does it have one of the world’s largest Transgender communities, but it is also a popular destination for gender reassignment surgery in Asia. Many Trans women and men have relocated to Thailand from other parts of Southeast Asia where their gender and sexuality are not accepted.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is considered South Africa’s “Mother City,” and it’s one of the most gorgeous and aesthetically pleasing locations on this list. While visiting, newlyweds can take a cable car up to the top of Table Mountain, which stands watch over the entire city. The view from the top is stunning and allows you to see the city’s picturesque landscape.
Cape Town has several beaches – 72, to be exact – and a coastline extending about 191 miles along the West Coast, Cape Peninsula, and False Bay. A short drive south of the city will take you to the Cape of Good Hope, which makes it the runner-up as the southernmost point of the continent of Africa, which goes to Cape Agulhas. Couples can who enjoy food won’t be disappointed because Cape Town is considered the culinary capital of South Africa, and you’ll have the opportunity to taste everything that makes up the Cape Malay cuisine, from bredies (stews) and curries to atchars and sambals (pickles) and a variety of porrings (warm puddings).
Cape Town is a great destination for a wedding! Considered by many Americans as the “San Francisco” of South Africa because of its progressive attitude (and fog) and same-sex couples have been getting married since it became legal in 2006. History-buff honeymooners can retrace the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, who lived in Cape Town after becoming South Africa’s President in 1994. He fought to bring peace to a racially divided country and led the fight for human rights around the world. Yet another reason why newlyweds should consider exploring the coastal gem of South Africa.
Aruba and Curaçao
If you’re looking for other options for a honeymoon in the Caribbean, you may want to consider the LGBTQ+-friendly islands of Aruba and Curaçao. And since it’s a great place for queer vacationers, it’s naturally also a great place to honeymoon. Both islands are popular Caribbean island getaways because the weather, for the most part, is always perfect with miles of coastline to explore.
The choice to visit either Aruba or Curaçao will come down to crowd or no crowd. Curaçao is the largest of the two islands, making Aruba the easiest to explore. However, the crowds in Aruba are larger, due to its popularity with tourists. So, if you want a quieter experience, you may want to choose Curaçao primarily because of its lower numbers of tourists and larger size. But, if you’re up for a big adventure, then why not visit both since they are so close?
As of December 2022, same-sex couples can get married in Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Aruba and Curaçao, along with the other islands mentioned, follow Puerto Rico as the most LGBTQ-friendly destination in the Caribbean.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of the most accepting and progressive cities in the world for LGBTQ+ people, and same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 2017. And since beach destination seems to be a high priority for some couples, then Sydney is one to consider, since the city has more than 100 beaches with many of them being easily accessible from the city center. Whether you’re looking for a calm coastline, a sheltered bay, a busy surf beach, or a secret cove, you will be able to find it in Sydney.
This city is also a solid option for honeymooners who enjoy being outdoors. The nature and scenery of the city are considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Hit the Bay Run and get some exercising in along the way or take the iconic Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach Coastal Walk, which connects three beaches by a cliff-top walking path. Those are two of more than 10 popular treks that will provide the perfect backdrop for your Instagram vacation shots or your professional wedding photos.
Sydney is one of the best LGBTQ+ honeymoon locations because of its gorgeous scenery, amazing tourist attractions, exceptional nightlife, expansive foodie culture, and other fun activities. And if you’re adventurous, newlyweds can spend more time exploring more of the country, including the Gold Coast, Western Australia, and the Outback.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar, or “Gib,” as it’s called by locals, is one of the most unique options on this list. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Gibraltar since 2014. Because there are no residency restrictions and you can get married within 24 hours’ notice (provided you have all the correct documentation), Gib has become in recent years a popular same-sex wedding destination in Europe, especially for those looking to elope. And after the ceremony is complete, you have the perfect little getaway option for your honeymoon.
The quaint and charming British Overseas Territory is recognized as the southernmost point of Europe and is also strategically positioned at the western end of the Mediterranean. For this reason, the weather in Gibraltar is usually ideal for a beach getaway, and Gibraltar has six gorgeous beaches for you to enjoy: Catalan Bay, Eastern Beach, Western Beach, Camp Bay, Little Bay, and Sandy Bay. The scenery is gorgeous, and the view from the “Top of the Rock” – the monolithic limestone promontory which Gibraltar is centered around – is breathtaking. With Europe at your feet, you can see Africa filling the horizon, and take in a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and nearby beaches. It’s enough to make you feel like you’re standing on top of the world.
And while you’re at the Top of the Rock, you can meet the monkeys! There are over 300 wild Barbary macaques living within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. But if you’re looking for a unique adventure, take a stroll through more than 37 miles of tunnels within the Rock of Gibraltar, a majestic labyrinth, created with only sledgehammers and gunpowder. Go on a fascinating tour of the WWII tunnels, or explore the Great Siege tunnels, while learning all about Gibraltor’s history.
When you’re done exploring, you can experience Gibraltar’s mixture of cultures. Because of its position on the southern tip of Spain and the fact that it’s just a hop, skip, and jump away from Morocco, the honeymoon destination is a melting pot of British, European, and North African influence.
Barcelona, Spain
If you and your honey are considered part of the artsy clique, then Barcelona is definitely where you should be headed. With more than 1,300 miles of beautiful beaches, there’s definitely enough time for you to be romantic and cuddle on the beach. However, Barcelona is also famous for its avant-garde and gothic architecture. The city is known all over the world as a true visual spectacle. Instagram, get ready. The honeymoon photos are coming!
Set against a backdrop of rolling hills along the Mediterranean Sea, the “City of Mosaics” is not only packed with architectural treasures but it is considered a foodies’ dream. Experience some of the city’s traditional Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes such as Esqueixada de bacallà (Cod Fillet), Arròs negre (Black Rice), and Mandonguilles amb sípia (Meatballs with cuttlefish).
Not only is Barcelona a beach lover’s paradise, an art lover’s goldmine, and a foodie’s dream, but it is also a welcoming and accepting place for LGBTQ+ people. The Catalan capital has been a pioneer in championing sexual and gender diversity since the 1970s and is considered a global LGBTI city. Same-sex couples have been getting married in Spain since it became legal in 2005, so it’s another option for a destination wedding.
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Montréal may be the city on the list that is less known for beaches, but it is undoubtedly an LGBTQ+ honeymoon destination. That isn’t to say that the city isn’t without its beaches. Montréal, after all, is an island – the second most populated river island in the world, to be exact! There are more than 15 beaches in Montréal and, because the city experiences every type of weather, the summers are usually the best time to visit.
What makes Montréal a good LGBTQ+ honeymoon destination more than the beaches is the city’s generally welcoming atmosphere, its beautiful architecture, world-famous cuisine, and vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife. Canada is known as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. In fact, in the 2023 SPARTACUS Gay Travel Index, Canada took the No. 2 spot on the list of most LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations in the world, coming second only to Malta.
Though Canada’s welcoming attitude toward LGBTQ+ is the biggest reason for Montréal’s appearance on the list, the city is also a great option because of its unique laid-back vibe and French flair. The city’s French influence is seen not only in the fact that French is the official language but it can also be seen in the historic architecture of Montréal. Providing European charm, the romantic, cobblestoned streets of Old Montreal take you back in time to France’s past, and the Art Deco style of the early 20th century emphasizes geometric shapes and bold colors.
Explore Montréal’s food scene – a mixture of French, Haitian, and Portuguese culture – and taste local favorites, including poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, and bagels. Find out why this has become a popular foodie destination!
Montréal is the perfect example of how old-world culture meets new-world attitudes, and this beautiful city is perfect for LGBTQ+ honeymoons.
If you’re not even close to walking down the aisle or planning your honeymoon, but you’re looking for LGBTQ+-friendly places to propose, check out Vacationer’s list of 11 Places to Propose for Queer Couples.
Editor’s Note: As with any trip planning process, LGBTQ+ travelers should always research any desired destination to ensure their safety and comfort level. If you are considering getting married in one of the locations listed above, make sure that you have the proper documentation to get legally married in the country. The more you know, the better wedding, honeymoon, or vacation you will have. When in doubt, always consult a reputable travel agent or advisor to help you sort out all the details so you can have a stress-free vacation.
