Despite the federal government formally legalizing same-sex marriage across the country in 2015, individual businesses still have the right to refuse service if they feel a wedding doesn’t fit within their beliefs. Unfortunately, this sometimes makes it difficult to find gay-friendly wedding venues and vendors. However, these four wedding venues across the United States are just as inclusive as they are beautiful.

Asbury Delaware Church in Buffalo, New York

Located in Buffalo, New York, the Asbury-Delaware Methodist Church’s historic beauty makes the perfect elegant and romantic backdrop. It was constructed in the 1870s using High Victorian Gothic architecture. The church, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 and is currently an arts and music venue owned by Righteous Baby Records, features rich colors, beautifully detailed hardwood floors and historical elegance that would be hard to find anywhere else. The venue is big enough to accommodate large weddings. It’s also within walking distance of restaurants, hotels and other historic landmarks.

Secrest Octagonal Barn in Downey, Iowa

The Secrest Octagonal Barn is one part rustic charm and one part unique architectural structure. Large and red with a domed ceiling, the rustic wood interior is perfect for country elegance or whimsical fun. Built in 1883 and part of the National Register of Historic Places, the barn is just 20 minutes from Iowa City. It’s the perfect spot for both ceremony and reception. Use the interior or the landscape for your wedding photographs. Or, use the large lawn for your reception and take advantage of the many areas to set up eclectic cocktail booths.

Key Largo Lighthouse Beach in the Florida Keys

Beach weddings are the perfect mixture of casual party and beautiful ceremony, but finding a private area to hold one can be difficult. Key Largo Lighthouse Beach, a private beach wedding venue that caters to parties of up to 14 in the Florida Keys, aims to provide the privacy you need on your big day. In fact, the venue is so private that you and your guests will be the only people there for the entirety of your stay. Hold everything from your rehearsal to your reception on the soft sands of the beach while you look out over beautiful waves.

King River Ranch in Johnstown City, Texas

Situated between Austin and Fredericksburg, King River Ranch is part of beautiful Hill Country and the Texas Wine Trail. Enjoy your wedding day on 25 acres of farmland alongside serene pastures and breathtaking riverside beauty. Bridal portrait and engagement photo sessions are available. Choose from several parts of the ranch.

• King Barn: This 3,600-square-foot, climate-controlled space includes an open-air terrace, room for up to 250 guests and 25-foot vaulted ceilings with rustic chandeliers. The bordering pond and pastures include horses, miniature donkeys and sheep.
• River Terrace: This space includes 2,500 square feet along the rocky banks of the Pedernales River. Beautiful landscaping makes away to an organic garden and petting zoo. This area is handicap accessible.
• River Cottage & Lodge 39: These private quarters are perfect for getting ready or taking a few quiet moments before the ceremony. Lodge 39 includes a two-story fireplace, a great room, and plenty of guy-friendly entertainment options. River Cottage offers an elegant sitting room, full kitchen, hair and makeup studio and a large screened-in porch.

Regardless of whether you look for gay-friendly wedding venues in your hometown or decide to visit a different area of the country for your wedding, it is a good idea to research a venue’s views on same-sex couples or other alternative couples before booking it. This prevents you from finding yourself in a stressful situation during the happiest time of your life.

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