Top 10 Memorable LGBTQ+ TV Weddings

A Season 2 episode of this beloved sitcom featured the first wedding between two women on network TV. In the pilot, Ross has already been dumped by Carol, who plans to raise their baby with her new partner Susan. By Season 2, Ross’s now-ex-wife and co-parent is getting hitched. But when Carol’s disapproving parents decide to boycott her nuptials, Ross overcomes his tension with Susan and encourages the marriage, even walking Carol down the aisle. The ceremony is as cute as can be, and touchingly represents a new chapter for the brides and Ross alike. The 1996 episode did face some censorship, but it’s fondly remembered as a groundbreaking moment on the small screen.

This long-running animated children’s series generally focuses on the titular aardvark and the sometimes conflicting relationships between his loved ones. But it was another character, Mr. Ratburn, who drew headlines for this episode featuring the schoolteacher’s marriage. Believing Ratburn’s strict sister to be his bride, Arthur and friends conspire to interrupt the ceremony. But when they find out that Ratburn’s better half is actually the friendly chocolatier Patrick, the group is simply relieved. The episode was acclaimed on social media, and for good reason. For the educational children’s program to depict a same-gender wedding as altogether normal was nothing short of major.

After its cancellation, the Wachowskis’ sci-fi drama series was famously brought back for an extra-long finale. Centering on an international group of “sensates” who find themselves psychologically connected, the show chronicles their efforts to understand their linkage and evade the mysterious Whispers. The 2018 episode finds hacker Nomi and her girlfriend tying the knot while surrounded by their loved ones. As they’re about to be wed, Amanita delivers her wedding vows in the form of a downright swoon-worthy speech. For all that the characters have been through, it’s incredibly satisfying to see their storyline wrap up in such a joyous way. And with a queer trans woman as one of the brides, the occasion is a particularly notable one for LGBTQ+ representation on TV.

This Cartoon Network series has been lauded for its depiction of multiple LGBTQ+ characters throughout its run. Garnet, the alien who leads Earth’s guardians known as the Crystal Gems, is revealed in the Season 1 finale to be a fusion of two separate entities, Ruby and Sapphire. Despite their enduring love, a conflict in the show’s fifth season results in the pair unfusing and Ruby running away to explore her independence. Thankfully, the two Gems decide to return to their united form in a beachside ceremony officiated by their friend Steven. But just as important as this all-ages program featuring a lesbian wedding is its message of healthy relationships bringing out the best in everyone.

This family drama series focuses on a lesbian couple raising biological, adoptive, and foster children in San Diego. We already saw the couple wed in Season 1, but later in the series they make the tough decision to file for divorce to avoid having to sell their house. Stef is understandably concerned about Lena’s indifference to their legal status. However, Stef’s mom’s own cold feet regarding her planned marriage provides the perfect opportunity for the show’s central duo to tie the knot all over again. With a beautifully understated setting and an extremely passionate kiss in the rain, the ceremony represents the pair’s commitment to getting through even the most unlikely of circumstances together.

Although it isn’t always remembered for this monumental moment, the half-hour comedy-drama featured the first-ever wedding between gay characters on American TV. Starring Charles S. Dutton, the show centers on garbage collector Roc’s relationships with his wife and live-in relatives. In a Season 1 episode, the main character’s uncle pays him a visit and introduces the family to his fiancé, a white man. Considering the storyline’s 1991 air date, it’s unfortunate but unsurprising that Russell’s sexuality is at times played for laughs. But for bringing a never-before-seen reality to the small screen, the Emmy-nominated and NAACP Award-winning series certainly deserves credit.

It’s no wonder why Callie and Arizona are one of the show’s most memorable couples - even their first meeting at the Emerald City Bar is chemistry-filled. But in classic “Grey’s” fashion, planning their wedding isn’t exactly a piece of cake. After Callie’s mom abandons her role in the nuptials and the minister bows out, the ceremony is nearly canceled. But with Miranda Bailey volunteering to officiate and Callie’s father showing up at the last moment for a father-daughter dance, the couple get what they want - if not in the most traditional way. Considering Callie’s tumultuous relationship history at this point in the series, it’s touching to see her commemorate truly fulfilling love.

In the final season of this musical comedy-drama series, a wedding for one of its most beloved pairings turns into an even more love-filled occasion. There are some hiccups leading up to the exchange of vows, like Santana seeing Brittany in her bridal gown and Sue trying to weasel her way into attending. But the episode is chock-full of touching moments, like Santana’s abuela finally giving her blessing and Kurt and Blaine confessing their love and getting back together. Brittany proposes a double marriage, and the brides and grooms walk down the aisle to a rousing rendition of “At Last.” Far from being bridezillas, Brittany and Santana are as generous as can be on their big day - and it’s truly beautiful to witness.

Using a wedding to lend weight to a season finale is a well-worn trope - and so is a last-minute cancellation from the officiant, amongst other issues. But this sitcom’s wacky humor makes these plot points seem brand new. The series, which follows the wealthy Roses’ forced relocation to a small town, concludes with David settling down in the unlikely locale even as his relatives depart. With the over-the-top Moira stepping in to marry David and his business partner Patrick, it’s a family affair through and through, and it marks the end of an era for the Roses. If that weren’t enough, Patrick’s vows include some downright adorable Mariah Carey lyrics.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

David Fisher & Keith Charles, “Six Feet Under” (2001-05), “Everyone’s Waiting”
Once Conflicted About His Sexuality, The Middle Fisher Child Gets Hitched in the Series Finale of This HBO Drama

Bianca Montgomery & Reese Williams, “All My Children” (1970-2011), “Episode #10061”
The Feb. 13 & 16, 2009 Episodes of This Iconic Soap Featured the Nuptials of Erica Kane’s Daughter

Freya Mikaelson & Keelin Malraux, “The Originals” (2013-18), “Til The Day I Die”
Despite Their Unlikely Beginnings, the Witch & the Werewolf Have a Gorgeous Outdoor Ceremony

Alec Lightwood & Magnus Bane, “Shadowhunters” (2016-19), “All Good Things”
This Supernatural Matrimony Was the Perfect Ending to the Couple’s Story

Leon Carp & Scott, “Roseanne” (1988-2018), “December Bride”
The Uber-Popular Sitcom Depicted the Titular Character Organizing a Wedding for Her Gay Friend

If there’s any TV wedding that goes off without a hitch, it’s certainly not this one. On Cam and Mitchell’s big day, a missing tux turns out to be the least of their worries. With a wildfire encroaching on the planned venue, the couple struggles to make their cramped home work as a setting. But Mitchell’s dad Jay comes to the rescue, and the nuptials finally take place against a stunning backdrop at his country club. Claire’s reception speech dubbed over the proceedings makes the scene a true heartwarmer in a show already filled with touching family moments. A far cry from the series infamously delaying showing its main gay couple kiss, the episode is an all-out celebration of Cam and Mitchell’s love.