Inclusive vendor directory

LGBTQ+ Affirming Wedding Vendors in California

Photographers, planners, officiants and venues across California, from San Francisco city hall to Big Sur cliffs and Joshua Tree at sunrise. Every vendor here is vetted to be genuinely affirming before they’re listed.

See California vendorsHow we vet every vendor
A Big Sur elopement among the redwoods and cliffs
From A Big Sur Elopement with Redwoods, Cliffs, and Handwritten Vows.

California at a glance

License lasts 90 daysNo extensions, and you must marry in California.

No residency neededBoth of you just need to show up together with photo ID.

One witness, or nonePublic licenses need a witness. Confidential ones do not.

A friend can marry youMany counties deputize a friend for the day.

Vetted vendors serving California

Type of vendor
  • A queer couple in wedding attire are standing in a forest setting, one wiping tears from their eyes while the other looks on with a hand on their shoulder.
    • Austin, Texas
    • |
    • USA

    Riley Glenn Photography
    Riley Glenn Photography captures authentic love for LGBTQ+ elopements and weddings in Austin, Texas, Ohio, Hawaii – and the world
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    • Richmond, Virginia
    • |
    • USA

    Eulalia Portraits
    LGBTQ+ and Immigrant Owned Eulalia Portraits Queer Documentary & Editorial Photography for Weddings, Elopements & Destinations Sara and her team mix editorial with documentary. They welcome every faith and every kind of love, and they’ll travel anywhere in the world…
    Read More
    • Sacramento, California
    • |
    • USA

    Moon Mama Event Co.
    Moon Mama Event Co. creates weddings and celebrations that feel deeply personal, affirming, and unapologetically authentic.
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    • San Jose, California
    • |
    • USA

    Ripple Rain Photography
    San Francisco Bay Area based wedding, elopement and couples photographer. Capturing all the in between moments for all couples.
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    • Santa Cruz, California
    • |
    • USA

    Petal & Salt
    Creativity has always been a huge part of who I am. It’s shaped how I see the world and how I move through it. Petal + Salt grew from that love of making things with my hands and finding beauty…
    Read More
    • Los Angeles, California
    • |
    • USA

    Thistle and Poppy Photography
    Thistle & Poppy was created for the dreamers and the lovers, those who believe in slow mornings, wildflowers, and the magic of being seen as you are. Together, we’ll craft imagery that feels effortless yet artful, photographs that don’t just…
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  • An LGBTQ couple walking through a desert landscape with Joshua trees, one in a sparkling blue dress and the other wearing a black jacket and white hat.
    • Palm Springs, California
    • |
    • USA

    Jenn & Pawel Photography
    A husband and wife creative team who capture incredible real moments, of real people on their wedding or elopement day in Palm Springs
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    • Richmond, California
    • |
    • USA

    Vivian Chen Photography
    Hi, I’m Vivian! I am a nature lover and visual storyteller who focuses on organic moments while highlighting a sense of space and showcasing your beloved communities authentically. I began my photography journey two decades ago, assisting high-end wedding photographers before…
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    • Around the World
    • |
    • Australia
    • |
    • Sydney, New South Wales

    Bert Jewellery
    Bert Jewellery is a bespoke atelier dreamed up by Sydney-based jeweller Sian Jones. They create dreamy custom creations.
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    • Australia
    • |
    • Melbourne, Victoria

    Black Finch Jewellery
    Black Finch Jewellery is a Melbourne-based fine jewellery studio creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces for life’s most treasured moments. Founded by Master Jeweller Raymond de Zwart and Creative Director Davina Adamson, Black Finch is known for its poetic aesthetic, ethical sourcing,…
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    • Australia
    • |
    • Sydney, New South Wales

    Margan Photography
    Hey there! We’re Erin and Erica Margan, the couple behind Margan Photography. For more than a decade we’ve been documenting queer love stories across NSW, the ACT and beyond. Big joyful weddings, intimate elopements and the beautiful chaos of family…
    Read More
    • Australia
    • |
    • Sydney, New South Wales

    Carlita Sari Photo
    Hello my darlings, I’m Carly. Welcome to the land of Wedding Photography Done Different. Here we leave behind any traditions that don’t feel like you, decorate those that do, and reimagine your wedding to be exactly what you want. 
    Read More

  • Eulalia Portraits

    LGBTQ+ and Immigrant Owned Eulalia Portraits Queer Documentary & Editorial Photography for Weddings, Elopements & Destinations Sara and her team mix editorial with documentary. They welcome every faith and every kind of love, and they’ll travel anywhere in the world for it. That’s the core of how they shoot. The intention is to blend in…

  • Petal & Salt

    Creativity has always been a huge part of who I am. It’s shaped how I see the world and how I move through it. Petal + Salt grew from that love of making things with my hands and finding beauty in the details.

  • Vivian Chen Photography

    Hi, I’m Vivian! I am a nature lover and visual storyteller who focuses on organic moments while highlighting a sense of space and showcasing your beloved communities authentically. I began my photography journey two decades ago, assisting high-end wedding photographers before branching out on my own. What started as a job became my purpose as I fell in love with storytelling through my art. I am incredibly lucky to spend my weekends surrounded by joy, having now captured over 500 weddings from lavish celebrations at luxury hotels to quiet, intimate elopements by the sea. Photography has been my passport to travel the world, connect with so many remarkable people, and play a part in sharing their stories.

  • Black Finch Jewellery

    Black Finch Jewellery is a Melbourne-based fine jewellery studio creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces for life’s most treasured moments. Founded by Master Jeweller Raymond de Zwart and Creative Director Davina Adamson, Black Finch is known for its poetic aesthetic, ethical sourcing, and deep reverence for craftsmanship. Every piece is handmade in their Collingwood studio using responsibly sourced gold and gemstones, reflecting a commitment to sustainability, individuality, and longevity.

  • Margan Photography

    Hey there! We’re Erin and Erica Margan, the couple behind Margan Photography.
    For more than a decade we’ve been documenting queer love stories across NSW, the ACT and beyond. Big joyful weddings, intimate elopements and the beautiful chaos of family life.

  • Carlita Sari Photo

    Hello my darlings, I’m Carly. Welcome to the land of Wedding Photography Done Different. Here we leave behind any traditions that don’t feel like you, decorate those that do, and reimagine your wedding to be exactly what you want. 

Oops! It looks like you've seen it all!

Oops! It looks like you've seen it all!

Getting married in California

California has been a home for queer love stories for generations, and the options here are endless: San Francisco city hall, Palm Springs pools, Big Sur redwoods and Joshua Tree at sunrise.

The legal bit

There’s no residency requirement. Both of you appear together at a county clerk with photo ID, and the license is valid for 90 days with no extensions, for a ceremony anywhere in California. Fees vary by county.

Public or confidential license

A public license needs at least one witness at your ceremony. A confidential license needs no witnesses, but you must already be living together as spouses. Most couples choose a public license, and anyone old enough to understand the ceremony can be your witness.

Have a friend marry you

Many California counties offer a Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a Day program, so a friend or family member can legally officiate your wedding. Apply through the county well ahead of your date.

Where couples are saying yes

Think sequins and sunset vows in San Francisco, an intimate Joshua Tree elopement and a Los Angeles backyard wedding.

Questions couples ask

Do we need to live in California to get married there?

No. California has no residency requirement. You both need to appear together with valid photo ID.

How long is a California marriage license valid?

90 days, with no extensions. Your ceremony must take place in California.

Do we need witnesses?

With a public license, at least one witness must attend. A confidential license needs no witnesses, but you must already live together as spouses.

Can a friend officiate our California wedding?

Yes. Many counties offer a Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a Day program that lets a friend or relative legally officiate. Apply with the county in advance.

How much does a California marriage license cost?

It depends on the county. In San Diego County, for example, a public license is $129 and a confidential license is $144.

Legal details last checked October 2026 against the San Diego County Clerk. Fees and processes vary by county, so check with yours.

Real California love stories

ElopementSequins, Sneakers, and Sunset Vows: A San Francisco ElopementWeddingA San Francisco Wedding with James Bond Style and BachataElopementAn Intimate Elopement at Joshua TreeWeddingLos Angeles Backyard Wedding with Croatian Plum Brandy and FloralsElopementA Palm Springs Elopement – ‘Just Us’ProposalA Sunset Proposal On A San Diego Beach While Horseback Riding

Explore nearby

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