LGBTQ+ Wedding Photographer, Cardiff
Meet the Photographer
Hey, my name is SHABAAN
I’m a wedding and elopement photographer who works across Cardiff and South Wales. I’ve photographed LGBTQ+ couples in the area, including a surprise proposal at Dyffryn Gardens and I’ve shot same-sex elopements elsewhere in the UK. This isn’t a new market for me and it’s not a box I’m ticking. It’s part of the work I do.
If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ wedding photographer in Cardiff, you’ve probably noticed that most of the options fall into two categories: photographers who’ve added a rainbow page to their website but don’t have any queer couples in their actual portfolio, or photographers who treat same-sex weddings like a niche specialism rather than just… weddings.
I don’t need a separate page to tell you I’m inclusive. My portfolio shows it. But I know LGBTQ+ couples search for this specifically because they’ve been burned before by photographers who said they were fine with it and then made the day awkward, or by the one who quietly turned down the booking.
So this page exists to save you the guesswork. I’ve done this, I understand how it works, and I’ll photograph your wedding the same way I photograph anyone’s. With care, with honesty, and without treating your relationship as something that needs a disclaimer.
Why Book Me?
I’ve Worked with LGBTQ+ Across the UK
I’ve photographed a same-sex surprise proposal at Dyffryn Gardens (one of the most beautiful National Trust properties in South Wales) and I’ve shot LGBTQ+ elopements elsewhere in the UK (I did one recently in Manchester, they were cool). I know the Cardiff area and I know how to be discreet when the moment calls for it. The couple at Dyffryn described me as “a ninja hiding among the flowers.” I’ll take that even if i'm not wearing a stealth outfit.
Your Wedding Isn’t a Category
I don’t segregate my LGBTQ+ work into a separate portfolio section. It sits alongside everything else because that’s what it is — a wedding. You’re not booking a “specialist LGBTQ+ photographer.” You’re booking a good photographer who doesn’t treat your relationship as different from anyone else’s.
I Don’t Need Educating
I’m not going to stumble on the language. I’m not going to assume who’s doing what or ask which one of you is “the bride.” I’m not going to treat your wedding as my learning experience. You focus on getting married. I’ll focus on capturing it. If you're NB, that's fine, genderfluid, cool, it's your wedding day not RE class.
I Travel to Cardiff Regularly
I’m based in the Midlands but I work in Cardiff and South Wales regularly. Travel to Cardiff is straightforward and factored into my pricing. You’re not paying a premium for me to drive down the M4, it’s part of how I work. It's simply the job and I stay until it's over.
Timelines aren't the world.
Weddings don’t always follow the timeline. Elopements are flexible by nature. Proposals need patience and perfect timing. Whatever the format, I’m not clock-watching. I’m there to capture the moments that matter, however long that takes.
Ivory – 6-hour Wedding civil ceremony photography - Birmingham/Nationwide
From £1250
For intimate civil ceremonies and town hall weddings. Ceremony coverage, portraits, and the surrounding moments. Sneak peeks within 72 hours, consultation call, and timeline guidance. Best for couples who want elegance and honesty without full-day coverage.
• 100 Edited images via private gallery
• Sneak peeks within 72 hours
• Consultation call
• Timeline guidance
• Ongoing communication
Silk – 8-hour wedding photography for ceremonies & receptions - Birmingham/Nationwide
FROM £1500
For ceremonies and receptions in one location. Coverage from getting ready through to the evening. Sneak peeks within 72 hours, consultation call, timeline guidance, and ongoing communication throughout planning. Best for couples who want the full story without a 12-hour commitment.
• 300 Edited images via private gallery
• Sneak peeks within 72 hours
• Consultation call
• Timeline guidance
• Ongoing communication
Velvet (12-hour UK wedding photography coverage, Birmingham/Nationwide)
£1800
Full-day coverage from quiet morning moments to the last dances of the evening. Everything included. Sneak peeks within 72 hours, consultation call, timeline guidance, and ongoing communication. Best for couples who want every chapter documented, start to finish.
• 450 Edited images via private gallery
• Sneak peeks within 72 hours
• Consultation call
• Timeline guidance
• Ongoing communication
Testimonial
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Hiring Shabaan to capture our surprise proposal at the beautiful National Trust Dyffryn Gardens was the best decision we made! We needed a local Cardiff photographer who could be totally discreet, and Shabaan was a true professional, he was like a ninja hiding among the flowers!
He was incredible during the planning stage, helping us coordinate the perfect spot and time. He managed to capture the genuine, raw emotion of the moment without us even knowing he was there.
The photos he delivered later are absolutely breathtaking! They perfectly capture the beauty of the gardens and every single tear, smile, and hug from that magical day. If you are looking for a trustworthy, talented, and discreet proposal photographer who knows the Cardiff and South Wales area, hire Shabaan immediately. We will cherish these forever!
— Dyffryn Gardens Proposal, Cardiff
What to Expect When You Book
We start with a conversation. Tell me what you’re planning from the venue, the vibe, the guest count, whatever stage you’re at. I’ll tell you honestly whether I’m the right fit and what I’d suggest for your day.
Before the wedding, we’ll plan the photography around your timeline. Not a rigid shot list: a rough shape. The moments that matter to you, the family dynamics to be aware of, and the practical details (venues, lighting, timing). If you want a pre-wedding couples shoot to get comfortable in front of the camera, that’s included free with wedding bookings.
On the day, I blend in. I don’t direct your wedding, I document it. The candid moments are the ones you’ll treasure. Portraits happen naturally when there’s a quiet moment, not a 45-minute session that pulls you away from your guests.
Your gallery is delivered within 6-8 weeks. Sneak peeks within 3 days of the wedding as I know it's nerve-wracking waiting months for photos you might not even like.
FAQ
Have you photographed LGBTQ+ weddings before?
Yes. I’ve photographed same-sex proposals and elopements, including work at Dyffryn Gardens in Cardiff. My broader portfolio includes diverse couples across all types of weddings. This isn’t new territory for me.
Are you based in Cardiff?
I’m based in the Midlands but I work in Cardiff and South Wales regularly. Travel is factored into my pricing so you’re not paying extra for me to get there. I know the area, I’ve shot here, and the M4 makes it straightforward.
Do you know venues in the Cardiff area?
I’ve worked at Dyffryn Gardens and I’m familiar with venues across Cardiff and South Wales including Cardiff City Hall, Bute Park, and the wider area. If your venue is somewhere I haven’t shot before, I’ll visit in advance or research it thoroughly so I know the space and lighting before the day.
Do you do proposals?
Yes. The review above is from a surprise proposal I photographed at Dyffryn Gardens. Proposals require patience, discretion, and being in the right place at the right moment without being seen. I’ve done it and the couple didn’t know I was there until after.
Say hello. Let's work together.
Let's capture your big day.