When searching honeymoon destinations, we typically want to be able to relax, enjoy somewhere or something new and, if even just briefly, forget about our day-to-day lives. Over the past few decades, travel for LGBTQ+ couples has gotten much easier, but that doesn't always make it easy. Public attitude and legal legislation do not always go hand in hand, so before booking that dream getaway, everyone (not just those in the LGBTQ+ community) should check for local legislation, morality laws and sexuality-motivated violence and discrimination.

Since 2014 The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has been encouraging LGBTQ+ couples honeymooning overseas to do their research before travelling. This move was made after a study suggested less than half (46%) of LGBTQ+ couples checked if an area was LGB&T-friendly before planning. 

To aid in tracking the latest updates, the FCO offers guidance for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender travellers. While 31 countries have legalised gay marriage, and many more have passed pro-LGBTQ+ legislation, the 14 countries below not only accept but embrace, uplift, and celebrate the queer community.

If you're still planning your wedding, check out our 32 step guide to help get you on your way.

LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Destinations Europe 

Sweden

Starting close to home, this Scandinavian favourite has long celebrated being one of the world's most progressive and inclusive countries. So with same-sex marriage legal since 2009 and hosting Euro pride three times, it is no surprise that the ILGA recognises Sweden as an LGBTQ+friendly country. With no designated gaybourhoods, LGBTQ+ people are welcome everywhere. 

If you fancy, the picturesque city of Gothenburg Hotel Dorsia and Hotel Pigalle are two unique hotels close to the centre, often described with words like "decadent", "Parisian-inspired", and "seductive". Greta's is Gothenburg's oldest gay bar and nightclub, with occasional live shows.

Sweden is currently ranked the second safest country in the world according to the LGBTQ+ Danger Index

The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in Sweden, with a complete list of Hotels and Bars in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmo.

Monaco 

Monaco may be for you if you fancy relaxing on the historic luxury French Riviera (or Côte d'Azur). Unfortunately, while same-sex relations are legal, there are not the same legal protections under the Free Union law. While this pushes Monaco down several freedom indexes, Monegasque people typically embrace the LGBTQ+ community and hate speech and violence based on sexual orientation are rare. 

While there are plenty of LGBTQ+ friendly establishments within Monico, the nearby French cities of Marseille, Nice, and Lyon offer more official gay bars, clubs and events and an excellent excuse to explore the Riviera.

For a taste of Monaco's luxury lifestyle, stay at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, gamble at the Monte-Carlo Casino and dine at Michelin-starred Elsa. 

Monaco is currently ranked the fortieth safest country in the world according to the LGBTQ+ Danger Index

Malta

One of the best European countries for LGBTQ+ rights, Malta has long been recognised as one of the safest destinations for same-sex tourists. 

With this island nation legalising same-sex relations in 1973, it is no surprise that Malta has been ranked 1st by  ILGA-Europe for LGBT rights legislation out of 49 observed European countries. A position it has held on this list since 2015. Under Maltas' constitution, LGBTQ+ people have equal rights, and it was the first EU country to ban conversion therapies in 2016

While Malta does not claim to have the most significant gay scene, discrimination is outlawed, and Valletta hosts the annual Pride parade in June. The vibrant resort area of Saint Julian's is perfect for nights, 

Malta is ranked as the fourth safest country in the world according to the LGBTQ+ Danger Index

The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in Malta and contains helpful information about the Island. 

The Gay Malta website explains all about gay life in Malta and lists all the LGBTQ+ related events on the Island.

LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Destinations South & Latin America  

Uruguay

Uruguay could be the perfect destination for those looking to travel a little further beyond Europe and fancy exploring South America. Uruguay has been leading the way in Latin America regarding LGBTQ+ rights since 1934. 

In 1934, Same-sex relations were made legal. Since then, Uruguay has legalised same-sex civil unions, marriage, adoption recognition, name changes for children over 12, military service and blood donation. With conversion therapy and discrimination based on sexuality now also illegal, Uruguay is recognised as one of the safest countries outside of Europe for LGBTQ+ couples.

Montevideo is one of the most prosperous and egalitarian cities in Latin America. With a small gay scene centred around a few venues, Ciudad Vieja is where you'll find the old town and nightlife. 

Uruguay is ranked as the seventeenth safest country in the world according to the LGBTQ+ Danger Index

The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in Uruguay, with a complete list of Hotels and Bars in the capital of Montevideo.

Colombia

Colombia is one of the most popular destinations in South America. It and its capital city Bogota are home to an ever-growing gay scene. Columbia is a progressive country ranked fourth in Latin America for LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage was made lawful in 2016, and sexuality-based discrimination is illegal. 

If you are looking for lively nights during your Honeymoon, the vibrant Chapinero neighbourhood is home to many LGBTQ+ friendly bars and restaurants. Bogotá's gay scene highlights the mega-club Theatron, famous for being the largest LGBTQ club in South America. 

If you are looking for something away from the clubs, the beating heart of Bogota is La Candelaria, the oldest and best-preserved part of the city. Home to 300-year-old houses perfectly restored, the old town is full of narrow back alleys and stunning street murals. But, like many old towns, its best sights are often hidden away, so employing a local tour guide is highly recommended. 

Colombia is ranked as the thirtieth safest country in the world according to the LGBTQ+ Danger Index

The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in Columbia, with a complete list of Hotels and Bars in Bogota, Cartagena and Medellin. 

Mexico 

Mexico is a large and complex county, and LGBTQ+ rights vary from state to state, so knowing where in Mexico is the first important step! 27 States within Mexico have now passed laws protecting LGBTQ+ community rights, including;

• Baja California 
• Baja California Sur
• Nayarit
• Jalisco
• Oaxaca
• Chiapas,
• Puebla,
• Quintana 
• Roo
• Yucatán.

Mexico City was the first to approve same-sex marriage and adoption in 2010. Zona Rosa is the name given to the gayborhood and is one of Latin America's biggest and best gay scenes.

The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in Mexico, with a complete list of Hotels and Bars and tours in Cabo, Cancun, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta, along with many more. 

Mexico is ranked as the 50th safest country in the world according to the LGBTQ+ Danger Index

LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Destinations Africa 

South Africa

South Africa is a stunning country that offers excellent wine, inspiring landscapes, fantastic wildlife, and plenty of LGBTQ+ accolades! It was the first country to protect sexual orientation in its constitution and the fifth to legalise same-sex marriage. In 1990, Johannesburg held the continent's first-ever gay pride parade.

Cape Town is Africa's most cosmopolitan city and its undisputed gay capital. It has plenty on offer whether you want to soak up the nightlife, relax on the beach or explore the country. 

The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in South Africa, with a complete list of Hotels, Bars and tours in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and the Western Cape. They also provide links to LGBTQ+ friendly tours. 

South Africa is ranked as the 21st safest country in the world according to the LGBTQ+ Danger Index

LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Destinations Caribbean 

Aruba

Sitting off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is a small Dutch Caribbean island. Its warm weather and stunning landscapes are a big draw for tourists, and it is happily one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming destinations in the Caribbean.

The "One Happy Island" offers an island paradise where visitors can expect clear, sunny skies all year round. Arubans are generally very progressive, and same-sex marriage and registered partnerships are legal. However, same-sex marriage is only recognised if couples of Dutch nationality marry in the Netherlands.

The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in Aruba, with a complete list of Hotels, Bars.

Aruba is ranked 57 in the LGBTQ+ Danger Index

LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Destinations Canada 

Canada has long been a trailblazer in terms of LGBTQ+ legislation. So it is no wonder that the land of the red maple, Canada, is also one of the dream destinations for gay travellers.

In 1969 the country legalised same-sex relations, and in 1995 sexuality was deemed constitutionally protected under the equality clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In 2005 same-sex marriage was legalised nationwide, making it the first country in the Americas to do so. 

The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in Canada, with a complete list of Hotels, Bars and tours, including;

• Calgary
• Hamilton 
• Montreal 
• Quebec City 
• Ottawa 
• Toronto 
• Vancouver 

Canada is ranked as the 1st safest country in the world according to the LGBTQ+ Danger Index

LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Destinations Asia 

Taiwan

Home to one of the largest and best gay scenes in Asia, Taiwan was one of the first countries in east Asia to legalise gay marriage in 2019. Moreover, being a country that has never implemented anti-laws, Taiwan ranks as one of the safest countries in Asia for LGBTQ+ travellers. 

The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in Taiwan, with a complete list of Hotels, Bars and tours, including;

• Kaohsiung
• Taichung
• Taipei

Taiwan LGBT Pride is held annually in October in Taipei city centre and is the largest Pride celebration in Asia. 

Taiwan is ranked 44 in the LGBTQ+ Danger Index

LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Destinations Oceania

Australia 

Australia is more of an island continent than a country, but despite its vast size has federal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. While laws vary from state to state, Australia offers all travellers an endless choice of unique experiences and fabulous adventures, regardless of gender or orientation. 

Sydney is undoubtedly at the heart of the Australian LGBTQ+ scene and remains a very open-minded city. During the day, this beautiful harbour city offers endless opportunities to shop, eat and take in the scenery, while by night, the Oxford Street nightlife will keep you partying until the early hours. 

Unsurprisingly a country of this size caters for almost every taste, from sunning up on Surfer's paradise on the Gold Coast to exploring the expansive natural parks of Darwin Australia has it all! 

The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in Australia, with a complete list of Hotels, Bars and tours, including;

• Adelaide
• Brisbane
• Gold Coast 
• Sydney
• Darwin

Australia is ranked 15 in the LGBTQ+ Danger Index

French Polynesia

As an overseas collectivity of France, French Polynesia comprises 121 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over more than 1,200 miles in the South Pacific Ocean. The islands have a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights and citizens governed by French law.

No laws have ever existed against same-sex relations or activity, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Furthermore, it has been possible for transgender people to change their legal name and gender since 1974.

The most frequently visited islands include;

• Bora Bora
• Tahiti
• Moorea
• Taha'a
• Raiatea

If relaxing on silky, white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and coral atolls sound like your ideal Honeymoon, then French Polynesia could be perfect. 

The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in Australia, with a complete list of Hotels and tours.

LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Destinations Middle East 

Israel

The Middle East may not be the first place to come to mind when planning for your perfect Honeymoon, but Isreal has a unique gay culture and lifestyle.

Known as the gay capital of the Middle East, Tel Aviv has recognised same-sex unions since 2020, with same-sex relations legal since 1988. Tel Aviv Pride is by far the biggest Pride event in the region and one of the most exciting in the world. 

Sitting on the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv not only offers a busting late-night party scene but stunning beaches on which to relax and unwind. 

With many of the surrounding countries less tolerant, exploring the region is best done with a tour guide. The travelgay website is the perfect place to start planning your LGBTQ+ Honeymoon in Isreal, with a complete list of Hotels and tours that are LGBTQ+ friendly. 

The post 15 Honeymoon Destinations for LGBTQ+ Couples [2023] first appeared on Fitzpatrick Photography.