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
- Bozeman, Montana
- |
- USA
David Clumpner

Hi there, my name is David. I’m based in Montana and I photograph across the U.S. and the world. I specialize in a candid/photojournalistic approach for people who value authentic, raw, and emotional imagery.

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

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

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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…

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- Australia
- |
- Melbourne, Victoria
Kyra Boyer Photography

Kyra captures your wedding’s vibrant moments in Melbourne and beyond in joyful, candid photography for colorful and relaxed couples.

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David Clumpner

Hi there, my name is David. I’m based in Montana and I photograph across the U.S. and the world. I specialize in a candid/photojournalistic approach for people who value authentic, raw, and emotional imagery.

Read More David Clumpner
Boogie Lights Creative Photography

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

Read More Boogie Lights Creative Photography
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
Kyra Boyer Photography

Kyra captures your wedding’s vibrant moments in Melbourne and beyond in joyful, candid photography for colorful and relaxed couples.

Read More Kyra Boyer 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.