LGBT Wedding Rings: Unique, Inclusive, and Meaningful Designs

When it comes to weddings, the little details often carry the biggest stories—and nothing te lls a love story quite like a wedding ring. For queer couples, finding LGBT wedding rings that feel inclusive, authentic, and deeply personal can sometimes be a challenge. Too often, the jewelry industry has catered to a narrow idea of what rings should look like. But here’s the good news: more and more jewelers are creating pieces that honor diversity, self-expression, and love in all its forms.

As an LGBTQ+ wedding photographer, I’ve seen so many beautiful and unique rings while documenting love stories. The ones that stand out to me aren’t necessarily the flashiest or the most expensive—they’re the ones with a story. Rings designed with intention, symbolism, or a personal twist are always my favorite.

Why Inclusive Rings Matter

Shopping for wedding rings should feel exciting, not alienating. Yet many couples—especially LGBTQ+ folks—have shared experiences of feeling judged or excluded in traditional jewelry stores. That’s why I’m passionate about highlighting brands and jewelers who celebrate inclusivity.

Whether you’re looking for an alternative wedding ring, something eco-friendly, or designs that break away from “his and hers” traditions, you deserve to see yourself reflected in your choices. And honestly? The most memorable rings I’ve photographed are the ones that step outside the box.

Alternative Wedding Rings for Queer Couples

Alternative wedding rings can mean so many things:

Non-traditional materials like wood, recycled gold, or even meteorite.
Unique finishes like matte, hammered, or brushed textures.
Personal symbolism, from engraved vows to incorporating birthstones.

One couple I photographed wore rings crafted from family heirloom gold, melted and reshaped into something new. Another chose simple, minimalist bands because they wanted their rings to reflect their everyday love—not tradition.

Hers and Hers Wedding Rings (and Beyond)

For queer couples, there are no rules. Some love having hers and hers wedding rings that match perfectly, while others design two totally different styles that reflect their individuality. I’ve seen couples choose rings in the same metal but with different finishes—or completely opposite designs that still feel like part of the same story.

That freedom to define what feels right for you is the most beautiful part.

My Own Story: Designing My Wife’s Ring

When I designed my wife’s wedding ring, I wanted it to be something only she could have. I worked with a local jeweler who started with a digital rendering, then created a silicone sample I could hold in my hand. After a few small tweaks, the final piece came to life. That process—seeing an idea turn into something tangible—felt just as special as the day I slipped it onto her finger.

It reminded me that rings don’t have to come from a glass display case. They can be designed to tell your story from the start.

Inclusive Brands I Love

Here are a few jewelry brands I recommend for couples looking for LGBT wedding rings that celebrate love inclusively:

Holden: Founded to change the way people experience wedding ring shopping, Holden creates gender-neutral designs and has been part of over 20,000 weddings. They’ve also donated more than $200,000 to causes like The Trevor Project. Their mission is all about celebrating love without judgment.

Automic Gold: Founded by AL, a queer immigrant and jewelry designer, Automic Gold makes sustainable, inclusive jewelry that breaks away from overly gendered styles. Their pieces are stylish, accessible, and designed with real people in mind.

Both of these brands put inclusivity and authenticity at the heart of their work—values I care about deeply.

Elissa + Jess Three Rivers — Jamie Alison

Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Rings

If you’re in the ring-shopping stage, here are a few tips I’ve learned from couples (and my own experience):

Think about lifestyle: Do you need something durable for an active job or hobby?
Decide if matching matters: Do you want rings that match, coordinate, or totally differ?
Consider symbolism: Engravings, custom designs, or heirloom materials can add personal meaning.
Shop where you feel safe: Support jewelers who respect and affirm your identity.

FAQs About LGBT Wedding Rings

What is an alternative wedding ring?
It’s any ring that steps outside traditional designs—whether in materials, shape, or symbolism.

Can both partners wear engagement rings in same-sex weddings?
Absolutely! Many couples both wear engagement rings, wedding bands, or both.

Do rings have to match?
Not at all. Some couples match, some don’t—there are no rules.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding rings are one of the few pieces of your wedding day you’ll carry with you every single day afterward. They deserve to be as unique and meaningful as your love story. Whether that means custom-designed, gender-neutral, or alternative rings, remember: there’s no right or wrong choice—only the one that feels like you.

And when the time comes to celebrate those rings (and everything they represent), I’d love to be there to capture the story.

Ready to create your own love story with rings that mean the world? Reach out, and let’s talk about documenting your day in a way that feels true to you.