Best LGBTQ Wedding Photography 2023 – Same-Sex Marriage
Above is a unique shot: Taken at Islington Town Hall in London, the couple are oblivious to their photographer’s presence. They are so ‘in the moment’ – how it should be!
**I take same-sex weddings predominantly in London, Bristol and South Wales**
There are more comprehensive FAQs on my Wedding Photography FAQs page…
I like to be at the front to capture all the excitement a gay/LGBTQ wedding inspires. At the point of marriage, these newlyweds can hardly contain themselves.
Same-sex Wedding Photography FAQs
Q. WHEN CAN WE BOOK OUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY WITH YOU?
A. It’s nine years since the law changed regarding gay wedding ceremonies. From March 29th 2014, gay or LGBT/LGBTQ/LGBTQ+ weddings became legal in the UK.
Thankfully I can freely take gay wedding photography bookings in London, Cardiff, Bristol and throughout the UK. So please get in touch to discuss.
So in love: I loved the natural passion in this portrait so much that I used it for the feature image at the top. I took it at Southwark Register Office.
Q. LESBIAN AND GAY WEDDINGS ARE FAIRLY NEW TO THE UK. ARE LGBTQ+ WEDDING TRADITIONS THE SAME?
A. Gay wedding traditions are as similar as you want them to be. Some practices are gender-specific. Therefore, traditions such as the couple walking down the aisle to meet the other at the altar may not be appropriate. Of course, if you want to do this, that’s fine.
Otherwise, the couple may walk down the aisle together or sometimes two aisles may be organised.
Similarly, no one will expect a male to toss a garter (unless he wants to and has a garter handy!) I think it’s important to organise the day as you want it and not worry too much about what’s gone before. LGBT weddings are still relatively new to the UK, so have fun with your ideas…
With gay weddings, the traditions can primarily be the same with adaptations, including introducing the cutting of the Gay Pride flag-inspired rainbow cake.
Q. WE WERE THINKING OF HAVING AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION. CAN YOU PROVIDE THIS?
A. Yes, I’d love to! I have a whole page dedicated to engagement photography. All the information applies to booking a photographer for your gay wedding too.
Engagement shoots are an excellent way for us to get acquainted and for you to feel comfortable in front of the camera. The cities of London, Cardiff and Bristol provide a wealth of opportunity and backdrops for your pre-wedding shoot.
I can also provide a guest book featuring the best of your engagement photos for your guests to write in. It offers a unique keepsake for your day.
I love overview shots, and this one shows pretty much everything that’s going on at the same-sex wedding in London.
Q. WHICH AREAS DO YOU COVER APART FROM CARDIFF? CAN YOU TRAVEL FAR?
A. Most of my weddings are London, Cardiff and Bristol-based. I am located between London and Cardiff and can easily cover South Wales, the South East and the home counties. However, if you are having your LGBT wedding further afield, by all means, get in touch to discuss.
A first kiss, then a hug. I framed the newly-wedded couple on the right to feature their guests clapping, giving more context to the shot.
Q. HOW LONG CAN WE BOOK YOU FOR ON THE DAY?
A. You can book me for as little or as long as you like. Like all my weddings, you can book me from the morning preparations right through to the evening and first dance and beyond.
Contact me by one of the methods below, and I can help you work out how much time you think you’ll need. You can always change this later.
Sometimes I’m allowed to photograph the actual signing. Many London Boroughs allow this. However, Cardiff and Bristol do not.
Wedding of Up to 5 Hours?>> Find Out How I Approach Short-Wedding Days Here!
A staged signing of the wedding register shot: Some registrars object to the photography of the actual signing, instead opting to set up a ‘dummy’ register.
Why Not?>> Build Your Own Bespoke Gay Wedding Photography Package.
This gay wedding was at a register office in London – the beautiful light enabled some fantastic group photography in the ceremony room.
Delighted with the Results…
We found Guy’s portfolio on the Internet and, despite the short notice, he made himself available to cover our wedding at Islington Town Hall and a reception in Crouch End. We were delighted with the results. We didn’t want too many formal shots, but instead we wanted – and we found – someone who could capture the spirit of the moment and leave us with images that we will treasure for a very long time. Guy worked in an extremely discrete way, and took great pains to ensure that he caught great shots of all of our guests. We have no hesitation in recommending him to people who aren’t quite sure precisely what they want, but are happy to leave a professional photographer to record the day as he sees fit.
– Martin & Stephen
Capturing expression is everything for the wedding photographer. One of the brides is quite clearly in the moment - the way it should be at her LGBT wedding.
Q. DO YOU PROVIDE CIVIL PARTNERSHIP CONVERSION PHOTOGRAPHY?
A. Yes! Since gay weddings became legal, converting a civil partnership into a marriage has become very popular. I'm happy to photograph these as I would any wedding or event.
Some venues allow confetti for gay wedding photography shots. I shot a lovely sequence at this small wedding in London.
Q. ARE WE ABLE TO MEET WITH YOU BEFORE BOOKING?
A. Yes, and as your potential photographer, I think it is a good idea for us to meet first, but not crucial. Whether we click with each other or not is equally important as if you like my photography. Talking through your day and swapping ideas in a mutual environment, such as a coffee shop, is an excellent idea.
We can also meet at the venue if you prefer that. As I'm based near Cardiff, meeting engaged gay couples in South Wales is most convenient. I'm often in London, so we can meet there when I'm in the city.
Same-Sex Wedding London & Cardiff Photography Bookings
Please email me, fill in the form below or phone 07947 613070 any time
to discuss your LGBT+/gay wedding photography in London/Cardiff/Bristol requirements and arrange a meeting!
Q. AND IF WE WANT TO BOOK YOU, WHEN IS OUR BOOKING SECURED?
A. The booking is made on receipt of a 20% deposit of the agreed fee and signature of the contract. Then the date is in my diary, and I will take no other work that day.
I like everything to be as simple as possible for you, so I'll send through a questionnaire to fill in and include all the finer details.
The Grooms enter the wedding breakfast: The happiness on their faces says it all!
Q. HOW WILL YOU EDIT OUR PHOTOGRAPHS? CAN WE CHOOSE?
A. I'll process your LGBT/gay wedding photographs in a mixture of colour and black and white as I think suits the image. There are numerous examples of my photographic style throughout my site so have a good look through. If there's a style you like or one you're not very keen on, please feel free to tell me. I welcome all feedback.
Q. DO YOU PROVIDE ANY PRINTED MEDIA OF OUR WEDDING?
A. An item popular with couples is my 100-page hard-back professionally press-printed Wedding Coffee Table Book, featuring the best of your wedding photography in London or Cardiff.
If we meet before booking, I'll bring a sample book for you to see. Your images come with a licence to print and distribute for personal use.
This wedding reception was in the classy Hutong Restaurant in the Shard. Here the guests toast the couple during the speeches.
Four of My Favourite Gay-Friendly Wedding Venues:
The Old Marylebone Town Hall in Westminster.
Stoke Newington Town Hall, Hackney.
Further Reading for LGBTQ Couples>> Information on Same-Sex Marriage Rights
After the speeches, Sharon and Kath hug passionately. A shot that shows off the love between two people is what my photography is all about.
Best Gay Wedding Photographers London & Cardiff - Guy Milnes Photography.
I work between London & South Wales, and I take LGBT/gay wedding photography bookings in London. Bristol, Cardiff and South Wales.
I cover all of South Wales, including Cardiff, Caerphilly, Swansea, Newport, Neath, Pontypridd, Cwmbran, Abergavenny and Penarth.
A lovely, natural portrait: Not set up and taken at the wedding reception, this shows some of the couple's personalities.
