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
    • Chicago, Illinois
    • |
    • USA

    Kate Scott Photography
    Kate Scott Photography is a woman and queer-owned business, providing a completely inclusive, joyful, and colorful experience from start to finish!
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    • Portland, Oregon
    • |
    • USA

    Muffcake Manor
    Muffcake Manor is a boutique wedding stationery studio led by illustrator and designer Adrienne Browning, where every piece is crafted with intention, heart, and a touch of old-world romance. Rooted in the Pacific Northwest but serving couples around the world,…
    Read More
    • New York City, New York
    • |
    • USA

    Arlo SoHo
    Arlo SoHo is located in SoHo just north of Tribeca. Arlo SoHo offers thoughtfully designed guest rooms that combine flexible, modern furniture with efficient storage spaces and a range of play full touches. Plus, all the amenities you need to…
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  • Close-up of two rings with large central gemstones, one blue and one brown, surrounded by smaller diamonds set in gold bands.
    • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • |
    • USA

    Emily Chelsea Jewelry
    Emily Chelsea Jewelry, are an online retail store that specializes in creating unique and custom engagement and wedding rings. We want your jewelry to uniquely reflect who you are, what you stand for and what you find beautiful. We seek…
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  • A green wedding stationery set with white tropical floral cut-outs and event details in a light font.
    • Australia
    • |
    • Melbourne, Victoria

    Stitch Press
    A team of designers with a wealth of experience in creating beautifully crafted, affordable, letterpress wedding & engagement stationery
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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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    • 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
    • Asheville, North Carolina
    • |
    • USA

    Laura Sparks Photography
    Hey, I’m Laura Sparks and I specialize in elopements and intimate weddings because I 1000% believe it’s the best way to get married! (Like, for real! My wife and I eloped in Olympic National Park in Sept ’23!) I seriously…
    Read More
    • Rockville, Maryland
    • |
    • USA

    Married by Miller Officiating
    Married by Miller Officiating is a one woman celebrancy business owned by Joanna Miller. A Washington, DC area native who lived in Australia for four years, Joanna specializes in creating custom ceremonies for couples from different religious, cultural and racial…
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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…
    Read More
    • Chicago, Illinois
    • |
    • USA

    Rya Photographie
    It’s just you, the love of your life, and a handful of your closest friends and family, celebrating your love, your commitment, and the life you want to build together.
    Read More
    • Troy, New York
    • |
    • USA

    Milestones by Miri
    I create and perform ceremonies and rituals of all varieties. In the process of getting to know people, from newborns and their families to nearlyweds to actively dying folks, I craft celebrations of life’s meaningful moments, both big and small.
    Read More

  • Muffcake Manor

    Muffcake Manor is a boutique wedding stationery studio led by illustrator and designer Adrienne Browning, where every piece is crafted with intention, heart, and a touch of old-world romance. Rooted in the Pacific Northwest but serving couples around the world, the studio specializes in bespoke wedding invitations that feel less like paper goods and more like heirloom keepsakes. The kind of pieces families tuck into albums, frame on walls, and revisit long after the celebration ends.

  • Arlo SoHo

    Arlo SoHo is located in SoHo just north of Tribeca. Arlo SoHo offers thoughtfully designed guest rooms that combine flexible, modern furniture with efficient storage spaces and a range of play full touches. Plus, all the amenities you need to make it your perfect NYC honeymoon home base in the city.

  • Emily Chelsea Jewelry

    Emily Chelsea Jewelry, are an online retail store that specializes in creating unique and custom engagement and wedding rings. We want your jewelry to uniquely reflect who you are, what you stand for and what you find beautiful. We seek to always source as responsibly and ethically as possible—whether that means using recycled or Fair-mind gold, recycled and post-consumer diamonds, or Montana sourced or lab-grown gems.

  • 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.

  • Laura Sparks Photography

    Hey, I’m Laura Sparks and I specialize in elopements and intimate weddings because I 1000% believe it’s the best way to get married! (Like, for real! My wife and I eloped in Olympic National Park in Sept ’23!) I seriously have the best job ever because I get to help lovers create a day that is authentic, where you can completely be yourselves, and have the best damn day EVER. From location and vendor recommendations, to creating the perfect timeline for you, I’ve got you covered!

  • 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.

  • Milestones by Miri

    I create and perform ceremonies and rituals of all varieties. In the process of getting to know people, from newborns and their families to nearlyweds to actively dying folks, I craft celebrations of life’s meaningful moments, both big and small.

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

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

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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