Published on
October 29, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
In a groundbreaking update, the United States has officially joined Canada, Chile, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Australia, and Portugal in becoming one of the safest countries for LGBTQ+ couples. This exciting development highlights a major shift towards inclusivity and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide.
As marriage equality continues to expand globally, these nations have set the standard by providing legal protections, social acceptance, and a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ couples. The latest findings reveal how these countries are leading the way, offering secure and supportive environments for couples to celebrate their love.
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or simply seeking a safe haven for LGBTQ+ rights, these countries stand out as leaders in creating a safe space for all. Travel and Tour World urges readers to delve into the full story to discover the details of this important update and what it means for LGBTQ+ couples looking to tie the knot.
As love knows no borders, many LGBTQ+ couples are opting to marry abroad. However, while legal equality is a crucial step forward, safety and acceptance in the chosen destination remain paramount. Despite same-sex marriage being legal in 30 countries, the reality on the ground can vary significantly. Social climates, legal protections, and the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals differ, even in places where marriage equality is in place. This reality can affect LGBTQ+ couples planning their dream destination weddings, prompting many to reconsider the safest options for celebrating their love.
Marriage Equality Is Not Enough: The Importance of Safety and Acceptance
Recent stories from the United States highlight the discrepancy between legal equality and social safety. From allegations of abuse in ICE facilities to the withdrawal of gender-affirming care for transgender youth, legal rights alone are not a guarantee of a welcoming environment. These instances underscore the need for more than just marriage equality – couples also seek destinations where they will be accepted, respected, and safe.
To help LGBTQ+ couples navigate this complex landscape, experts at Destify analysed the laws, rights, safety sentiments, and service availability across 39 countries, providing a comprehensive ranking of the safest countries for an LGBTQ+ destination wedding.
Top 10 Safest Countries for LGBTQ+ Destination Weddings
The results may surprise you. While the United States has had nationwide marriage equality for over a decade, it ranks only 19th overall, with a safety score of 70.1/100. Several countries, both European and North American, have outpaced the U.S. in terms of overall safety sentiment for LGBTQ+ couples. Below is the list of the top 10 safest countries for LGBTQ+ destination weddings:CountryYears Same-Sex Marriage LegalLGBTQ+ World Equality Index (/100)People Feeling Safe Being Openly LGBTQ+ (%)People Feeling Availability of Legal Services for LGBTQ+ People is Sufficient (%)Number of LGBTQ+ Legal RightsSafety Score (/100)Spain208385781693.5Iceland159586851590.2Canada207975741585.4Denmark138188801485.2Norway168784741383.7Chile48086891683.3Germany88074791682.6Australia87875761681.2Portugal157774621579.9Belgium227578771379.8
Spain: The Top Destination for LGBTQ+ Weddings
Spain stands out as the safest and most welcoming country for LGBTQ+ couples, with a safety score of 93.5/100. Marriage equality has been in place for 20 years, and 85% of locals feel safe being openly LGBTQ+. Spain’s combination of legal protections, progressive attitudes, and wedding-friendly destinations makes it a prime choice for couples seeking both romance and security. The country’s rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities like Barcelona and Madrid offer unforgettable settings for LGBTQ+ destination weddings.
Iceland: A Small Country with a Big Reputation for Equality
Iceland may be small, but it excels when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. With the highest LGBTQ+ World Equality Index score of 95/100, Iceland boasts a welcoming social climate. An impressive 86% of residents feel safe being openly LGBTQ+, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking adventure and acceptance. Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, including volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs, provide a magical backdrop for couples seeking a unique and inclusive destination wedding.
Canada: A Safe Haven for LGBTQ+ Couples
Canada combines strong legal protections with a welcoming social climate. With two decades of marriage equality and a safety score of 85.4/100, Canada offers a secure environment for LGBTQ+ couples. Despite 75% of people feeling safe being openly LGBTQ+, Canada’s high standard of living and cosmopolitan cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, provide a diverse range of destination wedding options. From urban settings to natural beauty, Canada offers something for every couple.
Where Does the United States Rank?
Despite legal marriage equality for over 10 years, the United States ranks 19th overall, with a safety score of 70.1/100. This places it behind many European and North American countries in terms of safety for LGBTQ+ couples. While the U.S. remains a popular wedding destination, it lags behind in overall safety sentiment. This highlights the growing importance of not only legal rights but also the social climate and protections that make a destination truly safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ couples.
At the Bottom: Liechtenstein’s New Marriage Equality Law
At the opposite end of the rankings is Liechtenstein, with a safety score of 30.3/100. The country only legalised same-sex marriage on January 1, 2025, making it the last German-speaking country to extend marriage equality. Despite this legislative progress, the relatively recent implementation may contribute to its low safety score for LGBTQ+ destination weddings. While the country is moving forward in terms of legal equality, it still has significant work to do in terms of social acceptance and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Conclusion: Legal Marriage Equality Is Just the Beginning
While legal equality is essential, it is not the only factor that determines a safe and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ couples. The social climate, local attitudes, and availability of legal protections are equally important considerations when choosing where to marry. Spain, Iceland, and Canada stand out as the safest and most inclusive destinations, while the United States, despite its legal progress, still falls short in terms of safety for LGBTQ+ couples. As more LGBTQ+ couples choose to marry abroad, it’s crucial to consider not only the legal framework but also the lived experiences and social safety that these destinations offer.
Image> Brett Sayles
