Birds do it … bees do it … even gay folks in Palm Springs do it! So if you and the love of your life are ready to do it, i.e., commit yourselves to lifetime of wedded bliss, Palm Springs is the perfect setting for your perfect day.
As one of the first destinations to focus its efforts on attracting the gay traveler, Palm Springs has always opened its loving arms to the GLBT community. Gay resorts were plentiful here long before it was the “politically correct” thing to do. Even now, Palm Springs boasts more gay-specific resort properties than almost any destination in the world. The Mayor (Steve Pougnet) is Gay as are some City Council Members and with a gay population approaching nearly 50% the City is about as gay friendly as it gets. With over 350 days of sunshine a year, it is one of the few destinations that can almost guarantee you sunshine and blue skies on your wedding day!
Let’s take a stroll through some of the wonderful locations you might consider for your special day.
Goin’ to the Chapel and We’re Gonna Get Married
The Enchanted Garden Wedding Chapel is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, yet secluded in a small and quiet village area away from the hustle and bustle of the main boulevard. The Chapel was among the first in the City to conduct same sex marriage ceremonies. Visit these nice folks online at www.enchantedgardenweddingchapel.com.
Unity of Palm Springs is located in a lovely residential area surrounded by gay resorts. As the host of many commitment ceremonies, they offer a spectacular and intimate setting for your wedding and reception. Visit them online at www.UnityofPalmSprings.org.
Lions and Tigers and Bears … Oh My!
The Living Desert invites you to host your special event in an indoor or outdoor setting among the wildlife at their zoo and gardens. With their newly expanded event planning department, they’ll assist you in creating an event you’ll want to roar about!
The District Commissioners House features east African antiques and a glass wall that allows you an intimate view of their Amur leopards. Great for parties up to 55 people.
African Village Wat Tu Tu is a 5-acre replica of a northern Kenyan Village complete with mud-walled huts, wildlife, a petting kraal and drumming station. For the larger wedding parties the Village can accommodate 500 seated or 1,000 standing.
Additional gathering locations include the Tennity Wildlife Hospital & Reception Garden, the Irvine Patio and Wortz Demonstration Garden.
The Steve Chase Administration Building & Reception Garden will open this fall and features exquisite modern design, a full catering kitchen, an art gallery and an outdoor Reception Garden complete with water features and dramatic desert landscaping.
Visit them online for more information at www.LivingDesert.org.
Higher Love
Take your love to new heights by planning your wedding with Balloon Above the Desert. Float effortlessly over the valley and exchange your vows while enjoying the picturesque landscapes below. Sip champagne and enjoy a bite of wedding cake at the conclusion of your ceremony. Your balloon pilot will even officiate your ceremony! Contact them online at www.BalloonAbovetheDesert.com.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisks you away – straight up over 8,516 feet! The views are breathtaking and you can exchange your vows as the rotating car creates unparalleled vistas as it travels up from the Desert floor. Arrange your post-wedding dinner and reception at The Peaks restaurant which features fine contemporary California cuisine. Contact them directly to arrange your special day. www.PSTramway.com.
Star Treatment
Twin Palms Estate – the Original Desert Estate of Frank Sinatra
For a wedding gala befitting a star consider hosting your event at the original estate of Frank Sinatra, Twin Palms. Built from the ground up by architect Stewart Williams in 1947 the house soon became a favorite haunt for Hollywood’s elite. www.SinatraHouse.com.
Communing with Nature
The Moorten Botanical Gardens was established in 1938 and showcases the extraordinary beauty of desert plants, trees and cacti from around the world. More than 3,000 varieties of plants thrive here including some of the rarest in the world. Their garden party areas are ideal for your beautiful wedding! Contact them at 760-327-6555.
Resorting to Romance
CCBC is offering a wedding concierge service which encompasses every aspect of planning your special day. With 3.5 acres of room to romp, you can choose the perfect setting for your nuptials. www.cbc-gay-resort.com.
The Hacienda at Warm Sands offers a 3-night Honeymoon Package that includes 3 nights in a Deluxe or Grand Suite, Rose Petals, Chilled Champagne, flowers, a fruit basket and aromatherapy candles; souvenir pillows embroidered with your names, a breakfast buffet served in your room or poolside, dinner for two at one of Palm Springs finest restaurants and a massage package. If you need assistance in planning your perfect day, they are available to help you with all of the details. www.thehacienda.com.
The Santiago Resort underwent an extensive renovation in 2006. With 24 rooms, expansive grounds and breathtaking views, the setting is perfect for exchanging your vows and a reception under the stars poolside. Their staff is happy to help you in any way. Visit them online at www.SantiagoResort.com.
Michael and Stephen owners of The Triangle Inn will celebrate their 25th anniversary in October and, as Stephen’s Mom put it – “you can finally make it legal!” The boys plan to wed, but the in meantime they want to help as many couples as they can enjoy their own perfect day. The Triangle Inn is ideal for an intimate celebration and with their expert assistance you’re guaranteed to have a memorable day. Visit them online at www.triangle-inn.com.
Lesbian Properties
Casitas Laquita, voted one of the world’s ten most romantic gay guesthouses, provides a lush and tranquil environment for your wedding day. Their expert team will help you plan all the details for your wedding day. Book their romance suite (or the entire hotel) and create some wonderful memories! www.CasitasLaquita.com.
Queen of Hearts offers a beautiful and serene setting where you can pledge your eternal love. The resort offers on-site weddings – from intimate to 50+ - and caps off your event with a tasty bottle of California champagne and dark chocolate truffles. www.QueenofHeartsPS.com.
Big Love
Hotel Zoso offers the “Romance Restored” package complete with rose petals, fresh flowers, and chilled champagne and chocolate covered strawberries awaiting you on arrival. Slip into your new velour Zoso bathrobes (you get to keep them) and call downstairs to arrange in-room or poolside cabana massage included as part of the package. Now that you’re completely relaxed, call room service for your in-room or poolside champagne dinner for two. With several event rooms to choose from Zoso is a great location for an intimate gathering or all-out post-wedding reception. And don’t forget, Sunday morning you’ll be expected for your complimentary brunch. Great package, beautiful property! Visit them online at www.HotelZoso.com.
The Viceroy offers the “I Do for Two” package which includes chilled champagne and fresh fruit on arrival, a turn-down surprise, breakfast in bed (or poolside) for two and two 60-minute spa treatments at their world famous Estrella Spa. You can also plan to be married at the Viceroy by contacting them directly to make arrangements. Visit www.ViceroyPalmSprings.com.
There are many fabulous hotel properties in Palm Springs and you’ll want to explore your options by visiting them online for wedding packages and other specials. Check out Palm-Springs.org, PalmSpringsGayInfo.com or GayTravelPalmSprings.com for more information.
Happy planning and be sure to let me know if I can answer any questions for you. I can be reached at Jill@JPentrackMedia.com.
90 °F
