January 30, 2025, 6:10 am | Read time: 3 minutes

Thanks to the previous activism of the queer community, marriage for all is now a reality in many countries. Same-sex couples who dream of getting married in a special place can now choose from a total of 38 countries. These include 22 countries in Europe and 16 in the rest of the world. So nothing stands in the way of a queer wedding under palm trees—at least in some parts of the world. TRAVELBOOK shows where same-sex marriage is permitted and which countries are suitable for a queer wedding.

Where Is Same-Sex Marriage Allowed?

It’s heartening to see that same-sex marriage is now legal in numerous countries around the globe. The Netherlands made the start in 2001, followed by Belgium, Spain, and Canada. In Europe, Norway and Sweden followed suit in 2009. Both were closely followed by Iceland, Portugal, Denmark, and France. The UK introduced same-sex marriage in England, Wales, and Scotland in 2014, followed by Northern Ireland in 2020. Other countries such as Ireland, Germany, Malta, Austria, and Switzerland passed same-sex marriage legislation in a similar period. In Eastern Europe, Slovenia, Estonia, Greece, and Liechtenstein were also added.

Outside of Europe, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, Uruguay, and the US have already introduced marriage for all. In Asia, Taiwan led the way in 2017, with Thailand following suit this year. In 2023, the Supreme Court of Nepal ruled that the non-recognition of same-sex marriages performed abroad violated the constitution. In Japan, the Supreme Court declared the ban on marriage for all unconstitutional in March 2024.

In Latin America, countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, and Cuba have embraced marriage equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. It has also been permitted in Costa Rica and Australia since 2018. Consequently, marriage equality has become a recognized institution in many regions worldwide. In many parts of the world, LGBTQ+ couples can now realize their dream wedding in the most extraordinary locales. Imagine exchanging vows by the sea or cruising in a vintage car to your wedding venue in Cuba.

Where Is Same-Sex Marriage Allowed in Europe?

1. Netherlands – since 2001
2. Belgium – since 2003
3. Spain – since 2005
4. Norway – since 2009
5. Sweden – since 2009
6. Iceland – since 2010
7. Portugal – since 2010
8. Denmark – since 2012, Greenland followed in 2015
9. France – since 2013
10. Luxembourg – since 2014
11. England, Wales, and Scotland – since 2014, Northern Ireland followed in 2020
12. Ireland – since 2015
13. Finland – since 2017
14. Germany – since 2017
15. Malta – since 2017
16. Austria – since 2019
17. Switzerland – since 2021
18. Slovenia – since 2023
19. Andorra – since 2023
20. Estonia – since 2023
21. Greece – since 2024
22. Liechtenstein – since 2024

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Where Is Same-Sex Marriage Allowed Outside Europe?

1. Canada – since 2005
2. South Africa – since 2006
3. Argentina – since 2010
4. Brazil – since 2013
5. New Zealand – since 2013
6. Uruguay – since 2013
7. USA – since 2015
8. Colombia – since 2016
9. Taiwan – since 2017
10. Australia – since 2018
11. Costa Rica – since 2018
12. Ecuador – since 2019
13. Chile – since 2021
14. Mexico – since 2022
15. Cuba – since 2022
16. Thailand – since 2024