Manila (CNN Philippines Life) — As in the rest of Asia, the idea of the legalization of same-sex marriage in the Philippines is still a far-off one. The country, though, is among the more tolerant nations in the continent, with some significant form of legislation in support of LGBTQ rights short of recognizing same-sex unions.

But unknown to many, there are already places in the Philippines that can be a venue for same-sex marriages, which, although still not legally binding, can be ministered by churches that are accepting of LGBTQs. One of these places is Shangri-La Boracay, which has so far held two same-sex marriages of purely ceremonial nature.

One couple made a grand entrance by parasailing and landing on a dragonboat. Another couple opted for spiral-shaped seating for their guests during the wedding ceremony instead of the usual theater-style setup.

Cristina Del Carmen, the director of communications at the hotel, talked to CNN Philippines Life via email about the festivities and the planning that goes into same-sex weddings. Below are edited excerpts from the interview.

Is there a difference between planning a gay wedding and a straight wedding?

There is no difference at all as all ceremonies and receptions entail similar arrangements. Of course, every wedding is different depending on the couple’s preferences.

How do you go about finding someone to officiate, like a minister? Is it difficult to get one to agree to officiate a gay wedding?

One couple brought their own officiator to perform the ceremony, while in the other case, an officiator was contracted externally.

What’s the most memorable gay wedding you’ve planned?

The most memorable one actually went viral on BuzzFeed. The couple had been together for over a decade, surviving a long-distance relationship that had them living continents apart. It was very moving to see them so happy together.

Even though there are a number of countries where gay marriage has been legalized, why do you think some couples still prefer to have their weddings here in the Philippines, where same-sex marriage remains a controversial issue?

The weddings we have hosted were both of Filipino couples. They, like many others, prefer to wed in their homeland. And since Boracay is a romantic, world-famous wedding destination, it’s no surprise that more LGBTQ weddings are held here as well.

The experience in a same-sex wedding was nothing short of inspiring. The couple and their guests were very happy and proud of the love they were celebrating. This festive, emotional tone carried on from the ceremony until the after-party.

Did the weddings that you planned have anything in common with each other in terms of themes, necessities, etc.?

They both were definitely adventurous and creative weddings. One couple made a grand entrance by parasailing and landing on a dragonboat. Another couple opted for spiral-shaped seating for their guests during the wedding ceremony instead of the usual theater-style setup. This couple also choreographed a unique first dance, which they performed for their guests.

Looking back on the first same-sex wedding you organized, what feelings or experiences stood out for you?

The experience was nothing short of inspiring. The couple and their guests were very happy and proud of the love they were celebrating. This festive, emotional tone carried on from the ceremony until the after-party.

Can you take us through how a wedding ceremony is like? Does it go pretty much the same as way as a heterosexual couple’s?

The wedding ceremony flow is exactly the same. The only difference is that instead of one big moment for the bride’s entrance, there would be two separate entrances, or the couple would opt to walk down the aisle together.