Destination Love: Paris, London & Barcelona

While the U.S. still flounders over federal gay marriage, cross the Atlantic to discover three destinations that love to hear same-sex wedding bells ring.

The gay marriage momentum is certainly underway this spring as the Obergefell v. Hodges case makes its way to the Supreme Court. The pendulum has shifted on domestic soil, with 37 states (plus the District of Colombia) allowing same-sex marriage. While some gay couples may choose to plan destination-worthy nuptials in cities like sunny Los Angeles or picturesque Scottsdale, now many gay and lesbian couples can choose to keep things local as more Midwestern states have jumped on the marriage equality bandwagon.

Of course, if you really want throw the party of a lifetime, consider jet setting across the Atlantic to one of our top picks for an international wedding extravaganza that might rival William and Kate (Crown jewels not included!).

Nuptials in the City of Light

Is there any place in the world more romantic than "Gay Paree?" When gay marriage went into effect in May 2013, 51 percent of respondent in a poll conducted by Ipsos approved of same-sex marriage. A similar poll conduct in the fall of 2014 by Ifop indicated that number had risen to 68 percent, so apparently the French are loosening up and getting on board to the fact that the world is changing.

For centrally-located luxury, consider the W Paris Op�ra for your wedding party. The 91 guestrooms and suites merge Haussmann elegance with avant-garde design and you'll be perfectly situated for some of the city's best shopping.

Be sure to stop by Astier de Villatte on St. Honor� to begin amassing your stunning collection of dinnerware. Made from black terracotta clay with white glaze, each piece is unique and collectible. (Be glad the exchange rate is the lowest it's been in years!)

Paris is a food lover's dream and there are two can't-miss restaurants that beckon. Heimat is the latest venture from Pierre Jancou. If you're lucky, you'll see the sexy, tattooed chef in the kitchen or the dining room while you indulge in a menu inspired by Alsatian ingredients.

For a more casual option that relies on local, seasonal ingredients, head to Cinq-Mars, where family-style dishes flow through the dining room and you can indulge in fried baby clams, toast with oyster mushrooms, pot-au-fu, and the obligatory chocolate mousse.

A Foggy Day in London Town

It's been just over a year since England and Wales passed legislation to allow same-sex marriage, and Scotland jumped on the bandwagon in December 2014. Anglophiles with a passion for treating themselves (and their wedding guests) like royalty should head to London.

If your new marriage isn't dramatic enough, London's theater scene rivals Broadway and you're bound to catch some theatrical heavyweights on the boards. Shows that are creating a lot of buzz for the 2015 season include a musical adaptation of "Bend it Like Beckham," the London premiere of "Kinky Boots," and the ultimate romantic tragedy, "Romeo and Juliet," directed by Kenneth Branagh.

For anyone looking to geek out in a more unconventional setting, Secret Cinema returns this summer with "The Empire Strikes Back" - an immersive movie experience that will re-create the film in a dramatic setting through live action and an outdoor screening.

You won't want to leave London without picking up some threads in the way of a bespoke suit. While Savile Row gets all the attention, break from tradition with
Jonathan Quearney: Tailor, Outfitter & Clothier. Most cloths come from the North of England, and customers can choose from a completely bespoke design or opt for more pocketbook-friendly modern custom tailoring. In either case, this is a suit that will last you a lifetime.

Stay on the cusp of it all at the W London - Leicester Square, just steps away from Soho's nightlife. Consider the E WOW Suite if you want to gather friends and family, where you can entertain them with a separate living room with revolving sofa, four-person shower, and DJ station.

Feliz Aniversario, España!

While the Spanish are notoriously slow at just about everything (dinner at 11, dancing at 2 a.m.?), they were ahead of the curve when the country passed its same-sex marriage legislation in 2005. Ten years later, the country is still filled with amar and, with current economics, it's an affordable destination for a Mediterranean honeymoon. Barcelona offers seaside flair and a laidback vibe for days on end.

While the city hosts its Gay Pride (along with most of the world) in June, those in the know head to Barcelona in August for the Circuit Festival. This year's festivities run from August 5-16 and promise to be packed with pool parties, world-renowned DJs, and more than its fair share of naughty. Those looking for a festival of a more subdue nature might appreciate Voll-Damm Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona, one of the world's most recognized jazz festivals.

Tapas are the way to go when dining in Spain and Barcelona isn't short on options. Quimet y Quimet is packed to the rafters with dusty bottles and you'll most likely find it standing-room-only... but it's worth it. El Vel�dromo offers an art deco interior, but it's the food that will truly impress with Catalan favorits such as the siscent� (eggplant, tomatoes and mozzarella) and traditional crema catalane (think cr�me caramel with citrus notes).

Whether you're dancing or dining 'til dawn, there's no better place to unplug than the W Barcelona. The beachfront property designed by Ricardo Bofill boasts panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the city. To see it all, head to the rooftop bar Eclipse, where you can enjoy cava and other inventive cocktails while taking in the glorious Spanish sunset. Now, that's a marriage made in heaven.