“WHERE SHOULD I GET MARRIED?”
OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE, WHETHER YOU’RE AT HOME OR AWAY
Many people who are engaged are wrestling with a very important question: “Where should I get married?” Florida offers many options for people who are interested in commitment ceremonies, especially for couples were married in other locales and want to be part of a beautiful ceremony with their friends and family in attendance. Then there’s the question of whether one should leave Florida and have a big ceremony out-of-state, perhaps in a state that has marriage equality. Or better yet, what about an overseas destination wedding? I’m here to give you ideas for all three options. All of these options were vetted by the people at (and approved by visitors to) GayWeddings.com and the WeddingWire Network.
FLORIDA WEDDING VENUES
The Jacaranda Country Club has hosted thousands of celebratory ceremonies, including weddings. Billed as “the place to celebrate life’s milestones,” this country club, built on land spread across 7000 acres in the 1970s, provides for a picturesque and tranquil backdrop for your nuptials and your dream reception too.
(9200 W. Broward Avenue, Plantation, 954-474-8998)
(4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, 305-538-2000)
(1550 N. Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, 321-799-0003)
The Pebble Creek Golf Club is eager to host your wedding, whether you want to kiss your beloved on the first tee, on their new veranda, or in their Georgian-style clubhouse. Open the French doors in the banquet hall, which can host your reception, and you’ll see it overlooks an oak-shaded courtyard and the golf course. Don’t skimp on style; the events director can work with nearly any budget. (10550 Regents Park Drive, Tampa, 813-973-3870)
DESTINATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
There are so many places across the country where you can tie the knot and come home with a marriage certificate. California, for example, offers quite a few places for people of all personality types.
If you want something elegant yet understated, the Durham Ranch near St. Helena, located on a 76-acre olive grove, is a wedding spot fit for a Carrington. (707-968-9010) Cute in the fabulous way and pink just like the dress in the “Material Girl” music video, the Madonna Inn is an option that is slightly off the beaten path and definitely for people who march to his or her own drummer. No relation to Madonna herself of course, the Inn hosts weddings and receptions in rooms with names like “The Gay ’90s Room.”
(100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, 805-543-1800)
Perhaps you’ve had your heart set on a beautiful Northeast wedding. You can get married anywhere from DC up to Canada nowadays, and many places are more than willing to host your special day. You can get married in so many places in New York City, but nothing embodies that quintessential Big Apple experience quite like a wedding in Central Park. The kind people at the Park will do everything for you; reserve your wedding package at centralpark.com.
In Philadelphia’s Center City, the Society Hill Dance Academy will not only host your wedding and reception, but they can also teach you and your wedding party how to dance! For more information, call 215-574-3574.
INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS
Many countries have passed marriage equality bills and are actively seeking tourists who want to get married abroad. England legalized same-sex marriage and event planners are more than willing to help you pick out the place of your dreams for your unforgettable overseas ceremony. The website The Gay Wedding Guide has quite a few recommendations, including the repurposed castle Grays Court in York. Fancy! To see more venues, visit thegayweddingguide.co.uk.
Now that you’re figuring out where to get married, where do you want to enjoy your honeymoon? Read our honeymoon destinations feature, also in this issue!
