Carly Dryhurst-Smith Carly Dryhurst-Smith

Accessible Weddings for Disabled, Neurodivergent, and Chronically Ill Guests

Two stunning people in white and dusty pink outfits, one in a yellow mobility aid, grin wildly and are adorned with bring orange and yellow flowers.

If you’re planning a bold, inclusive, non-traditional wedding, making sure it’s accessible isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must. Radical love means showing up for your whole community, and planning a wedding that welcomes everyone to the party.

Disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent folks deserve to celebrate love without stress, barriers, or awkward “oh, I didn’t think of that” moments. Whether you or your guests live with disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental health conditions or sensory needs, here’s how to plan an epic, accessible wedding that lets everyone feel seen, safe and included.

1. Venue: More Than Just a Ramp

Not all venues that claim to be accessible actually are. Check for:

  • Step-free access from car parks and transport links.

  • Working lifts to all event spaces.

  • Accessible toilets (big enough for mobility aids, with grab bars).

  • Flat, even flooring, with no surprise gravel or awkward thresholds.

  • Quiet chill-out zones for guests needing a sensory break.

  • Clear, accessible signage. If it doesn’t have this, I can help create some with your awesome wedding branding!

Visit in person if you can, ask detailed questions and don’t be afraid to push back on vague answers.

2. Seating and Layout That Works for All Bodies

Not everyone can stand through long ceremonies or squeeze into tight spaces. Make sure to:

  • Provide plenty of seating, with chairs that are sturdy and comfortable.

  • Reserve space for wheelchairs, mobility aids and service animals.

  • Keep aisles wide and clutter-free.

  • Offer flexible seating options (chairs with and without arms, soft seating, etc.).

Long wooden tables with mismatch wooden chairs, some with arms, some lower and some higher.

3. Sensory-Friendly Spaces

Big weddings can be overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent guests or those with anxiety. Build in sensory-friendly options:

  • Lower volume zones for breaks from music.

  • Quiet spaces with soft lighting and seating.

  • Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphone stations.

  • Let guests know the schedule in advance to ease uncertainty.

A festival-style wedding in an outdoor setting, with a big tipi and a quiet space with soft sofas.
A colourful nook outdoors with large cushions and armed chairs.

4. Food That’s Inclusive and Safe

Catering shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all:

  • Ask about dietary requirements early.

  • Label food clearly for allergens.

  • Offer soft food options for folks with eating or swallowing difficulties.

  • Provide water and snacks, which are freely accessible throughout the day.

A pink RSVP card which includes space for allergies and food preferences.

5. Communication Access

If guests are deaf, hard of hearing, or have communication needs:

  • Book interpreters if needed.

  • Offer transcripts of speeches or key moments.

  • Make signage clear, large and easy to read. Again, I can help you here, and I always factor legibility and contrast into my design process.

  • Share visual schedules for guests who benefit from structure. I think all guests like when they can see an order of the day to know what’s happening when.

Image by Sophie Traynor, featuring a banner by Daydreamer Creative Studio

6. Thoughtful Ceremony Choices

Standard ceremonies can sometimes feel rigid or inaccessible. Mix it up!

  • Keep ceremonies short if guests struggle with sitting or standing long periods.

  • Offer seating for everyone, not just VIP rows.

  • Use inclusive language to celebrate love in all its forms.

  • Let guests know they can move around, leave or take breaks.

Two black people laugh and hold hands in a celebrant-led ceremony.

Celebrant Chloe Green

7. Respect Medical Needs

Some guests may need:

  • Easy access to medication or medical devices.

  • Rest areas for fatigue management.

  • Refrigerated storage for meds.

  • Time built into the day for rest breaks.

Check in with close guests ahead of time to accommodate.

8. Transport and Parking

Accessible transport can make or break the day:

  • Reserve accessible parking close to the entrance.

  • Ensure transport options accommodate mobility aids.

  • Share detailed directions with access info.

  • Consider shuttle buses with step-free access.

A pink and red details card outlining the accessibility considerations for parking and travelling to a wedding.

9. Accessible Entertainment

The fun shouldn’t exclude anyone, or make people feel ‘othered’. Try some of these ideas:

  • Dance floors with space for mobility aids.

  • Seating near the action for those who can’t stand.

  • Visual performances for deaf guests.

  • Quiet alternatives for overstimulated folks.

A bride and groom dance together on a large rugs, and guests sit and chat near by.

10. Ask, Don’t Assume

Every guest’s needs are different. The easiest way to create an accessible wedding is to:

  • Ask your guests what they need.

  • Include an access question on RSVPs.

  • Be open, flexible, and willing to adapt.

A pink RSVP card lays on a wooden tray next to a candle, including the question 'Accessibility or sensory needs?'

Accessible weddings mean more fun, more love, more inclusion for everyone, and that’s exactly the kind of celebration we’re here for. Factoring in these things does have to be a lot of work, but it will ensure that the people you love feel well looked after, and you can breathe easy knowing everyone is having a great time.

If you want any more advice, or need help with wedding stationery that keeps inclusivity and accessibility in mind, then get in touch!

Send me a message

Top title image by Haley Day

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