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 vendors How 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

- Photographers
- Baltimore, Maryland
- |
- USA
Ginger Fox Photography

Candid, laid-back, queer destination photographer celebrating LGBTQ+ love, from epic city weddings, to mountaintop elopements.

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- Around the World
- |
- Banff, Alberta
- |
- Canada
- |
- Iceland
The Organic Moment Photography & Videography

Hey, we’re Liz & Jason, your Elopement Photographer and Videographer, Planners, Guides and all time fun duo!!

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- Portland, Oregon
- |
- USA
Folksy Elopements

I’m Milo– a queer & trans nature-enthusiast with 10+ years experience photographing couples in love. I make elopements that feel like you actually got to live your day—slow, present, and full of the good stuff in between.

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- Burlington, Vermont
- |
- New York City, New York
- |
- USA
Catherine Claire Art

Photography is more than just documenting for me, it is art. Allow me to capture every detail, every intimate moment, and every cinematic still that arises naturally throughout your day with an unobtrusive presence and down-to-earth demeanor.

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- Stationery
- Miami, Florida
- |
- USA
LoveLove

LoveLove is a small, queer woman-owned stationery studio. And by small, we mean just a father and daughter duo. He is a printer with over 50 years of printing experience, and she is a brand designer-turned-stationer with a deep love…

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- Tacoma, Washington
- |
- USA
Thistle + Veil Photography

I’m Kaylee, a PNW wedding + elopement photographer who values connection, providing a safe and affirming space and a judgement free experience, and delivering photos that feel emotional, artful, and cool as hell. I genuinely love to travel, and am…

Read More
- Dallas, Texas
- |
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- |
- USA
Hey Love Studio

We’re Adeline and Valerie, a queer-owned, wife-and-wife photo + video team, and we have been looking forward to your wedding since before you hired us. We show up for the quiet moments and the loud ones.

Read More
- Hair & Makeup
- Austin, Texas
- |
- Birmingham, Alabama
- |
- USA
- |
- Washington DC, District of Columbia
The Stylist Abroad

We’re a beauty brand that believes in bringing to life your dream look even in lieu of tradition so let’s kick the rule book out the window and create some magic! Imagine a bespoke bridal beauty look for your unique…

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- Photographers
- Saratoga Springs, New York
- |
- USA
Hawthorn Photography

I am a documentary wedding photographer drawn to shadow and light, mythology and nature, and the quiet revelations of belonging. I shoot hybrid on film and digital and revel in the true and deep connections of all my couples. My…

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- Photographers
- Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
- |
- USA
Leah Moyers Photography

I can’t wait to meet you. From getting to know you, documenting important moments to the delivery of your images, I’m all in.

Read More
- Portland, Oregon
- |
- USA
Sam Starns Adventure Elopements

PNW based adventure elopement photographer traveling all over the US & beyond to capture a wedding that’s totally ‘you’ – in every way

Read More
- Photographers
- Rhode Island, New England
- |
- USA
Rhode Tripper Photography

Hey there! We’re Meaghan and Evan—best friends, partners in life, dog parents, and the creative duo behind RTP. We believe your wedding photography experience should be fun, stress-free, and 100% affirming of your identities. No stiff poses, no endless photo…

Read More

Ginger Fox Photography

Candid, laid-back, queer destination photographer celebrating LGBTQ+ love, from epic city weddings, to mountaintop elopements.

Read More Ginger Fox Photography
The Organic Moment Photography & Videography

Hey, we’re Liz & Jason, your Elopement Photographer and Videographer, Planners, Guides and all time fun duo!!

Read More The Organic Moment Photography & Videography
Folksy Elopements

I’m Milo– a queer & trans nature-enthusiast with 10+ years experience photographing couples in love. I make elopements that feel like you actually got to live your day—slow, present, and full of the good stuff in between.

Read More Folksy Elopements
Catherine Claire Art

Photography is more than just documenting for me, it is art. Allow me to capture every detail, every intimate moment, and every cinematic still that arises naturally throughout your day with an unobtrusive presence and down-to-earth demeanor.

Read More Catherine Claire Art
LoveLove

LoveLove is a small, queer woman-owned stationery studio. And by small, we mean just a father and daughter duo. He is a printer with over 50 years of printing experience, and she is a brand designer-turned-stationer with a deep love of art, design, and of course, love. Although our craft is paper, our hearts belong to the love story behind the stationery. LoveLove is focused on hearing your story and giving you stationery that truly feels like you.

Read More LoveLove
Thistle + Veil Photography

I’m Kaylee, a PNW wedding + elopement photographer who values connection, providing a safe and affirming space and a judgement free experience, and delivering photos that feel emotional, artful, and cool as hell. I genuinely love to travel, and am available wherever a plane can take me!

Read More Thistle + Veil Photography
Hey Love Studio

We’re Adeline and Valerie, a queer-owned, wife-and-wife photo + video team, and we have been looking forward to your wedding since before you hired us. We show up for the quiet moments and the loud ones.

Read More Hey Love Studio
The Stylist Abroad

We’re a beauty brand that believes in bringing to life your dream look even in lieu of tradition so let’s kick the rule book out the window and create some magic! Imagine a bespoke bridal beauty look for your unique needs and wants to authentically celebrate YOU. It’s not a dream!

Read More The Stylist Abroad
Hawthorn Photography

I am a documentary wedding photographer drawn to shadow and light, mythology and nature, and the quiet revelations of belonging. I shoot hybrid on film and digital and revel in the true and deep connections of all my couples. My soul belongs to the mountains.

Read More Hawthorn Photography
Leah Moyers Photography

I can’t wait to meet you. From getting to know you, documenting important moments to the delivery of your images, I’m all in.

Read More Leah Moyers Photography
Sam Starns Adventure Elopements

PNW based adventure elopement photographer traveling all over the US & beyond to capture a wedding that’s totally ‘you’ – in every way

Read More Sam Starns Adventure Elopements
Rhode Tripper Photography

Hey there! We’re Meaghan and Evan—best friends, partners in life, dog parents, and the creative duo behind RTP. We believe your wedding photography experience should be fun, stress-free, and 100% affirming of your identities. No stiff poses, no endless photo sessions keeping you from the party—just a whole lot of joy, candid moments, and beautiful storytelling through a mix of digital, film, and Polaroid photography.

Read More Rhode Tripper Photography

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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.