🌈10 Tips for Finding the Best LGBTQIA+ Wedding Photographers

November 25, 2024

🌈Finding the best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers is an exciting adventure and is *so worth it* when you find someone you can fully trust to capture your unique personality and love story! This photographer will do more than snap pictures—they’ll help create a space where you feel celebrated, safe, and free to completely express yourselves. The best photographers do more than show what you look like physically, but genuinely capture your authentic personalities, emotions and genuine moments shared with your loved ones, allowing your true colors to shine!

best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers, lisa Rhinehart, captures this image of this gay couple as they stand outside of their Phoenixville foundry wedding venue while waving rainbow flags — Let that rainbow flag fly and let’s kickstart your adventure with the best tips for finding your LGBTQIA+ wedding photographer!

Ready to start your search? Here are some tips to help you find an LGBTQIA+ wedding photographer who not only fits your style but also aligns with your values and vision for the big day!

1. Check for Diversity in Their Portfolio

When reviewing portfolios, make sure the photographer’s work reflects diversity and inclusivity. A true professional will show an appreciation for all love stories, regardless of gender or identity. You want to see love captured in every form it comes in.

best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers, lisa rhinehart, captures this image of this lesbian couple as they put their heads together and smile at one another as the sunsets around them during their gettysburg wedding ceremony in pa — Even before gay couples started reaching out to me as an LGBTQIA+ wedding photographer, I was photographing couples that were diverse in other ways – – religiously diverse, culturally diverse, diverse in that they are authentically themselves in whatever way that feels best to them!

2. Look for Experience with LGBTQIA+ Weddings

Ask if the photographer has experience working with LGBTQIA+ couples. Understanding the unique dynamics of your day will help them create a comfortable, affirming environment. A photographer who gets it will make sure your love is captured in a way that feels natural and true to you.

inclusive wedding photographer, lisa rhinehart, captures this image of this gay couple as they hold hands and smile at one another during their indoor wedding ceremony in downtown Washington DC — My first gay wedding, Kyle and Kaylan! Kyle proposed coincidentally on the same day as the Supreme Court struck down Prop and DOMA, which gained federal recognition to all gay couples and DC was one of the first places in the US to give full partner benefits. Their wedding followed shortly after. That was a decade ago so I have a ton of experience with LGBTQIA+ weddings!

3. Look for Affirming, Creative Storytelling

Your love story is unique and your wedding photos should reflect that. Look for a photographer who specializes in creative, storytelling photography that captures the essence of who you are as a couple. The best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers will be able to incorporate your lifestyle and interests into your wedding photography! This is one of my very favorite things to do as it is so affirming to my couples and also keeps my job fun and interesting!

best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers, lisa rhinehart, captures this image of this gay couple as they hold hands together while riding bikes infront of the Wharf Canopy Hilton in washington dc before their national arboretum wedding ceremony in dc — This couple met at an LGBT Meet-Up cycling group, Outriders. Their colors were blue and orange and when I saw these vintage orange bikes and pictured them against the blue of their venue I was so there! The icing on the cake was getting them to ride and hold hands at the same time! Mission accomplished 🙂 Read more of Mark & Tony’s National Arboretum wedding here!

unique and inclusive wedding photographer, lisa rhinehart, captures this fun image of this lesbian couple as they sit on the ground with swords in the air during their gettysburg lgbtq wedding ceremony — Lexi & Janelle both brought swords as props to the wedding Lexi loves playing Zelda while Janelle loves Star Wars. I saw this traditional masculine room with President Eisenhower in the background, and two regal-looking chairs and thought it would be so fitting to have lesbian brides sitting on the floor, raising their swords in the space– such a fun image! Check out more of this Wyndham Gettysburg wedding here.

best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers, lisa rhinehart, captures this unique, fun image of this gay couple as they climb a rock wall before their ledges hotel wedding ceremony in pa — One of Mike & Matt’s favorite activities to do together is rock climb. When I came to the parking lot and saw this Rockwall, I was like yes, let’s climb this wall in tuxedos– and they were game! More of Matt & Mike’s Ledges Hotel wedding here!

4. Be Open About Your Priorities

A great photographer will work with you to understand your specific wants and needs. Whether you are prioritizing dancing, preparations, details, candid shots of guests, venue architecture, or high-end creative portraiture, it’s important to share your vision when searching for the best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers. The more transparent you are, the better we can bring that vision to life!

best dc wedding photographer, lisa rhinehart, captures this unique image of the gay couple as they hold hands and dance together during their lgbtq washington dc wedding reception — The architecture of this incredible DC mansion was very important for me to capture for this couple. I climbed the marble winding staircase up to the balcony and captured this during their first dance! See more of Dan & Chris’s winter wedding here.

gettysburg pa wedding photographer captures this detail image of this unique and creative cake that was made special for this gettysburg wyhndam hotel lgbtq wedding reception — Some couples put a ton of time and effort into their unique details and really want me to focus on them, other couples put their focus elsewhere. I am there to support you and your unique wedding. In this case, Lexi and Janelle’s details were very important to them, so I made sure I had time to capture them! Check out more of their unique wedding details here!

5. Find a Photographer Who Values Authenticity

Look for a photographer who takes the time to get to know you: who you are and what makes you tick as a couple. The best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers will be able to bring this authenticity into your photos and capture genuine moments between you and your partner. These are the photos that show you—the laughter, the quiet glances, the excitement. Real moments create real memories that will tug at your heartstrings for years to come!

national arboretum wedding photographer, lisa rhinehart, captures this candid, fun image of this gay couple as they hold hands and enjoy eachother's company as they walk away from the national arbortum columns after their lgbtq wedding ceremony in washington dc — This is a natural moment between Mark and Tony after their ceremony. I love the exuberance and joy on their faces, and in their body language too! Capturing authentic moments is so important to me! See more of their authentic National Arboretum wedding moments here.

6. Ensure a Comfortable, Inclusive Environment

A photographer should make you feel comfortable, respected, and safe from start to finish. The best photos happen when you feel relaxed and confident. Make sure your photographer is someone who fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment for all couples.

best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers, lisa rhinehart, captures this candid, sentimental image of this gay couple as one shares their vows while the other rubs his ear during this lgbtq phoenixville foundry wedding ceremony in pa — Chris shares, “We really love Lisa’s contrasted colors, dramatic editing, and candid moments. We really wanted a work of art and statement pieces and we got them!” Chris and Frankie’s Phoenixville Foundry wedding was an LGBTQIA+ wedding photographer’s dream! You have to check it out here!

best dc wedding photographer, Lisa Rhinehart, captures this stunning, unique wedding party portrait of the two grooms with their wedding party set up as a vogue vanity fair styled shoot during this lgbtq wedding ceremony in washington dc — Rather than lining your entire wedding party up in a straight line, why not let them express themselves? Each one taking on a different pose that makes them feel beautiful. I love setting up shots like this! See more of Kyle & Kaylan’s wedding here.

7. Check Reviews and Testimonials

Reading reviews from other couples can tell you a lot about what it’s like to work with a photographer. Look for feedback specifically from LGBTQIA+ couples on how comfortable and respected they felt. The best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers will have a track record of making couples feel celebrated and heard.

kings gap mansion wedding photographer, lisa rhinehart, captures this golden hour sunset image of this queer and trans couple as they embrace one another during their lgbtqia+ wedding ceremony — Kailer & Jayleen share, “The most important factor in deciding on a photographer was someone who is LGBTQ+ inclusive. We’re a proud queer & trans couple so we would only feel comfortable being in front of the camera if we knew the person behind the lens truly saw and appreciated who we are. We didn’t want to have staged photos–we’re not really good with that so we wanted someone who could capture our natural, authentic selves.” Check out Kailer & Jayleen’s backyard wedding here!

8. Share About Pronouns and Titles

It’s essential that your photographer values your pronouns and how you’d like to be addressed as well as respective wedding titles. Do you have a man of honor? Perhaps your mom is walking you down the aisle. Any unique elements are great to talk about with your wedding photographer. The best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers will be proactive in ensuring that everyone’s identities are respected in the images and throughout the process. I always make sure to ask these important details upfront as well as any cultural or family dynamics that may be helpful to know leading up to your big day.

best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers, lisa rhinehart, captures this colorful, unique end of the night silhouetted portrait of this queer and trans couple as they sit on the ledge of the kings gap mansion after their wedding ceremony — With Kailer and Jayleen, I had so much fun exploring concepts of masculinity and femininity and playing with their stunning attire! I was able to do so much for them, especially since they fully trusted me and we’re up for anything! See more photos of their King’s Gap Mansion after session here!

creative wedding photographer, lisa rhinehart, captures this creative, unique image of this man of honor as she sees the bride for the first time and gasps while she is captured through the reflection of the sunglasses at this lehigh valley pa wedding ceremony — Bethany had a first look with her man of honor Chris! If Chris looks familiar it’s because after Bethany and Jordan‘s wedding, I photographed his wedding! Fun fact, the same drag queen MC’d at both of their receptions!

9. Make a Realistic Timeline Together

Find a photographer who will hold your hand through the process of creating a wedding day photography timeline. The best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers know how much is going into this day and understand the emotional rollercoaster that a wedding day can bring. They will be proactive in relieving your wedding day anxiety! Work together with your photographer to create a realistic timeline for the day. A well-thought-out schedule ensures there’s time for everything—your first look, family portraits, and those well-anticipated golden hour shots and wedding party shots. A great photographer will help you prioritize the moments that matter most to you.

Phoenixville Foundry wedding photographer, lisa rhinehart, captures this rainbow wedding party photo at this gay wedding ceremony in pa — 🌈 Chris and Frankie’s rainbow attired wedding party was so important for them to capture and we set aside plenty of time. Not only did we get a range of group photos like this in rainbow order 🙂 but also some hip GQ Vanity Fair-inspired shots and even headshots of each party member. How expressive are their outfits? Love it! See more of Chris & Frankie’s Phoenixville Foundry wedding here!

best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers, lisa rhinehart, captures this candid image of the grooms exchanging wedding bands during their national arboretum wedding ceremony in washington dc — I am a ninja on the wedding day 🥷. I am not afraid to get close to get low and move around. Most times couples are so shocked to see their pictures, they are like I had no idea that you were there! Read more of Mark & Tony’s National Arboretum wedding here!

10. Look for Flexibility and Adaptability

Weddings can be unpredictable—weather changes, time may run short, or you may want to go off-script. You’ll want a photographer who is flexible and can adapt to whatever your day throws at you. Whether it’s a surprise snowstorm or adjusting to a last-minute change, the best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers are in the moment, right there by your side all day long, and keeping an eye out, too!

washington dc wedding photographer, lisa rhinehart, captures this image of this gay couple as they stand outside large black doors as snow falls around them before their lgbtq wedding ceremony in washington dc — Chris and Dan had wanted snow on their wedding day… They were very specific with their request, not so much that people would have difficulty driving there or not be able to attend, but just enough to show up in pictures. When that moment happened, I was notified immediately by the wedding party and captured this shot. I photographed the snow specifically against the dark door knowing that even though it was just a few flakes, it would still show up! Read more of Chris & Dan’s snowy wedding day here.

🎉 You’ve found the Best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll find LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers who not only understand the technical side of wedding photography but also bring passion, creativity, and expertise to documenting your LGBTQIA+ love story. When you find the best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers, your wedding photos will be more than just pictures—they’ll be a beautiful, authentic reflection of your unique journey together!

best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers, lisa rhinehart, captures this colorful, vibrant image of this queer and trans couple as they dance together underneath the lantern lights during their shippensburg pa backyard wedding reception — Your LGBTQIA+ wedding is being held in your parent’s backyard, a historic mansion, or anything in between I am your girl and ready to make it work for you! This was photographed underneath string lights from the dollar tree beside a cooler of beer 🙂

creative wedding photographer, lisa rhinehart, captures this fun, unique, creative image of the grooms as they hold hands while laying on the floor to make it look like they are running on air during this lgbtq wedding reception in washington dc — Showing their creative, quirky sides in this gravity-defying image: Kyle helps Kaylan to take life less seriously, to have fun and explore. This photo shows the couple basically walking on air under Kyle’s lead, which fits them and the Peter Pan quote that Kaylan chose to engrave in Kyle’s wedding band so well… “Come with me and your heart will fly on wings, forever in Never Neverland.”

phoenixville foundry best LGBTQIA+ wedding photographers, lisa rhinehart, captures this end of the night shot of the two grooms surrounded by family and friends as they set off confetti string poppers to create this fun, colorful image — I meet with each couple and brainstorm ideas for their session. Chris and Frankie were all about incorporating as many rainbows as possible. These confetti poppers were the perfect touch!

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Are you or someone you know looking for a photographer for their weddings, portraits, branding, etc? I’m your girl! Contact me here, I’d love to hear all about it!

Who Wrote This Article?

My name is Lisa Rhinehart and I’m an award-winning photographer who has been shooting for over ten years! I am currently ranked as one of the top photographers in the USA! I live in south-central Pennsylvania in a small University town, so I shoot often in PA but also serve Washington DC, New York City, and well beyond. Distance is no problem as we can meet initially via video chat and can travel (anywhere!) to you. You can read more about my weddings here. I have so many great options that I’m sure you’ll love.