US states ranked in terms of travel safety for same-sex honeymooners

A few weeks ago, we brought you a safety ranking of countries where it’s legal for same-sex couples to marry. The date was compiled by wedding magazine The Knot to help those planning a destination wedding.

Now, wedding publication Love Inc. has drawn up a similar ranking for those planning a honeymoon in the US. It looked at laws across all 50 states (and the District of Columbia) to judge how safe, affirming, and inclusive each is for LGBTQ+ honeymooners.

The ranking’s arrival is timely. Earlier this month, the US Supreme Court announced that it was declining to revisit its decade-long ruling that legalized same-sex marriage across the US.

“Every couple deserves a honeymoon that’s not only romantic but also safe,” said Love Inc. Founder and Editor-in-Chief Brittny Drye in a press statement.

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“Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, rising hate crimes, and book bans aren’t just political talking points. They have real consequences for our community, and especially for the wedding industry at large.

“LGBTQ+ travel contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy, and it’s time we recognize the power of that spending. We can and should support states that support us, and stop pouring our honeymoon dollars into places actively working against our rights.”

The analysts took into account six major factors when compiling the ranking. These were: legal protections; anti-LBGTQ+ laws; law enforcement data; community climate; inclusive hospitality; and access to affirming care. It draws upon trusted data sources, such as Human Rights Campaign (HRC), FBI statistics, and public acceptance polling from PRRI and the Pew Research Center.

From this info, it calculated a safety score out of 100 for each region.

The safest places to honeymoon

The following were judged the best places for LGBTQ+ couples to honeymoon.

1. Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C scored the top mark of 98/100.

“Washington, D.C. is the national benchmark for LGBTQ+ inclusion,” said Love Inc. “It boasts one of the country’s strongest legal frameworks for equality, outstanding affirming healthcare, and a vibrant queer culture woven into its civic identity. From the grandeur of the monuments to the intimate boutique hotels of Dupont Circle or The Yards, D.C. combines elegance, safety, and visibility in equal measure.”

2. Hawaii (97/100)

Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations in the US for honeymooners of all sexualities, so you’ll be pleased to know that it came second in this ranking with a score of 96/100. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing beaches and scenery, and there are plenty of queer-friendly hotels.

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3. Massachusetts (95/100)

Whether you want oceanside luxury, cozy New England charm, or a foodie-friendly city escape, Massachusetts offers it all. Honeymoon destinations include Provincetown and the wider Cape Cod area, Boston, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard.

The rest of the ranking was as follows.

4. Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, Washington (joint – scoring 94/100)

8. California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island (joint – all scoring 93/100)

19. New Hampshire (91/100)

20. New York (90/100)

21. Virginia (85/100)

22. Michigan (84/100)

23. Wisconsin (77/100)

24. Pennsylvania (76/100)

25. Utah (73/100)

26. Alaska (70/100)

27. Iowa and Ohio (joint – both scoring 69/100)

29. Missouri (65/100)

30. Arizona (61/100)

31. Georgia (56/100)

32. Louisiana (55/100)

33. North Carolina (51/100)

34. Florida (47/100)

35. South Carolina (46/100)

36. Texas and Wyoming (joint – both scoring 45/100)

38. Kentucky and Montana (joint – both scoring 43/100)

40. Kansas (42/100)

41. Arkansas and Idado and Indiana (joint – both scoring 41/100)

44. Mississippi and Tennessee (joint – both scoring 38/100)

46. Nebraska (36/100)

47. Oklahoma (35/100)

48. North Dakota (33/100)

49. Alabama (31/100)

50. South Dakota (29/100)

And the lowest-ranked state…

According to Love Inc., the state which scored lowest was West Virginia. The region may be famed for its rustic charm and beautiful mountains, but according to these experts, “it remains among the least protective states for LGBTQ+ couples. Recent anti-trans laws, lack of nondiscrimination protections, and a generally conservative culture mean couples should exercise significant caution, especially outside university towns.”

West Virginia notched up the lowest score of just 27/100.

Check out the full listing for all 50 states and DC, with additional info, on Love Inc.

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