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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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Two woman one in black other in white dress walking

Tracey Buyce Report

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.

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Two old man in red suits laughing

JAGstudios Report

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 MagazineEstonia is set to join the ranks of countries legalizing same-sex marriage with the law scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2024.

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Two men looking each other in the eyes

Pink Iceland Report

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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.

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RELATED: Bride’s Dad Refuses To Walk Her Down The Aisle At Her Same-Sex Wedding, So Her Boss Walks Her Instead

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Two woman in wedding dresses walking in an abandoned railway station

Erica Camille Report

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Two woman covered in paint laying in the beach

Sam Liang Report

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Two happy men walking while holding hands

Paul Underhill Report

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Two men holding decorations while looking at each other

Clane Gessel Report

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Two happy woman hugging and kissing

Dellables Report

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Two happy woman kissing surrounded by motorcycles

popwed.co Report

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two woman holding hands and kissing each other

Thailen Photo Report

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Two woman hugging in sunset on the beach

Pink Iceland Report

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Two men kissing

Sarah Olivier Report

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Multiple happy people on a lawn in the middle of the wedding

Zofia Photo Report

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Two happy men holding hands and dancing

Erica Camille Report

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Two men kissing and holding hands with a small girl

Report

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Two woman in dresses walking in abandoned building

Erica Camille Report

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Two woman hugging

Kristi Odom Report

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Two men holding hands near a pastor

Erica Camille Report

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Two woman hugging and looking through the window

Pink Iceland Report

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Two woman kissing

Erica Camille Report

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Two man holding hands surrounded by mountains

Pink Iceland Report

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Two woman crying near a pastor

Pink Iceland Report

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Two men hugging and looking each other in the eyes

wendy laurel Report

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Two men kissing and hugging

The Mullers Report

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Two men holding hands and walking

Tracey Buyce Report

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Two happy men holding hands while being in the air

Harper Point Report

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Two men kissing and hugging

Pink Iceland Report

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Two women kissing in bed

The Melideos Report

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Two women hugging near a painted wall

Pop! Wed Co. Report

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Two men hugging each other

Jessica Hill Report

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Two women looking at each other

Megan Burges Report

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Two men kissing with multiple women behind them

Zofia Crosby Report

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Two men posing near a geyser

Pink Iceland Report

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Two women hugging and looking at each other

Erica Camille Report

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Two happy men holding each others hands

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Two man hugging at sunset

Alice Chaumier Report

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Two women looking at each other and sitting

Michael Keel Report

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Two women looking at each other

ljmphotography Report

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Two men kissing

Annie McElwain Report

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Two women hugging in the seaside

Pink Iceland Report

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Two woman hugging and laughing

Erica Camille Report

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Two men hugging and looking at each others eyes

Erica Camille Report

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Two men looking each other into the eyes

Erica Camille Report

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Two happy woman smiling

Paul Underhill Report

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Two woman hugging

ljmphotography Report

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Two women hugging and kissing

Jill Lehmann Report

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Two men kissing near a train

Propaganda Ak Report

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Two men standing on bed

Spire Studio Report

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Two women holding hands and laughing

Myio Okamoto Report

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Two happy women holding hands and laughing

Erica Camille Report

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Two happy women looking at each other and laughing

Erica Camille Report

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Two happy women kissing

Erin Leppo Report

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Two men hugging and smiling

Paul Underhill Report

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Two women looking at each other

Tom Robak Report

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One man signing something and other is looking

Simon Booth Report

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Two women holding hands and kissing

Erica Camille Report

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Two men holding hands on stage

Clane Gessel Report

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Tw women laughing and holding hands while grooms stand near by

Lisa Robinson Report

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One man pts a ring on other man's finger

Zofia & Co Report

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Two men holding hands and walking

Erica Camille Report

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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!