Finding the right wedding photographer is about more than beautiful pictures. It's about finding someone you enjoy spending your wedding day with, someone who takes the time to get to know you, and someone you can trust to tell your story honestly.
For more than twenty years, we've photographed weddings throughout Charlottesville and Virginia, documenting more than 500 love stories. As an LGBTQ friendly wedding photography studio, we're proud to celebrate couples from all walks of life and create an experience where everyone feels welcome from our first conversation to the final gallery.
If you're looking for an LGBTQ friendly wedding photographer in Charlottesville or anywhere in Virginia, we hope these real weddings give you inspiration and help you feel confident as you search for the photographer who's the right fit for you.
Every Couple Has a Story Worth Telling
One of my favorite parts of this job happens before I ever pick up a camera. It's getting to know the people I'm photographing and hearing the story that brought them together.
Every couple's journey is different, and that's what makes weddings so much fun to photograph. Whether your day is filled with family traditions, new ones you've created together, or a little bit of both, I want your photographs to reflect who you are. The details will eventually fade, but the way you felt walking down the aisle, laughing together during portraits, and celebrating with the people you love are the moments that will always matter.
An Experience That Feels Like You
The best photographs come from feeling comfortable enough to be yourselves.
That's why I spend time getting to know every couple before the wedding day. I want to understand your personalities, what you're excited about, what you're nervous about, and how you naturally interact together. My job isn't to fit every couple into the same poses or expectations. It's to create an experience where you can relax, enjoy the day, and trust that the moments unfolding naturally are being documented in a way that feels true to your relationship.
Long after the wedding is over, I want you to look back at your photographs and remember not only how the day looked, but how it felt.
Real LGBTQ Weddings We've Had the Honor of Photographing
Over the years, we've photographed weddings for gay, lesbian, transgender, and nonbinary couples throughout Virginia. Some exchanged vows overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, while others celebrated at historic estates, vineyards, and elegant ballrooms. Every wedding reflected the personalities and priorities of the couple, and that's exactly what makes each one memorable.
Rather than showcasing only one wedding, we wanted to share a collection of celebrations that highlight the many different ways couples have chosen to celebrate their love throughout Charlottesville and Virginia.
Brittany & Emilee | Castle Hill Cider
"I cannot say enough good things about Aaron and his wife. They made my wedding day absolutely fantastic. They were so calm and collected and captured the day perfectly. I would recommend them a million times over!" -Brittany
Brittany and Emilee first met through the Charlottesville Derby Dames roller derby league, and their wedding at Castle Hill Cider was every bit as fun and energetic as they are. One of our favorite memories from the evening happened when they realized the sparklers planned for their exit had accidentally been left behind. Instead of letting the moment slip away, we made a quick trip for two cases of sparkling cider, and their guests enthusiastically shook twenty-four bottles before sending the couple off in a shower of fizz and laughter. It quickly became one of the most memorable exits we've ever photographed.
Since their wedding, we've had the joy of continuing to photograph their growing family as they welcomed both a son and a daughter. Watching couples become families is one of the greatest privileges of this job.
Jen & Courtney | The Seclusion
Jen and Courtney's relationship began online, and by the time they became engaged, they had each planned a proposal for the other. They both said yes twice.
Their love of Harry Potter found its way into the wedding day with a creative photograph inspired by the Unbreakable Vow, and as avid hikers, they couldn't have asked for a more beautiful setting than The Seclusion. Nature even gave them an unexpected gift when a rainbow appeared during the celebration, creating one more unforgettable memory from an already incredible day.
Wyatt & Casey | King Family Vineyards
Wyatt and Casey share a love of travel, fall weather, and making memories with the people closest to them. Their King Family Vineyards wedding took place during peak autumn color, providing one of Virginia's most beautiful backdrops. They also hosted a joint bachelor party before the wedding and incorporated a Polaroid photo booth during the reception, giving guests a fun way to capture memories throughout the evening.
Cynthia & Charlotte | Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard
Cynthia and Charlotte chose an intimate celebration centered around family at Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard. During their ceremony, snow began to fall across the property, creating an unforgettable winter backdrop. Cynthia stayed warm with a beautiful shawl handmade by her grandmother, making the photographs even more meaningful because of the family story woven into them.
Corey & Chris | CrossKeys Vineyards
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you photographed LGBTQ weddings before?
Yes. We've had the privilege of photographing weddings for gay, lesbian, transgender, and nonbinary couples throughout Virginia. Every wedding is unique, and we approach each celebration by getting to know the couple and creating photographs that genuinely reflect their relationship.
Do you travel outside of Charlottesville?
Absolutely. Charlottesville is home, but we regularly photograph weddings throughout Virginia and are always happy to travel for destination weddings.
Can you help us plan our wedding photography timeline?
Yes. One of the first things we do after booking is help build a photography timeline that allows plenty of time for portraits while keeping the day relaxed and enjoyable.
Do you photograph engagement sessions?
Yes. Many of our wedding collections include an engagement session. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know one another before the wedding while creating beautiful photographs together in one of Charlottesville's many scenic locations.
How far in advance should we book?
Most couples reserve their wedding date 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for popular spring and fall weekends. Once you've selected your venue and wedding date, we recommend reaching out to check availability.
We'd Love to Hear Your Story
One of the reasons I still love photographing weddings after all these years is that no two are ever exactly alike. Every celebration reflects the people at the center of it, and that's what keeps this work exciting.
If you're planning your wedding in Charlottesville or anywhere throughout Virginia and are looking for an LGBTQ friendly wedding photographer, we'd love the opportunity to learn more about your story. It would be an honor to celebrate alongside you and create photographs that preserve this chapter of your lives for generations to come.
Aaron Watson
Aaron Watson, the founder of Aaron Watson Photography, is an award-winning photographer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in weddings and family portraits. Along with his team, Aaron delivers emotionally rich and vibrant images, earning a 5.0 Google Rating and over 50 awards and recognitions from publications like National Geographic, Martha Stewart Weddings, HGTV, Huffington Post, and BRIDES Magazine.
