Gay Marriages & Civil Unions
One of the hottest topics around involves gay marriages. Florida does not allow marriages between same sex couples, but there are other states that do allow same-sex marriages or civil unions. Currently, states allowing gay and lesbian unions or partnerships are listed below. Please remember that domestic partnerships or reciprocal relationships do not allow legal unions, but only allow same-sex couples to receive the same benefits as a married couple.
• California (Domestic Partnerships became effective in 2005.)
• Connecticut (Civil Unions were legalized in 2006.)
• Hawaii (Reciprocal Relationships became effective in 1997.)
• Iowa (Same-sex marriages were legalized in 2007, but the law is back in courts so no marriages are currently being allowed.)
• Maine (Domestic Partnerships were legalized in 2004.)
• Massachusetts (Same-sex marriages were legalized in 2004.)
• New Hampshire (Civil Unions were legalized in 2007.)
• New Jersey (Civil Unions were legalized in 2006.)
• Oregon (Domestic Partnerships became effective in 2008.)
• Vermont (Civil Unions were legalized in 2000.)
• Washington D.C. (Domestic Partnerships became effective in 2002.)
• Washington State (Domestic Partnerships became effective in 2007.)
Couples who want to exchange vows will want to head to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Vermont. It is also important to remember that your home state will not recognize a marriage or civil union. For many, same-sex marriages or civil unions are for the couple's benefit only.
For many gay and lesbian couples, getting married in these states allows a couple the chance to make a lasting commitment to one another. After your marriage or civil union, Florida becomes a wonderful honeymoon destination.
Finding suitable honeymoon spots in Florida can be challenging because Florida laws ban same-sex marriages and civil unions. Unfortunately, not every hotel is going to welcome gay couples with open arms. It pays to look for gay-friendly hotels throughout the state. There are many options that offer gay and lesbian honeymoon packages.
Adora Inn (Mount Dora)
Located in the heart of Mount Dora, Adora Inn's gay owner wants guests to feel right at home. There are five rooms within the inn guaranteeing you the utmost in privacy and comfort. Mount Dora is in Central Florida and guests will enjoy the close proximity to many hot destinations.
Alcazar Resort (Barrier Islands)
Just off the Fort Lauderdale coastline, Alcazar Resort caters to gay men of all ages. Close to the shopping district and many gay nightclubs, Alcazar offers singles and couples the change to kick back and relax. It's perfect for honeymooners!
Elysium Resort (Fort Lauderdale)
With a few minutes of Fort Lauderdale's popular "Gay City" area, Elysium Resort is a "gay only" resort where huge guest suites provide ample space to all resort guests. Among the many amenities found at Elysium Resort, guests will enjoy the private sundeck for sunbathers, a secluded hot tub, free suntan oils and more! Elysium Resort caters to men only.
Haley's Motel (Holmes Beach)
Holmes Beach is not one of the more commonly known honeymoon destinations in Florida, and this ensures that beaches are not crowded! Honeymooners will find the quiet area is perfect for relaxation. Haley's Motel is gay-friendly, has an outdoor pool, laundry facilities, gorgeous garden areas and wireless Internet.
Liberty Apartments and Garden Suites (Fort Lauderdale)
Liberty Apartments offers gay and lesbian lodging in the heart of Fort Lauderdale just a few steps from Dania Beach. The hotel is not large, but rooms are surrounded by beautiful gardens and offer secluded spots for romantic encounters.
Miami River Inn (Miami)
Miami River Inn is located on South River Drive in Miami. The bed and breakfast is not strictly for gay and lesbians, but the owner is happy to accommodate same-sex couples looking for honeymoon accommodations. The inn provides delicious baked goods and fresh squeezed orange juice to all inn guests every morning.
Nuns and Roses (New Smyrna Beach)
A stunning Victorian home serves as the Nuns and Roses Bed and Breakfast. Guests are welcome to lounge on the wraparound porch, enjoy wine and impressive foods. Same-sex couples are welcome to enjoy their honeymoon in one of two private suites catered to couples.
Pearl's Rainbow (Key West)
Located in sunny Key West, Pearl's Rainbow is owned by a lesbian who wants to make sure newlyweds are guaranteed privacy and friendly accommodations. Pearl's Rainbow is for lesbians of all ages. The hotel has 38 rooms or suites, outdoor pools and Jacuzzis. A lesbian bar and restaurant are also available.
Sandra Lee Inn (Fort Lauderdale)
Sandra Lee Inn is in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. The owner is gay and knows exactly what same-sex couples desire during their honeymoon. All inn accommodations are one bedroom/one bathroom and have immediate access to the spacious outdoor pool. The beach is a short walk away.
Tropical Cottages (Marathon)
Located in Marathon, Tropical Cottages provide a wonderful setting for same-sex couples. Cottage rents afford a truly private lodging option and the establishment is gay owned, so gays and lesbians will never feel out of place.
Windamar Beach Resort (Fort Lauderdale)
The Windamar Beach Resort is for men only. Located a short walk from South Beach Park, the resort offers complimentary continental breakfasts, daily maid service, room service, and wireless Internet. A BYOB mixer is offered every Saturday and Sunday.
Florida Tourists Guide - Gay Marriages & Civil Unions
• California (Domestic Partnerships became effective in 2005.)
• Connecticut (Civil Unions were legalized in 2006.)
• Hawaii (Reciprocal Relationships became effective in 1997.)
• Iowa (Same-sex marriages were legalized in 2007, but the law is back in courts so no marriages are currently being allowed.)
• Maine (Domestic Partnerships were legalized in 2004.)
• Massachusetts (Same-sex marriages were legalized in 2004.)
• New Hampshire (Civil Unions were legalized in 2007.)
• New Jersey (Civil Unions were legalized in 2006.)
• Oregon (Domestic Partnerships became effective in 2008.)
• Vermont (Civil Unions were legalized in 2000.)
• Washington D.C. (Domestic Partnerships became effective in 2002.)
• Washington State (Domestic Partnerships became effective in 2007.)
Couples who want to exchange vows will want to head to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Vermont. It is also important to remember that your home state will not recognize a marriage or civil union. For many, same-sex marriages or civil unions are for the couple's benefit only.
For many gay and lesbian couples, getting married in these states allows a couple the chance to make a lasting commitment to one another. After your marriage or civil union, Florida becomes a wonderful honeymoon destination.
Finding suitable honeymoon spots in Florida can be challenging because Florida laws ban same-sex marriages and civil unions. Unfortunately, not every hotel is going to welcome gay couples with open arms. It pays to look for gay-friendly hotels throughout the state. There are many options that offer gay and lesbian honeymoon packages.
Adora Inn (Mount Dora)
Located in the heart of Mount Dora, Adora Inn's gay owner wants guests to feel right at home. There are five rooms within the inn guaranteeing you the utmost in privacy and comfort. Mount Dora is in Central Florida and guests will enjoy the close proximity to many hot destinations.
Alcazar Resort (Barrier Islands)
Just off the Fort Lauderdale coastline, Alcazar Resort caters to gay men of all ages. Close to the shopping district and many gay nightclubs, Alcazar offers singles and couples the change to kick back and relax. It's perfect for honeymooners!
Elysium Resort (Fort Lauderdale)
With a few minutes of Fort Lauderdale's popular "Gay City" area, Elysium Resort is a "gay only" resort where huge guest suites provide ample space to all resort guests. Among the many amenities found at Elysium Resort, guests will enjoy the private sundeck for sunbathers, a secluded hot tub, free suntan oils and more! Elysium Resort caters to men only.
Haley's Motel (Holmes Beach)
Holmes Beach is not one of the more commonly known honeymoon destinations in Florida, and this ensures that beaches are not crowded! Honeymooners will find the quiet area is perfect for relaxation. Haley's Motel is gay-friendly, has an outdoor pool, laundry facilities, gorgeous garden areas and wireless Internet.
Liberty Apartments and Garden Suites (Fort Lauderdale)
Liberty Apartments offers gay and lesbian lodging in the heart of Fort Lauderdale just a few steps from Dania Beach. The hotel is not large, but rooms are surrounded by beautiful gardens and offer secluded spots for romantic encounters.
Miami River Inn (Miami)
Miami River Inn is located on South River Drive in Miami. The bed and breakfast is not strictly for gay and lesbians, but the owner is happy to accommodate same-sex couples looking for honeymoon accommodations. The inn provides delicious baked goods and fresh squeezed orange juice to all inn guests every morning.
Nuns and Roses (New Smyrna Beach)
A stunning Victorian home serves as the Nuns and Roses Bed and Breakfast. Guests are welcome to lounge on the wraparound porch, enjoy wine and impressive foods. Same-sex couples are welcome to enjoy their honeymoon in one of two private suites catered to couples.
Pearl's Rainbow (Key West)
Located in sunny Key West, Pearl's Rainbow is owned by a lesbian who wants to make sure newlyweds are guaranteed privacy and friendly accommodations. Pearl's Rainbow is for lesbians of all ages. The hotel has 38 rooms or suites, outdoor pools and Jacuzzis. A lesbian bar and restaurant are also available.
Sandra Lee Inn (Fort Lauderdale)
Sandra Lee Inn is in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. The owner is gay and knows exactly what same-sex couples desire during their honeymoon. All inn accommodations are one bedroom/one bathroom and have immediate access to the spacious outdoor pool. The beach is a short walk away.
Tropical Cottages (Marathon)
Located in Marathon, Tropical Cottages provide a wonderful setting for same-sex couples. Cottage rents afford a truly private lodging option and the establishment is gay owned, so gays and lesbians will never feel out of place.
Windamar Beach Resort (Fort Lauderdale)
The Windamar Beach Resort is for men only. Located a short walk from South Beach Park, the resort offers complimentary continental breakfasts, daily maid service, room service, and wireless Internet. A BYOB mixer is offered every Saturday and Sunday.
Florida Tourists Guide - Gay Marriages & Civil Unions
