The Caribbean Island of Aruba has legalized same-sex marriage with immediate effect, as the Supreme Court of the Netherlands ruled on 12 July 2024.
Aruba has recognized registered same-sex partnerships since September 2021, but this new ruling will give same-sex couples the right to marry on the Island.
The island offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, romance, and luxury, making it the perfect wedding destination. From world-class LGBTQ+-friendly resorts with stunning backdrops on award-winning beaches to romantic activities such as sunset cruises, Aruba offers the whole package as a wedding destination. The year-round perfect weather means couples can rest assured that the sun will shine on their special day.
Aruba prides itself on being incredibly diverse**, and a safe holiday choice for all travellers ensuring that visitors feel secure and welcome throughout their visit. Islanders are inclusive and accepting, making Aruba a brilliant destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Aruba has recently topped the Caribbean safety index with a crime rate of less than 1%, living up to its nickname, ‘One Happy Island’.
Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority, says, “We are proud to be making significant strides in making the island of Aruba a more welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Legalizing same-sex marriage is an important victory for LGBTQ+ rights, and we are pleased that the small island of Aruba is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future – we are one of only a small minority of Caribbean islands that have passed this law”.
The tourism industry in Aruba is making concerted efforts to cater to LGBTQ+ visitors. Aruba’s hotels are known for being widely accepting of everyone, however, there are several hotels known for being particularly LGBTQ+ friendly. On the island, many hotels are TAG-approved (Travel Advocacy Group), indicating that they have passed a qualification process conducted by IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association), one of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ travel networks. This process reviews the hotel’s employment policies and their support for the LGBTQ+ community in Aruba.
Situated on the shores of award-winning Eagle Beach, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is TAG-approved and the perfect starting point for a romantic escape. The first and only carbon-neutral hotel in the Caribbean and voted the most romantic hotel in the region – as well as being adults only – the luxurious beachfront suites offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Couples can indulge in candlelit dinners under the starlit sky, pamper themselves with rejuvenating couples’ massages at the spa, or embark on sunset walks along the beach – the hotel’s personalized concierge is on hand to offer a bespoke experience to every couple. The hotel also offers a self-guided stargazing experience with the chance to see baby turtles hatch in the moonlight.
