June is LGBTQ Pride Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate it than by sharing these touching same-sex wedding photos.
At the end of the 20th century, gay weddings without legal recognition became more and more popular. The first nation, however, to provide a law for the marriage of same-sex people was the Netherlands (2001).
This marked a turning point in public approval for marriage equality, and now, there’s at least one country for every continent to allow gay and lesbian weddings.
From lavish country weddings to quick visits to the city hall, these photographers have captured some of the most emotional gay marriage moments. Scroll down to enjoy images that prove love knows no boundaries, and vote for your favorite ones!
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I don't understand who the F can feel the need to say something horrible about any of these. It doesn't directly affect you in any way. Anyone that has even been in love should understand that their love is exactly the same. I'm straight and married and I cannot imagine having to live with people telling me our love is wrong. Our love is no different than theirs. it is something so beautiful and no one should be made to fight for it in the first place.
I had a similar expression as I held back tears when I saw my wife walking towards me in her wedding dress. Love knows no bounds!
Which Country First Legalized Same-Sex Marriage and When?
The honor of being the first country to legalize same-sex marriage goes to the Netherlands. In a landmark move, on April 1, 2001, the Netherlands made history by becoming the first nation in the world to grant same-sex couples the right to marry (via Pew Research Center).
This groundbreaking decision didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of years of advocacy, activism, and a shift in societal attitudes toward seeing LGBT weddings as something not only acceptable but also legitimate. The Dutch approach to marriage equality set a precedent for the rest of the world, inspiring a wave of change across various continents.
Since then, numerous countries have followed suit, recognizing the importance of equality and the right for all individuals to celebrate their love through marriage, regardless of gender.
Hate to think how much these guys have gone through to get here. Glad they have though & hope it's all happiness & understanding from now
Which Country Has More Recently Legalized Same-Sex Marriage?
The global movement for marriage equality continues as more countries are embracing the rights of same-sex couples. The most recent addition to this growing list is Nepal, where same-sex marriage was recognized on November 29, 2023, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia (via Pink News).
According to Time Magazine, Estonia is set to join the ranks of countries legalizing same-sex marriage with the law scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2024.
In How Many Countries Same-Sex Marriage Is Legal?
With the addition of Estonia in 2024, a total of 36 countries legalized same-sex marriage across the world (via EqualDex). Europe leads the way with 20 countries—the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium among the early adopters—setting a precedent for others to follow. Across the Atlantic, the Americas have seen 11 countries legalize same-sex marriage.
In Asia and Oceania, things are moving forward too. Now, there are four countries where same-sex marriage is a yes! Australia and New Zealand in Oceania have been joined by Taiwan, an Asian leader for LGBTQ+ rights, and most recently by Nepal, marking a significant step for the region.
Africa, more conservative on this front, still has South Africa as the sole nation on the continent to legalize same-sex marriage. South Africa was also the first country in the world to safeguard sexual orientation as a human right in its Constitution—it happened in 1996, following the end of the apartheid.
These are the ones that hit me most... the ones you KNOW have waited their entire lives to be able to formalize their union like everyone else. How many unaccepting family member and friends did they lose along the way only to finally have this satisfaction? LOVE this picture!
To the groom (to the groom), to the bride (to the bride) from you sister Angelicaaa who is always by your side... (sorry I had to)
So sweet... with their kids looking on... that little guy looks like he's just waiting for the one on the left to smile or cry.
This is Brighton-I used to live near here, great place to live, and great choice for a wedding photo.
Yippee, I am married to the man of my dreams. I couldn't get any happier today!
Getting married and sharing a beer in the middle of the ceremony, how cool is that!
This picture is so freaking fantastic. It makes me wonder if they knew these guys and planned it or if it just happened. Is that a bra on the stick? Great photo!
I'm in Hawaii, getting married to a wonderful man. My life now starts a wonderful new journey through the years of love with you.
The raw emotion displayed on her face is one of the reasons I still have hope for humanity. It's truly beautiful.
her face... so touching. can't imagine what most of these ppl must have gone through to live their lives how they want
This is such an awesome shot. It's a hs friend of mine playing her ukelele at her moms' wedding 🤗😍
Can't imagine what you had to go through to get there. Congratulations ❤️
So much joy and happiness wishing you all the best in your new married life x
We hope these beautiful same-sex marriage pictures have touched your heart as much as they did ours. Now, it’s your turn to spread the love! Share your thoughts and upvote the gay and lesbian wedding photos that made you smile the most. We invite you to keep the conversation kind and full of positivity, celebrating love in all its forms!
My wife and I got married on Saturday! 6/3/17. It was a fairytale day! LoveWinsWe...bb-png.jpg
Congratulations and best wishes for your future! You two are a beautiful couple <3
Load More Replies...These pictures are just so lovely! I come from a Christian family, and while I am one myself, my family is not very tolerant of this kind of thing. But I never understood that. Why would you go to Hell for loving someone? I mean, look at how happy these people are! If only everyone could be accepting of this kind of thing, and then the world would be a much nicer place
Same thing here. My dad is so against it! It's their choice and lifestyle not ours! There is nothing wrong with being happy with and loving the same-sex as you.
Load More Replies...My wife and I got married on Saturday! 6/3/17. It was a fairytale day! LoveWinsWe...bb-png.jpg
Congratulations and best wishes for your future! You two are a beautiful couple <3
Load More Replies...These pictures are just so lovely! I come from a Christian family, and while I am one myself, my family is not very tolerant of this kind of thing. But I never understood that. Why would you go to Hell for loving someone? I mean, look at how happy these people are! If only everyone could be accepting of this kind of thing, and then the world would be a much nicer place
Same thing here. My dad is so against it! It's their choice and lifestyle not ours! There is nothing wrong with being happy with and loving the same-sex as you.
Load More Replies...