Love Out Loud: Queer Wedding Trends For North Shore Weddings 2025
Let’s be real—your love story isn’t cookie-cutter, so why should your wedding be?
At True North Weddings, we believe weddings should feel like you in every way. For our LGBTQ+ couples in Duluth, MN and along the North Shore, this means planning a celebration that honors your identity, your people, and the magic that happens when you take tradition and toss it in favor of something more meaningful.
Whether you’re dreaming of a Palisade Head vow exchange, a moody ballroom gala, or a cozy bonfire dinner under the stars, this blog is here to inspire you with queer wedding trends we’re loving right now—plus how Duluth is the perfect backdrop to bring it all to life.
1. Intentional, Nontraditional Ceremonies
North Shore Photo Company
Forget the script. Many queer couples are throwing out the "Dearly beloved..." and writing ceremonies that reflect who they are, how they love, and where they’re going. From handfastings in the woods of Lester Park to circle-style seating under the chandeliers of the beautiful Greysolon Ballroom, couples are rethinking what it means to "walk down the aisle."
Trend Watch:
flower gays, flower grandmas, and gender-neutral wedding parties are taking center stage
Before the ceremony, partners invite guests to write messages, advice, or hopes in journals. These heartfelt entries are then incorporated into vows or shared during the ceremony—transforming the moment into a lived, communal experience
Seventy-nine percent of modern ceremonies are non-religious. Similarly, nearly two-thirds are officiated by close friends or family, allowing for authenticity and emotional resonance.
True North Tip: We love helping our couples build ceremony timelines that reflect their unique dynamics—whether that means weaving in poetry, unity cocktails, or dramatic entrances, we got you!
2. Colorful Fashion + Gender Freedom
Photos by Angela Jo Photography
This year, Duluth weddings are getting a serious style glow-up. Queer couples are ditching dress code binaries and instead building outfits around self-expression. Think: velvet suits in jewel tones, flowy capes, embroidered boots, or jumpsuits with wild floral appliqué.
Seen & Celebrated:
A Bride in a colorful ball gown dancing the night away
An Officiant in a forest green tux with embroidered cuffs and a floral crown
Matching leather jackets with "Just Married" painted on the back
True North Tip: Our planners work with local stylists and tailors who celebrate every body, identity, and style. Looking for a dress? Make sure to visit our Josephine’s Bridal boutique in Downtown Duluth!
3. Guest Experiences That Center Joy (and Community)
Luke Payne Photography @lukepaynephoto
Queer weddings are about more than two people getting married. They often celebrate the resilience and love of the whole community that lifted you here. We’re seeing couples prioritize intimate, interactive experiences that keep guests laughing, dancing, and connecting.
Some Favorites:
Cocktail hour karaoke or drag performances
Bonfire s'mores + storytelling circles
Custom mocktail bars with local syrups and herbs
True North Tip: We’ll help you design a flow that keeps things moving and makes space for the kind of memories you actually want to make.
4. Moody, Magical Aesthetics
Hannah Nicole @imhannahnicolephotography
The "dark academia meets Northwoods fairytale" look is having a moment — and we are here for it. Think foggy Lake Superior mornings, candlelit tabletops, and florals in shades of merlot, mustard, and midnight.
Local Vibes:
Vikre Distillery for cozy cocktail vibes
Glensheen Mansion for haunting grandeur
A secluded resort like Caribou Highlands along the North Shore with fire pits and string lights
True North Tip: Don’t be afraid to go bold. Your wedding should feel like your favorite novel or dream.
5. Vendors Who Get You
Angela Jo Photography
Choosing vendors who see you is non-negotiable. That means photographers who know how to pose queer couples without assumptions, DJs who understand gender-neutral introductions, and florists who get that not every bouquet needs to be pastel.
We work with a trusted crew of LGBTQ+ affirming creatives who bring the hype, the heart, and the skill.
Some local faves:
Cece Boyle Photo – candid, documentary-style photography with a romantic edge
Derek Cich – inclusive glam that makes you feel like you
Euphoric Entertainment – DJ that knows how to read your crowd
Your Wedding, Your Way (And We're With You)
Whether you're planning a big celebration or an intimate elopement, your wedding should be a mirror of your truth. In a city as eclectic, nature-soaked, and welcoming as Duluth, anything is possible. And we’re here to make it happen—from your first inspiration board to your last dance.
Want help finding queer-affirming vendors? Need support planning a ceremony that breaks all the rules? Book a free Compass Consult with our team and let’s start dreaming up something wildly you.
Because at True North Weddings, we don’t just plan weddings. We help you tell your love story out loud.
