Same-sex marriage was recently made legal in Florida, marking it the 36th state to legalize LGBT unions. As couples start planning their ceremonies and “I Do’s,” we’ve rounded up a few properties that are offering LGBT weddings and honeymoon packages.
The Palm Beaches are starting to welcome same-sex marriages with many local resorts offering romantic stays. The Chesterfield Palm Beach unveiled its Pride package, which includes two complimentary drinks upon arrival and a romantic interlude dinner featuring a bottle of house wine in The Leopard Lounge and Restaurant; in the evening, a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries and two glasses of Champagne in a Superior Queen Room; and an English breakfast in bed the following morning. The Chesterfield Palm Beach welcomes pets, and offers WiFi and valet service. The Pride package gives guests a 5 percent discount with rates starting at $275.75 per night dbl. For more information, call (561) 659-5800 or visit chesterfieldpb.com.
The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is currently offering a Modern Family package, available June 1-Sept. 30, 2015. The package includes private airport transfers; a 2-night stay in an oceanfront lanai terrance room; a welcome amenity; daily access to the Eau Spa with one couple’s massage in a Villa Perfect; daily breakfast at the onsite restaurant, Temple Orange; a chef-inspired dinner at the on-property restaurant, Angle; and use of an oceanfront cabana with private butler service. Rates start at $1,999. For more information, visit eaupalmbeach.com.
If privacy isn’t something your clients won’t mind giving up, The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched a Love is Love initiative to marry both LGBT and straight couples from across the nation in a collective wedding ceremony. On Thursday, Feb. 5, the grand ceremony will take place at sunrise in front of the W Fort Lauderdale Hotel. After the ceremony, the newlyweds are invited to the W Fort Lauderdale for a post-ceremony Champagne toast and reception. One lucky couple will also receive an ultimate cruise wedding getaway. Registration is now open to win a Love is Love wedding trip at sunny.org/loveislove.
The W Fort Lauderdale is also offering an Equally in Love wedding package for an extended stay. The package includes a town car pick up to and from the airport; a Something Blue welcome cocktail; 3-night stay in an oceanview room; a private, in-room sunset dinner on the balcony; a blissage 49 massage and a mani-pedi for two at Bliss Spa; a hair trim or blowout at Ted Gibson Salon; and an in-room wedding amenity. Rates start at $650 per night. For more information, call (877) 822-0000 and use promo code LISLPKG.
For those looking to celebrate their nuptials with an Australian honeymoon, Down Under Endeavors has created custom packages for couples looking to visit the country. Australia has an active LGBT community, and Sydney is one of the largest in the country, offering guests many LGBT venues, services, businesses, and more. Sydney also has many LGBT-friendly beaches, among them are Bondi Beach, Brone Beach and Mararama Beach. Obelisk Beach and Lady Jane Beach are for those who are a little less conservative and are looking to sunbathe in the nude. And, if your clients are looking to visit in March, suggest they check out Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. Melbourne is also LGBT-friendly, offering a cooler climate and more indoor activities to choose from. Other great LGBT-friendly destinations in the area are Brisbane, Canberra, and Perth.
The 12-day Luxury Australian Vacation package includes pampering at a beachfront resort, a day at the Great Barrier Reef, a hot air balloon flight over Melbourne, cuddling a koala, horseback riding along the beach at sunset, a private Melbourne After Dark experience, dinner at a Sydney restaurant arriving by seaplane, spa experiences, and a Champagne breakfast surrounded by the kangaroos in the wild. Couples visit Port Douglas, Melbourne, Sydney and stay at four- and five-star hotels. Rates start at $4,000 pp. For more information, visit downunderendeavours.com
