When the California State Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in May 2008, the Golden State quickly became one of the nation’s leading destinations for same-sex weddings and honeymoons. In fact, even before the ruling, plenty of inns, resorts, and hotels around the state encouraged same-sex commitment ceremonies and romantic getaways. But now with the ruling, gay couples are flocking to California. Of course, the state’s stunning scenery and wealth of sophisticated, luxurious hideaways has long made it an excellent choice if you’re planning a romantic vacation.
California has an abundance of inviting accommodation options, from 400-room hotels offering gay-wedding packages and assistance with planning to intimate B&Bs that ooze charm and are ideal for smaller, low-keyed nuptials and celebrations. Here’s a look at a dozen noteworthy wedding and honeymoon spots around the Golden State - from affordable, secluded inns to over-the-top, posh resorts.
Black Bear Inn, Lake Tahoe
California’s premier four-season destination, the Lake Tahoe region exudes romance whether it’s covered with fresh snow in January or abloom with flowers in July. Among the area’s many ultra-romantic accommodations, consider the gay-owned Black Bear Inn. The airy, contemporary main lodge (which has five guest rooms) and three private cabins contain river-rock fireplaces, beamed cathedral ceilings, and stylish rustic-chic furnishings and fabrics. Although the Black Bear is an intimate property, the owners enthusiastically welcome small weddings for the extremely reasonable rate of $300.
Groveland Hotel, Groveland
Anchoring the small mountain town of Groveland, not far from Yosemite National Park, the rambling Groveland Hotel opened in 1849 during the region’s gold-mining heyday. Friendly owners Peggy and Grover Mosley bought and completely renovated the property several years back. The mood at this charming, pet-friendly property is easygoing and informal, but two things make it notable as a romantic retreat: the inn’s restaurant serves astoundingly delicious contemporary American fare (with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients and well-chosen regional wines), and there are few more naturally stunning settings in California than Yosemite and the surrounding mountains and forests. Weddings at the Groveland can take place in the restaurant or, during the warmer months, outside in a picturesque garden courtyard.
Hacienda at Warm Springs, Palm Springs
Long one of the most luxurious and romantic gay-exclusive mini-resorts in Palm Springs, the Hacienda is more couples-oriented and low-keyed than some of its more festive, playful neighbors, and that makes it a fine choice for a honeymoon hideaway or even a small wedding. The inn’s helpful staff can assist guests with wedding arrangements (from finding an officiant to perform your ceremony to helping you order a fantastic custom wedding cake), and the Hacienda offers a lavish three-night Honeymoon Package that includes rose petals, breakfast in bed, complimentary bathrobes, and dinner at two of the city’s top restaurants.
Honor Mansion, Healdsburg
In recent years, the dapper Sonoma County town of Healdsburg has become one of California’s most esteemed wine destinations, its countryside rife with fantastic wineries (Seghesio, Gary Farrell, Passalacqua, and Porter Creek among them) producing superb pinot noirs, zinfandels, and sauvignon blancs. Close to Healdsburg’s attractive town green, the stately Honor Mansion rolls out the red carpet to wine-loving gourmands with its truly magnificent suites and rooms. You might book the Tower Suite, fashioned out of a historic water tower and with a loft sitting area with a fireplace and a wet bar, or the four capacious Vineyard Suites, all with private patios that hold spa tubs for two. Lavish breakfasts, which you can enjoy on a picturesque sun deck in warm weather, complete the experience.
Hotel Palomar, San Francisco
Same-sex couples planning a wedding or honeymoon in the Bay Area can’t go wrong with any of the nine stylish boutique hotels operated by Kimpton Hotel Group, which ranks among the most gay-friendly lodging brands in the world. But the artfully cosmopolitan Hotel Palomar, located in the trendy SoMa neighborhood just a short walk from Union Square’s famous shops and eateries, might be the most romantic of the bunch. Dashing color schemes and furnishings - from alligator-print carpets to handsome persimmon-wood headboards with geometric patterns - lend a whimsical look to the guest rooms, and hotel amenities include the Fifth Floor restaurant (with its memorable California-meets-South-of-France cuisine) and a terrific range of in-room spa services. The hotel enthusiastically welcomes same-sex weddings and receptions of up to about 40 guests, and Kimpton’s solicitous, highly personal service can’t be beat.
Le Rivage Hotel, Sacramento
The only hotel in California’s capital that sits directly on the picturesque Sacramento River (and its lovely bike-and-strolling trail and 25-slip marina), Le Rivage opened early in 2008 and has quickly become a hit with discerning travelers. The three-story property contains 100 tastefully decorated rooms with Tuscany-inspired furnishings and earthy color schemes - each has a marble bath with a deep soaking tub and separate rain shower. Amenities such as the serene Spa La Le and upscale Scott’s Seafood add to the romantic vibe, and gay-friendly Le Rivage boasts one of the city’s most appealing wedding spaces: a neatly manicured lawn overlooking the river.
Sonoma Orchid Inn, Guerneville
Genial innkeepers - and gay couple - Dana Murphy and Brian Siewert run this elegant yet reasonably priced historic farmhouse inn set on a shaded hillside in one of California’s favorite gay vacation spots, the Russian River. You can choose from cozier, more affordable rooms in the 1906 original inn, or larger and more private suites in separate cottages. Breakfasts - which feature eggs laid by the inn’s own organically raised chickens - are the perfect start to your day in this region known for its acclaimed wineries, funky shopping, and scenic hikes beneath towering redwoods. The inn’s inviting grounds are ideal for wedding ceremonies, and a Honeymoon Orchid Package comes with a two-person aromatherapy massage, a personal vanilla cake decorated with candy flowers, and other fun perks.
Stevenswood Spa Resort, Mendocino
In the tranquil village of Mendocino, which hugs a dramatic stretch of Northern California coastline, the swank 10-suite Stevenswood Spa Resort is acclaimed for its snazzy and spacious accommodations, first-rate restaurant serving creative contemporary fare and local wines, and eco-friendly spa that uses earth-friendly products. This delightful gay-owned getaway actively courts the same-sex-wedding business, and it’s become a favorite romantic hideaway with urbanites from San Francisco (150 miles south) seeking a peaceful break from the city. Mendocino, though tiny, abounds with great restaurants and boutiques.
Sunset Marquis, West Hollywood
Looking to combine romance with the bustle and glamour of Los Angeles? West Hollywood’s gay-popular Sunset Marquis is situated steps from the glitzy nightlife, dining, and retail of both Santa Monica Boulevard and the Sunset Strip. Accommodations at this boutique hotel with discreet service and first-rate amenities run the gamut from rangy suites with marble baths and sleek, contemporary furnishings to super-plush villas with fireplaces, expansive terraces, and even baby grand pianos in some cases. The Sunset Marquis features a gay-popular Romance Package complete with chilled champagne, fresh flowers, a four-course dinner, and a slew of complimentary amenities and services, from valet parking to soft robes.
Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach
In the artsy, gay-popular beach town of Laguna Beach - which sits midway between San Diego and Los Angeles, the luxe Surf & Sand Resort lies just steps from the Pacific Ocean and is notable for its state-of-the-art spa, top-notch Splashes Restaurant, and smartly furnished rooms and suites, all with ocean views and some with Jacuzzi tubs, beam ceilings, and wood-burning fireplaces. Most of the weddings held at this mainstream but gay-friendly resort take place on an open-air patio with unobstructed, panoramic ocean views. But the hotel is also happy to help you plan a ceremony right on the beach, with the crashing surf as your backdrop.
U.S. Grant Hotel, San Diego
For a truly dazzling, over-the-top sumptuous urban vacation, it’s hard to beat downtown San Diego’s gloriously restored U.S. Grant Hotel, a 1910 stunner that completed a $56 million top-to-bottom restoration in 2006. Rooms are magnificent throughout, but for a special occasion, book one of the Signature Suites with their 8-by-8-foot showers outfitted with six(!) shower heads. Weddings accommodating up to 270 guests can be held in one of the lavish event spaces, with their spectacular chandeliers and ornate architectural details. The U.S. Grant is steps from the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its wealth of charming restaurants, and a short drive from leafy Balboa Park and the hip-and-happening Hillcrest neighborhood.
Wyndham Hotel Orange County, Costa Mesa
The openly gay general manager of this upscale chain property in Costa Mesa has long marketed to those seeking same-sex commitment ceremonies. Although this is a primarily business-oriented hotel during the week, on weekends the upscale mid-rise hotel offers a wide range of affordable deals that have made it popular with the leisure market. It’s in the heart of the city’s Theater and Arts District and makes a great base for exploring Orange County’s fab shopping malls and stunning beaches. The hotel has a lovely, romantic lakeside plaza that’s perfect for exchanging vows before a group of up to 250 onlookers. Guests at the Wyndham have access to the chichi Spa at South Coast Plaza, just a few steps away.
The Litte Black Book:
Black Bear Inn www.tahoeblackbear.com
Groveland Hotel www.groveland.com/main.htm
Hacienda at Warm Springs www.thehacienda.com
Honor Mansion www.honormansion.com
Hotel Palomar San Francisco www.hotelpalomar-sf.com
Le Rivage Hotel www.lerivagehotel.com
Sonoma Orchid Inn www.sonomaorchidinn.com
Stevenswood Spa Resort www.stevenswood.com
Sunset Marquis www.sunsetmarquishotel.com
Surf & Sand Resort www.surfandsandresort.com
U.S. Grant Hotel www.usgrant.net
Wyndham Hotel Orange County www.wyndham.com/hotels/SNAOC/main.wnt
Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA and eight additional travel guides. He can be reached at OutofTown@qsyndicate.com.
WhistlePig and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Wind Tunnel-Trialed Whiskey Is a Ryed You Don’t Want to Miss
SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.
The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.
Like Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s signature C43 racing vehicles, trial barrels were tested in the team’s wind tunnel in Switzerland before hitting the track. Select barrels then endured varying levels of G-Forces at the WhistlePig farm and distillery for the finishing touch, accelerating the interaction between the whiskey and the wood, staying true to the physical nature of Formula 1.
“Partnering with WhistlePig has been a very exciting experience. Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is dedicated to being the best on the track, and the crew at WhistlePig is fearless in their pursuit to create the best whiskey out there,” said Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “We’re really looking forward to fans tasting our custom Rye Whiskey and raising a glass to the rookies, veterans, legends and the exhilarating sport of F1.”
"Joining forces with WhistlePig to release a Single Barrel Rye Whiskey that represents my culture and team has been an honor,” said Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “Formula 1 brings together fearless, thrill-seeking motorsports professionals, and WhistlePig has a shared passion for boundary-pushing innovation. Together, we’ve selected something alarmingly good for fans to enjoy this season when the cars are not on track.”
The Limited Edition Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel will be available for purchase online starting around September 13 for $49.99 MSRP per 750ml bottle and sold in select stores across the U.S. Consumers can win VIP merchandise by scanning the QR code on the back of each bottle.
"We're taking our third Legends Series release on a ryed like never before,” said Meghan Ireland, WhistlePig Head Blender. "Our experiments with dynamic aging went full throttle during finishing trials at the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake wind tunnel, in turn inspiring new ways to expose barrels to G-forces back at the WhistlePig Farm. The herbal and floral notes of the lychee and tea barrel selected with the team create a new, podium-topping experience for PiggyBack Rye."
Fans and collectors have followed WhistlePig PiggyBack Legends Series, celebrating those who give 100% in the name of greatness, since its launch in March 2022 with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, David Ortiz (“Big Papi”), followed by Country Music Duo Brothers Osborne in November 2022.
To learn more about WhistlePig Whiskey, visit whistlepigwhiskey.com. You can also check out WhistlePig Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About WhistlePig Whiskey
Located off the grid on a 500-acre Vermont farm, WhistlePig Whiskey is crafted by a new generation of whiskey distillers and blenders driven to reinvent and unlock the flavor of Rye whiskey. Through their rebellious pursuit of experimenting and pushing boundaries in the industry, WhistlePig has become the leading independent craft whiskey brand for innovation. WhistlePig is committed to becoming the best whiskey on and for the planet, starting with its locally sourced ingredients and sustainable supply chain and distilling process. For more information, head to whistlepigwhiskey.com.
Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz
When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.
I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.
If you don’t have a primary care physician who specializes in LGBTQ+ care in your community, you may need to educate yourself (and your provider). But, before you seek such therapy, here are five things you should know!
- Monitor closely. At Spectrum Medical Care Center, we screen patients for certain risks before starting anyone on hormones. We frequently monitor patients in the first year to ensure there are no adverse reactions and lab results are within safe ranges. Follow-up care is also important to assess your comfort with the transition as well as the social impact and social support you’re experiencing.
- Some changes are permanent, some temporary. For transmasculine individuals going on testosterone, they’ll experience these permanent changes: deepened voice, clitoral enlargement (also known as bottom growth), more body, facial hair, and male pattern baldness. Reversible changes include cessation of menses, increased muscle mass and strength, body fat redistribution, and skin oiliness or acne. For those going on estrogen therapy, the most permanent change is breast growth. Feminizing hormone therapy can also cause atrophy (shrinkage) of the genitals and loss of erectile function that may not be reversible. Estrogen will thin body hair, soften the skin, can increase scalp hair, and decrease muscle mass and strength, all of which are reversible.
- You can’t pick and choose results. Unfortunately, you can’t pick and choose the physical changes you want, which may feel challenging. Some of my patients will say, ‘Okay, ‘I’ve seen the permanent changes I want, and I don’t want it to go any further,’ and so at that point, we stop therapy. Low-dose hormone therapy can slow down the rate of changes, allowing for a more gradual physical transition. We counsel patients in advance about the common changes, and it’s up to the individual as to when they’d like to scale back and determine whether some benefits are worth the potential risks.
- Be aware of risks. Like any medical treatment, there are potential risks involved. Some risks with testosterone therapy include increased red blood cell mass, acne, hypertension, sleep apnea, weight gain, and dyslipidemia (increases the chance of clogged arteries). Cardiovascular disease is likely increased with additional risk factors for testosterone and estrogen therapy. Transfeminine patients going on estrogen therapy may experience weight gain, thromboembolic disease (when a blood clot breaks off and blocks another blood vessel), and a high level of triglycerides in the blood.
Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area
Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!
Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.
"Our entire team is honored to be named Best of the Best. To be the only gay men's resort recognized in the Top 1% is incredibly humbling," said Kent Taylor, General Manager at Descanso. "We appreciate Tripadvisor and we're grateful to all our guests who gave us such high marks and reviews to help us reach this achievement."
“Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who maZer most: your guests,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “With changing expectations, continued labor shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am con6nually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt.”
Santiago Resort was once again honored by Tripadvisor with a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award, placing it among the top 10% of travelers’ top reviewed des6na6ons. Twin Palms will become eligible for ranking in 2024.
Check out all the reviews, and discover more about Descanso Resort on Tripadvisor here. We have an excellent library of resort imagery available to accompany editorial and additional resources on our press page. Please contact Descanso Resort’s General Manager, Kent Taylor, at kent@descansoresort.com for further information.
About Descanso Resort
Inspired by Palm Springs’ history as a des6na6on for Hollywood stars to unwind in privacy, Descanso offers guests a casual yet modern take on the legendary style of that 6me. Created by the same hospitality team that revitalized Palm Springs’ much-loved San6ago Resort and recently launched the all-new Twin Palms Resort, the Descanso property opened in 2022 featuring 15 spacious guest rooms with custom-designed furniture, dreamy King-size beds, and luxe details. Ameni6es include continental breakfast, poolside lunch, welcome snack basket, and lots of special touches. For guests who need to stay connected, the entire property is equipped with blazing-fast Wi-Fi. Mul6-speed bikes are available for exploring the surrounding midcentury neighborhoods and public art installations. Like the Hollywood stars before them, guests at Descanso are encouraged to unwind, relax, and rest in style.
About Tripadvisor
Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.