LGBTQIA+ wedding photos—I live and breathe them. As a queer photographer, there’s nothing that brings me more joy than capturing the love of amazing couples like you. But, if you’ve never hired a professional before, let alone for a wedding, you might wonder what these photos could look like. Spoiler alert: There are so many possibilities, and we can get pretty creative to take beautiful shots that tell your love story.

This article provides some queer wedding photo ideas for you and your partner to consider. Try them as-is, or put your unique spin on them to make them feel more like you.

1. Private Dance

One way couples can create more intimacy during their wedding day is to have a private dance. Whether it’s your first dance or the final one after everyone’s gone home for the night, this is a fantastic opportunity to capture the sweet, loving moment. Think foreheads touching and soft smiles on your lips. Or think of a full-on dance party. Whatever your style is, it’ll make for the perfect shot!

2. Laying On the Ground

There’s something so beautiful about lying face up in the grass or on a blanket, touching heads with your partner. This photo idea can also help you center yourselves and feel more grounded. Keep in mind that this pose only works if you have a grassy area near your wedding venue or photoshoot area. 

3. First Look Photos

Not everyone chooses to do a first look—and that’s totally okay. But, if you and your partner want to keep that element of surprise, this is the perfect opportunity to capture your genuine reactions full of love, astonishment, excitement, and all the other emotions that come with this special moment.

4. Getting Ready Together

If you’re an LGBTQIA+ couple, you might like the idea of doing some things a little differently. Why wouldn’t you want to get ready for this big day with the person you love most? Taking “getting ready together” photos can serve as a visual reminder of the excitement and anticipation you felt before the moment you said “I do.”

5. Taking A Break Together

I’m a huge advocate for taking time to yourselves, even on your wedding day. It’s essential to stay in tune with each other—you’re there to celebrate your love story and connection, after all. Whether you decide to take a walk around the venue grounds or step outside for some fresh air, these candid moments can make for some of your favorite photos down the road. 

6. The Lift Kiss

A classic but a goodie. If you are able and comfortable, one partner can lift the other in the air as you go in for a kiss. This often gets the most beautiful reactions out of couples, from wide smiles to uncontrollable laughter. It’s a fun little pose that we can do almost anywhere—during your photoshoot, on the dance floor, or really anywhere else. You choose!

7. Pride Flag

LGBTQIA+ flags are popular for queer wedding photos. You can smile in front of them, hold them, or do silly poses with them. Not only is this a way to express yourself, but it also provides the perfect prop for a vibrant photo that will make you smile for years to come.

8. Include Your Family and Friends

When it comes to having a queer wedding, sometimes your family will be there, and other times it will be your chosen family who supports you. If your support network, regardless of who they are, holds a special place in your heart, consider photos that capture the essence of your connection to them. This can be individual photos with each person to tell the story of your unique relationship. Or, this can look like wide-angle photos of you and your partner with your guests behind you.

9. Use The Sun

The sun has always offered a stunning backdrop for photography. Whether it’s the calm sunrise or dramatic sunset, we can take a moment outdoors to capture the glow on your faces, contrasting shadows of your bodies, or just simple poses with an unforgettable view.

10. Themed Photos

What are you and your partner particularly passionate about? Whether you have a favorite shared book, movie, or game or love other kinds of characters or themes, consider incorporating these into your wedding photos. The sky’s the limit here. Think swords, fairies, witch hats, vintage outfits, capes, or literally anything else under the sun. These photos are not just unique; they speak to your personalities and fun sides.

11. Bike Ride

Bikes have always been cute. Whether it’s a tandem bike or two individual ones, we can take photos of you and your partner riding together as a symbol of your journey in life. It’s a fun way to capture your natural smiles and laughs on camera while doing something memorable that you’ll want to look back on forever.

12. Capture Your Culture

If you and your partner have strong ties to your cultures, this can be beautiful in your wedding photos. Whether you wear traditional cultural outfits or incorporate other symbolism through props or backgrounds, the images are bound to come out with meaningful elements that you and your partner can cherish.

13. Night Sky Photos

The night sky offers a jaw-dropping backdrop for wedding photos. There are endless possibilities: We can capture your silhouettes, you and your partner holding lanterns, or the two of you sharing a kiss. These can be magical photos that also offer an intimate moment for you and your love to remember.

14. Incorporate Water

If you have the opportunity to take photos near a lake, pond, or stream, this can make for stunning photographs. We can get creative with reflections or capture your fun sides with you and your partner in the water together.

Tips for Posing 

As a photographer who works mainly with LGBTQIA+ couples, I understand that the idea of photoshoots can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never done them before. To help you get camera-ready, keep the following tips in mind:

• Think about your relationship dynamic: What elements of your connection mean the most to you? How can you bring this to your photoshoot?
• Think about the environments that make you most comfortable: When you feel comfortable in your environment, you’ll feel more natural when taking photos.
• Think about your day-to-day interactions: You don’t have to pose dramatically to get beautiful photos. The best shots often involve your natural, day-to-day interactions, like how you kiss or hold each other.
• Have Fun: When it isn’t photoshoot time, your photographer will likely be hard at work capturing all the special moments on your wedding day. Your only job? Have fun, enjoy the atmosphere, and feel the love. Us photographers can handle the rest.

Capture Your Beautiful Memories With Me

My hope is that this article will give you and our partner some ideas about the endless possibilities for your wedding photos. Whether you use them as-is or see them as a jumping-off point, take time to jot down your favorites. 

No matter what your visions are, you’ll need a professional photographer to help bring them to life—and that’s where I come in! Reach out to me today to book me for your wedding—I can’t wait to meet you and hear about all your creative ideas!

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