Congrats! You and your dream babe have finally said, "Hell yea!” As the details and planning piles up, there's one decision that is super duper important: choosing the right LGBT wedding photographer. After all, these photographs will be cherished for a lifetime, preserving the beautiful memories of your big day. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of selecting the perfect queer (friendly) wedding photographer, making sure that your vision is brought to life and your story is captured in the most perfect way possible, while keeping inclusivity in mind.

Keep in mind that when finding your dream LGBT photographer, that it's important, above all, to find someone you're truly comfortable with and is a true ally.

Know Your Budget

Sitting down with your partner and discussing what the exact budget for your wedding will be, and break it down by wedding vendor. Also, don’t be afraid to be open and honest about these hard lines with your vendors.

Define Your Style

Every rad couple like yourself has a unique vision for their wedding, and finding a photographer whose style aligns with yours is essential. Take some time to explore different photography genres, such as traditional, candid, fine art, or documentary. Do you prefer vibrant and bold images or a more soft and romantic feel? By identifying your style, you can narrow down your search and find a photographer who specializes in creating the kind of imagery you envision. And one super hot tip for finding a professional wedding photog is asking to see FULL galleries past clients received! At for at least 3.

As a reference, mine would probably be defined as moody, bold, and vibrant.

A Quick Rundown of Types of Wedding Photography Styles

Reportage Wedding Photography

You probably already know this one as a photojournalistic or documentary photography style. These kinds of photographers focus on staying in the background and capturing things as they unfold. They seek out the genuine and candid moments...no matter how raw they might be. But it's definitely considered an authentic style.

Traditional Wedding Photography

For those that are into classic anything, this photography style is probably right up your ally. Most of these photos will focus on being staged/posed, with conventional group shots. This was the most common style for years, before digital photography made it easier to delete the "uglies."

Contemporary Wedding Photography

This is allllll about the drama and bringing out the most unique moments and types of shots. This can include more fashion and editorial portraits and often needs more time to visualize and execute. You definitely want to see full galleries for photographers that fall under this category, as they can often only focus on a couple "hero" shots, but the rest of the wedding might be different.

Light and Airy

Often film photographers (although some digital photographers will shoot like this), this is often blown out highlights and just all around brighter like the name sugests. A lot of us have moved away from only film as the cost for film is astronomical.

Choosing a Personality

It’s super important you vibe check with your photographer — I mean, we are with you most of your super special day! Do you want someone who might end up on the dance floor showing off some super lame moves, telling bad jokes, and bringing a positive energy to the day?

(FYI for an extra fee I can show up in a black beret, quietly choking on a cigarette and waving you on to show me what you’ve got with a fake French accent wile shooting only black and white polaroids on a tripod)

Research and Review Portfolios

Now that you have a clearer idea of your dream style, it's time to dive into the nitty gritty. While searching through portfolios look for consistency in their work, paying attention to their ability to capture emotions, details, and the overall atmosphere of weddings. A talented wedding photographer will have a well-rounded portfolio that showcases their versatility and creative eye. Take note of the photographs that resonate with you, as this will guide you towards finding the right fit.

15 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer

How long have you been in business?
How many queer weddings have you shot?
If you aren’t part of the LGBT+ community, do you consider yourself an active ally?
How many have you done that are like what mine will be?
Are you comfortable taking control on the day?
Do you have experience using flash?
Can I give you shot list?
Be frfr what’s your favorite part of the day?
Will you be the photographer on my wedding day?
Will you be photographing any other event the same day?
Can you tell me about the deposit and possible payment plans?
What is your refund policy?
What’s the best meme you’ve seen recently?
Do you charge a travel fee?
Is it really your dream to have a couple jump into a pool at the end of the night?
What kind of editing do you offer?
How long will it take to get my images back?
Will you be sneaking our deseerts in a corner like an awkward gremlin somewhere? That’s weird will you just have one like a normal person please?
Will you give me digital images? Are there additional fees afterwards for all of them?
Have you ever worked with my videographer, coordinator, etc.?

Seek Recommendations and Read Reviews

Asking for recommendations from friends, family, or recently married couples can provide valuable insights and personal experiences. They can recommend photographers they love working with, ensuring that you receive trustworthy and honest feedback. Additionally, explore online review platforms and wedding forums where couples share their experiences. Reading reviews will give you a broader perspective on a photographer's professionalism, communication skills, and the quality of their work. It's essential to find someone who delivers stunning images and is personable enough to make you feel comfortable on your big day.

Arrange a Meeting

Once you've narrowed down your dream options to a select few, it's time to send them a message on their Contact page. This meeting is a fantastic opportunity to assess their personality, professionalism, and whether you share a connection. Remember, your photographer will be with you throughout the wedding day, so it's crucial to feel at ease in their presence. Discuss your vision, ask questions about their experience, and inquire about their availability and pricing. A skilled photographer will listen attentively and offer suggestions to bring your ideas to life. Trust your instincts and choose someone who understands and values your unique love story.

Evaluate Packages and Pricing:

Before making your final decision on a queer wedding photographer, carefully review the packages and pricing offered by each photographer. Determine if their packages align with your budget and the services needed. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the number of hours of coverage, additional fees, printing options, and image delivery timeline. Clear communication about expectations and costs will help avoid any surprises later on. Remember, your wedding photographer is an investment in capturing memories, so prioritize quality over cost.

Quick Tips for Choosing an LGBTQ-Friendly Wedding Photographer:

Start your search early to secure your preferred photographer as they tend to book quickly.
Ask to see full wedding albums to ensure consistent quality throughout an event.
Inquire about backup plans in case of any unforeseen circumstances on your wedding day.
Discuss copyrights and usage rights to avoid any future complications.
Sign a contract that outlines all the terms and conditions of your agreement, ensuring both parties are protected.

Choosing the perfect wedding photographer is a crucial step in creating the kind of moments you’ll remember forever. By defining your style, researching portfolios, seeking recommendations, meeting and connecting with photographers, and evaluating packages, and most importantly making sure they are a true ally or active part of your community you'll be well on your way to finding the ideal photographer who can capture the essence of your love story. Remember, your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and your photographer plays a significant role in preserving those moments. So take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts. When you find the right photographer, you'll feel confident that they can capture the emotions, beauty, and joy of your wedding day in a way that resonates with you.

With the right photographer by your side, you can relax and enjoy every moment of your wedding, knowing that the memories will be beautifully captured for years to come. So, go ahead and rock on!