Over the years, I have had some of my favorite same-sex couples tell me about the challenges they have had planning their wedding. Especially in their search for a LGBTQ wedding photographer!

Planning an LGBTQ wedding is so exciting! There are many new traditions and moments that you and your partner will get to create together. I’m really excited and happy for you to begin this journey. And I’m here to help! Finding someone to capture your day beautifully and tell your story is important. Finding the right LGBTQ wedding photographer who understands your vision and is an ally to the community is a must. Let’s dive into 5 ways to do this!

Look Around

Start at the beginning, and hit Instagram and google websites! Look for a photographer who features same-sex couples and members of the LGBTQ community. There should be photos of all different styles of weddings on their website. Bonus points awarded to photos of same-sex couples who are front and center.

These are the photographers who love photographing same-sex weddings and want to work with you. Look at the language on the website. Is the language inclusive? Do you feel welcomed? If a photographer is still discussing your wedding in traditional language, how does that make you feel? If you are on social media, take advantage of hashtags to help you find the LGBTQ inclusive wedding photographer you are looking for.

Ask Around

If you’ve found an LGBTQ inclusive vendor, chances are they know more vendors that they love working with who are also bringing inclusivity to the wedding industry. Wedding vendors who are allies want you to have the best experience, and you are in good hands with them.

Don’t forget to talk to your friends who have been married recently. Which vendors did they use, and who would they recommend? Don’t be shy to ask them what worked for them, and what didn’t work out as planned.

Some of my photographer friends would love to photograph an LGBTQ wedding. They just haven’t had the opportunity yet, so they don’t have images to show. If you find a photographer you love and vibe with the work, don’t be shy about asking why you do not see any representation. These photographers may be eagerly waiting to photograph an amazing couple just like you. It might be a match made in heaven!

If you would like to see one of my favorite same-sex weddings, click here

Research and Reviews

When looking for a LGBTQ friendly photographer, make sure to read their reviews! Any review from couples will help you to get a sense of working with the photographer. It’s a plus if you can find reviews from LGBTQ couples.

I just photographed a beautiful trans bride who left me a great review. Now I’m thrilled that other trans individuals know we love working with them, and that they will feel comfortable and happy with their wedding photography.

You can find reviews on wedding vendor sites such as The Knot, Wedding Wire, Zola, and especially Google. Two other great resources to check out include Equally Wed and The Offbeat Bride.

Communication

This one is huge! Many LGBTQ couples have concerns regarding posing during wedding photos. Make sure to talk with your potential photographer about your hesitations and worries. The right photographer for you will make you feel confident and happy that your wedding photos will be amazing!

If you have any ideas, or want to run some thoughts by your new photographer, please do. A great LGBTQ wedding photographer will love to hear your vision and bring some of those ideas to life!

Make it Yours!

Your wedding should be unique as you are. Plan your wedding for you, not tradition, and not for families. Your wedding should reflect your new family, your values, and your vision.

Use your vendors as resources as you create your wedding timelines and plan your day. We are here for you! We can help you create your celebration to include your traditions as you walk down the aisle together! A great article about making your wedding your own can be found in Martha Stuart Weddings, you can read it here.

If you would like to see one of my favorite same-sex weddings, click here

Congrats on your new adventure! Cheers to finding the best wedding vendors and planning your best day!