Planning a sensory-friendly wedding that reflects your identity and feels truly comfortable for you and your guests shouldn’t mean giving up on style, joy, or your dream aesthetic. If you or someone you love is autistic, neurodivergent, or sensitive to sensory input, you deserve a celebration that honors your needs and your vibe.

As an autistic and queer wedding photographer based in Columbus, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful, inclusive wedding planning can transform a day from overwhelming to empowering. Here’s how to create a sensory-friendly wedding that keeps the experience magical—without sacrificing the meaning or aesthetic.

Create a Chill-First Environment

Start with your venue—does it offer any quiet rooms or lounge areas where guests (or you!) can retreat if things feel too intense? A soft-seating corner with dim lighting, calming music, and stim toys or fidgets can be a game-changer for neurodivergent guests.

Sensory-friendly tip: Skip fluorescent lighting where possible. Warm, indirect lights or string lights feel more welcoming and less harsh, and they photograph beautifully.

Customize Soundscapes

Sound is one of the biggest sensory triggers at weddings. Work with your DJ or band to create a playlist that feels energizing but not overwhelming. Ask about setting a consistent volume level (no surprise spikes) and whether quieter, acoustic versions of your favorite songs could work.

Autistic wedding tip: Consider a “silent disco” for dancing—everyone wears headphones and can adjust the volume themselves. Fun, novel, and totally sensory-safe!

Give Guests a Heads-Up with Sensory-Friendly Signage

Prepare your guests ahead of time with a wedding website section or printed signage that outlines what to expect. Let them know about things like:

• Flashing lights or loud music
• Scented florals or fog machines
• The availability of quiet areas
• Whether hugs or physical touch are expected or optional

This not only helps autistic and neurodivergent guests, but also makes your celebration more welcoming overall.

Consider the Fabric of It All—Literally

If scratchy lace or tight waistbands make you miserable, skip them. You can wear whatever the hell you want on your wedding day. Choose outfits and accessories that feel good on your skin. Breathable fabrics like linen, soft knits, or cotton blends work great for a sensory-friendly fit that still looks amazing.

Bonus: Let your wedding party choose their own outfits within a color palette. Everyone wins—especially the neurodivergent folks who know what clothes work for their bodies.

Build Buffer Time Into Your Timeline

Neurodivergent brains often need downtime. Instead of a jam-packed schedule, leave space between the ceremony, dinner, and dance floor for decompression or connection.

As your photographer, I’m happy to help you design a timeline that respects your energy, includes moments of stillness, and captures the real beauty of your day without rushing you through it.

Embrace Non-Traditional Traditions

Don’t want to do a first dance? Skip it. Don’t like being the center of attention? You can still celebrate your love in ways that feel right for you.

Whether it’s a laid-back backyard dinner, a brunch picnic, or an elopement in the woods with your dog, your wedding should reflect you. That’s what makes it unforgettable—not the Pinterest trends.

Hire Vendors Who Get It

You deserve vendors who honor your needs without question, who respect your boundaries, and who show up with empathy, not assumptions. That includes photographers.

As someone who’s neurodivergent myself, I understand the balance between capturing raw, real moments and respecting your space and pace. Your wedding day should feel like a celebration of your whole self, not a performance.

You Deserve a Wedding That Feels Like Home