A marriage in Manhattan is all about sophistication, and that, the 80-year-old Pierre has in spades (just look at the photos from our Out 100 Black & White Ball photo shoot). For grand dame weddings in a true grand dame on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, the Modern Marriage Package plies on wedding weekend extras from cocktails, cake, and flowers to an in-room massage and a late night aphrodisiac menu (with oysters, chocolate, and champagne), plus a classic horse-drawn carriage ride and picnic in the park the day after.
2 E. 61st St.
New York City, NY
212-838-8000
TajHotels.com/Pierre
Whether you book the Grand Affair package (all 12 rooms for two nights, couples massage, bubbly) or the Secret Affair elopement option (champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, mini-ceremony), this circa-1883 stone mansion tucked near Dupont Circle is replete with enough crystal, intricate working fireplaces, and polished-wood class to befit a proper power broker. Plus, the robes are yours to keep.
1808 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, D.C.
212-265-4414
SwannHouse.com
TAG-approved and fresh off a $45-million renovation, this just reopened 130-room downtown Davenport gem melds deco glamour with modern swank. Receptions in the Gold Room (capacity 300 people; all-inclusive catering) glimmer like a Gatsby fete, while the in-house bowling alley is pure heartland decompression. Complimentary suites for wedding couples.
200 E. 3rd St.
Davenport, Iowa
563-322-5000
HotelBlackhawk.com
Among the more rustic offerings of Vermont's many romantic inns, this early-20th century baronial manse impresses with immaculately maintained details: exquisite Victorian woodwork, 14 fireplaces, hand-printed wallpaper. That same attention is reflected in weddings with an in-house planner customizing ceremonies to take advantage of the 16 rooms, expansive English garden, spa, and gourmet kitchen. Elopement package available too.
178 Route 9 E.
Wilmington, Vt.
802-464-2135
Gay owners Jerry Weiss and Craig Cox offer pastoral perfection near the White Mountains, holding small ceremonies (two to 50 guests) anywhere on the 15-acre pine- and maple-filled property, from slate riverside terrace to fire-lit living room. Although all 10 antique-laden rooms must be rented for two nights, the multicourse breakfasts might have you staying for the honeymoon.
273 Chocorua Mountain Highway
Chocorua, N.H.
603-323-7440
RiverBendInn.com
A former jail, weddings at this impressively refurbished Beacon Hill hotel are straightforward and unstuffy urban affairs: elegantly accoutered ballrooms, ultra-yet-understated luxe suites with Charles River views, and a jaw-dropping panopticon lobby for your many admirers. Preferred LGBT vendors work with hotel staff to give a new, personalized meaning to hitching ye olde ball and chain.
215 Charles St.
Boston, Mass.
617-224-4000
LibertyHotel.com
A Berkshires mansion with gay pedigree'Addison Mizner designed it in 1912'the five-room, gilded-age Rock Hall distinguishes itself with a sunrise service and artisanal brunch, plus utmost care with its a la carte offerings: hot air balloon and sleigh rides, on-property tennis matches, tea in front of the Citizen Kane'like fireplace, Yale students on the baby grand. Co-owner/jewelry designer Stella Somers can also craft custom rings.
19 Rock Hall Rd.
Colebrook, Conn.
860-379-2230
19RockHallRoad.com
