We are a Charleston LGBTQ+ Wedding Photographer studio and we have been photographing same-sex weddings since 2009. Not only have we photographed gay weddings in Charleston, but we have been hired for same-sex weddings all over the world.
LGBTQ couples trust us because of our many years of experience photographing gay weddings. We’ve been there, and all in, since the beginning. The first time we photographed a gay wedding, it wasn’t even legal yet in that state. But Lou and Neil were deeply in love and wanted to get married anyway, on their own terms. Four years later, we photographed them again when they could marry legally.
The fact that gay weddings were not always a given right is one of the reasons we love photographing them. Our same-sex couples have an appreciation for the ability to marry that is on a whole other level. Emotions are high, and the joy is an outright explosion!
Most Experienced LGBTQ+ Wedding Photographers in Charleston
We have photographed 33 LGBTQ weddings all over the world, so we are very familiar with what makes a two-groom or two-bride wedding different from a bride-groom wedding. We know how to pose two men, and realize that knowledge might only be attained from an in-depth conversation with the couple to understand their roles and preferences in the partnership. We know that two brides might go all out and both wear formal ballgowns. But another two-bride couple might wear suits or tuxedos. In addition to loving the shakeup of any wedding norms, we love seeing people simply be true to who they are. Furthermore, we know that family is often *chosen* family, and that they sometimes deserve all the respect and reverence, if not more, than any blood relatives. We will get to know you on a deeper level during the months leading up to your wedding so we can hear who your most important people are and also learn your values, your preferences, your style, and what you expect from us.
Erin and Ben made us feel safe, understood, and embraced from the moment we first met them. As a same-sex couple, we needed wedding photographers who would help tell our love story with ease and authenticity. Chrisman Studios more than surpassed our expectations. Our guests can’t stop talking about our beautiful and innovative photographs!
– Aaron Polkey and Jason Coleman, wedding at The Gibbes Museum of Charleston
We know how to give you all the photos you would expect from us, but we also know how to go beyond that and make your photographs unique to you. We love surprising and delighting you with photos you never even imagined in all your wedding daydreams.
Charleston Embraces the LGBTQ Community
If you’re a same-sex couple who wants to get married in Charleston but you’re worried about South Carolina being a conservative state, we get it. Fortunately, Charleston itself is a very progressive city full of transplants from bigger, more liberal cities like New York and Washington D.C. who are working hard to change the tide in South Carolina. In other words, you are safe here. You will be embraced by a community that is eager to celebrate you and your love. There are also many LGBTQ+ wedding vendors in Charleston that we can introduce you to.
We’ll Connect You with the Right People, Places and Things
Erin grew up in Charleston for many years before moving to Atlanta and then to San Francisco. We moved back to Charleston as a married couple in 2015. Our house is downtown, and our photo studio is about three miles from there. So, in addition to knowing how to make beautiful and meaningful photographs for you, we also REALLY know this city. We can connect you with other Charleston LGBTQ-friendly vendors, and even LGBTQ-owned businesses, so you can build a trustworthy team for your wedding that truly understands you. We can also recommend the best Charleston restaurants, hotels and activities for your wedding weekend. A local’s insight is invaluable so you stay away from the mediocre tourist traps!
Charleston has so much to offer LGBTQ+ couples, and we can’t wait to talk with you to learn your story and hear your vision for your Charleston wedding!