California Dreaming: Where to Get Married in the Golden State (Hotel Edition)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday tossed the antigay Defense of Marriage Act and paved the way for marriage equality to return to California. So, if you've always wanted to marry in the nation's most glamorous, exciting state, you'll soon have your chance (California's Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom says it should be in late July when marriage licenses first become available). We've picked out a few of our favorite hotels that will be perfect for a gay ol' wedding. Please offer your suggestions in the comments!

PASADENA
The Langham Huntington
This former Ritz-Carlton, located in a bucolic, residential Pasadena neighborhood, is an absolute stunner. The hotel itself (pictured in the main image) is like a castle, and the grounds are like Versailles (ok, we exaggerated on the latter part, but still, it's beautiful). Plus, look at the mountains in the background!

BEVERLY HILLS
The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows
Set off from a quiet stretch of Sunset Boulevard, the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows is old-school L.A. glamour at its best. Neither loud nor stuffy, the BHH is simply chic and classic; like a pink oasis amongst the L.A. craziness. Your guests will absolutely love eating at the Polo Lounge, with Hollywood players surrounding them.

SAN FRANCISCO
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
If you're going to get married in the place that started it all — marriage-wise in California — you could do a lot worse than this classy beauty. Situated between Nob Hill and Chinatown, this Ritz features 336 guest rooms, 60 suites, and decor that reflects San Francisco influences. Also, the outside looks like a palace.

SAN DIEGO
The U.S. Grant
It's not in Hillcrest, the city's gay neighborhood, but the U.S. Grant is still a wonderful choice if you're getting wed in America's Nicest City. Built in 1910 in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, the U.S. Grant is gorgeous, especially its Grand Lobby, adorned with sparkling crystal chandeliers, hand-loomed silk carpets, and artwork.

LAGUNA BEACH
Montage Laguna Beach
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, this hotel offers a very romantic, and yes, expensive way to enter married life. The Montage sits on 30 pristine acres and is midway between Los Angeles and San Diego on the Pacific Coast Highway, so it should be convenient for guests. Before Laguna was the playground of L.C. and Lo, it was an arts colony popular with gays and lesbians.

 

PALM SPRINGS

East Canyon Hotel + Spa

This is a gay resort, but unlike most P.S. gay resorts, clothes and bathing suits are still worn. The beautiful property features sumptuous rooms, a beautiful pool, and many queer couples: male and female, alike.