Why American LGBTQ+ couples are getting married outside the U.S.
Wedding bells are ringing worldwide for LGBTQ+ American couples marrying abroad.
Mark
Wedding bells are ringing worldwide for LGBTQ+ American couples choosing to marry abroad. They’re not just planning a stunning destination wedding; a key factor for queer Americans taking their nuptials out of the country is LGBTQ+ wedding safety.
A new study by Destify, a wedding specialist company, reviewed the 39 countries with marriage equality. It ranked the safest places for LGBTQ+ couples to get married, analyzing laws, rights, public sentiment, years of equality, and service availability. Being legally allowed to marry doesn’t automatically mean LGBTQ+ couples will feel safe or welcomed, as legislation doesn’t always reflect society’s attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite a decade of nationwide marriage equality, the United States ranks 19th with a safety score of 70.1/100. Marriage equality is still the national law in the U.S., yet the queer community is facing discrimination and violence led by policymakers.
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The U.S. is losing significant earnings as folks choose to wed abroad. In the first five years of marriage equality, same-sex weddings generated $3.8 billion. Now, destination weddings are often more affordable than stateside ceremonies.
“A wedding abroad can be more cost-effective than domestically. Some couples leverage destination weddings to double as mini-vacations for themselves,” Jove Meyer, a LGBTQ+ wedding planner, says.
These are three of the safest countries in the world for an LGBTQ+ destination wedding.
Iceland
Iceland ranks highest in the LGBTQ+ World Equality Index. Gender-neutral marriage definition has been the law for 15 years. The first couple to get married was Iceland’s Prime Minister, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, and her partner, Jónína Leósdóttir.
Lesbian-owned Pink Iceland plans LGBTQ+ weddings with waterfalls or tiny countryside churches as the backdrop. Icelandic weddings range from $5,000 to $25,000.
Canada
Canada has recognized same-sex marriages for two decades. British Columbia recognized marriage equality in 2003 and is known as one of Canada’s most affirming areas for the LGBTQ+ community. Most U.S. states recognize marriages solemnized in Canada as valid, with no additional paperwork required.
“With Canada’s inclusive laws, the stunning mountain scenery, the ease of travel, and the appealing currency exchange rate, Canada is a brilliant choice for U.S. queer couples seeking a safe space to celebrate their love,” Rev. Jude Douglass says. Douglass is the wedding officiant of Sea to Sky Officiant, which works with LGBTQ+ couples traveling to Canada from the USA to tie the knot. They host over 100 ceremonies a year and work only with vendors that support marriage equality. The average wedding cost in Canada is around $32,000.
Denmark
Denmark was the first country in the world to legally recognize same-sex couples in 1989. Copenhagen‘s City Hall is where the world’s first official same-sex union took place. It remains a popular place for LGBTQ+ elopements and costs around $300. Aarhus, the happiest city in the world, has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Varna Mansion, built in 1908, is an iconic wedding venue for lavish celebrations and costs approximately $200 per guest.
Other top countries for safe LGBTQ+ weddings include Spain, Norway, Chile, Germany, Australia, Portugal, and Belgium.
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