So… you’re in love. You’ve found your person, your partner in crime, your human. And now, you’re ready to celebrate that love in a way that’s completely, authentically you. Maybe you’re dreaming of a romantic elopement in the Scottish Highlands or planning a joyful, glitter-soaked celebration with all your favourite people in a quirky London warehouse. Wherever your love story is heading, the UK is a wonderful place to say “I do.”
In this no-fluff, no-fuss, totally rainbow-friendly guide, we’re spilling the tea on how to legally marry in the UK as an LGBTQ+ couple, plus offering insider tips on planning a celebration that truly reflects who you are.
🏛️ Is Same-Sex Marriage Legal in the UK?
Heck yes. Same-sex marriage has been legal in:
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England & Wales since March 29, 2014
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Scotland since December 2014
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Northern Ireland since January 2020
Before that, civil partnerships were the only option (and they’re still available for couples of any gender who prefer that route). Either way, love is officially on the books—and that’s something to celebrate.
📜 Legal Stuff (The Part with Paperwork and Patience)
Getting married in the UK is mostly straightforward, but here’s what you need to know to keep things stress-free:
Step-by-Step:
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Give notice at your local register office (you must have lived in England or Wales for at least 7 days).
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Bring your ID (passports work best), proof of address, and, if applicable, proof of name change or divorce papers.
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Pay the fee (usually around £35–£47 per person).
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Wait 29 days… and then, you’re ready to get hitched!
You can get all the specifics from the official UK government guide.
💡 Real Talk Tip: Don’t leave this to the last minute. Some areas get booked up months in advance, especially for summer weddings.
🌈 LGBTQ+ Friendly Wedding Venues in the UK (With Links!)
Now for the fun part—choosing where to say “I do.” The UK is brimming with gorgeous, queer-friendly venues that welcome all love stories with open arms.
Here are a few that couples absolutely adore:
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The Asylum Chapel, London
Think moody lighting, crumbling romantic walls, and raw elegance. This place is pure editorial drama.
👉 maverickprojects.co.uk/the-asylum
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Fforest Weddings, Wales
Boho vibes, rustic lodges, and open skies. One of my couples literally had goats crashing their ceremony. It was iconic.
👉 fforestweddings.co.uk
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Eden Project, Cornwall
Want to get married in a rainforest dome? You can. Wild, magical, and eco-conscious.
👉 edenproject.com/weddings
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Killearn Village Hall, Scotland
Cozy, full of charm, and with views of Loch Lomond that will steal your breath.
👉 killearnvillagehall.co.uk
And if you’re still browsing, try these helpful platforms with LGBTQ+ friendly filters:
🪩 Your Wedding, Your Way
Traditional or totally original? You decide.
✨ Maybe you both walk down the aisle together.
✨ Maybe your wedding party includes everyone from your nan to your non-binary bestie.
✨ Maybe your ceremony is officiated by your drag mother in full sequins (yes, that happened, and yes, I cried).
There’s no single way to celebrate queer love. The beauty of LGBTQ+ weddings is that they’re often wonderfully personal, deeply meaningful, and—let’s be real—more fun than a bottomless brunch with Beyoncé on karaoke.
📸 Photography That Feels Like You
Here’s the truth: your wedding deserves to be remembered exactly how it felt. The butterflies. The tears. The laughs that made your cheeks hurt. And all the wild, unexpected, beautiful little moments in between.
As a destination wedding photographer (hi, I’m Serg 👋), I’ve photographed LGBTQ+ love stories in places from rainy cliffs in Scotland to golden vineyards in Italy. I believe in telling your story with authenticity, warmth, and creativity.
✨ Want a sneak peek of what that looks like?
Check out my recent weddings on the blog.
✨ Curious about packages or coverage?
I’ve got options for everything from full weekend celebrations to intimate elopements—find them here.
✨ Let’s chat!
You can reach out and share your vision with me via the contact page. I’m all ears—and full of ideas.
❓ LGBTQ+ Wedding Planning FAQ
Can we both wear suits/dresses/whatever?
Absolutely. Fashion is genderless. Express yourself!
Do we need to say traditional vows?
Nope. You can write your own, remix the classics, or say nothing at all. You do you.
Will vendors be accepting of us?
In most of the UK—yes. But always check. Ask if they’ve worked with LGBTQ+ couples before. You deserve to feel safe, celebrated, and seen.
Can we turn our wedding into a three-day queer festival?
Umm… please do. And invite me. I’ll bring glitter.
❤️ Why It All Matters
Planning a same-sex or queer wedding isn’t just about logistics—it’s a celebration of visibility, freedom, and love without limits. It’s about telling the world, “Hey—we found each other. We choose each other.”
And in a world that still has work to do? That’s a beautiful, bold thing.
✨ Let’s Capture Your Love Story
If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly a dreamer (and I like you already). I’m Serg—the heart behind Your Happy Moments, and I’m here to capture your day with soul, color, and a deep respect for your story. Whether it’s a forest elopement, a seaside soirée, or a big queer bash in a castle, I’ll be there—with my camera and my whole heart.
🎥 Browse real weddings and inspiration on the blog
📷 Explore wedding photography packages
💌 Let’s start planning something magical together
Because your love? It deserves to be remembered.
