Camp Pendleton Military Wedding with Drag Shows, Pets, and Pure Queer Joy
Michele (she/her) and Rachael’s (she/they) Camp Pendleton wedding wasn’t your typical military affair. Sure, there were dress uniforms and a sword arch, but there were also bouncy castles, rainbow tulle, drag performances, and their cat walking the aisle. As a retired service member, Michele had a personal connection to the venue, and together they reimagined what a wedding on base could look like – one that honoured both tradition and queerness, built around their people, their pets, and the kind of chaotic joy that made the day feel entirely their own.
What made you choose Camp Pendleton as your wedding venue?
I was stationed at Camp Pendleton during my military service, and we happened to stop there on the way back to San Diego one day. We stumbled across the venue and it just felt right. There was something poetic about getting married at a place with so much history for me.
What was the vibe of your wedding day?
Chaotic and amazing! We stayed at a beachside cottage that came with the venue. Our morning was spent getting the stage and bouncy houses set up while wrangling our sugar-hyped foster kids.
At one point, I was still buying booze at the base liquor store and my planner friend was screaming at me on the phone to get back and start getting ready.
The entire day was packed with drag performances, a burlesque dancer, and our gay bartender who totally surprised our straight guests.
Did you write your own vows? How did you handle the ceremony?
We wrote our vows ourselves, but we didn’t read them during the ceremony. Instead, we shared them on stage later while announcing our friends’ performances. Our friend officiated, and honestly, it was so us — casual, heartfelt, and surrounded by chosen family.
Were there any favourite moments that still make you smile?
My wife’s friend from the film industry ran an Apple box up to the altar during the ceremony because I’m short and Rachael is so tall. That little moment – so unexpected and thoughtful – totally sums up our dynamic.
How did you build your wedding team? Any standout vendors?
A close friend of ours used to be a wedding planner and they helped us make it all happen. Our crew of friends (many of whom are drag performers) came together to create something unforgettable.
As for standout vendors, Birria Kings in San Diego were absolute legends. They handled everything food-wise, and we didn’t have to stress for a second.
How did you navigate family involvement and guest list planning?
We invited a few hundred people but ended up with around 100 guests. Both of us have friends around the world, so we knew some wouldn’t be able to attend.
My parents are deeply religious and chose not to come. They sent a message, and that was that. It was tough, but ultimately we surrounded ourselves with people who really saw and celebrated us.
Did you incorporate any traditions, or create your own?
We kept things pretty non-traditional. We had a short aisle walk, and our pets and kids were in the ceremony with us. It wasn’t about ticking boxes, it was about being present, joyful, and queer in every sense of the word.
Any advice for other LGBTQ+ couples planning a wedding?
Build the day around what feels good for you. Don’t let tradition box you in. Drag queens, bouncy houses, last-minute liquor runs – it was messy and magical, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Photography by Love & Latitudes
