Yay! You’re engaged! You found the love of your life, and now you get to plan a wedding that reflects everything that makes your relationship so special. Planning a wedding is always a big deal, but planning an LGBTQ+ wedding? That brings its own beautiful mix of logistics, emotion, and intentionality. Between the excitement and the spreadsheets, LGBTQ+ couples are also navigating an industry not created with us in mind. But here’s the good news, if you're looking for a place to celebrate your love fully, the Outer Banks offers more than just a stunning backdrop; it’s a place where LGBTQ+ couples are genuinely welcomed. With windswept beaches, charming venues, and a growing community of LGBT friendly vendors, the OBX is where your love can be celebrated proudly, openly, and joyfully.
The Outer Banks offers wide open skies, barefoot elegance, and a refreshingly supportive wedding vendor community that believes your love story deserves to be celebrated without hesitation. Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows on a quiet stretch of beach, throwing a bash in a rented house with your chosen family, or planning a full-blown ceremony and reception, the Outer Banks has the vendors, venues, and vibe to bring your LGBTQ+ wedding vision to life.
Is the Outer Banks LGBTQ+ Friendly?
Short answer: Yes.
Beyond the natural beauty and small-town charm, the Outer Banks has been steadily growing its reputation as a welcoming and affirming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers and that includes couples planning weddings. The local Pride celebration, OBX Pridefest, draws a vibrant mix of locals and visitors each year and has become a beacon of visibility and inclusion for the region.
Many local wedding professionals go beyond just being "okay" with LGBTQ+ weddings; they’re proud to be part of them. When one couple asked their florist, Dorothy with Bells and Whistles, if she was comfortable working with a gay couple, her reaction was pure warmth: “Why would that even be a question?” That’s the kind of energy everyone deserves on their wedding day.
Finding the Right Wedding Vendors—Who See You
One of the most common concerns for LGBTQ+ couples planning a wedding, especially in a destination they are traveling to, is finding the right vendors. The good news? OBX has a continuously growing list of affirming wedding professionals, many of whom have proudly worked on LGBTQ weddings and are eager to help you bring your day to life.
Vetting vendors might feel intimidating at first, but there are some simple, effective ways to get a feel for whether a florist, planner, or venue is truly LGBTQ+ inclusive.
Check their website and social media:
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Are same-sex or non-binary couples featured in their galleries?
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Do they use gender-neutral language?
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Do they mention pronouns or make it clear that they welcome all love stories?
When you reach out to them, don’t be afraid to ask direct questions.
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Have they worked with LGBTQ+ couples before?
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What’s their approach to ceremonies that don’t follow the traditional “bride and groom” format?
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Do they respect non-binary pronouns?
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Will they honor nontraditional family configurations?
As one couple who married in OBX shared, their officiant and photographer had already worked with same-sex couples in the past—something they discovered by simply asking. That experience made all the difference in how comfortable and celebrated they felt throughout the planning process.
Real Wedding Magic: LGBTQ+-Affirming Vendors in the OB
There’s a wealth of talent in the OBX wedding scene, and many vendors have a track record of supporting LGBTQ+ couples with skill, style, and heart.
LGBTQ-owned planners like SAMKOMA bring lived experience to the planning process, ensuring every detail aligns with who you are as a couple. Photographers like Ashley Hearts Katie, Brooke Mayo, and Three Region Photography don’t just “get” queer love—they’ve built portfolios that center it. Their work captures love in all its forms, from joyful first looks to barefoot beach kisses.
When it comes to officiants, you’ve got plenty of inclusive options. Rev. Tanya Young and Rev. Melody both bring warmth and spiritual grounding to their ceremonies, while Two Doves OBX (with Rev. Amanda Patrick) offers fully customized services with an emphasis on honoring your beliefs, culture, and relationship structure—no matter how traditional or non-traditional.
Vendors like Black Pelican Catering, Icing on the Cakes, Anderson’s Florist OBX, and DJ Bruce with I Do Entertainment Services have helped bring countless LGBTQ+ weddings to life, often through personal referrals between happy couples. That’s one of the best parts of hiring affirming vendors: they tend to know each other and recommend each other, making your planning process a whole lot easier and more connected.
And let’s not forget the venues. Gorgeous properties from Kees Vacation Rentals and Carolina Designs Realty offer dreamy ceremony and reception spaces, while spots like the Kitty Hawk Pier, Hilton Garden Inn, and The Sanderling Resort are some of the LGBT friendly wedding venues in the area.
A Few Planning Tips for an LGBTQ Wedding That Feels Right
One of the most affirming choices you can make during wedding planning is to surround yourself with people who see and support you. That starts with choosing vendors who understand same sex relationships—and ideally, share your values. For some couples, that means prioritizing LGBTQ-owned businesses. For others, it means working with long-standing allies who’ve made inclusivity a core part of their business.
As you build your dream team, consider joining LGBTQ+ wedding forums or groups like EveryQueer’s Facebook community. Real recommendations from real people go a long way. And if you find one great vendor, ask them who they love working with—they’ll often have a network of like-minded creatives who are just as affirming and fabulous.
Another tip? Don’t rush. Take the time to research, interview, and find the people who make you feel celebrated, not just accommodated. The day is about your love, your joy, and your community. You get to define what that looks like.
Truly Celebrated
For many LGBTQ+ couples, having a wedding isn’t just about rings and vows—it’s about visibility. It’s about saying: We’re here, we’re in love, and we deserve to celebrate that love proudly and safely.
The Outer Banks offers that space. It’s a place where couples can feel comfortable, welcomed, and celebrated. It’s a place where LGBTQ+ couples, families, and friends can gather under the sun and stars and feel the full joy of being seen and celebrated.
So, whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a full-on beach bash, know this, in the OBX, your love is welcome. Your love story belongs here.
