Inclusive vendor directory

LGBTQ+ Affirming Wedding Vendors in Iowa

Photographers, planners, officiants and venues across Iowa, from Des Moines to the Driftless. Every vendor here is vetted to be genuinely affirming before they’re listed.

See Iowa vendorsHow we vet every vendor
A Des Moines backyard wedding with lanterns
From A Des Moines Backyard Wedding with Lanterns and S’mores.

Iowa at a glance

Early to equalityIowa said yes in 2009.

3-day waitYour license is valid after three calendar days.

Bring a witnessOne adult witness when you apply.

6 months to pick upBefore an unclaimed license expires.

Vetted vendors serving Iowa

Type of vendor
    • Atlanta, Georgia
    • |
    • USA

    Raven Shutley Studios
    Hey, I’m Raven—story-driven photographer, laid-back human, lover of wildness, connection, and music that feels like hiking in the mountains.
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    • 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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    • Denver, Colorado
    • |
    • USA

    McKenzie Bigliazzi Photography
    I’m McKenzie Bigliazzi (pronounced “Big-lee-ozzy”), and I am a Colorado-based photographer who travels extensively to capture the essence of both intimate and grand moments. I am dedicated to transforming fleeting instances into timeless works of art, without making you feel…
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    • Phoenix, Arizona
    • |
    • USA

    Talia Lynn Photography
    I’m a photographer with a background in literature and a love for stories that sink in deep; the kind that stay with you, not because they’re perfect, but because they’re real.
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    • Seattle, Washington
    • |
    • USA

    Jo Renee Photography
    Hey, babes, I’m Jo. I’m a nonbinary lesbian photographer based in Seattle, documenting queer love in all forms.
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    • Jasper, Georgia
    • |
    • USA

    Colleen Elise Photography
    Hey, I’m Colleen– your photographer, guide, and hype person. I’m currently located in North Georgia and photograph elopements and weddings throughout Georgia, the southeast, and anywhere in the US! I started photographing weddings over 9 years ago, and as cliche…
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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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    • New York City, New York
    • |
    • USA

    The Williamsburg Hotel
    Owned and operated by the hospitality and real estate duo, Toby Moskovitz and Michael Lichtenstein, The Williamsburg Hotel is an elegant boutique hotel located in prime North Brooklyn territory.
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    • Seattle, Washington
    • |
    • USA

    Jamie Buckley Photography
    I love capturing weddings. A lot of the time when people talk about weddings it’s with dread or sarcasm. How overwhelming they are, how stressful they are, how expensive they are. It’s true, they can be all those things, but…
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  • Two women in wedding attire, with one resting her head on the other's shoulder, smiling in a vineyard.
    • Australia
    • |
    • Melbourne, Victoria

    Emily Howlett Photography
    With a ‘storytelling’ approach to photography, Emily’s work is warm, colourful, and relaxed, much like her personality.
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    • Seattle, Washington
    • |
    • USA

    Jenny GG Photography
    Hi, I’m Jenny (she/her). I’ve been photographing weddings in Seattle since 2008. My approach to photography is open, light, and gently prompted, resulting in images that are genuine.
    Read More
    • Canada
    • |
    • Victoria, British Columbia

    Fêtes by Linda
    Fêtes by Linda is a Victoria-based wedding and event planning studio for couples who want their wedding to feel joyful, intentional, and unapologetically them.
    Read More

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Getting married in Iowa

In 2009, Iowa became just the third US state to allow same-sex couples to marry, years ahead of most of the country.

The legal bit

Apply at any Iowa county recorder for a ceremony in Iowa, with one adult witness alongside you. Your license becomes valid after a three-day waiting period. The fee is $35.

Where couples are saying yes

Our couples have celebrated with a Des Moines backyard wedding with lanterns and a Lord of the Rings inspired wedding.

Questions couples ask

When did Iowa legalize same-sex marriage?

In 2009. It was the third US state to do so.

Is there a waiting period in Iowa?

Yes. Your license becomes valid after three calendar days.

Do we need a witness to apply?

Yes. One adult witness must come with you when you apply.

Legal details last checked October 2026 against the Hancock County Recorder. Rules and fees can vary by county.

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Affirming wedding pro in Iowa?

Get in front of couples planning their Iowa wedding.

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