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

- 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

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- Around the World
- |
- New York City, New York
- |
- USA
Kris Averi

Kris Averi handcrafts fine jewelry and custom designs. Their unique pieces are inspired by nature’s beauty and are designed for resilience

Read More
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- |
- USA
Eric Turner Photography

Eric Turner Photography is a Minneapolis based wedding photographer focused on creating an honest, relaxed, and timeless experience.

Read More
- Centerton, Arkansas
- |
- USA
Captured by Q. LLC

Hi there, I’m Que! I’m a nonbinary photographer based out of AR. My journey into this world starts with a younger version of myself whose imagination was too big to contain. I wrote stories and drew pictures about dragons, friendships,…

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- New York City, New York
- |
- USA
Molly Adams Photography

We photograph weddings on film and digital, and make wedding films on Super 8 and camcorder. The result looks like your parents’ wedding album and the home movies you grew up watching.

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- Canada
- |
- Montreal, Quebec
Hotel Monville

Hotel Monville, Ideally located, is perfectly located for your honeymoon in the heart of Montreal and a short distance from Quartier des spectacles.

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- Photographers
- Phoenix, Arizona
- |
- USA
Andrea Michelle Photography

I’m a travel wedding and branding photographer serving Washington, Arizona, and anywhere the light is pretty. My main mission? Helping you stay as grounded and confident as possible!

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- Photographers
- New York City, New York
- |
- USA
Mae Krell Photo

Hi, I’m Mae, and I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. I’m a nomadic photographer and storyteller with roots in Brooklyn, always ready to follow love wherever it leads.

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- Elopements
- |
- Venues
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- |
- USA
The Court of Two Sisters

The Court of Two Sisters is a restaurant and wedding venue located in New Orleans, LA.

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- Around the World
- |
- Bali
Bisma Eight

Bisma Eight Ubud, Bali offers boutique suites and villas nestled within the natural and cultural heart of central Bali. With roots in both artisan heritage and the craft of modern luxury, Bisma Eight redefines what it means to stay in…

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- Denver, Colorado
- |
- Norway
- |
- USA
Nina Reed Photography

I photograph weddings and elopements in Colorado and Norway for couples who value the moments and memories even more than the photos—whether your wedding day is spent adventuring alone in the mountains or celebrating with all your favorite people at…

Read More
- Photographers
- Chicago, Illinois
- |
- USA
Boogie Lights Creative Photography

Chicago based Creative Photographer specializing in weddings, events, performances and portraits.

Read More

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
Kris Averi

Kris Averi handcrafts fine jewelry and custom designs. Their unique pieces are inspired by nature’s beauty and are designed for resilience

Read More Kris Averi
Eric Turner Photography

Eric Turner Photography is a Minneapolis based wedding photographer focused on creating an honest, relaxed, and timeless experience.

Read More Eric Turner Photography
Captured by Q. LLC

Hi there, I’m Que! I’m a nonbinary photographer based out of AR. My journey into this world starts with a younger version of myself whose imagination was too big to contain. I wrote stories and drew pictures about dragons, friendships, exploring. As I aged, my writing shifted from an innocent imagination to figuring out how to cope with lessons on “growing up.” A gracious space to let my thoughts and feelings roam free, without judgement.

Read More Captured by Q. LLC
Molly Adams Photography

We photograph weddings on film and digital, and make wedding films on Super 8 and camcorder. The result looks like your parents’ wedding album and the home movies you grew up watching.

Read More Molly Adams Photography
Hotel Monville

Hotel Monville, Ideally located, is perfectly located for your honeymoon in the heart of Montreal and a short distance from Quartier des spectacles.

Read More Hotel Monville
Andrea Michelle Photography

I’m a travel wedding and branding photographer serving Washington, Arizona, and anywhere the light is pretty. My main mission? Helping you stay as grounded and confident as possible!

Read More Andrea Michelle Photography
Mae Krell Photo

Hi, I’m Mae, and I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. I’m a nomadic photographer and storyteller with roots in Brooklyn, always ready to follow love wherever it leads.

Read More Mae Krell Photo
The Court of Two Sisters

The Court of Two Sisters is a restaurant and wedding venue located in New Orleans, LA.

Read More The Court of Two Sisters
Bisma Eight

Bisma Eight Ubud, Bali offers boutique suites and villas nestled within the natural and cultural heart of central Bali. With roots in both artisan heritage and the craft of modern luxury, Bisma Eight redefines what it means to stay in Ubud.

Read More Bisma Eight
Nina Reed Photography

I photograph weddings and elopements in Colorado and Norway for couples who value the moments and memories even more than the photos—whether your wedding day is spent adventuring alone in the mountains or celebrating with all your favorite people at a venue. As long as you’re excited about how you’re getting married, I’m stoked to capture it!

Read More Nina Reed Photography
Boogie Lights Creative Photography

Chicago based Creative Photographer specializing in weddings, events, performances and portraits.

Read More Boogie Lights Creative Photography

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.