5 creative ways to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride at your wedding

Pride is a year-long affair! No matter what month it is when you tie the knot, there are infinite ways to showcase the rainbow and celebrate all things queer. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or a staunch ally, including a rainbow cake or colorful altar is a now-classic way to include Pride in any wedding celebration. Beyond those classics, there’s an abundance of innovative ways to weave rainbows into your wedding, and we rounded up some of our favorites. For brides, grooms and marriers looking for creative ways to incorporate rainbows into your big day, check out these ideas for including LGBTQ+ Pride in your wedding!

Go to a gay bar for a private vow reading

Take a moment away from the party to have an intimate vow reading at a local LGBTQ+ bar. Grab a drink with your partner(s) and settle in for a more private conversation as you look forward to your formal ceremony or reflect afterwards on your “I dos.” This is a great opportunity to not only focus on just your relationship, but also to frequent a queer establishment and connect to the broader LGBTQ+ community on your wedding day.

A black-and-white photo of the couple reading vows that they handwrote for each other. They are in front of a window looking out on a busy street, and both are holding coupe glasses. — Photo by Marla Manes Photography

Deck out your wardrobe in rainbows

From Pride-inspired sneakers to custom jean jackets, the possibilities for including rainbows in your wardrobe are endless. Consider a rainbow wedding dress or jumpsuit if you want to go for a show-stopping look, or keep it subtle with colorful socks and cuff links. Pro tip: don’t be afraid to mix up which Pride colors you include! If you want to celebrate a more specific Pride flag, go for it. The world is your oyster.

Rainbow, flowers and sequins rooftop wedding in Washington, D.C. LGBTQ+ weddings glitter nontraditional unique — Photo by Chris Ferenzi Photography

Hire drag performers or officiants

With many drag queens and kings in danger of losing work due to drag bans, there’s never been a better time to support and hire drag royalty. As vibrant representatives of the queer community and energetic performers, drag artists are an ideal fit to officiate your LGBTQ+ wedding ceremony or lead the festivities at your reception. Lean into the camp and have them judge a lip sync contest or enjoy the emotionality of having a drag queen walk you down the aisle as a stand-in parent.

Have a rainbow-themed photoshoot

If you want to make a splash, a rainbow-themed photoshoot is the way to go. Find a rainbow mural for your newlywed portraits or set up your wedding party with rainbow smoke bombs and get ready for some of the coolest pictures ever. Pro tip: Order your rainbow smoke bombs as far in advance as possible to avoid shipping delays, and make sure to follow local ordinances to protect the environment while getting that perfect shot!

Create your own traditions

There is nothing more queer than forging a new path full of love and acceptance. There are no rules when it comes to LGBTQ+ weddings, and the best way to show your Pride is to create rituals and traditions that help to heal and spread love. Whether you serenade your partner(s) with a song, invent a new unity ceremony or skip the wedding entirely in favor of traveling the world, there is no wrong way to go about embracing the rainbow. Your existence and the act of sharing your love is Pride in and of itself.