LGBTQ-Friendly Wedding Venues in the US: Your Complete Guide
Editor:
Olena Kosonogova
Author:
Olena Kosonogova
Olena Kosonogova (she/her), is PR Manager and a writer at Fiorry. Olena has a background as a psychologist and social work specialist, offering her a distinct viewpoint in her position. She effectively oversees public relations and produces insightful content. Based on her experience, she has a unique insight into human interaction and the significance of effective communication. When not busy with her profession, Olena loves her free time and balancing it out with tennis, taking her out and about, and a game of good chess that will challenge the mind.
Key Takeaways
Finding LGBTQ-friendly wedding venues in the US can feel like searching for a unicorn. But here’s the good news: these venues exist.
The wedding industry has come a long way since marriage equality became law in 2015, but not all wedding day venues are created equal. Some slap a rainbow flag on their website and call it a day.
Others have genuinely thought through what inclusive means, from intake forms that acknowledge all gender identities to photographers who know how to beautifully capture two brides, two grooms, or couples who don’t fit binary boxes.
But before we explore them…
What Actually Makes a Wedding Venue LGBTQ-Friendly
Before we dive into specific venues, let’s talk about what separates truly inclusive spaces from those just checking diversity boxes.
A genuinely LGBTQ-friendly venue doesn’t make you feel like you’re their first queer couple (even if you’re not). Their contracts use neutral language like “Partner A” and “Partner B” or “Couple” instead of “Bride” and “Groom.” Their intake forms have space for pronouns and chosen names.
The staff has been trained—actually trained, not just told “be nice”—on LGBTQ cultural competency. They don’t bat an eye at two-bride bridal suites or ask invasive questions about your relationship or sexual orientation.
They’ve worked with same-sex couples before, and they can show you photos from previous LGBTQ weddings without frantically scrolling through their portfolio. If you’re planning a wedding in San Francisco, connecting with the local trans community through TS San Francisco networks can provide valuable insights about which venues truly walk the walk.
Their recommended vendors list includes LGBTQ-owned businesses and providers experienced with diverse couples. They don’t flinch when you mention wanting two wedding dresses or two tuxes. If you’re trans couples, they understand you might need flexibility around gendered spaces like getting-ready rooms or bathrooms. They get that nonbinary folks might want a ceremony that doesn’t follow traditional scripts about “man and wife.”
Top LGBTQ-friendly Marriage Venues for Nonbinary & Trans Couples
Park Winters — Winters, California
27850 County Road 26, Winters, CA 95694
Park Winters is a one-of-a-kind LGBTQ-owned estate featuring lush gardens, a historic Victorian Inn, and a chic white barn on an organic farm. Located about 30 minutes from Sacramento, this venue doesn’t just say they’re LGBTQ-friendly—they’re LGBTQ-owned and operated, which means the understanding of what you need goes beyond surface-level accommodation.
The property offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options across all seasons, which is clutch for California’s varied weather. All packages include 10-hour exclusive use of the full property, meaning you’re not sharing your special day with random tourists or other events. The in-house catering means one less vendor’s relationship to navigate, and they’re experienced in creating menus that work for diverse dietary needs and preferences.
For those exploring California’s vibrant LGBTQ wedding scene or want to find trans girls near me, nearby areas like San Jose TS communities often share vendor recommendations and insights. You can also use our trans dating app to connect with people who know these communities inside out.
The Hive on Hubbard — Chicago, Illinois
746 N Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Built in 1872, The Hive on Hubbard is one of Chicago’s oldest surviving structures that’s been lovingly restored with an ultra-cool vintage-industrial vibe.
This LGBTQ-owned venue in Chicago’s River North neighborhood brings serious character—exposed brick, original hardwood, and an enormous skylight that runs the length of the main event room.
What stands out is their BYO catering policy, which gives you total control over your menu and lets you work with caterers who understand your specific needs—whether that’s kosher, halal, vegan, or just really good tacos.
The venue’s central location makes it accessible for guests, and Chicago’s public transit means nobody needs to drive. If you’re building your life in Chicago, trans dating Chicago connects you with the local community that can share real experiences about planning weddings here.
Imperia Lake Union — Seattle, Washington
2303 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103
This 1927 Art Deco gem—rumored to have been a Prohibition-era speakeasy—has been transformed into a welcoming LGBTQ-owned event space in Seattle’s Lake Union neighborhood. The venue screams Pacific Northwest cool with its original architectural details and waterfront location.
The in-house catering means less coordination stress, and their team is experienced with accommodating diverse guest needs. The Art Deco aesthetic photographs beautifully, which matters when you’re capturing your day.
For those navigating Seattle’s dating and social scene, trans Seattle platforms help you connect with locals who can recommend everything from the best wedding photographers to which florists truly understand queer aesthetics.
EIGHT4NINE Restaurant and Lounge — Palm Springs, California
849 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Set in the Uptown Design District of Palm Springs, this LGBTQ-owned venue is equal parts comfort and luxury. Palm Springs has long been an LGBTQ haven, and EIGHT4NINE embodies that welcoming energy. They offer several beautiful indoor and outdoor event spaces perfect for exclusive gatherings, giving you options whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a larger celebration.
What makes Palm Springs weddings particularly special is the city’s deeply rooted LGBTQ culture. You’re not explaining yourself or your relationship; you’re just another couple celebrating love in a place that’s been doing this for decades.
The weather is reliably gorgeous (though summer gets brutally hot), and there are countless LGBTQ-friendly hotels for guests.
Rambling Rose Ranch – Austin, Texas
12997 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Tucked into 14 peaceful acres at the gateway to Hill Country, this LGBTQ-owned boutique farm is only a 15-minute drive from Austin. Texas might not be your first thought for LGBTQ-friendly anything right now, but Austin remains a progressive oasis, and Rambling Rose Ranch reflects that.
Austin’s queer community is tight-knit and fiercely protective of its spaces, and Rambling Rose Ranch is one of those safe havens.
Being LGBTQ-owned means the folks running the venue genuinely understand what you need. If you’re navigating life in Texas, trans dating Houston and other regional platforms help you connect with people who can share real talk about planning celebrations in conservative states.
Savannah Bottle Works — Savannah, Georgia
2406 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
This LGBTQ-owned 100-year-old bottle factory-turned-event space features original brick walls and hardwood floors, and ceiling that create a warm and inviting backdrop. Savannah has this gracious Southern charm thing going on, and Savannah Bottle Works manages to honor that while being thoroughly modern and inclusive. The rental includes the space for 16 hours—double the industry standard — which is a game-changer for setup, the event itself, and teardown without feeling rushed.
The South can be tricky for LGBTQ couples—you’re never quite sure what you’re walking into. Having a venue that’s explicitly LGBTQ-owned removes that anxiety. You know they’ve done this before, they understand what you need, and they’re not going to create problems around your gender or relationship structure.
Hawkesdene — Andrews, North Carolina
381 Phillips Creek Rd, Andrews, NC 28901
This LGBTQ-owned 54-acre private estate is tucked in the elegant mountain country of Western North Carolina. If your definition of a dream wedding is a mountain wedding that’s genuinely inclusive, Hawkesdene delivers. Say “I do” in a garden, on a covered bridge, beside a creek, or in an open-air pavilion —you have options for whatever kind of ceremony speaks to you.
The entire estate of Hawkesdene is exclusively yours to celebrate without curfew for the duration of your stay. This is huge — you’re not getting kicked out at 11 PM or dealing with noise restrictions. The privacy means you and your guests can truly relax and be yourselves. The in-house catering handles food, and their mountain cuisine is apparently excellent.
Denizen MKE — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1901 W Fond du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53205
This LGBTQ-owned fabulous boutique event space features bold accent walls, sleek contemporary fixtures, and an intimate patio. Milwaukee might fly under the radar compared to Chicago, but it has a solid LGBTQ-community and significantly lower costs. They offer add-on design services separated into individual vibe/style packages to make things easy, plus coordination and an in-house bar with craft cocktails and local brews. Some amazing after-party venues are also just a walking distance from here.
What stands out about Denizen MKE is their design services—planning a wedding that reflects your unique style as a queer couple can be challenging when most wedding templates assume heteronormativity. Having vendors who understand different aesthetic traditions and can help you create something that feels authentically yours is invaluable.
Three Peaks Ranch — Westcliffe, Colorado
2333 Hermit Rd, Westcliffe, CO 81252
This LGBTQ-owned exclusive family-owned ranch sits in the heart of the Rockies, only 1.5 hours from Colorado Springs. Colorado’s mountain venues are spectacular, and Three Peaks Ranch combines stunning location with genuine inclusive values. The lovely rustic Gathering Place features panorama windows framing striking mountain views and an indoor/outdoor canvas-sided barn .
The family-owned aspect means personalized service—you’re not just another booking, you’re guests being welcomed into their space.
For couples in California’s Central Valley, nearby communities like Fresno tgirls often share destination wedding experiences and can provide perspective on traveling to Colorado for celebrations.
Once Upon a Time Events — Kiowa, Colorado
34005 County Road 194, Kiowa, CO 80117
This LGBTQ-owned family-run venue offers breathtaking 40-mile views from its hilltop location. It has a private, ranch-style vibe with lots of fun, eclectic décor that feels personal rather than cookie-cutter. The barn is conveniently located a half mile off state highway 86 but provides the quiet privacy of the rural countryside —you get accessibility without sacrificing that away-from-it-all feeling.
The Colorado high plains offer a different landscape than the mountains—big skies, endless views, and dramatic weather that can create stunning photography. The BYO catering and relatively affordable pricing make it accessible for couples working with smaller budgets, which matters when weddings are absurdly expensive and LGBTQ people often have less family financial support.
For those meeting partners through modern platforms, trans dating apps like Fiorry create spaces where you can be upfront about who you are from the start.
When you meet someone who already understands and celebrates your identity, planning a wedding together becomes so much easier—you’re not explaining, defending, or compromising on basic respect. And if you’re also exploring mainstream apps, how to find trans women on tinder offers strategies for making those platforms work better for trans folks.
What to Ask When Vetting LGBTQ-Friendly Venues
Even venues that claim to be LGBTQ-friendly deserve scrutiny. Ask directly: “How many same-sex weddings have you hosted?” If they can’t give you a number or show you photos, that’s a red flag. Request references from previous LGBTQ couples—actually call those references and ask about their experience beyond just the venue’s beauty.
Ask about their contract language. Do they use gender-neutral terms, or will you need to negotiate changes? What’s their cancellation policy, and does it account for potential discrimination from other vendors? Can they provide a list of LGBTQ-friendly vendors they’ve worked with—photographers, caterers, florists, DJs who’ve experience with diverse couples?
The venues that truly get it don’t just host our weddings—they become advocates for our love stories and partners in creating celebrations that honor who we are
If you’re in LA, the trans dating Los Angeles community often shares vendor recommendations, and you can find folks who’ve actually worked with specific photographers or planners. NYC has similarly robust networks—trans dating NYC communities can connect you with people who’ve navigated wedding planning in one of the country’s most expensive markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a wedding venue truly LGBTQ-friendly?
Gender-neutral contracts, staff trained on pronouns, previous LGBTQ weddings in their portfolio, and recommended vendor lists including LGBTQ-owned businesses.
Are LGBTQ-owned venues more expensive?
Not necessarily. Many LGBTQ-owned venues price competitively, and some offer better value because they’re not charging premium rates at corporate mega-venues.
Can venues legally refuse same-sex weddings?
Private religious venues may legally refuse in some states, but most commercial venues cannot discriminate. Choose explicitly LGBTQ-friendly spaces to avoid issues.
Time to read: 11 min.
PR Manager
Olena Kosonogova
When venues truly understand inclusivity, they don’t just accommodate—they celebrate every form of love without making it feel like a novelty