How All Wedding Vendors Can Support LGBTQIA+ Couples
As a queer, Dominican American wedding photographer based in Jersey City, I’ve had the honor of capturing over 200 love stories—many of them belonging to LGBTQIA+ couples. But as beautiful as these moments are, I’ve also witnessed firsthand the gaps in representation and the need for more education within the wedding industry. For queer couples, wedding planning often comes with extra hurdles: navigating vendors who may not be affirming, facing outdated traditions, and even dealing with outright discrimination.
So, how can wedding vendors step up and be true allies? Here are some actionable ways to make your business more inclusive and welcoming to all love stories.
Respect Your Couple’s Pronouns & Identities
We’re often conditioned to assume gender identity based on appearance, but that mindset has no place in an inclusive wedding business. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to respect LGBTQIA+ clients is by normalizing pronoun use. Add a pronoun field to your inquiry form, and once you have that information, honor it. Consider leading by example and including your own pronouns in your email signature and social media bios. It signals to potential clients that they’re in a safe, affirming space.
Be Loud & Proud: Show You Support LGBTQIA+ Clients
Representation matters. Many queer couples spend hours scouring vendor websites, searching for proof that they’ll be welcomed. One of the most powerful things you can do is feature LGBTQIA+ couples in your portfolio, website, and social media. If you’re participating in styled shoots, make sure you’re working with real LGBTQIA+ couples instead of casting models. Visibility is everything, and showcasing diverse love stories helps break down barriers.
Use Inclusive Language Across Your Brand
Language has the power to either affirm or alienate. Small tweaks in your copy can make a huge difference. Instead of assuming every couple consists of a “bride” and “groom,” opt for gender-neutral terms like “wedding couple” or “partners.” On contracts, forms, and marketing materials, replace traditional heteronormative phrasing with inclusive language. These changes ensure that every couple feels seen and valued.
Refer Inclusive & Affirming Vendors
Queer couples deserve vendors who celebrate their love wholeheartedly. If you truly want to be an ally, build a network of LGBTQIA+-owned or affirming wedding professionals to recommend. Representation within the vendor community is just as crucial as representation in wedding photography. By diversifying your referral list, you’re helping queer couples connect with vendors who won’t just tolerate them—but celebrate them.
Commit to Ongoing Education & Support
Being an ally isn’t a one-and-done action—it’s an ongoing commitment. Educate yourself and your team about LGBTQIA+ issues, inclusive practices, and the unique challenges queer couples face in the wedding industry. A great place to start is Equally Wed’s LGBTQ+ inclusive certification course, which dives deep into best practices for wedding professionals.
By making intentional changes and standing in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ couples, we as wedding professionals can foster a more inclusive, affirming industry—one love story at a time. Let’s do better, together.
Additional Resources for LGBTQIA+ Allyship
Want to go even further? Check out these organizations that provide education, advocacy, and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in New Jersey, New York, and beyond:
Garden State Equality – New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization
The LGBT Community Center – A vital resource hub for the queer community in New York City
Audre Lorde Project – A community organizing center for LGBTQ+ people of color in NYC
Trans Lifeline – A national trans-led organization offering direct support to the trans community
