In the words of British rock band The Darkness, “I believe in a thing called love.” Thankfully, and with a ground-breaking decision, so does the Supreme Court of the United States #SCOTUS who ruled on Friday, June 26th, 2015 in a 5-4 vote, that the Constitution does indeed support gay marriage. In celebration of such a momentous day, we’ve rounded up our most stunning LGBT-friendly locales to give you a little dose of inspiration for your I-do’s, if and when you decide to marry whomever you choose. Ain’t love grand? #lovewins
The same rules for Spain apply but this is a beachfront former military fortress. There is something so magical about marrying at a place so massive in stature and historical in significance.
First off, this private retreat looks as though it came straight out of one of Indiana Jones’ adventures, an almost mirage-looking miracle. Make sure to pack your sunglasses as the gold glinting off the tufa rocks surrounding the town and the silver inlaid in the basalt streets may overwhelm with its opulence. One of the most notable and beautiful places on Earth, it’s a place to be lost… and found in again. Did we mention the indoor cave pool?
Imagine intimate I-do's under the Northern Lights or gathering your group for a getaway so gorgeous and filled with adventure you'll be telling your grandchildren about it one day. Fun Fact: Same-sex marriage has been legal in Iceland since 2010.
Mykonos is one of the “Big 4” gay summer resort destinations in Europe. It’s even rumored that Jackie Onassis put Mykonos on the map as one of the chicest islands to travel to. The gay community followed back in the ’70s when her and her entourage frequented the island.
Photo credit: San Girorgio Mykonos
Although Thailand has not yet legalized gay marriage, gay wedding ceremonies can take place here under Buddhist law. This five star beachfront resort has every luxurious amenity you could imagine: the topper? It sure will be a wonderful wedding day at they’re gorgeous limestone grotto: fancy lingo for "cave venue on the beach."
Spain has recently passed legislation that ensures all same-sex couples can have a legally binding civil ceremony if one of them is registered as resident. If neither are residents one could choose to hold a blessing ceremony following your binding marriage in your home country.
Why not choose the pulse-pounding party perfect Ibiza locale? With endless days of sunshine and beautiful beaches, this oceanfront oasis beckons for any and all bohemian beach babes to bust our their best dance moves and do up their “I-do’s” under a sweet Spanish sunset
Photo by Natalie Beth Harris
Though gay marriage is not recognized in Italy, that shouldn’t deter a couple looking to wed in this luxe land. A civil union in the couple’s home state should take care of the legality, but Italy is quickly becoming a hotspot for performing LGBT commitment ceremonies and with the legalization of gay marriage in Ireland, a predominantly Catholic country, many social commentators are saying Italy isn’t far behind.
Photo: Capri Tiberio Palace
Not satisfied with a simple hotel takeover? How about your own private island? Talk about a serious commitment ceremony. Step one: Invite everyone you know. Step two: commence party. Rent the whole island and go Swiss Family Robinson - or stay in one of the private residences or Banyan Tree Estate. Either way, with lush, local exotic fruits, an extensive rum collection and onsite chapel, "marry" making on this island has all the ingredients for a heavenly elixir.