Celebrate your same-sex marriage with the perfect honeymoon

You've heard the news: Same-sex marriage is legal in New York State. So now it's time to plan the honeymoon. We spoke with Justin Ocean of OutTraveler.com, who gave us a few suggestions.

Culture vulture

The gay scene in Washington, D.C. - another city where same-sex marriage is legal - is centered around Dupont Circle and the U Street area, but gay parties and events happen  citywide. "D.C. used to just be your polo and khaki crowd, but now there's more creative energy," Ocean says.

Where to stay: The Dupont Circle Hotel is right in the thick of things, with proximity to the historic sights and the nightlife. You'll leave this luxury hotel feeling pampered and relaxed. Rooms start at $179.

Party Down

While Madrid's world-class museums, sights and food appeal to most travelers, this city has a rocking gay nightlife scene that goes until dawn. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Spain since 2005 - which means you'll feel good spending your money there. 

Where to stay: Ocean recommends the ME Madrid (memadrid.com), located in the Plaza de Santa Ana: It has a lively rooftop scene where you can grab drinks while waiting for the night to get started. Rooms start about $300 a night.

Foodie Fun

New Orleans' live-and-let-live attitude makes it a great place to experience Southern hospitality in a gay-inclusive environment, Ocean says. There's the jazz clubs, carriage rides, Bourbon Street and much more, but the real reason to go there is to chow down. Antoine's (713 Rue St. Louis) is a city staple, serving up French-Creole cuisine for more than 160 years. Café du Monde (1039 Decatur St.) is the place to go for coffee and beignets. In the Quarter, you have Port of Call (838 Esplanade Ave.) for burgers and steaks. Want Cajun? Hit up Coop's Place (1109 Decatur St.).

Where to stay: The Hotel Le Marais (hotellemarais.com) in the Quarter is gay-managed. It's stylish and modern, "whereas most of the hotels have that old-world frump going on," Ocean says. Nightly rates start around $100.

Fun in the sun

The beach getaway is a classic honeymoon. Ocean says that while much of the Caribbean is still pretty homophobic, the Dutch island of Curacao is more "gay-friendly." The island's government is actively courting gay and lesbian visitors, with plenty of information available at gaycuracao.com.  

Where to stay: The gay-owned Kura Hulanda Resort (kurahulanda.com) (pictured above) is located in Willemstad, the main city of Curacao. While away your days in the sun or hit the golf courses, casinos and shopping. The resort is offering a deal for all New York newlyweds, gay or straight: present a valid New York marriage license and get a free upgrade and dinner for two when booking a four-night stay. Through Dec. 22. Regular room rates start at $175 up to $1,300.

Your perfect gay honeymoon

For more help planning your trip, check out:

• outtraveler.com
• tripouttravel.com
• gaycities.com
• gaytravel.about.com

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