Why Supporting LGBTQ+ Inclusive Vendors Matters 

If you’re part of the queer community, you might prefer vendors who truly “get it” and make you feel seen. If you’re not, you’re likely an ally wanting to support LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding vendors in San Diego. Either way, welcome! I’m so happy you’re here. As a queer wedding and elopement photographer, inclusion in all its forms is at the core of my work and a non-negotiable.

The wedding industry is still incredibly heteronormative. Like, can feel like it’s the early 2000s levels of heteronormative. It’s improving, and when we actively support queer-owned and queer-allied businesses we are part of that beautiful, much-needed change. 🌈

To make planning easier, I’ve compiled a list of incredible LGBTQ+ inclusive vendors in San Diego and Southern California. If you know of great vendors not listed here, let me know! I’d love to include them.

Vendor categories and recommendations:

Florists 💐

• Best Bud Floral: Whimsical, modern, and very colorful floral, this relatively new shop is LGBTQ+ owned and committed to inclusivity and custom designs for your wedding day. From full service and installation to a la carte options, they’re ready to customize your day.  
• Flores Arturo: Arturo is part of the LGBTQ+ community and creates bespoke floral design for weddings. He offers full-service design and floral for weddings of all sizes.  
• Green Fresh Floral: Also LGBTQ+ owned, Green Fresh Floral offers a range of services – from a la carte to all inclusive.
• The Floral Craft: Dark and moody lovers, this one’s for you! The Floral Craft is an LGBTQ+ inclusive vendor that offers both a la carte and full service.

Wedding Planners and Coordinators 🗓️

• Frances Loves Francis: Nicole is a personal friend of mine and is committed to inclusivity, sustainability, and being a good human. She offers full service planning as well as beautiful floral design.
• San Diego Life Events: From day of coordination to full service planning, San Diego Life Events has a variety of packages for the level of support you’re wanting for your day! 

Hair & Makeup Artists 🎨

• Makeup – Artistry by Samantha Rae: Samantha specializes in natural, soft-glam makeup and is queer herself! She does not have a client minimum, and she might have travel fees depending on the location.
• Makeup – Cheriene Galley San Diego Bridal Makeup Artist: She’s local to San Diego and has many connections to partner with for hair if you’re looking for that too! She does require a trial make-up and has a minimum of 4 people for wedding makeup.
• Hair and Makeup – Meleah Makeup and Hair: Meleah specializes in weddings and brings 20+ years of experience in her field!
• Hair and Makeup – Mobile Beauty Bar: Mobile Beauty Bar is a team of several hair stylists and make-up artists, so if you’re on a tighter getting ready timeline and want to fit everyone and everything in – they might be super helpful!

Caterers and Bakers 🎂

• Baker – Babycakes: LGBTQ+ business right in the heart of Hillcrest! As the name does suggest, they have cupcakes, cakes, and other desserts for full-service wedding goodies.
• Baker – Drunk Confections: If you’re looking for something non-traditional and maybe with some alcohol in the baking, this place is for you! The cakes and the  smaller desserts are amazing. Many come in alcohol and gluten free options.
• Caterer – The Wild Thyme:  This catering company is an LGBTQ+ owned business and offers custom menus with global cuisines incorporated. They pride themselves on fresh, farm-to-table feel.
• Caterer – Personal Touch Dining: They’re a full-service catering company, so if you’re looking for support from decor to cocktail hour to late night snacks (and more – they kinda do it all), they’ve got you covered.  

Venues that prioritize LGBTQ+ inclusion 💒

Finding LGBTQ+ inclusive venues can be tricky. Some red flags? “Bride and groom” suites. That alone isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s a yellow flag. This list includes venues that openly support LGBTQ+ couples and have a record of positive, affirming experiences.

• BRICK: If industrial, blank yet beautiful canvas, and large capacity (up to 220 guests) are priorities for you, Birck could be a great fit. It’s a very flexible space that allows you to bring your own vendors, so keep that in mind too.
• Anywhere at Balboa Park: Balboa Park is a very LGBTQ+ friendly venue, regardless of which specific venue you pick. There are so many options, from The Prado to Museum of Us to the chapel… there’s something for every vibe and budget.
• The Thursday Club: Can’t decide between garden venue or somewhere with ocean views? Well, this place has both! You can choose between the outdoor space or indoor space, or of course you can have both. It’s located in Point Loma, which is also super central and easy (especially for out of town airport guests).
• Scripps Seaside Forum: Located in La Jolla, Scripps Seaside Forum is a very large and totally customizable event space right on the ocean. Some things to note: there is a list of approved caterers to pick from and it’s BYOB. It’s literally steps from the sand!
• VASA San Diego: This North Park venue is incredibly versatile and offers indoor and outdoor options. It’s a more inclusive venue, meaning their packages include things like food, drinks, and coordination.
• Milagro Winery: Both indoor and outdoor, this Ramona winery has rustic, Tuscan-inspired vibes and fits up to 200 guests! You have access to the venue for 10 full hours, and you can bring your own vendors (other then wine, of course, because that would be weird).

Photographers and Videographers 🎥

• Ryan Films Weddings: They describe their work as “authentic, elegant, personal,” and their videos are super timeless. I also appreciate that they have packages both with the lead videographers as well as their associates (who typically second shoots) for a more affordable price point. This is an LGBTQ+ owned business.
• Jay and Mack Films: If you’re looking for vibrant, highly customizable artistic videos, Jay and Mack Films could be great for you. They pride themselves on listening to each couple to create a video that’s truly representative of their vibe and desires. They are clearly LGBTQ+ inclusive and welcoming.
• Beth Legg Photography: Oh hey, that’s me! Okay, I couldn’t help myself – I genuinely care so much about being a supportive photographer for all couples. My vibe on your wedding day can be described as oddly calm, friend to everyone (except maybe that homophobic aunt, but I’ll play nice…), and intentional. My style is timeless and cinematic, and my goal for every gallery is that you can look back and re-feel the day forever. Let’s plan your day here!

This list isn’t exhaustive, and I’ll keep adding to it as my network grows. If you find a vendor you love but aren’t sure about their inclusivity, it’s completely valid to ask. If you aren’t comfortable, reach out to me and I’ll do the research! And if you have LGBTQ+ San Diego wedding vendors you love, you can always help by sharing their posts and recommending them to others. Community is more important now than ever, and it’s always a good time to prioritize and elevate businesses that celebrate all love. 

Planning your wedding and want support? I’d love to help! Whether you need venue ideas or photography, I’m here. Contact me here to start planning!