Let's Get Married in Uruguay

OutTraveler has five romantic getaways for you, just in case yesterday’s marriage equality news out of Uruguay has you heading south to walk down the aisle.

Playa del Sacramento: Just an hour ferry ride from Buenos Aires and about a two-hour drive from Montevideo, this town built by the Portuguese in the 17^th century is a UNESCO world heritage site. Stroll the cobblestone streets, past the post-colonial ruins, and directly into one of its artisanal food restaurants. Stay:La Vigna Country House Hotel, a quiet hotel, about 39 miles outside of Playa del Sacramento, that started out as an Italian family’s winery in 1880.

Carmelo: Just south of Playa del Sacramento, this town is as quaint, but smaller and quieter. It also has the added advantage of being home to a Four Seasons Hotel & Resort, perfect for the high-end honeymooner. Stay: Four Seasons Hotel and Resort: The property (pictured) has 20 bungalows, including six overlooking the river, and 24 bi-level suites, and is surrounded by 110 acres of eucalyptus forest.

Punte del Este: Called the Miami Beach of the Southern Hemisphere, Punte del Este is great for when you want to kick up your heels but close enough to beaches to get some alone time in, too. Be sure to check out nearby Chihuahua Beach, said to be the gayest beach in the country. Stay: Hotel Fasano Las Piedras. It's about 12 miles outside of downtown, but you'll appreciate the drive when you get to the property, which sits on one of the highest points in Uruguay and offers one of the most spectacular views of the setting sun. (Photograph by Flickr user chrisgold)

Jose Ignacio: Enjoy the beaches or make a short boat trip to one of the nearby seal-inhabited islands. Stay: Playa Vik (pictured), a 19-suite beachside compound owned by art collectors and designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott. 

Montevideo: If you're in Uruguay for just a quick trip and can't get out of the capital city, be sure to visit the Museo Torres Garcia, a tribute to once-exiled modernist Uruguayan artist Joaquin Torres Garcia, which provides a wonderful introduction to Latin American modernism. Stay:Hotel Plaza Fuerta: While it lacks the charm and romantic aspects of hotels outside the city, it's stylish—sort of like a Uruguayan version of the W—and centrally located. (Photograph by Flickr user 9cdr)