The best LGBT hotel promos following the historic gay marriage decision

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 U.S. states, hotels across the nation celebrated the historic moment with a series of creative promotions and special events. Here are four of the most innovative LGBT hotel campaigns and offers that marked the pivotal moment when gay couples could finally tie the knot.

1. Marriott International

Marriott International teamed up with acclaimed photographer Braden Summers as part of their #Lovetravels campaign, a celebration of diversity and equality. The multi-platform campaign featured portraits of famous names from the gay and transgender community as well as everyday Americans. The images were displayed as building wraps across the brand’s Washington D.C properties as well as on billboard and outdoor ads across the country. An online gallery was also hosted on the Marriott website, accompanied by a series of videos that told the story of the featured individuals and couples.

2. Hersha Independent Collection

The openly LGBT-friendly brand Hersha Independent Collection was quick to promote a series of tempting wedding packages for same-sex couples. At NU Hotel in Brooklyn, couples can book their “Love Out Loud Marriage Package,” which includes a suite stay complete with Champagne and flowers, transportation to City Hall, and a credit toward a cocktail reception in their lobby bar.  Duane Street Hotel in Manhattan currently has a similar package named “I Do in NYC,” which currently has a limited 15% discount. Hersha’s glamorous Miami Beach properties, Winter Haven and Blue Moon Hotel, are both offering a special LGBT Unity package and have pledged to make a donation to LGBT Visitor’s Center and Unity Coalition for every night a couple books with them as part of the deal.

3. The Thompson Hotel

The 4-star boutique Thompson Hotel in Chicago ran a promotion that gave away an all-expenses-paid wedding for three lucky couples. Entrants were asked to enter their details online and explain what getting married would mean to them and their partner. The randomly selected winners were then married on a moving float in front of 1 million people during Chicago’s iconic gay pride parade. Couples were also treated to a lavish four-day honeymoon at one of the Thompson Hotel properties. The only catch? After the winners were announced, they only had one week to let guests know and get everything prepared for their big day.

4. InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta

In the state of Georgia, the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead held a mass wedding ceremony hosted by Oprah Winfrey’s former chef, Art Smith. Titled “101 Gay Weddings,” newlyweds and couples renewed their vows as part of the ceremony. Couples and guests were also kept well fed thanks to a lavish banquet expertly prepared by 12 prominent Southern chefs. The ceremony also gained wider coverage thanks to a series of high-profile attendees including celebrity wedding planner Debi Lilly, former baseball player Billy Bean and food and lifestyle expert Chadwick Boyd. The ticketed event donated all proceeds to Georgia Equality.