A Place to Say ‘I Do’: Bearpath’s History of LGBTQ+-Inclusive Weddings

For many LGBTQ+ couples, selecting a wedding venue involves more than aesthetics and amenities; it also means finding a space where they feel safe, respected and fully welcomed during one of life’s most meaningful celebrations.

Even as marriage equality approaches its second decade nationwide, LGBTQ+ couples often remain cautious when choosing wedding venues and vendors. Concerns about subtle discrimination, lack of experience with queer weddings or feeling like an “exception” rather than the norm can weigh heavily during the planning process.

For many couples, inclusive language, staff training and a proven track record matter just as much as décor or menu options. Venues that demonstrate long-term, consistent support for LGBTQ+ couples help remove that burden, allowing couples to focus on celebration rather than self-advocacy.

Bearpath Golf and Country Club has operated its wedding venue as an LGBTQ+-inclusive space since its inception in 1996. Overlooking picturesque gardens and the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, the venue offers an elegant and welcoming setting designed to celebrate love in all its forms. 

The venue’s versatile setting accommodates a wide range of wedding styles and sizes, with the capacity to seat up to 300 guests. As a one-stop venue, Bearpath handles every detail from coordinating DJs and florists to arranging the wedding cake, allowing couples to relax and enjoy their special day knowing all logistics are seamlessly taken care of.

Overlooking the expansive golf course and rolling greens, the venue’s pergola serves as the primary ceremony space where couples say, “I do.” The versatile ballroom is another favorite among couples, as it allows for extensive personalization, transforming seamlessly from an elegant reception space to a high-energy celebration tailored to each couple’s vision.

Kim Davis, the Director of Catering and Events, has been working at Bearpath since 2001. Her role includes everything from sales and planning to the execution of weddings and other events. With more than two decades at Bearpath, Davis has helped ensure consistency, professionalism and a welcoming atmosphere for couples of all backgrounds.

Bearpath hosted its first queer wedding nearly 12 years ago, when Davis’ mother’s cousin married his partner. Since then, the venue has helped plan and celebrate the love and marriage of three other queer couples.

“In my opinion, it doesn’t matter who’s getting married; we’re still celebrating a marriage of two people,” Davis says. “It’s all the same in my opinion. We just like to be a part of someone’s big day and do everything we can to make it exactly what they dreamed of or even more.”

One queer couple’s dream wedding that the venue helped bring to life was Jessie and Aaron, who married in the late summer of 2017. Katie Dix, the venue’s catering and events assistant director, recalls working closely with the couple to turn their vision into reality.

At the entrance of the ballroom, where the reception took place, there was a large ice sculpture in the shape of Minnesota, engraved with the couple’s initials. Crystal clear chairs circled the round tables dressed in white linens, teal runners and large bouquets of white hydrangeas sitting in the centers of the tables atop a tall clear vase. 

“It was a very high-end and elaborate wedding,” Dix says. “When the two of them walked into the room for the first time, they were in awe. Everything came together exactly as they had envisioned.”

Aside from being a golf course, country club and wedding venue, Bearpath also makes community engagement a priority. Last December, they held a Santa Drive in which they delivered 778 pounds of food to PROP Food Shelf.

In the last few months, they held several events to get involved with the community, including Jammies and Gingerbread, Ugly Sweater Bingo Night, and an Annual Freaky Fun Fest that included pumpkin painting, apple launching and bounce houses.

As more LGBTQ+ couples continue to seek venues where they feel affirmed and supported, Bearpath remains committed to celebrating love in all its forms. In June, the venue will be planning its fifth queer wedding. They hope to make this couple’s wedding a dream come true just as they’ve done with all the others in the past.