As we once more celebrate Pride Month this June, it’s crucial to recognise the progress made by those wedding venues which continue to go the extra mile to create inclusive and welcoming spaces for couples of every sexual orientation and gender. To honour those who champion diversity and inclusion, we’ve compiled a list of our top LGBTQ+ wedding experts: venues which are proud to support and cater to every couple’s style and vision.
Glewstone Court Country House
Championing inclusivity
At Glewstone Court Country House, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all couples is a priority. Joel, a member of the LGBTQ+ community himself, attests to the genuine commitment of the venue: “We take immense pride in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Personal commitment
Reflecting on his experience, Joel highlights the venue’s genuine commitment to inclusivity. “They have always made me feel welcome and valued, and they have shown a willingness to learn and listen from me, allowing us to adapt our language and practices to be more inclusive and affirming to all couples.”
Celebrating diversity
From hosting numerous weddings for LGBTQ+ couples to participating in Pride events, Glewstone Court celebrates diversity to the very fullest. “From the moment couples walk through our doors, they are embraced for who they are, and their love story becomes our mission to celebrate.”
Inclusive facilities and language
Inclusivity is reflected in every aspect of this venue’s service. “We have ensured that all toilets in the building are unisex and can be used by all and ensure privacy when needed. We also ensure that all staff are aware to not assume gender of couples or wedding guests and they are inclusive and sensitive with their language. We make sure that all marketing materials, including websites, brochures and social media posts, feature diverse representation of LGBTQ+ couples. We also do not use old-fashioned language like ‘Bridal Suite’, and have adapted this to be called the ‘Honeymoon Suite’, which suits all adaptions.”
Celebrating pride
Pride Month is celebrated each year at Glewstone Court Country House with enthusiasm. “We celebrate Pride Month and ensure we have a dedicated post on our social media channels to celebrate.”
Staff training
Regular staff training ensures sensitivity and inclusivity. “We conduct role-playing exercises monthly, to help staff members practice interacting with LGBTQ+ couples in a sensitive and respectful manner. This is super helpful when conducting show rounds with potential couples to ensure we do not follow a script, and we adapt to each and every couple who comes through our doors.”
Acknowledging the ongoing journey
Joel acknowledges the ongoing journey towards complete inclusivity. “I do feel that we still have a long way to go, and we still see enquiries from same-sex couples who still ask if it would be okay to host a same-sex wedding at our venue. This makes us very sad, that some same-sex couples feel a need to ask this question. Of course, we make them feel comfortable and ensure they are looked after and reassure them that they do not have to ask this question. We have, however, seen more and more of an increase in same-sex/LGBTQ+ representation when conducting competitor analysis, which is also nice for me to see.”
Promoting universal LGBTQ+ inclusivity
Joel emphasises the importance of collective effort in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity. “I think the more everyone works together and promotes LGBTQ+ community on social media and on supplier/venue websites the better!”
Elms Barn
Championing inclusivity
Ruth from Elms Barn highlights the venue’s commitment to inclusivity, pointing out touches like, “couples entering at the same time from two sides of the ceremony space”, “sensitive language for persons of honour and best persons”, and “team members who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.” She sums it up beautifully: “Overall, we treat everyone the same, and if there are ever any special requests to help everyone feel included and special, we will deliver.”
Fostering representation
Ruth emphasises their efforts to reflect and include all types of couples, including featuring blog posts about same-sex couples and ensuring photos of the venue and couples cover all types of couples, “so everyone is reflected and included.”
Practising sensitivity
In their staff training, Ruth explains that discussions are regularly held on sensitive language, and that she herself makes notes on all running orders where there are people with specific pronoun preferences, “to make sure everyone is actively aware of the language they should be using.”
Celebrating all love equally
Ruth believes that there should be no difference between an LGBTQ+ wedding and any other wedding: “In the past, I have found staff and management could be on edge and try too hard to include couples, which actually makes things awkward and forced. Now, anyone can love anyone, and we don’t need to think of any wedding as anything other than a magical day which the couple has designed in a way that is best for them and their guests.”
Bespoke celebrations
Elms Barn is proud to create every wedding completely bespoke for each couple. Ruth explains that they “have had everything from rainbow wedding cakes to very understated LGBTQ+ weddings, and that when planning each celebration, they will “listen to that couple to see where on that spectrum they fit best.”
Year-round visibility
Ruth ensures that the exposure is there for all LGBTQ+ weddings throughout the year, not just “as a Pride gimmick”, a point we agree is super important to highlight. She also refers to “a few photographers I always recommend to LGBTQ+ couples, as I know they make everyone feel so comfortable regardless.”
The Old Mill (Aldermaston)
Championing inclusivity
Another steadfast advocate for inclusivity is Chris from The Old Mill (Aldermaston). Reflecting on their journey, Chris shares, “We are proud to have celebrated and hosted a variety of LGBTQ+ weddings, and have built a team that is LGBTQ+ inclusive, all of whom are key members of our business. We have always welcomed diversity and will continue to do so.”
Embracing uniqueness
Chris emphasises the importance of understanding and realising each couple’s unique vision: “We find it crucial to know the couple and help bring their vision to life. Whether it’s adding lots of colour to the decor, incorporating multicoloured confetti, or ensuring both partners have their moment walking down the aisle, we strive to create a timeless wedding day.”
Community support beyond weddings
The Old Mill’s support for the LGBTQ+ community extends beyond weddings alone. “Although weddings are our main engagement with the LGBTQ+ community, we actively support them both in and out of the workplace. We embrace the changes they want to bring into the workplace that make them feel more valued. We encourage and celebrate their activities outside of work as we recognise and honour their passion for celebrating their individuality.”
Celebrating progress
Chris expresses immense pride in the growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ weddings. “It’s hugely rewarding to see how LGBTQ+ weddings have become accepted by society over the years. Witnessing this evolution into the new normal is emotionally touching. We are thrilled to be hosting more LGBTQ+ weddings than ever before this year, including our director’s wedding!”
Diversity within the workplace
Having a diverse and inclusive team is central to The Old Mill’s approach: “Having a diverse and inclusive team reassures our couples that all of their guests and they themselves will have the wedding experience they deserve.”
Supporting individuality
For both Chris and the team, supporting individuality and embracing each person’s natural personality is paramount: “It’s always important to us to support individuality and encourage our couples and colleagues to bring their natural personality to everything they do, both personally and professionally.”
