Planning a Same Sex Wedding in Hampshire: A Friendly Guide

Every wedding should feel like a true reflection of the couple at the heart of it, and that is especially important when so many traditions were written with only one kind of couple in mind. Planning a same sex wedding gives you a wonderful chance to keep the traditions you love, drop the ones you do not, and create a day that is completely yours. As a Hampshire wedding photographer, I have put together some ideas and practical tips to help you plan.

The Legal Side, Simply Put

Marriage between same-sex couples has been legal in England and Wales since March 2014, and civil partnerships have been available for longer still. The legal process for a same sex wedding is the same as for any other couple: you give notice at your local register office, then marry at a licensed venue or register office with two witnesses. Some couples in an existing civil partnership choose to convert it to a marriage, while others hold a celebration to mark the occasion. Your local registration service can explain the options for your situation.

Making Traditions Your Own

One of the joys of a same sex wedding is the freedom to rethink traditions. Who walks down the aisle, and with whom? You might walk in together, each walk with a parent, or meet in the middle. Do you want a best man, a maid of honour, or simply a group of your favourite people? There are no rules, so choose what feels natural. Many couples I photograph enjoy little personal touches, like reading their own vows or including a family member in the ceremony.

Speeches and Toasts

The traditional speech order of father of the bride, groom and best man does not always fit a same sex wedding, and that is fine. Couples often give a joint speech, invite a parent from each family to say a few words, or ask friends from both sides to share stories. Keep the total time to around twenty to thirty minutes and make sure the order builds to a lively finish.

Outfits and Styling

Two dresses, two suits, a dress and a suit, a jumpsuit or a colourful jacket: anything goes. It can be lovely to coordinate colours or accessories without matching exactly, so you look like a pair in photos while still expressing your individual style. If you are both getting ready in different places, a first look can be a gorgeous, private moment before the ceremony, and it often becomes one of the highlights of a same sex wedding gallery.

Finding Inclusive Suppliers

Happily, most wedding suppliers in the UK are welcoming, but it is still important to work with people who make you feel completely comfortable. Look for suppliers who:

• Use inclusive language on their website and contracts, not just “bride and groom”
• Show a range of couples in their portfolio
• Ask how you would like to be referred to, and use your names
• Listen to your plans rather than assuming a traditional structure

A good photographer should never assume who stands where in a portrait or who needs to be photographed getting ready. I always ask about your plans, your families and any sensitivities, so the day runs smoothly.

Same Sex Wedding Photography Tips

When it comes to portraits, I focus on the connection between the two of you rather than set poses. Walking together, slow dancing and quiet moments with foreheads touching all photograph beautifully. If you have a different height difference to what you see in typical wedding photos, do not worry; good photographers simply adapt angles and composition. The most important thing is that you feel relaxed, and that comes from trusting the person behind the camera.

If you are planning a wedding in the area, take a look at my page on wedding photographer in Hampshire for packages, local venues and answers to common questions.

Celebrate Your Way

Whether you are planning a big party with every friend you have ever made or a small, intimate celebration, your same sex wedding should be full of joy, love and the people who mean the most to you. Hampshire has a huge choice of venues, from historic castles and country estates to relaxed barns and coastal spots, so there is something for every style.

If you would like a relaxed, inclusive photographer for your day, take a look at my packages or get in touch. You might also find my guide to the wedding speech order helpful when planning your toasts.