Love Inc. has announced that Washington DC has been named the safest and most inclusive U.S. destination for LGBTQ+ honeymooners in its inaugural Love Inc. LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Safety Index, a comprehensive travel resource ranking all 50 states and Washington, DC according to how safe, affirming and inclusive each is for LGBTQ+ honeymooners.

Love Inc., the leading equality-minded® wedding publication, released the first-of-its-kind index, ranking destinations based on six key pillars: legal protections, anti-LGBTQ+ laws, hate-crime data, community climate, inclusive hospitality and access to affirming care. These factors combine to provide couples with a clear, data-driven view of how their potential destinations measure up.  

According to the Index, Washington, DC ranks No. 1 in the nation, earning the highest overall score for its comprehensive legal protections, LGBTQ+-inclusive policies and robust queer-owned and queer-affirming tourism offerings. DC received an A grade for its commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ couples feel celebrated and safe during their honeymoon travel.

The index states, “Washington, DC is the national benchmark for LGBTQ+ inclusion. It boasts one of the country’s strongest legal frameworks for equality, outstanding affirming healthcare and a vibrant queer culture woven into its civic identity. From the grandeur of the monuments to the intimate boutique hotels of Dupont Circle or The Yards, D.C. combines elegance, safety and visibility in equal measure.”

“Every couple deserves a honeymoon that’s not only romantic but also safe,” said Love Inc. Founder and Editor-in-Chief Brittny Drye. “Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, rising hate crimes and book bans aren’t just political talking points. They have real consequences for our community, and especially for the wedding industry as a whole. LGBTQ+ travel contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy, and it’s time we recognize the power of that spending. The Love Inc. LGBTQ+ Honeymoon Safety Index empowers couples to celebrate their love boldly and safely, armed with the knowledge of where they’ll be truly welcomed.”

Drawing from trusted national resources, including the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), FBI hate crime statistics and public acceptance polling from PRRI and the Pew Research Center, the Love Inc. team assigned each state a composite score between 0 and 100, reflecting both legal realities and lived experiences for queer travellers.

Additional modifiers (±5 points) were applied for regional nuances such as statewide travel advisories or the presence of inclusive metropolitan areas within conservative states, ensuring a realistic reflection of on-the-ground experiences for honeymooners. Each destination received a grade from A to F, with Grade A (90-100 points) representing strong protections and affirming cultures, and Grade F (less than 60 points) signalling elevated risk and limited or no protections for LGBTQ+ travellers.