If you are ready to plan your best wedding ever, we are here to help! We have rounded up the best LGBTQ+ Wedding Destinations in the U.S.! Our criteria: celebratory over inclusivity, a rich history, and multiple vendor options.  While 2015 is when LGBTQ marriage was legalized in the US for all 50 states, some states are just better at it than others. 

Why You Need an Experienced Photographer when booking your LGBTQ+ Wedding Destinations in the U.S.

Hi! I’m Kelsey, I identify with she/her pronouns. I am a worldwide elopement photographer who runs a multiple six figure business with my husband as a hub and wifey photo and video team! I am a LGBTQ+ ally and believe in the importance of how to be an inclusive photographer. 

Not all weddings look the same. As elopement photographers, we know that better than anyone! We love allll the different weddings- beach, mountains, countries across the fricken globe!! But it’s more than a wedding just looking different because of the place. What makes a wedding special is the PEOPLE! The beautiful, magical, sweet human connection that makes love go round.

5. National Parks as Your LGBTQ+ Wedding Destinations in the U.S.

We are starting with a catch-all with National Parks. First of all, there is a lot of shit going down politically right now, and I’m standing up and saying NO! National Parks Conservation Association reported, “Following an analysis of National Park Service web content, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) found the federal government has deleted and scrubbed more than a dozen National Park Service webpages related to LGBTQ+ history.” Read the whole article, PLEASE!

And how we say we belong here is by being here, which is why I’m promoting national parks as some of the best LGBTQ+ wedding destinations in the U.S. No one is going to tell you when, how, why, or where to wed. Mmmmmkay.

Our top National Park is going to be Glacier. GPN has it all. Big animals where you want them. Weaving creaks. Glassy lakes. Giant trees. Anything you could want, you’ll find at Glacier National Park. When we reach the location matchmaking portion of your wedding photographer package, we’ll determine the best part of the 1 million-acre park for YOU. And the season. GPN definitely changes the experience with the seasons, so I’ll get to know what you’re looking for and then come at you with a 30-page guide with options, inspo, and LGBTQ+ vendor recommendations!

Lesbian Proposal in Missoula in the Fall – honeybeeweddingsmt.com

4. Alberton, MT

Continuing to show my bias here, but Montana is one of the top LGBTQ + Wedding Destinations in the U.S., and I have personal experience to say that! Outside of Glacier National Park, there are tons of places in Montana that love to celebrate all love. 

Here Comes the Guide compiled a list of LGBTQ+ friendly venues in Montana, and, as expected, our favorite venues were included. At White Raven, we have photographed both a spring and winter session, and it hits no matter the season. 

Psst our inspo blog below was featured in Rocky Mountain Bride, which we are insanely proud of. 

Luxury Winter Elopement Inspo at White Raven

If you’re going to Alberton, you’re obviously stopping by Missoula! We’re the place with the rainbows loud and proud! I love Missoula because it offers so many picturesque places to share your vows, followed by a big celebration downtown! We don’t put you in a box, honey. You can have a quiet, intimate moment, and then dance it up all night after. Permission granted to do whatever YOU want on YOUR wedding day.

3. Hudson Valley, NY

Spot number 3 goes out to Hudson Valley. What is the most LGBTQ friendly state in America? New York! If you are planning out your big day and looking for the LGBTQ+ wedding destinations the U.S., Hudson Valley is about 2.5 hours from New York, New York, so we recommend making it a multi-day affair. Have your wedding in the Hudson Valley, then spend a few days in the city! See a show on Broadway, take a walk in Central Park. A wedding is not to be rushed; it deserves to be savored. 

Our venue pick? The Chateau! It’s ready to host large weddings AND intimate affairs. Right on the Hudson River, you’ll have gorgeous water views and a nice evening chill. I can already envision the magic of a champagne sip while you dip your toes in the river. TBH not sure if that is actually allowed, but I make a great human bloccade when you need one.

6 LGBTQ Hudson Valley Wedding Venues

2. San Francisco, CA

Coming in hot at number 2 is Saaaaaaan Francisco, California. Known as an LGBTQ+ mecca, San Francisco has long been a supportive LGBTQ+ city. According to Pride Lending, “San Francisco, California, can be credited as the center of the LGBTQ+ movement and is often referred to as the LGBTQ+ capital of the world. San Francisco is one of the first LGBTQ-friendly cities to welcome queer people and promote marriage equality.”

Fuck yes. We can already picture you exchanging vows with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the background, and then enjoying some of the best food in your life downtown. My foodie recommendation is The Vault Steakhouse. It’s located inside the former Bank of America vault, and it’s truly like nothing I’ve ever seen before. They also have live piano music nightly, so the vibes are immaculate. 

Wherever you go in San Franshsco, get ready for people to cheer as you walk by dressed up for your big day, San Fran likes to celebrate! Also, while San Fran beat the rest of California for our list, there are a lot of LGBTQ+ friendly cities you should check out if you’re a sucker for sunshine. Los Angeles, if you’re looking broad. Hillcrest, nestled in San Diego, if you’re looking niche. Where you go, I will be there!

Let’s Get Started!

1. Boston, MA ranks TOP LGBTQ + Wedding Destinations in the U.S.

We are giving the number one spot to…. Boston! Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, so they get a ballion gold stars for doing the right thing before it was popular. They have two decades of supporting love and we fucking stan that. 

As far as LGBTQ + Wedding Destinations in the U.S. go, Boston has so many super rad venue options. Think: New England Aquarium, Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor, Metropolitan Waterworks Museum, Museum of Science, House of Blues, it goes on and on. Whether you and your honey are into cultural experiences, water views, live music, whatever, Boston comes through with a location for you!!

We’re doing a shallow dive on the Harry Parker Boathouse as our recommendation. It has breathtaking views of the Charles River and is perfect for intimate celebrations, which we specialize in. Aside from when you elope in a National Park, I have never seen a wedding venue that gets you to close to the water. Swooning over here! 

Wedding Venues in Boston – Gay and Lesbian Weddings

You Deserve an Experienced LGBTQ+ Photographer

I talked with a queer couple recently, and they shared about how they get assigned gender roles. If one of them is wearing a suit and one of them is wearing a dress, they’ve had photographers assign the suit-wearing person to more masculine energy poses, while they assign the person in the dress to the more “feminine” role. It just puts them into a category they don’t fit into. ALL couples, not just our sweet queer couples, fluctuate between their masculine and feminine energy. We all have a variety of identities, and it’s important to embrace all parts of ourselves. 

I’m always be on the lookout for how couples are interacting because I don’t assume the roles in their relationship. There should be an equal share with equal holdings, equal cuddles, and equal time being held. I promise to never try to fit you and your partner into that box. These are just little things I do, when I get to know you and your partner and your unique love story, I am committed to providing a comfortable, celebratory, and ultimately next level adventerous experience. Can’t wait to meet you and your honey!