LGBTQ+ Weddings FAQ
Yes, yes, yes. We love all couples.
Love is always welcome at the Cute Little Wedding Chapel. We proudly create warm, respectful, inclusive Wedding Ceremonies that honor who you are, how you identify, and the beautiful relationship you have built together.
Whether you are planning a simple elopement, a private ceremony for two, or a joyful celebration with family and friends, we will help you create a ceremony that feels authentic, personal, and completely yours.
Proudly Making Wedding History
When same-sex marriage became legal in California, Great Officiants had the honor of performing the first same-sex wedding in Los Angeles County.
That historic ceremony was not the beginning of our support for the LGBTQ+ community, and it certainly was not the end. For nearly two decades, our team has proudly celebrated same-sex couples, transgender couples, nonbinary couples, queer couples, and every loving adult couple who wants to stand together and say “I do.”
Marriage equality is not a special service here. It is simply marriage, and we are honored to celebrate it.
Do You Perform LGBTQ+ Weddings?
Absolutely. We proudly perform LGBTQ+ weddings, same-sex weddings, transgender weddings, nonbinary weddings, queer weddings, commitment ceremonies, and vow renewals.
Every loving adult couple deserves a ceremony filled with kindness, dignity, warmth, and genuine excitement.
You will never be treated like your wedding is unusual, complicated, or something we need to “figure out.” We have been joyfully celebrating LGBTQ+ couples for many years. You bring the love. We know what to do with the microphone.
What Ceremony Language Can We Use?
We will use the words that feel right for both of you.
Relationship Terms
Husband and husband, wife and wife, spouses, partners, newlyweds, married couple, or simply your names.
Pronouns
He, she, they, or the pronouns each person uses. Your pronouns will be respected throughout the ceremony.
Pronouncement
We can pronounce you married, spouses for life, husbands, wives, partners in marriage, or another phrase that feels meaningful.
Traditional Wording
Traditional phrases may be updated or replaced so the ceremony reflects your relationship instead of forcing your relationship into outdated wording.
Please tell us your preferred names, pronunciations, pronouns, titles, and relationship terms before the ceremony.
Can We Personalize Our Vows?
Yes. You may write your own vows, repeat vows after the Wedding Officiant, use traditional vows, or combine all three.
Your vows can be romantic, funny, heartfelt, simple, deeply personal, or somewhere between “you are my entire world” and “I promise not to watch the next episode without you.”
If you want to write personal vows but do not know where to begin, we can help with ideas and structure.
Do You Offer Religious and Non-Religious Ceremonies?
Yes. Your ceremony can reflect your beliefs, your traditions, both of your backgrounds, or no religion at all.
Religious Ceremonies
Christian, Catholic-style, Jewish, interfaith, non-denominational, spiritual, or another faith-centered approach may be available.
Non-Religious Ceremonies
A completely secular ceremony can focus on your relationship, promises, partnership, family, friendship, and future together.
Spiritual Ceremonies
Spiritual language may be included without making the ceremony formal, traditional, or tied to one particular religion.
Blended Traditions
We can thoughtfully combine traditions from different faiths, cultures, families, and backgrounds.
You are never required to include religious language. You are also never asked to remove meaningful faith elements simply because you are an LGBTQ+ couple.
Can You Issue Our Marriage License?
Yes. We can issue a California marriage license by appointment to every eligible couple who meets the legal requirements.
The marriage license process and legal requirements are the same for all eligible adult couples. Both applicants must appear together and present valid, unexpired identification.
If a divorce or dissolution became final within the last two years, bring the divorce decree showing the final dissolution date and court stamp.
Eligible couples may be able to obtain the marriage license and have the Wedding Ceremony during the same appointment.
Can We Have a Private Ceremony?
Absolutely. Your ceremony may be completely private with only the two of you and the Wedding Officiant.
A Confidential Marriage License does not require a witness. A Public Marriage License requires at least one witness, so let us know in advance if you need us to provide one.
Privacy can be especially important for couples who have not shared their plans with everyone, are navigating complicated family situations, or simply want a quiet moment that belongs only to them.
We will respect your privacy and follow the communication instructions you provide.
Can We Celebrate With Family and Chosen Family?
Yes. Your Wedding Ceremony may include relatives, children, friends, mentors, and chosen family.
The chapel accommodates intimate celebrations with up to 30 guests, depending on the package and ceremony space.
Loved ones may walk you down the aisle, give readings, present the rings, participate in a unity ceremony, sign a Public Marriage License as a witness, or simply be there cheering when you kiss.
Family is not defined only by a family tree. It is also defined by the people who show up, stand beside you, and celebrate who you truly are.
Can We Include Our Children?
Absolutely. Children can be included in many meaningful ways.
- Walking down the aisle
- Serving as a flower child or ring bearer
- Standing beside you during the ceremony
- Participating in family vows
- Joining a sand ceremony or other unity ritual
- Giving a reading or presenting the rings
We can help create a blended-family ceremony that celebrates not only the marriage, but the family being formed or strengthened.
Do You Welcome Transgender and Nonbinary Couples?
Yes. Transgender, nonbinary, gender-fluid, and gender-nonconforming couples are warmly welcomed and celebrated.
We will use the names, pronouns, titles, and relationship language you provide. We will not deadname, misgender, or make assumptions about either person.
The legal name required on the marriage license and the name used during the ceremony may involve different considerations. Tell us what you want spoken publicly and what should remain private so we can handle everything respectfully.
Can We Choose Our Wedding Officiant?
Yes, depending on availability and the package selected.
Great Officiants has a large team of professional Wedding Officiants with different personalities, styles, backgrounds, languages, and ceremony specialties.
Tell us what makes you feel comfortable and what kind of ceremony you want. We will help connect you with someone who is genuinely happy to celebrate you.
Can We Have a Same-Day LGBTQ+ Wedding?
Yes, depending on availability and marriage license eligibility.
Contact us with your preferred time, guest count, and whether you need us to issue your California marriage license. If everything is available and your documents are in order, you may be able to obtain the license and get married during the same appointment.
Love may have taken years to find. The wedding does not have to take years to plan.
Can We Have a Vow Renewal or Commitment Ceremony?
Absolutely. We perform vow renewals, anniversary ceremonies, commitment ceremonies, and symbolic celebrations.
These ceremonies are perfect for couples who are already legally married, want to celebrate an important anniversary, did not have the wedding they originally wanted, or simply want another opportunity to say, “I still choose you.”
A marriage license is not needed for a symbolic ceremony or vow renewal when you are already legally married.
Frequently Asked LGBTQ+ Wedding Questions
Do you perform same-sex weddings?
Yes, yes, yes. We love all couples and proudly perform joyful, personalized same-sex Wedding Ceremonies.
Will you respect our pronouns?
Yes. We will use the names, pronouns, titles, and relationship terms you provide.
Can we be pronounced husband and husband or wife and wife?
Absolutely. We may also use spouses, married partners, newlyweds, or another phrase you prefer.
Can we have a completely non-religious ceremony?
Yes. Your ceremony can be fully secular and focused on your relationship, promises, and future together.
Can we include religious traditions?
Yes. Religious, spiritual, interfaith, cultural, and blended traditions may be included according to your wishes.
Can you issue our California marriage license?
Yes. We can issue marriage licenses by appointment to eligible couples who meet California's legal requirements.
Can our ceremony be private?
Yes. It may be only the two of you and the Wedding Officiant. A Confidential Marriage License does not require a witness.
Can we include our children and chosen family?
Absolutely. Children, relatives, friends, and chosen family may participate in readings, entrances, unity ceremonies, family vows, and other meaningful moments.
Do you welcome transgender and nonbinary couples?
Yes. Transgender, nonbinary, gender-fluid, and gender-nonconforming couples are warmly welcomed, respected, and celebrated.
Can we get married today?
Possibly. Same-day marriage license and Wedding Ceremony appointments are available based on eligibility, completed documents, payment, and appointment availability.
Ready to Celebrate Your Love?
Tell us when you want to get married, how many guests you would like to invite, whether you need a marriage license, and what kind of ceremony feels right for you. We will handle the details and make sure your love is celebrated exactly as it should be.
Call or text: (562) 435-4000
Email: getmarried@cutelittleweddingchapel.com
Cute Little Wedding Chapel
3740 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 201
Long Beach, California 90807
Wedding Officiant selection, same-day service, marriage license issuance, ceremony spaces, and package availability are subject to scheduling and eligibility requirements.