A gay couple, Jeremy Alexander and Ryan Sheepwash, were quoted more than $80,000 for their wedding ceremony and guest rooms at a beachfront Sheraton resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The hotel claimed there was no availability until March 2027, while offering lower rates and better availability for opposite-sex weddings based on quotes received by the couple’s friends. The couple felt conflicted but decided to speak out publicly about their experience on social media after months of back-and-forth with the hotel. The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center did not respond to a request for comment, but a spokesperson for Marriott International stated they were working with the property to offer a solution.
The couple believed they were discriminated against due to their sexual orientation, especially after discovering a history of discrimination at the hotel, including an incident in 2019 where a same-sex wedding was declined. Further research uncovered an email stating that the resort was unable to host same-sex weddings due to internal policies. The couple is still searching for a wedding venue and does not necessarily seek an apology from the hotel but wants meaningful change to combat homophobia.
Marriott has a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity and has received recognition for its LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and benefits. The couple’s story gained attention on social media, prompting a response from Marriott, which indicated they were looking into the incident. The couple hopes their experience sheds light on the issue and prompts necessary changes to prevent discrimination in the future.
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