California - Northern Wedding Photographers

California - Northern Wedding Photographers

Our California - Northern photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Santa Clara, Oakland, Shasta Lake, Napa, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Alameda, Vallejo, Sunnyvale, Mendocino, Woodside, San Mateo County, and all of Northern California

California - Northern Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

Intimate Wedding Photography in California - Northern - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best California - Northern photographers specializing in intimate marriages. Couples are embracing the trend of smaller, more meaningful celebrations. Let our talented photographers capture the joy and intimacy of your wedding day.

By planning a simple California - Northern elopement, couples are able to stay present in the moment and fully absorb the impact of their wedding day. Given the fact that many couples feel more natural and at ease in intimate settings, it's no surprise that some of the most breathtaking wedding images come from elopements.

The WPJA has an abundance of top-ranked, California - Northern documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings and elopements can’t wait. Find yours today!

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

California - Northern Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small California - Northern wedding event is a wedding photojournalist’s dream: a fairly open schedule with lots of breathing space for creativity – it’s just the photographer, the couple, the officiant, and perhaps a few select companions.

United States WPJA members are ready to document any courthouse, justice of the peace, town hall, or elopement wedding, even if it is a Monday-Thursday ceremony. Search for the “Can Shoot Weddings on Short Notice!” message on the listings below.

50 California - Northern Wedding Photographers...

Studio portrait of wedding photographer Tanushree Vaidya

Tanushree Vaidya, a skilled wedding photojournalist and artistic portrait photographer, has a background in commerce, hair artistry, portrait photography, and graphic design. Traveling across 14 countries, she specializes in capturing destination weddings and engagement...

Tanushree Vaidya

Hayward in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4000 (USD)
Adventure weddings and elopement photography by Lauren Lindley

Lauren Lindley - Traveling wedding photographer specializing in capturing unforgettable moments. Enjoys people and gets them to feel comfortable in front of the lens.

Lauren Lindley

South Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4200 (USD)
Weddings by Chris Shum, Life Photographer

Chris Shum has been passionate about art since he was a young boy. At age 15, he received his first camera and has been the designated photographer ever since. Chris became a professional photographer in 2007 and provides beautiful, story-telling photography of destination...

Chris Shum

Sunnyvale in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4500 (USD)
Capture beautiful moments on your special day with the talented wedding photographer Chris Werner in Northern California's stunning Lake Tahoe.

Chris Werner is a Lake Tahoe wedding photojournalist, engagement portrait photographer, and an artistic wedding portrait photographer with over 25 years of professional experience. He started his career by studying black and white film in 1994 and has since developed a fine...

Chris Werner

Truckee in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3850 (USD)
Adventure wedding and elopement photography by Kimmi Cranes

Kimmi Cranes is a California and Nevada wedding photographer based in Lake Tahoe. With a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of California, Santa Cruz, she has been photographing weddings professionally for a decade.

Kimmi Cranes

South Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2000 (USD)
Northern CA, Wedding Photography by Joyce Perlman, serving Carmel and Big Sur

Joyce Perlman, an elopement photographer, is a N. CA based wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer. With a background in fine art and visual design, she is known for her sophisticated blend of contemporary portraiture and documentary-style images.

Joyce Perlman

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4500 (USD)
Studio portrait of San Jose wedding photographer Eric Le of the Northern California WPJA

Skilled in internet marketing and analytics, San Jose wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer Eric Le has been capturing genuine emotions in his work since 2007.

Eric Le

San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
CA Engagemen, Wedding and Elopement Photography by Tyler Vu

Tyler Vu is a Northern California-based wedding photojournalist and portrait photographer with a background in graphic design. With his keen eye for composition and dedication to capturing meaningful moments, Tyler thrives on immortalizing the details and emotions that make...

Tyler Vu

San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4000 (USD)
Kevin Sawyer for Elopements and Weddings and Engagement Photography

Kevin Sawyer is an award-winning elopement photographer, specializing in creating artful and photojournalistic images of weddings. He is passionate about capturing unforgettable moments and is particularly skilled in destination wedding photography.

Kevin Sawyer

Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Adventure marriage images by Nicky Byrnes of Nemus Wedding Photography

Nicky Byrnes, an elopement photographer, is well-versed in documentary wedding photography with a lifelong passion for capturing moments. Armed with a photojournalism degree and recognized work in both print and online magazines, she brings a unique artistic perspective.

Nicky Byrnes

Carnelian Bay in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3900 (USD)
San Jose wedding and elopement photography by Jipeng Han of Northern California

Based in San Jose, CA, Jipeng Han is an experienced wedding photojournalist with a talent for capturing and documenting storytelling moments.

Jipeng Han

San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1200 (USD)

Douglas Despres is a photographer with a background in photojournalism and over 600 events photographed since 2002. Specializing in documentary-style shots with comfortable connections to family and guests, he brings his global photography experience to every shoot.

Douglas Despres

Alameda in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
750/hour (USD)

Dennis Viera, an award-winning wedding photographer, possesses nearly a decade of experience and began his photography journey in high school. With a passion for capturing life's moments, he has traveled extensively worldwide.

Dennis Viera

Rohnert Park in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5000 (USD)
Wedding and Elopement Photographer Tanarak Visessonchoke

Tanarak, a wedding photographer with 12 years of experience, serves San Francisco, Bay area, & beyond. Tanarak captures unique love stories with anticipation, excitement, and joy. Celebrating universal love in all its forms, Tanarak believes there's no greater...

Tanarak Visessonchoke

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4500 (USD)
Edeelin Labra, Northern CA wedding photography

Edeelin Labra is an experienced wedding photojournalist based in Northern California. With a deep passion for photography and years of dedicated pursuit, her hobby has transformed into a lifelong skill. Labra's artistry goes beyond capturing moments; it preserves...

Edeelin Labra

Vallejo in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2000 (USD)
Tara Arrowood, Wedding Photographer

Tara Arrowood, a San Francisco-based wedding photojournalist with over 15 years of experience, excels in capturing candid moments with the perfect lighting and angles. Her photojournalistic style focuses on emotions, details, and the deep connections between people.

Tara Arrowood

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5500 (USD)

Debra Zeller, a highly acclaimed wedding photojournalist based in San Francisco, Northern California, excels at capturing couples' unique personalities and moments in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. By establishing a special rapport with her clients, she guarantees...

Debra Zeller

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Black and White Headshot of elopement, engagement and wedding photographer David Braun

David Braun is a skilled wedding photojournalist with a background in outdoor portrait art. With an artistic approach and extensive freelance experience, he excels in capturing the natural and unforgettable moments of weddings.

David Braun

South Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1250 (USD)
Studio portrait of San Francisco wedding photographer Lisa Stone of the N California Wedding Photojournalist Association.

Lisa Stone, a wedding photographer with a Masters Degree in Photography, has shot over 300 weddings. Specializing in black and white documentary and abstract fine art, she enjoys problem-solving and creating art with light. Outside of work, she loves film photography and...

Lisa Stone

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4500 (USD)
Northern California wedding photography by San Jose-based Steve Kpa

CA-based San Jose wedding photojournalist Steve Kpa skillfully captures the emotions and essence of each wedding day as an empathetic storyteller. With a background in running his own gym, Steve's ability to create a comfortable atmosphere enhances his subjects'...

Steve Kpa

San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
750 (USD)
PNW Wedding and Elopement Photography by Brianna Parks

Brianna Parks, an elopement photographer based in the Pacific Northwest, has a knack for capturing unique and personalized elopement experiences. Her love for secret places and breathtaking landscapes led her to specialize in documenting elopements in the stunning...

Brianna Parks

Redding in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
6500 (USD)
California wedding and elopement photographer Annie Bang

Annie Bang, a former journalist, and Associated Press reporter, documents real moments and emotions through documentary and photojournalistic photography. She is passionate about capturing fleeting moments to create timeless memories of our lives.

Annie Bang

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)
Shaun Baker - Wedding Photographer and Couple Portrait Professional

USA-based wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer, Shaun Baker, turned to photography after graduating college. With a background in video, he captured his first wedding in 2009, specializing in artistic wedding portraits.

Shaun Baker

San Diego in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2900 (USD)
Engagements, Weddings and Elopement Photographer Lucy Schultz

Lucy Schultz, an artistic wedding photojournalist, creates a relaxed and joyful environment, empowering couples to express their true selves, capturing unforgettable moments with her expertise honed since 2013.

Lucy Schultz

Lakewood in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5900 (USD)
Gretchen Troop Photography Studio for Weddings, Elopements and Portraits

Gretchen Troop is a documentary wedding photographer with a Bachelor's degree in Studio Photography. She has a passion for capturing weddings in beautiful locations, particularly in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Gretchen is known for her ability to make clients...

Gretchen Troop

Boulder in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
California Couple Portrait Sessions and Wedding Photography by Stephanie Secrest

Based in Central Coast CA, Stephanie Secrest is a wedding and engagement portrait photographer. She holds a Master's in photojournalism and has been recognized for her work in prestigious contests like Pictures of the Year.

Stephanie Secrest

Arroyo Grande in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3300 (USD)
Wedding and elopement photography by Will Tee - SW Wedding Photo Studio

Will Tee is the co-founder of SW Photo Studio and is a passionate wedding photographer. He has experienced many different cultures across the world. These unique experiences have shaped him as an open-minded person, integrating his creative photography with the lessons life...

Will Tee

Taipei City, TW *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2000 (USD)
Wedding photography and elopements by Ray Iavasile of Michigan

Ray Anthony Iavasile, a Michigan-based wedding photographer, is highly regarded for his journalistic style, capturing the essence of moments. Ranked as one of the Top 50 wedding photojournalists worldwide, he is the go-to choice for couples in Michigan.

Ray Iavasile

Birmingham in Michigan, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Jerome Pollos Self Portrait, a wedding and elopement photographer of the WPJA

Jerome, a Navy photojournalist turned wedding photojournalist, takes a documentary approach to his work, using storytelling and visual techniques to capture authentic moments and create a compelling narrative.

Jerome Pollos

Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)
Pro documentary-style wedding photography by Bradley Hanson

With a background in documentary technique, Bradley Hanson brings a unique storytelling perspective to his photography. Through his keen eye for detail and artistic vision, he captures the essence of each wedding he documents. His work has been featured in magazines and has...

Bradley Hanson

St. Paul in Minnesota, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5000 (USD)

Using a documentary approach, Logan Westom brings a storytelling perspective to his work as a visual photographer, capturing the ephemeral moments of couples' special days, Taylor Swift concerts, and newspaper events throughout his extensive career in professional...

Logan Westom

Bremerton in Washington, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4000 (USD)
Engagement Photo Shoots and wedding photography by Darren Hendry

Darren Hendry, an architecture-trained photographer, has spent 7 years capturing unique wedding stories through his natural, emotive, and creative style. Specializing in non-traditional and offbeat weddings, he combines his passion for photography and storytelling to create...

Darren Hendry

Pasadena in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)

In his photography career, Ron Storer has adopted a journalistic style, capturing and preserving wedding moments. Prior to this, he earned a Gold Medal in the Pan-Am Games and a Silver Medal in the Olympic Trials as a member of the US Cycling Team.

Ron Storer

Auburn in Washington, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2400 (USD)

Gingi Freeman is a passionate traveling wedding photographer, artist, and storyteller. As a mother of two adorable toddlers, she often shoots alongside her husband Jonathan to capture real moments and raw emotions. Her non-intrusive approach allows couples to be present in...

Gingi Freeman

Visalia in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1400 (USD)

Robert Walker is an award-winning and published wedding photographer with over 17 years experience in Texas and California. His photo-journalistic style and professional demeanor have earned him praise from clients. He and his family currently reside in Dallas.

Robert Walker

Dallas in Texas, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2400 (USD)

Maria Newman, a visual storyteller with a journalistic style, found her passion for wedding photography during her time in school when she captured moments of love for a friend's wedding.

Maria Newman

Portland in Oregon, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)
California Documentary Wedding and Elopement Photography by Gina Clyne

Gina Clyne, CA wedding photographer, specializes in photojournalistic style imagery. She uses a gentle eye to capture formal portraits that reflect the personalities of couples while also documenting the subtle and profound moments of the day.

Gina Clyne

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2100 (USD)
California wedding photography by Jonathan Young

Jonathan Young is a wedding photojournalist with 20 years of experience, a background in photojournalism, and a talent for capturing the unique emotion and joy of each wedding day. Based in California, he specializes in photographing beautiful moments along the coast.

Jonathan Young

Palos Verdes Estates in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5500 (USD)
Lifestyle street portrait of Danette Chappell, a Nevada & California wedding photographer

Danette Chappell is a wedding photographer based in NV and CA, with experience shooting weddings professionally since 2008. She started her career as an intern in Chicago and then moved to Las Vegas, where she honed her skills working at a wedding chapel.

Danette Chappell

Reno in Nevada, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1225 (USD)
Portrait of Katharine Green from Katie Corinne Wedding Photography Studio

Katharine Green is a skilled Colorado documentary wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience. She and her associate, Jamie, have a passion for capturing the happiest moments in life, specializing in wedding, engagement, and proposal photography.

Katharine Green

Monument in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Reno Nevada & Lake Tahoe California Wedding Photography by Rachel Gazes

Skilled wedding photographer and officiant Rachel Gazes, based in Reno/Tahoe, brings almost a decade of experience capturing weddings across Northern Nevada and California.

Rachel Gazes

Reno in Nevada, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2600 (USD)
Travel and destination wedding & elopement photography by Kathryn Cooper

Kathryn Cooper, a wedding photographer based in New York and California, specializes in adventurous and unique celebrations. With a background in travel photography and a love for outdoor activities, she captures personalized moments for diverse couples worldwide.

Kathryn Cooper

Pleasant Valley in New York, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3600 (USD)
Texas wedding and elopement photography by Kristin Bednarz

Kristin Bednarz is an experienced storyteller wedding photographer skilled in capturing special moments of weddings everywhere. She has photographed over 250+ weddings...

Kristin Bednarz

Slaton in Texas, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4500 (USD)
Jason Kaczorowski, Destination Wedding Photography - USA

Jason Kaczorowski is an experienced destination wedding photographer with over 18 years in the field and over 650 weddings captured. He specializes in capturing powerful relationship moments and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Jason Kaczorowski

Chicago in Illinois, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3900 (USD)
Weddings, engagements and elopement photography by Kevin Kienitz

Kevin Kienitz

Aurora in Illinois, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Portrait of Amber Depangher of Sightglass Photography Studio

Amber Depangher is an experienced wedding photographer with over 20 years of capturing weddings. She started her photography journey in high school and decided to make it her career after college, taking the risk of starting her own business. Amber is fortunate to work with...

Amber Depangher

Portland in Oregon, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
500/hour (USD)
Chris Rusanowsky self portrait of a wedding photographer in black and white

Chris Rusanowsky, a seasoned documentary wedding photographer, travels across the US to capture the unscripted moments that unfold during weddings. His images artfully document the love, joy, and connection between couples.

Chris Rusanowsky

Northlake in Texas, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Brittany Bender, a San Diego wedding photographer - Southern California WPJA

Brittany Bender is a San Diego-based wedding photographer known for her talent in capturing candid and emotional moments. With a passion for storytelling, Brittany aims to truthfully and artistically portray the unique experiences of each person she photographs.

Brittany Bender

San Diego in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Marla Manes, a PNW ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER in Seattle WA

Seattle-based Marla Manes, a skilled wedding photographer, specializes in wedding photojournalism and portraiture. Advocate for values and environmental sustainability, creating a comfortable space for exceptional photos. Proud dog person, obsessed with her black cat...

Marla Manes

Seattle in Washington, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5500 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Evie Felts, a wedding and elopement photographer

Evie Felts is a former high school Spanish teacher turned photographer for 5 years. She enjoys connecting with people worldwide, capturing intimate moments. Evie resides in southwest Colorado, balancing her photography with caring for her kids and exploring the mountains.

Evie Felts

Mancos in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving California - Northern Couples

California - Northern Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

Below are some California - Northern wedding photography samples from the world’s best wedding photographers of the WPJA. Some of these California - Northern marriage pictures might be artistic portraits, details, or documentary-style images that have come from getting ready sessions, wedding ceremonies, reception venues, or California - Northern engagement portrait sessions with couples.

Beautiful wedding photograph at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands in Carmel, CA capturing the stunning ocean view and the ongoing ceremony. A perfect vow exchange frozen in time.
Bride and groom showing gratitude to parents and elders at a wedding at Valley Presbyterian Church, Portola Valley, CA. Tradition and respect are evident in the photograph.
Wedding photo capturing a couple at Peacock Gap Golf Club in San Rafael, CA, sharing a slice of cake by both taking a bite from the same slice on a knife.
Captivating outdoor wedding photo taken at Redwood Ridge Estate, Los Gatos CA. Emotion-filled ceremony surrounded by redwoods. Picture perfect moment captured by a skilled photographer.
In this wedding photo, a photographer captured a poignant moment at the 16th Street Train Station in Oakland, CA, as the bride was moved to tears by the groom's heartfelt vows.
Photograph captured at Domenico Winery wedding in San Carlos, CA, featuring two men stealing the show with a spontaneous dance-off. A memorable moment frozen in time
Capture the special moment of a couple getting married at the Los Altos History Museum in Los Altos, CA despite the challenges of a pandemic.
A beautiful wedding photo taken at Saratoga Inn, Saratoga, CA, featuring a large black dog sitting at the bride's feet.
In this engagement portrait, a couple from Palo Alto, CA shares a mesmerizing embrace under a yellow tree, blending urban and natural elements in an artistic shot.
A couple in Los Gatos, CA, shares a warm embrace and small talk by the lake, radiating big smiles in a romantic setting for their engagement portrait session.
Capturing the silhouette of the embracing couple in Santa Cruz, CA, this monochromatic engagement portrait exudes a vintage charm with its black and white tones.
In San Francisco, CA, this engaged couple is captured in a romantic scene by the bay. The serene backdrop adds to the sweetness of their love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the best California - Northern wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top California - Northern documentary wedding photographers for elopements. Our members are able to submit WedElope Stories that take you step-by-step, via a 9 image picture story, through the unique and moving elopements that take place around the world.
Q: How can couples find top-ranked California - Northern wedding photographers?
A: The WPJA created the original wedding photographer ranking systems. Our innovative system is based on contest winning points, meaning that the California - Northern photographers you see at the top of your search results page have recently won the most — and the most recent — contest awards. Our contests judge photographers based on their creativity, style, composure, and ability to capture the heart of any couple's story on their wedding day.
Q: How can couples find California - Northern photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for California - Northern wedding photographers to showcase their best engagement photography work. These awards are given to photographers who prove that they have an ability to be creative, artistic, and intuitive while working on-location with couples who are newly engaged.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
Traditionally speaking, often times it is the couple’s families who help pay for their wedding. However, unfortunately that’s just not possible for everyone, especially these days when the cost of weddings can quickly and easily get out of control. Some couples find...Read more
While some people live for the hustle and bustle of a big wedding with extravagant décor and an impossibly long guest list, others find these kinds of weddings to be too much hoopla, preferring instead something simpler and quieter, allowing for more intimacy between them...Read more
So your wedding is just around the corner and you’ve decided to elope , either because you want to do this on a budget , avoid a large wedding party, or simply to enjoy the day together with minimal distractions and as little stress as possible . They say 'all you need is...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Northern WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Amy & Matt

Photo by Ron Storer

I must say again, that I love what you've done to capture the memories of our special day. Matt and I both really appreciate how you've expressed our personalities so accurately with your shots and the candid yet flattering moments you captured. You have a gift and your genuine interest in us only made the photos that much better! Thanks again!

Ariel & Jason

Photo by Tanarak Visessonchoke

Dear Tanarak, A heartfelt thanks for being our photographer on our wedding day. We enjoy it a lot every single time going through the photo album. Not only have you captured all precious moments over our wedding day so genuinely and beautifully, your professional and kind attitude is just lovely to be with. What an impeccable team you have! It has definitely been a true pleasure – thanks again, Tanarak! - Ariel & Jason-

Christy & Stuart

Photo by Gina Clyne

We wanted to drop a quick note and tell you how awesome you are. You got in the spirit and came prepared, and brought so much happiness from behind the camera to whoever was in front of it. We're so grateful to have had you as part of our day, and can't wait to recommend you to everyone we know. (And everyone we don't -- so please let us know any and all sites where we can leave you reviews!) Much love, Christy + Stuart