How to Find Queer-Affirming Wedding Vendors: Tips for LGBTQ+ Couples

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Planning a wedding is always so exciting, but for LGBTQ+ couples, navigating the overwhelming world of choosing vendors can feel daunting. In my years as a wedding photographer, I have unfortunately heard from clients of my own that they found me after having negative experiences or being told to look elsewhere - but it’s 2025 and queer folks deserve so much better!

On what is likely to be the biggest and best day of your life thus far, you deserve a team of vendors cheering you on and creating the wedding of your dreams - don’t settle for any less! We are past the ‘rainbow marketing’ era, you can build a team of vendors who affirm you and your partners’ identities and firmly believe your love story is something to celebrate!

Here are a few tips on how to find amazing vendors who will make your wedding day unforgettable:

First Step; Pause and Reflect

On the surface, hiring wedding vendors might seem no different than hiring another service provider - but it’s important to remember that they will be an integral part of an incredibly important day. Think about how you want to feel on your wedding day (stress-free, showered with love, well-supported) and circle back to that feeling as you chat with prospective vendors! It’s more than just hiring a videographer, a baker or a DJ - it’s hiring someone who will have a hand in creating and being present for your wedding day!

This person could be spending time with you in vulnerable moments, making small talk with your family and friends, or quietly managing small crises to keep you smiling and worry-free! It’s important that your vendors not only feel like people you can get along with, but more importantly, fully trust to bring your vision to life.

Put Your Detective Hat On

Check their website: Look for inclusive language and imagery featuring queer couples. Do they use gender-neutral terms or only bride and groom? Do they have any value statements about inclusivity? Look beyond a rainbow flag in the website footer or a ‘love is love’ type slogan - look for evidence that uplifting and working with queer folks is a priority for them (harsh, I know, but it’s important that their hearts are truly in the right place)!

Next, try social media: Check their social media pages for similar content as you did on their website, posts that celebrates diversity and LGBTQ+ weddings. Do they have their own pronouns in their bio? Do you see couples like yourselves on their feed? (If you really want to dive deep, see if they are following any unsavoury politicians or media figures - you know who I’m talking about)

Find some reviews: Go beyond their website testimonials and read through Google Reviews from past clients! Look for mentions of positive experiences from LGBTQ+ couples and stories of how their clients felt on their wedding day. If you can’t find much on Google or they are unlisted, try their Facebook Recommendations or searching in local wedding groups.

Look For Directories

Platforms like Equally Wed and Rainbow Wedding Network host directories of vendors who cater specifically to queer couples or are queer owned businesses themselves, you may also find more locally-focused websites depending on where you are from. These sites often have more vetting and information available compared to general planning options like The Knot or Wedding Wire! Here are some more listings to check out:

• Queerly Beloved (Ontario, Canada)

• Dancing with Her / Dancing with Them (International)

• OffBeat Wed (International)

• Everywhere Is Queer (International)

• Rebel Love Directory (UK)

Direct Communication

Ask the tough questions. Don't be afraid to inquire about their previous experience working with queer couples, especially if you have any additional considerations (ie. using different pronouns around family vs alone with your partner).

During consultations, pay attention to how comfortable you feel discussing your vision and make a mental note of their response and the language they use. If they seem welcoming but are unfamiliar with certain things (like not knowing the ‘right’ words to say), gauge how you may feel about being in a position of providing that education. There is no shame in booking consultations with multiple vendors either, the goal is to find the best fit and that won’t always be the first person you speak to!

Most Importantly, Community is Key

Ask married friends for referrals from their wedding, or see if they had any negative interactions so you know which vendors to take off your list. If you’ve already hired some amazing queer owned or allied businesses, ask them who they trust as well!

Local LGBTQ+ organizations or Facebook groups might also have vendor recommendations or local queer-owned business guides. Hearing directly from members of the community, especially if they have first-hand wedding planning experience, is invaluable!

Above all else, trust your gut! If a vendor doesn't resonate with your values or make you feel comfortable, move on. The last thing we want is to have you feeling unsafe on your wedding day - you deserve to be able to fully relax into the celebrations and know that your vendor team has your back 100%!

You will find your dream team and have the most incredible wedding day! Take a deep breath and start sending those emails, you’ve got this! (And if you need a queer photographer in Southern Ontario, send one my way too!)