Feb. 5, 2026 - How To Choose An Lgbtq+ Friendly Wedding Officiant In Texas

How to Choose an LGBTQ+ Friendly Wedding Officiant in Texas

Planning a wedding is exciting—but for LGBTQ+ couples in Texas, choosing the right wedding officiant can be one of the most important (and sometimes stressful) decisions you’ll make. Your officiant sets the tone for your ceremony, speaks your love story out loud, and should make you feel completely seen, respected, and celebrated.

Here’s how to confidently choose an LGBTQ+ friendly wedding officiant in Texas who will honor your relationship exactly as it deserves.

1. Look for Clear, Visible Inclusivity

A truly LGBTQ+ friendly wedding officiant won’t make you guess.

Look for:

• Inclusive language on their website (using words like all couples, every love story, or same-sex weddings)

• Explicit statements that they officiate LGBTQ+ and same-sex weddings

• Inclusive imagery, symbols, or examples of past ceremonies

If inclusivity is vague or hidden, that’s a red flag. An affirming officiant is proud to serve LGBTQ+ couples and makes that clear from the start.

2. Ask Direct Questions (and Pay Attention to the Answers)

You are absolutely allowed—and encouraged—to ask direct questions.

Good questions include:

• “Have you officiated same-sex or LGBTQ+ weddings before?”

• “How do you ensure ceremonies are inclusive and affirming?”

• “Are you comfortable using non-gendered or custom language?”

A supportive officiant will answer confidently, warmly, and without hesitation. If the response feels awkward, dismissive, or overly cautious, trust your instincts.

3. Experience Matters—Especially in Texas

Texas weddings can come with unique legal, cultural, and family dynamics. An experienced officiant understands:

• Texas marriage license requirements

• How to navigate conservative venues or family members respectfully

• How to advocate for the couple while keeping the focus on love

Choosing an officiant who has been performing LGBTQ+ weddings in Texas for years means fewer surprises and a smoother experience on your big day.

4. Choose Someone Who Offers Custom Ceremonies

Your relationship is unique—your ceremony should be too.

An LGBTQ+ friendly wedding officiant should:

• Avoid one-size-fits-all scripts

• Customize vows, readings, and rituals

• Respect your beliefs (religious, spiritual, or non-religious)

• Center your story, not outdated traditions

If they insist on rigid scripts or gendered language that doesn’t fit you, keep looking.

5. Read Reviews—Especially from LGBTQ+ Couples

Reviews tell you what websites sometimes don’t.

Look for:

• Reviews that mention feeling safe, respected, and celebrated

• LGBTQ+ couples sharing positive experiences

• Words like affirming, inclusive, comfortable, and supportive

These firsthand experiences are powerful indicators of how an officiant truly shows up.

6. Make Sure You Feel Comfortable and Seen

This may be the most important factor of all.

Your officiant should:

• Use your correct names and pronouns

• Respect your boundaries

• Make you feel relaxed and confident

• Celebrate your love without hesitation

If you don’t feel fully comfortable being yourselves, that officiant isn’t the right fit—no matter how experienced they are.

7. Support Businesses That Support You

Choosing an LGBTQ+ friendly wedding officiant is also about values.

Many couples intentionally seek:

• LGBTQ+ affirming businesses

• Veteran-owned or community-focused officiants

• Professionals who stand for equality and inclusion

When you support businesses that openly support you, it shows in the care, passion, and respect they bring to your ceremony.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding ceremony should be a moment of joy, authenticity, and love—not uncertainty or compromise. Choosing an LGBTQ+ friendly wedding officiant in Texas means choosing someone who honors your relationship fully and proudly.

Take your time, ask questions, trust your instincts, and remember—you deserve a ceremony that reflects your love story, exactly as it is.

Looking for an inclusive, experienced, LGBTQ+ affirming wedding officiant in Texas? Phoenix Rising Ceremonies proudly serves couples across the state with custom ceremonies that celebrate all love, all identities, and all stories.