If you are searching for an LGBTQ wedding photographer Ohio couples can trust with their full story, you are in the right place. At BigChamps Photography, we are proud to be an LGBTQ wedding photographer Ohio couples recommend, welcoming and celebrating same-sex couples, queer couples, and every love story that walks through our door.
We recently had the privilege of photographing a beautiful same-sex wedding here in Ohio, and the experience reminded us exactly why this work matters. The joy, the emotion, the laughter between two people who have found each other – it photographs the same way every time. Our job is simply to be present for it, be ready, and make sure nothing is missed.
If you are an LGBTQ couple planning your wedding in Ohio and wondering where to start when it comes to finding the right photographer, this guide is for you.
What Makes an LGBTQ-Friendly Wedding Photographer in Ohio?
Not every photographer who says they are “inclusive” truly understands what that means in practice. When you are booking an Ohio wedding photographer as an LGBTQ couple, here is what you should actually be looking for.
- Real same-sex wedding experience – Look for photographers who have actually photographed same-sex weddings, not just ones who say they are open to it. Ask to see real wedding galleries, not just posed couple photos.
- Inclusive language A photographer who still says “bride and groom” in every message without asking about your preferences is not paying attention. Your photographer should ask how you identify and use the language you prefer throughout the entire process.
- No awkward posing A good LGBTQ wedding photographer directs couples naturally, without awkward pauses or confusion about who stands where. Same-sex wedding posing flows the same way any romantic couple posing does through connection, not gender roles.
- Genuine celebration, not tolerance You want a photographer who is genuinely excited to be at your wedding, not one who is simply “okay with it.” That energy shows in the photos.
LGBTQ-Friendly Wedding Venues in Ohio We Work With
Finding an inclusive venue is just as important as finding the right photographer. Here are some of the LGBTQ-friendly wedding venues across Ohio where BigChamps Photography has worked or is ready to work.
Hamilton and Southwest Ohio
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton is one of the most stunning outdoor wedding venues in Southwest Ohio and is welcoming to all couples. With 300 acres of sculpture gardens, natural light, and open sky, it is a dream location for same-sex wedding photography. The Benison and Champion Mill Conference Center in Hamilton are also beautiful, inclusive spaces that have hosted celebrations for couples of all backgrounds.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati has a growing number of LGBTQ-welcoming wedding venues. Wiedemann Hill Mansion, The Woodward Theatre, and Greenacres Arts Centre are all known for celebrating every couple equally. The city itself has a vibrant and welcoming LGBTQ community, making it one of the best cities in Ohio for same-sex weddings.
Columbus and Dayton
Columbus is widely regarded as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the Midwest. The Short North Arts District, the Columbus Museum of Art, and many downtown venues are enthusiastically inclusive. In Dayton, venues like The Belfry and Canal Street Tavern have also hosted beautiful same-sex weddings. BigChamps Photography covers both cities as part of our Ohio-wide coverage.
Questions to Ask Your Ohio Wedding Photographer Before Booking
Before you book any wedding photographer in Ohio, here are the questions every LGBTQ couple should ask.
- Have you photographed same-sex weddings before? Ask to see the work. A photographer who has done this before will have galleries to share without hesitation.
- How do you handle posing for two brides or two grooms? This tells you a lot. A confident, experienced photographer has a clear answer. An uncomfortable pause tells you everything you need to know.
- What language do you use throughout the process? Do they default to “bride” or do they ask what terms you prefer from the start?
- Do you offer a photo and video package? Hiring one studio for both saves money and means your gallery and wedding film are created by people who worked together on the day. At BigChamps, we offer both as a combined package – see our photo and video packages here.
- Are you comfortable attending our ceremony style? Whether you are having a religious ceremony, a civil ceremony, or a non-traditional celebration, your photographer should be comfortable and respectful in any setting.
How BigChamps Approaches Same-Sex Wedding Photography in Ohio
Our approach to LGBTQ wedding photography in Ohio is simple: we treat every couple the way we treat every couple. That means we ask your names, ask how you want to be referred to, ask what moments matter most to you, and spend the day making sure we capture them.
We do not have a separate “same sex wedding package” because there is no such thing. Your wedding is your wedding. The photography process is the same we show up, we connect with you, we document what is real. What changes is that we bring awareness and sensitivity to make sure you feel as comfortable in front of our cameras as any couple would.
We also offer both wedding photography and videography from the same team, which matters on a day as meaningful as this one. Having one coordinated team means no gaps between what was captured on camera and what was filmed. Your gallery and your wedding film will tell the same story.
Ohio Cities We Cover for LGBTQ Wedding Photography
BigChamps Photography covers same-sex and LGBTQ weddings across all of Ohio. Our primary service areas include:
- Hamilton Ohio – our home base and the heart of Southwest Ohio
- Cincinnati Ohio – including Over-the-Rhine, Hyde Park, and Northern Kentucky
- Dayton Ohio
- Columbus Ohio
- Toledo Ohio
- Akron and Canton Ohio
- Cleveland Ohio
We also travel for destination weddings and elopements. If you are planning a same-sex wedding anywhere in Ohio or beyond, we would love to be part of your day.
Ready to Book Your LGBTQ Wedding Photographer Ohio Trusts?
Your wedding day deserves a photographer who shows up fully present, genuinely excited, and completely focused on making sure your love story is told the way it deserves to be told.
Get in touch with BigChamps Photography to check availability for your date, ask any questions, and get a personalised quote for photography, videography, or both. We are here for every couple, every love story, and every wedding in Ohio.
View our photo and video packages | Learn more about our Ohio wedding coverage