Best LGBTQ+ Photos of 2022

We’re celebrating diversity and inclusion with our best of LGBTQ+ wedding photos, hand-selected for our Wedding Photography Awards. From the fun and colourful, to the unique and unusual, it’s all about recognising and accepting love and joy in all its forms.

OVERALL WINNER: Flisher Photography Ltd | Luke Flisher 

The story behind this photo: “The couple wanted to do a smoke bomb shot with pride flag colours with their wedding party in front of Harlaxton Manor to celebrate Harlaxton manors first gay wedding.”

Why we chose this photo as our overall winner: This is a true celebration of the best of LGBTQ+, made all the more special because of the venue’s history. We love the composition, with the grooms in the centre, and their loved ones standing to either side, all of them laughing and showing their support. The smoke bombs in pride colours are spectacular, and give this image a fun, playful tone while also sending an important message of pride and togetherness.

Read on for our list of honourable mentions, whose submissions simply blew us away!

AJ Feather Photography | Arienne Jonas

The story behind this photo: “Jon and Matt laughed so much together, they had me in tears. We went for a walk along the water and I laughed so much.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A candid, uplifting image, set against a beautiful natural backdrop. The couple’s smiles and laughter are infectious!

A W Photography | Andy Wilkinson 

The story behind this photo: “I had initially wanted to take a silhouette shot then develop this with the use of a smoke grenade. As I asked the couple to walk towards me I noticed the sunlight coming through the adjacent trees and quickly turned off the OCF to allow the sun’s rays to catch the smoke, creating this image.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a breathtaking, magical shot. We love the effect of the sun’s rays catching the smoke amidst the trees as the couple embrace.

Bart Kerswell Photography | Bart Kerswell 

The story behind this photo: “Nina and Jo didn’t fancy a first dance, so decided on an egg and spoon race. What a amazing idea, even I had a go.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is what the best of LGBTQ+ is all about – celebrating your special day in a way that’s unique and personal to you, and having fun doing so.

Big Day Weddings | David Green

The story behind this photo: “A fantastic gay wedding day at The Gherkin in London.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The sweeping staircase and monochrome tones create a dramatic and striking image. We love the perspective looking up at the smiling brides.

Chloe Palmer Photography | Chloe Palmer

The story behind this photo: “Two beautiful brides signing their wedding register at Highcliffe Castle”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is a classic but beautifully shot photo – we love its simplicity and clean, white palette. The look the brides share is what makes it so special.

LB Photography | Leanne Brookes 

The story behind this photo: “It was 5 minutes before the cake-cut and it had just started to rain, so I quickly grabbed Jamie and Jordan for an extra special photo in the archway of The Arnold House”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: The illuminated umbrella and balloons create a fun, celebratory image. We love how the balloons frame the couple as they gaze into each other’s eyes.

Lemon Feather Photography | Cemanthe McKenzie 

The story behind this photo: “Tasha and Becky were so wonderful on their wedding day as they knew I loved rainbows so they gave me a small rainbow keyring to say thank you for their photos. Their whole day was about rainbows from a rainbow flag exit, to fans, to socks. This photo holds a special place in my heart, for both the rainbows and how wonderful they were.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: This is such a fun and colorful photo – we absolutely love the rainbow fans! It perfectly captures the brides’ personalities and joy.

Magpie-Eye Photography | Jenny Ellen 

The story behind this photo: “David and Nathan were finally married in July of 2022…in a heatwave…in a velvet dress! Thankfully the aircon was fully functional and Nathan stole the show in their Billy Porter inspired gown.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: A photo which truly celebrates diversity and individuality. Seeing Nathan make his grand entrance in his incredible gown is beautiful to see.

Marta Ilardo Photography | Marta Ilardo 

The story behind this photo: “A wedding is a beautiful celebration of love, of your commitment to each other. It’s wonderful to have witnesses, people who share your joy. But it’s also great to want to make it very personal and intimate. Poppy and Marcela chose to combine the two. They officially got married in a town hall and then exchanged their vows and rings in a quiet Soho corner. And I was there to unobtrusively capture it!”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The simplicity of the grey brick background puts all the focus on the couple and their beautiful love. A lovely intimate moment, sensitively captured.

Nik Bryant Photography | Nik Bryant 

The story behind this photo: “Matt and Darryl at the iconic Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Having the wonderfully talented Neil Ridley with me meant we could light and create this superb image.”

Why we shortlisted this photo: The use of differently coloured panels of light behind the couple makes for an unusual and striking image. A very creative composition.

Steve Ayres Photography | Steve Ayres 

The story behind this photo: “A Peaky Blinder’s style wedding at The Royal Pavilion in Brighton”.

Why we shortlisted this photo: We love to see alternative weddings that reflect the couple’s unique personalities and interests. The ‘PRIDE’ letters behind the couple add some extra magic.

There you have our top picks for the best LGTBQ+ wedding photos of 2022! Stay tuned for the grand finale of this blog series, with our favourite themed weddings of the year.

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Happy Planning!