Love Is Love: Creating an Inclusive Wedding Ceremony

LGBTQIA+ weddings

I had the honour of being Kate and Lyndall’s celebrant.

As a celebrant, I have the joy and honour of standing beside couples as they say “I do” – and I firmly believe that every love story deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether you're a same-sex couple planning your big day, or a heterosexual couple with LGBTQIA+ friends and family, creating an inclusive wedding ceremony is a meaningful way to make everyone feel welcome and valued.

Here’s how you can ensure your ceremony is a celebration of love in all its beautiful forms.

For LGBTQIA+ Couples: Celebrate Your Story, Your Way

No two couples are the same – and your ceremony should reflect who you are, not just the legal requirements. For LGBTQIA+ couples, inclusion starts with feeling truly seen.

Here’s what I prioritise as your celebrant:

🌈 Inclusive Language from Start to Finish

From emails to ceremony scripts, I use affirming language that reflects how you identify and how you love. This isn’t about political correctness – it’s about creating a space where you feel respected, celebrated, and safe.

💍 A Ceremony That Reflects You

We'll design a ceremony that fits you – whether that means heartfelt storytelling, humour, cultural rituals, music, or shared vows that celebrate your unique connection.

📜 Honouring Identity, History & Chosen Family

Want to acknowledge the LGBTQIA+ rights movement, honour chosen family, or include rituals that speak to your identity? Absolutely. This is your moment, and I’ll help make it meaningful.

For All Couples: Making Guests Feel Included and Respected

Inclusivity doesn’t stop with the couple. Many heterosexual couples are mindful of the guests they love – friends, siblings, parents or children – who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Including them with intention is a powerful act of love.

💬 Language That Embraces Everyone

In the ceremony, I’ll use words like “everyone who loves you is here to support you,” or “to all who are important to this couple” – keeping things open and welcoming.

🧡 Acknowledging Chosen Family

Not every family fits a traditional mould. We can gently acknowledge chosen family or alternative support networks, which can be particularly meaningful to LGBTQIA+ guests.

🎤 Inclusive Readings & Roles

Choosing readings or involving LGBTQIA+ friends in your ceremony is a beautiful way to honour their place in your lives. Readings that celebrate love in all its forms resonate across every type of guest list.

🪑 Comfort and Respect in the Details

Although it’s beyond the celebrant’s remit, consider a gender-neutral bathroom option, no pressure dress codes, or making sure your MC or wedding party use correct pronouns – all small gestures that have a big emotional impact.

A Moment I’ll Never Forget

At Kate and Lyndall’s wedding, where I was both their celebrant and master of ceremonies, one moment stood out profoundly. During the reception, one of their close friends, herself a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, gave a heartfelt speech. She expressed deep gratitude for Australia’s relatively recent legalisation of same-sex marriage – a law change that allowed this beautiful celebration to even take place.

She then turned to the guests and, with quiet sincerity, thanked them for being there – not just in body, but in spirit. “By being present,” she said, “you are showing your support for Kate and Lyndall, and for all couples like them. You are our allies.” It was simple, powerful, and a reminder that inclusion is often found in the company we keep and the love we show.

Small Choices, Big Love

Inclusive ceremonies don’t need to be complicated. But they do need to be thoughtful. Whether it’s through the language used, the people acknowledged, or the quiet gestures woven into the day, you can make every person feel seen.

Here are a few more easy wins:

• Include a pronoun option on your RSVP cards.

• Celebrate vendors who actively support LGBTQIA+ rights.

• Add a quote or detail in your signage or vows that affirms equality.

• Tell your celebrant (that’s me!) that inclusion matters to you – and I’ll make it happen.

About Me

Hi, I'm Rebecca Wright – a marriage celebrant based in Australia with a heart for telling real, honest, love-filled stories. I believe your wedding ceremony should reflect who you are as individuals and as a couple – warm, inclusive, joyful, and deeply you.

Whether you're planning a grand wedding or an intimate elopement, I’m here to help guide, craft, and deliver a ceremony that honours love in all its forms.

Let’s make sure your ceremony isn’t just legal – it’s unforgettable.

Let’s Chat

If inclusivity is important to you – whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community or you're simply an ally who wants your wedding to feel welcoming to all – I’d love to help you make that vision come to life.

📩 I can be contacted via my website: www.wedbybec.com or via email: rebecca@wedbybec.com
📍Available across the greater Sydney area, Blue Mountains, NSW South Coast and Southern Highlands
💬 Let’s celebrate love – no exceptions.