Top Places for LGBTQ+ Couples to Get Married in the Midwest (Cities and Venues)

Elopements, Resources, Weddings

March 1, 2024

Many of you might already know about the work I do, but in case you’re new here: Hi, my name is Anna, and I’m a queer elopement and wedding photographer who works predominantly with LGBTQIA+ couples. I want to make wedding and elopement spaces safer, more comfortable, and inclusive for all you beautiful people wanting to get married.

One question I often get asked is: what are the best places to get married for LGBTQIA+ couples in the Midwest? As someone from this region myself, I decided to put together a list of cities and venues to keep on your radar, whether you’re planning a wedding or elopement.

Table of Contents

Overview of The Midwest and the LGBTQIA+ Landscape

Before we dive into specific cities and venues for LGBTQIA+ couples, let’s set the record straight about the states that make up the Midwest:

  • Minnesota
  • Indiana
  • Illinois
  • Wisconsin
  • Nebraska
  • Kansas
  • Ohio
  • Michigan
  • North and South Dakota
  • Missouri
  • Kentucky
  • Iowa

So, which of these are the most LGBTQ+-friendly states? According to the Movement Advancement Project, this is how the Midwest shapes up in terms of overall policy support for queer folks: 

Note: From best to worst, the scale ranks policies with the following categories: high, medium, fair, low, and negative.

  • Illinois: High overall policies.
  • Minnesota: High overall policies.
  • Wisconsin: Fair overall policies.
  • Iowa: Fair overall policies.
  • Michigan: Fair overall policies.
  • Nebraska: Low overall policies.
  • Kentucky: Low overall policies.
  • Kansas: Low overall policies.
  • Ohio: Low overall policies.
  • North Dakota: Low overall policies.
  • South Dakota: Negative overall policies.
  • Missouri: Negative overall policies.
  • Indiana: Negative overall policies.

One thing to remember is that this ranking system only considers the policies in place, not public attitudes. While public opinions can largely influence policies and laws because we vote for the people making these decisions, it does not reflect the views of everyone who lives there. 

So, for example, while Minnesota is generally considered safe for LGBTQIA+ people, there are still areas that lean more conservative and people who have discriminatory views. On the flip side, while Ohio scores lower in policies, safe pockets for queer folks do still exist. 

With that said, let’s jump into some of the best cities and venues in the Midwest for LGBTQIA+ folks to get married in.

Best Cities in the Midwest for LGBTQ+ Couples to Get Married

Queer couple having their first look at their wedding.

LGBTQIA+-friendly cities in the US are usually marked by vibrant queer communities, lots of community resources, and establishments geared towards inclusive and safe environments.

The following cities are known for being queer-affirming. As I said before, keep in mind that, like anywhere, just because these cities are known to be safe and comfortable for LGBTQIA+ folks doesn’t mean negative experiences don’t exist.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is known to have a vibrant queer community, which makes it a good option for couples wanting to get married in the Midwest. The Northalsted neighborhood, also known as Boystown, is the first officially recognized gay village in the country. Getting married here means you’ll likely have an easier time finding queer-friendly vendors and feeling more comfortable in your surroundings.

Des Moines, Iowa

This Iowa city scored high on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2023 Municipal Equality Index. It has a tight-knit queer scene, with lots of gay-friendly businesses and neighborhoods. Because of the general support for the LGBTQIA+ community in this city, couples like you can feel comfortable getting married here. 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis has an excellent reputation for celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. Most public opinions agree that this city is welcoming, with many queer-affirming establishments that make it feel safe and comfortable. I also have lots of first-hand experience here—so I can point you to some of the best spots for LGBTQIA+ couples.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This Wisconsin city is the largest gay-friendly hub in the state. It scores 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Municipality Equality Index and offers many diverse institutions, communities, and resources to help queer folks to feel welcomed. For LGBTQIA+ couples getting married, Milwaukee provides an array of unique venues and queer-friendly vendors.

Cincinnati, Ohio

While Ohio is known for its poor LGBTQIA+-friendly policies, Cincinnati is a welcoming city with a growing reputation for acceptance, a vibrant community, and a range of organizations, bars, and queer-owned businesses waiting for you with open arms. It also scores 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Municipality Equality Index.

Bayfield, Wisconsin

While it’s a small town, Bayfield has a big heart for the LGBTQIA+ community. Known for its stunning natural beauty along Lake Superior, this town offers a picturesque backdrop for weddings and elopements while providing a safe, inclusive queer bubble for folks getting married.

Best Venues for LGBTQ+ Couples Getting Married in the Midwest

LGBTQ+ couple dancing in their chosen venue at their wedding.

Sometimes, it can be challenging to gauge which venues are LGBTQIA+-friendly. To find the best ones, I recommend browsing the venue’s website, social media, and other marketing assets to see if they provide any visible queer representation. This visibility can come in the form of showcasing LGBTQIA+ couples or making clear statements about inclusivity. If you’re still unsure, consider inquiring directly.

To help you out, I looked through the websites and social media accounts of various venues across the Midwest and put together a list of spots worth checking out for queer couples like you getting married.

I find that many existing resources simply list LGBTQ+-friendly wedding venues without saying why they’re on the list. Because of this lack of “why,” I researched a bunch of spots and put them under my “microscope” to confirm the presence of LGBTQIA+ representation and support—I only want to make recommendations that will make you beautiful humans feel safe and comfortable!

Small Grand Things, West Point (Iowa)

This LGBTQ+ and women-owned venue in Iowa is full of charm and is the perfect place for a ceremony. Small Grand Things stands for everything I do: Open and honest communication, sustainability, and safe and inclusive spaces. They make these commitments clear on their website. They also feature many queer couples on their Instagram, affirming their mission to celebrate all diverse love stories.

The Stone House at Silver Creek, Richmond (Kentucky)

The Stone House at Silver Creek is a queer and women-owned wedding venue in Kentucky committed to providing a space for all humans. It is also a Certified LGBTE® company! This spot, located on 51 acres, features a historic three-story mansion that dates back to 1790—and there are overnight accommodation options. The Stone House at Silver Creek makes strong statements about inclusion and safety right on their homepage, which is reassuring for queer couples. Their Instagram also features lots of LGBTQIA+ representation.

Villanelle, Chicago (Illinois)

Villanelle is the first queer-owned venue in the area. It aims to be Chicago’s premier LGBTQIA+ event destination, providing an inclusive space for all celebrations, including weddings. It goes without saying—as a queer-owned space geared towards queer folks, everything about their website and social media accounts screams “You are welcome here.”

The Joinery, Chicago (Illinois)

The Joinery is an excellent place for LGBTQIA+ couples in Chicago to get married. The venue is a former woodworking shop and offers a unique rustic space with a lot of aesthetic appeal. They even have accommodations available! The Joinery is a Green Wedding Alliance vendor, meaning they are committed to environmentally and socially responsible practices. After scrolling through their Instagram, it’s clear that they fully embrace the LGBTQIA+ community, with their feed featuring queer couples getting married and posts celebrating Pride.

INDUSTRY, Indianapolis (Indiana)

INDUSTRY offers a unique space for queer couples to get married in Indiana—and they’re loud about their commitment to uplifting the community. They advertise their LGBTQIA+-friendliness on their website and social media accounts. Their Instagram, in particular, features queer couples. They’ve also made statements saying they are proud to support all love.

The Neu Neu, Minneapolis (Minnesota)

I’ve shot many queer weddings at The Neu Neu. This venue does a wonderful job of promoting inclusivity and sustainability—both are part of their core values. They also have gender-neutral bathrooms and gender-neutral getting-ready areas. The ceremony space provides an open and airy feel, and they offer different studios that promise good lighting for photo opportunities. 

Both their website and social media do an excellent job of representing diverse couples, making this the perfect place to welcome all people getting married.

Castle Farms, Charlevoix (Michigan)

Located in Charlevoix, Michigan, this breathtaking venue features stone buildings, beautiful gardens, and an all-around magical atmosphere. Castle Farms has distinct spaces for ceremonies and receptions. After scrolling through their social media accounts, I saw lots of good queer representation.

Carbon Creek Event Venue, Pittsburg (Kansas)

Carbon Creek is a hidden gem of a venue in Pittsburg, Kansas, featuring a beautiful venue with mirrored ceilings. The company has a non-discrimination policy on its website, stating that it is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all. According to the listing on the Everywhere is Queer resource, the venue also has gender-neutral restrooms.

The Sanctuary on Neil, Columbus (Ohio)

The Sanctuary on Neil offers a unique vintage space in a historic building for queer couples looking to tie the knot in Columbus. Their website gallery and Instagram feature many LGBTQIA+ couples who got married in their space, affirming their welcoming and inclusive stance as a venue.

Final Thoughts

Many places in the Midwest are worth exploring for LGBTQIA+ couples planning a wedding or elopement. My intention is for this article to shed light on the queer-affirming spots that deserve attention. As a part of the LGBTQIA+ community myself, I think it’s important to have quality information available about places like this—especially when it comes to choosing a city or venue for your celebration of love. 

If you’re looking for queer-friendly venues for your wedding or elopement, chances are you also want a photographer who will embrace your identities and love story with open arms—and this is where I come in! I’m committed to providing an inclusive, unforgettable experience for all the couples I work with. Aside from capturing your big day, I can provide recommendations and advice about finding queer-friendly venues and vendors.

Reach out to me today—I can’t wait to meet you!

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