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LGBTQ+ Friendly Wedding Destinations

When choosing a wedding destination or venue, many couples' biggest worries are “How much will it cost?” and “What will the weather be like?” Unfortunately, for queer to-be-weds, this isn’t the case. Instead, you’re forced to ask yourself, “Will we be safe?” and “Are we likely to be discriminated against?”. Suddenly, what should be the fun task of choosing where to say ‘I do’, turns into a deep dive of history, laws, and research - leaving you feeling deflated and stressed. 


Well, what if we told you Rebel Love has done the hard bit for you? We’ve put together a list of the best LGBTQ+ friendly wedding destinations for you to celebrate your love without fear of judgement. From the sunny shores of Brighton to the breathtaking waterfalls of Iceland, each of these destinations are known for being inclusive and empowering to queer lovers!


What makes a destination LGBTQ+ friendly?

Sadly, you can never guarantee anywhere is 100% a safe space. A lot of the time you’re going off your own or somebody else’s experience. However, there are a number of things that we consider make a place LGBTQ+ friendly including but not limited to:


Community

A vibrant community of LGBTQ+ folk and allies is the first thing to look for when searching for a destination. A few stickers and a sign or two isn’t enough, we want to see clear acts of allyship such as inclusive events all year round and LGBTQ+ owned businesses.  


Laws

It’s important to remind ourselves that same-sex marriage was only legalised in the UK 10 years ago - crazy right?! So, when looking for a place to get married, it’s important you check the current laws and how long ago they were passed or changed.


Representation

Are queer folk positively represented in regional and national news? Are there LGBTQ+ leaders in power? These are the types of things you can look up to get a clearer idea on how LGBTQ+ individuals are represented in a particular place or country. 


A photo of a lesbian couple outside a wedding venue, celebrating with their bridesmaids in orange dresses.
IMAGE CREDIT: Rebel Love Club

LGBTQ+ friendly wedding destinations in the UK

Looking to get married in the UK but can’t decide where? We’ve got you covered! 


Brighton

Often referred to as the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK, Brighton is known for its bustling piers, delicious doughnuts and most importantly - its vibrant community or LGBTQ+ folk and allies. It’s filled to the brim with colour, culture and creativity, making it the perfect backdrop for LGBTQ+ to-be-weds. 



Hebden bridge

With an array of LGBTQ+ owned businesses, queer-friendly venues, and inclusive events, Hebden Bridge has rightly secured its place on the queer map. With its unofficial title of "lesbian capital of the UK", this location is ideal for any to-be-weds who want their wedding to be more of a countryside celebration.



Edinburgh

Looking for the best of both worlds - a place that’s immersed in countryside charm but also has the bustling vibes of a city? Then Edinburgh may just be wedding destination you’ve been dreaming of. Scotland’s hilly capital is famous for its thriving LGBTQ+ scene and welcoming allies.


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Bristol

From LGBTQ+ wedding photographers to queer-run venues, Bristol is a one-stop shop for LGBTQ+ lovers planning their wedding. With LGBTQ+ rights rooted in the history of this extraordinary city, it’s no wonder that Bristol is a place where queer to-be-weds feel comfortable to celebrate their love loudly.



A picture of a posed LGBTQ+ wedding party photo inside a barn-style building.
IMAGE CREDIT: Rebel Love Club

LGBTQ+ friendly wedding destinations overseas

Fancy saying ‘I do’ overseas but can’t decide where? Here are some queer-friendly wedding destinations in Europe.


Lisbon

Who would've thought one of the oldest cities in the world would be one of the most progressive? Recognised as one of the most queer-friendly destinations in the world, Lisbon is home to a loud and proud LGBTQ+ community. Add in the mouth-watering food, spectacular landscapes and sun-soaked skies and you’ve got yourself a queer celebration to remember!


Barcelona

Sangrias anyone? Barcelona has all the ingredients to make your wedding magical. From its picture-perfect scenery to its strong stance on LGBTQ+ rights, this Spanish gem is a dream location for many LGBTQ+ to-be-weds. Barcelona is also home to Gaixample, a district dedicated to queer shops, bars and restaurants!


Iceland

Considered to be one of the most welcoming and inclusive countries in the world, It’s no surprise that Iceland is a top choice for LGBTQ+ lovers tying the knot. Over the years, it has been spotlighted for its progressive values and celebration of queer love. Its impressive worldly wonders and unique wedding destinations are guaranteed to make your wedding look and feel unforgettable from every angle.


Amsterdam

Last but certainly not least, it’s Amsterdam. Did you know that the Netherlands were the first country to legalise same-sex marriage? Now that’s what you call iconic behaviour! From city halls to windmills, their wedding venues are nothing short of extraordinary. 


For further advice on how to take your dream wedding overseas, we recommend getting in touch with Destination Rainbow, a travel agency that specialises in bespoke, inclusive honeymoon and destination wedding packages for LGBTQ+ to-be-weds.














 
 
 

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