This month marks a first for the UK's gay and lesbian
communities, as Manchester's Cross Street Unitarian Chapel has
become the first religious premises in England and Wales to offer
civil partnerships. Same-sex couples are now able to hold religious
wedding ceremonies, with a legal civil partnership ceremony taking
place afterwards.
"We are delighted that changes in legislation passed in December
2011, now allow UK places of worship to apply for civil partnership
licenses. We predict that many more UK chapels will soon offer this
service," says Steph Bishop, Joint-Founder of
MarryAbroad.co.uk.
"However, ten other countries actually offer same-sex marriage
ceremonies - rather than civil partnerships - Portugal, Iceland,
the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway,
Sweden and Argentina, as well as six U.S. states and one U.S.
district. Within these destinations, same-sex couples can find
fantastic wedding venues, and specialist same-sex planners," says
Bishop.
MarryAbroad.co.uk presents its Top Five overseas destinations,
offering same-sex marriage:
1. Portugal
Portugal offers an array of romantic venues that offer same-sex
marriages, with symbolic blessings. Although technically in
Portugal same-sex weddings can't take place in a church or chapel,
couples can choose from a number of outdoor and beach locations,
which make most of the country's guaranteed sunshine. Noélia
Jacinto, from Portuguese wedding planning company Sonho a dois
says, "It is easy to organise a same-sex marriage ceremony in
Portugal. Our suggestion for a venue with a great view is the Lady
of the Rock, in Senhora Da Rocha - a beautiful mountainous jetty,
overlooking the sea. We use the end of this cliff-top venue for
ceremonies, and the panoramic sea view is stunning."
2. Canada
"Same-sex marriage in Canada is extremely straightforward, and
many planners will help offer a symbolic ceremony. We have seen a
steady rise in interest from our site users in Canada for same-sex
weddings. Banff Gay Weddings - a specialist planning company that
organises same-sex weddings in the Canadian Rockies, is a popular
choice for couples," says Bishop.
3. Spain
Although couples first need to deal with a few residency
requirements, same-sex marriage is legal in Spain and has been
since 2005. Wedding planner Carme Displàs from I Do 4 Love has
arranged many same-sex weddings in the past few years. "A wedding
is such a joyful occasion and for same-sex couples, being able to
get married in Spain is a dream they never thought would come true.
We have such a great selection of venues available and it's always
a pleasure to see couples looking so happy on their wedding
day."
4. South Africa
"South Africa's is becoming more and more popular for same-sex
weddings, due to its legal status. The well-known Garden Route
boasts forest, beach and waterfall locations - all breath-taking
backdrops for getting married abroad," says Bishop.
5. Argentina
"Argentina also offers a liberal view to same-sex marriages. We
recommend choosing The Grapevine Argentina - a Wedding Planning
Service located in the Mendoza Wine Country, who can arrange the
most fabulous weddings in a New World Winery that sits in the
shadow of the Andes Mountains," says Bishop.
For same-sex wedding planners and venues around the world,
visit:
www.marryabroad.co.uk
For more information on practicalities and legalities on getting
married in any of the above countries, visit www.marryabroad.co.uk
