Top 10 Safest Countries for LGBTQ+ Destination Weddings

Nearly half of LGBTQ+ couples now choose to marry abroad, with safety being a main motivator for a destination wedding outside of the U.S.

Although same-sex marriage is legal in 30 countries worldwide, being legally allowed to marry doesn’t automatically mean couples will feel safe or welcomed. Recent headlines in the U.S. illustrate why:

• Queer and trans immigrants detained in ICE facilities in Louisiana allege abuse, sexual assault, and forced labour. (The Guardian)
• Fenway Health in New England announced it will no longer provide gender-affirming care for patients under 19. (Axios)
• The Pentagon publicly criticized Netflix’s new gay military series, highlighting ongoing cultural pushback. (Them)
  

These stories underscore that legal equality is only part of the picture. Social climate, protections, and lived experience can still vary dramatically, even in countries where marriage equality has been established for years.

To find out which countries are genuinely the safest for LGBTQ+ couples to say “I do”, experts at Destify analysed laws, rights, safety sentiment, years of equality, and service availability across 39 destinations.

The results might surprise you: despite a decade of nationwide marriage equality, the United States ranks 19th overall with a safety score of 70.1/100, falling short of top-ranking countries.

Top 10 Countries for LGBTQ+ Destination Weddings

#	Country	Years Same-Sex Marriage Has Been Legal	LGBTQ+ World Equality Index (/100)*	Feeling Safe Being Openly LGBTQ+ (%)	Available LGBTQ+ Legal Services	Number of LGBTQ+ Legal Rights	Safety Score (/100)
1	Spain	20	83	85	78	16	93.5
2	Iceland	15	95	86	85	15	90.2
3	Canada	20	79	75	74	15	85.4
4	Denmark	13	81	88	80	14	85.2
5	Norway	16	87	84	74	13	83.7
6	Chile	4	80	86	89	16	83.3
7	Germany	8	80	74	79	16	82.6
8	Australia	8	78	75	76	16	81.2
9	Portugal	15	77	74	62	15	79.9
10	Belgium	22	75	78	77	13	79.8

Let’s take a closer look at the top three:

Spain: 93.5/100

Spain emerges as the safest country for LGBTQ+ destination weddings. Marriage equality has been in place for 20 years, and 85% of locals say they feel safe being openly LGBTQ+. Its combination of legal protections, progressive attitudes, and vibrant wedding-friendly destinations makes it a standout choice for couples seeking both romance and security.

Iceland: 90.2/100

Iceland may be small, but it’s mighty when it comes to equality. It boasts the highest LGBTQ+ World Equality Index score of 95/10,0, and 86% of residents feel safe being openly LGBTQ+. With breathtaking landscapes and a reputation for inclusivity, it’s an ideal destination for couples looking for both adventure and acceptance.

Canada: 85.4/100

Canada combines two decades of marriage equality with strong legal protections and a welcoming social climate. With 75% of people feeling safe being openly LGBTQ+, it offers a secure and friendly backdrop for a destination wedding, from the cosmopolitan streets of Toronto to the scenic beauty of Vancouver Island.

So where does the U.S. rank?

Despite nationwide marriage equality for over 10 years and 15 legal rights protecting LGBTQ+ people, the United States ranks 19th, with a safety score of 70.1/100. While still a popular wedding destination, the U.S. lags behind many European and North American countries when it comes to overall safety sentiment, highlighting that legal marriage equality alone isn’t enough to guarantee a welcoming environment.

Which is the 30th country?

At the bottom of the rankings is Liechtenstein, with a safety score of 30.3/100. The country officially legalized same-sex marriage on January 1, 2025, following a near-unanimous vote in the parliament in May 2024. This makes it the 22nd European nation and the last German-speaking country to extend marriage equality to same-sex couples. Despite this legislative progress, the relatively recent implementation may contribute to its lower safety score for LGBTQ+ destination weddings.