Crystal Image Photography virginia wedding photographer serves Richmond, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach and northern virginia wedding markets is LGBTQ friendly wedding photographer
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Tips for Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding: Insights from a Wedding Photographer

9/17/2025

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Tips for Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding: Insights from a Wedding PhotographerPlanning a wedding is an exciting journey, but for LGBTQ+ couples, it can also come with unique considerations. As a wedding photographer who proudly celebrates and supports LGBTQ+ love stories, I’ve had the privilege of documenting so many beautiful unions. Over time, I’ve gathered some helpful tips to make your wedding day not only stress-free but also deeply meaningful and authentic to you.
Whether you’re newly engaged or finalizing details, these insights will help you create a celebration that feels true to your story.

1. Choose LGBTQ+ Friendly VendorsOne of the most important steps in planning your wedding is building a team of vendors who celebrate you. Look for photographers, planners, florists, venues, and officiants who explicitly state that they are LGBTQ+ friendly.
This ensures that your wedding day is filled with love, respect, and joy—not stress or judgment. Many websites such as Equally Wed and Love Inc. Magazine feature vendor directories specifically designed for LGBTQ+ couples.

2. Make Traditions Your OwnYour wedding doesn’t have to follow a script. Want to both walk down the aisle together? Skip the bouquet toss? Mix up your wedding party without worrying about “bridesmaids” or “groomsmen”? Go for it!
As a photographer, some of my favorite moments come from couples who break tradition and create new ones that reflect who they are. These personal touches make your day unforgettable and your photos uniquely yours.

3. Find a Venue That Matches Your VisionFrom elegant ballrooms to rustic barns to city rooftops, your venue should feel like home for your love story. For LGBTQ+ couples, inclusivity is just as important as aesthetics. Don’t be afraid to ask venues about their experience hosting LGBTQ+ weddings and how they support couples.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out resources like WeddingWire LGBTQ+ Venues to start your search.

4. Work with a Photographer Who Gets YouYour wedding photos will be one of the most meaningful keepsakes from your day, so it’s important to work with someone who understands your story and makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
I specialize in guiding couples through natural posing and candid interactions so your photos capture the real connection—not forced or uncomfortable moments. For LGBTQ+ couples, this means creating a space where your love can shine, unapologetically and authentically.
Check out my portfolio to see examples of LGBTQ+ weddings I’ve had the honor to capture.

5. Focus on What Matters MostAt the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love. Don’t get caught up in external expectations or opinions. The most powerful photos I take are the ones where couples are fully present with each other—laughing, crying, and soaking in the joy of the moment.

Final ThoughtsPlanning an LGBTQ+ wedding is an opportunity to celebrate your love story on your terms. Surround yourself with vendors who support you, choose a venue that feels right, and embrace traditions—or create your own. As your photographer, I’ll be there to capture not just the details but the emotions and love that make your day extraordinary.
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    About Crystal

    Crystal Vandegrift is a wedding photographer covering Virginia, D.C. NC and Maryland.

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What Our Clients Are Saying

Pictures were one of my top priorities for my wedding. I spent a lot of time reading through photographers and even contacting some. I was also pretty nervous, I had never been professionally photographed before. Crystal and her team were SO easy to work with and immediately took away the nerves. I trusted her completely and I am so happy I did. Cannot recommend enough!  Ellen - Yorktown VA

If you're looking for an amazing photographer who is relaxed, has experience, and knowledge look no further. Crystal took our engagement and wedding photos. Not only were her photos amazing, but she is extremely responsive to messages and will even help you when planning your big day. It was important to us to work with a photographer who has experience with same sex couples, and Crystal and Casey did a great job capturing everything for my wife and I. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. - Emily - Nellysford, VA

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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Portfolio
    • Weddings
    • LGBTQ Weddings
    • Engagement
    • H.S. Seniors
  • Pricing
    • Weddings >
      • Wedding Collections
      • How To Book
      • FAQ
      • Pros of a First Look
      • The CIP Wedding Experience
      • Client Reviews
      • Wedding Albums
      • Bridal Portraits
      • Vendors & Wedding Planning
    • Engagements
    • H.S. Seniors
  • Videography
  • FAQ
  • Client Login
  • Storefront
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  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Return Policy
  • Wedding Content Creation