12 Incredible LGBT Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

Getting married as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community has its own set of trials and tribulations. Once you have waded through all of the gender normative, heteronormative wedding planning processes, it is time to book a honeymoon. But the sad reality is that there are plenty of countries worldwide that are not accepting of LGBT folks. Sobering as this fact is, instead of dwelling on the disappointing reality of the world in which we live, it is best to look forward and celebrate what we do have instead.

If you want to feel 100% safe on your honeymoon, or simply don’t want to spend your hard earned cash in a country that hasn’t yet legalised being gay, then we have you covered. There are so many LGBT friendly honeymoon destinations worldwide, ranging from the traditional to the adventurous.

Of course, you could always honeymoon in the UK. But if you’re looking for an overseas adventure then this is where we suggest you start!

French Polynesia

If you are looking for a quintessential honeymoon destination, then look no further than the region of French Polynesia. Choose from stunning island getaways from Bora Bora to Tahiti, where you can enjoy the luxuries of island hopping, incredible local wildlife, Tiki parties, spas, luxury hotels, and gorgeous beaches. Stay in a beautiful cabin above the blue water, enjoy water sports and snorkelling, and take a once in a lifetime trip to the historic Easter Island.

French Polynesia, particularly Bora Bora and Tahiti are LGBT friendly, with equal marriage rights and discrimination laws, so you can feel confident to travel there. Due to the tropical climate, the best time to visit is May-September.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the most LGBT friendly honeymoon destinations in South East Asia. Despite the lack of legalised gay marriage, Thailand is one of the most LGBT friendly countries in the area, and you can expect to be welcomed with no raised eyebrows at your choice of lodgings. The country has so much to offer, you can choose between relaxing island living or exciting city life.

Visiting Thailand gives couples the opportunity to see gorgeous temples, explore mountainous regions on foot or by kayak, and even to visit the incredible palace. Try out the famous Thai massage, and take a romantic Thai cookery class together. Travellers will enjoy amazing local cuisine including the best street food in the world, and the best part is you can do all of these things on a very reasonable budget.

San Francisco

For couples looking for LGBT friendly honeymoon destinations away from the tropics, San Francisco is an excellent choice. The city has a bustling nightlife, tonnes of fascinating tourist destinations and one of the most well-renowned gay scenes in the world. For LGBT nightlife look no further than the Castro neighbourhood; This is where you’ll find the gay nightlife in San Francisco with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. There are also smaller LGBT hotels in areas such as the Mission District and Noe Valley.

In the day you can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, visit the Twin peaks and view the incredible Coit Tower, visit the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, and the Palace of Fine Arts. Outdoorsy couples will love relaxing at Ocean Beach, taking a boat trip to see the Sea Lions, and enjoying a hike at Muir Woods National Monument. You can even ride the city’s famous cable cars and get some shopping in at Union Square.

Cape Town

This may perhaps seem like an unexpected choice, but Cape Town is renowned for being one of the most LGBT friendly honeymoon destinations in Africa. South Africa has a thriving gay scene, including fantastic nightlife and full equal rights for all sexualities. Some smaller townships in South Africa can still be somewhat behind in term of LGBT rights, but Cape Town is well far and ahead as the gay capital of South Africa.

Honeymooners can enjoy so many amazing places while visiting. You cannot visit the area without taking a trip to Table Mountain, where you can either challenge yourself to hike to the summit or enjoy a cable car ride to the top. The area also boasts stunning white sandy beaches, including Boulder’s Beach where tourists can get up close and personal with penguins.

Couples looking to explore city life won’t be disappointed with the vibrant array of attractions the city has to offer. Soak up culture at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens,  and wander around the scenic rainbow streets of Bo-Kaap.

Day to day you can explore the various food markets such as the famous Oranjezicht City Farm Market, and get your tipple on at gin distilleries, craft breweries and cocktail bars. Cape Town is also close to wine country and safari destinations, so you can travel a bit further afield for a truly special experience.

Mexico

Mexico is certainly a bucket list travel destination, with world famous cuisine, stunning landscapes, and diverse regions. The most LGBT friendly honeymoon destinations in Mexico are Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, Cancun and beautiful Riviera Maya.

Honeymooners can sample a wide range of local cuisine, while enjoying bustling nightlife, and beautiful beaches. Spend your days exploring the gorgeous markets filled with locally handmade souvenirs and delicious street food. Go sailing in Puerto Vallarta, sip tequila in Tequila and visit the 8th century abandoned city, Teotihuacan to really experience the history of the region.

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. Interestingly, it was put on the map in the 60s when Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor bought two houses in the centre of the city and connected them with a bridge. Beyond this star studded history, the city boasts a thriving gay nightlife scene for honeymooners looking to dance the night away.

Greece

Greece is perfect for European honeymooners looking for LGBT friendly honeymoon destinations a little closer to home. History buffs will love the ancient historical sites to see in the capitol, including the famous the breath taking Acropolis and its accompanying museum.

The most LGBT friendly island in Greece are Mykonos and Santorini, the latter of which is considered a tourist site in its entirety thanks to its stunning white walled buildings with blue roofs matching the deep blue sea below. Mykonos is known for night life, and frequented regularly by celebrities.

A honeymoon in Greece offers the opportunity to explore island hopping, historical culture, outstanding local cuisine, and the gorgeous natural beauty of the blue Aegean Sea & white sandy beaches. What’s not to love!

Bali

Bali is somewhat of an LGBT haven in the middle of Indonesia, and a popular destination for gay travellers throughout the region. While locals do not tend to identify publicly as queer, same sex relationships are accepted and LGBT travellers are welcomed. Public displays of affection are frowned upon no matter your sexuality so bear this in mind!

For LGBT travellers we recommend the Seminyak area. The Jalan Camplung Tanduk, formerly known as Dhyana Pura, is known as the unofficial “gay street”. Here you can find gay bars, drag shows, and more – there is even a gay sauna in the nearby area. There are actually a few all-gay resorts in Bali!

Aside from the props of being one of the world’s best LGBT friendly honeymoon destinations, Bali offers some incredible sightseeing and everything you would want from a honeymoon spot. Surfers will love the incredible swells, whilst adventurers will enjoy tropical hikes through gorgeous rainforest. Shopping and spa treatments are also plentiful and extremely affordable, so there really is something for everyone.

Rio de Janeiro

The vibrant, cultural heart of Brazil is perfectly situated to be one of our favourite LGBT friendly honeymoon destinations. Packed with culture, outstanding natural beauty, and the buzz and bustle of Brazilian life this city is ideal for adventurous couples who want a little bit of everything from their honeymoon.

Visitors cannot miss the imposing and iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, dwarfed only by the stunning Sugarloaf Mountain. Culture vultures will love the world famous Botanical Gardens, the Municipal Theatre for amazing architecture and a show, and the National History Museum which explores the personal and colonial history of Brazil. Whilst exploring the city, be sure to book onto the Favela tours, which allow tourists to visit the shanty towns of Rio. If you are looking for cosmopolitan fashion, then the Santa Teresa neighbourhood is a must see.

Some areas of Rio are more LGBT friendly than others. The best gay beaches are situated in Ipanema and Copacabana, but Reserva Beach in Barra da Tijuca is also a great option. The gay district of Rio runs along the Rua Teixeira de Melo right next to Farme Gay Beach, a fantastic area to visit to be immersed in Rio LGBT culture. While you’re in the area be sure to check out the Galeria Café and Dama de Ferr, as well as Bofetada café and bar.

For LGBT nightlife, tourists love Le Boy the famous gay nightclub. There is even a companion lesbian club called La Girl. Locals favour gay club The Week, which is worth a visit downtown simply to admire its amazing structure. It can hold up to 3000 people and even has a pool.

Hawaii

The beautiful island of Hawaii is one of the best LGBT friendly honeymoon destinations for couples who want to unwind on their honeymoon. A year round honeymoon destination, Hawaii is geared towards offering a luxury experience. Honeymooners can expect outstanding natural beauty, gorgeous beaches and friendly locals.

Once you have peeled yourselves away from your luxury hotel or resort, why not go snorkelling, visit an active volcano, swim with dolphins, or even visit the rainforest. For those looking to dance the night away, Oahu has a great LGBT scene including nightclubs.

Australia

The vast country of Australia has something to offer for every couple. Since legalising same-sex marriage in 2017, Australia has firmly become one the Southern hemisphere’s most diverse LGBT friendly honeymoon destinations.

From the exotic wildlife of Tasmania, to the gorgeous beaches of the Whitsundays Australia’s natural offerings are second to none. Why not snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, or enjoy cosmopolitan city life in Melbourne or Sydney. You can even meet kangaroos face to face, or enjoy the wine region of Barossa. And don’t forget the stunning Sydney Opera House!

New Zealand

New Zealand has really been leading on the world stage for LGBT tourism since the 90s, and continues to be an amazing option for LGBT travellers. There is a huge network of LGBT friendly lodgings available, which you can research using the resource GayStay.

If you want a bit of everything from your New Zealand trip, Marlborough is a great choice of area to visit. You can enjoy gorgeous wines, fresh seafood, local art, and luxury in remote wilderness. There are hundreds of unique activities available across New Zealand, with ample opportunity to try something new, such as a helicopter ride followed by a picnic in a remote mountain setting, or a night spent sleeping in a luxury glass pod under the stars.

New Zealand boasts geothermal hot springs, excellent wine country, a thriving extreme sports scene, several natural wonders, and even something for the Lord of the Rings fans. What more could you want!

Iceland

Iceland is the perfect destination for couples who enjoy outstanding natural beauty and an intimate setting. Iceland has been a trailblazing country for LGBT rights, including having had one of the only openly gay Heads of State in history. Reykjavik hosts an annual Pride festival and is even home to a couple of gay clubs, so is a great area to choose for your honeymoon.

The country boasts luxury hotels, a thriving foodie scene, and some unmissable tourist destinations. Visit the steaming waters of the Blue Lagoon, travel North to view the unforgettable Northern Lights, brave a visit to an ever changing glacier, and even go whale watching.