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 the San Francisco Peninsula

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 pop-up, mini, small, 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.

51 California - Northern Wedding Photographers...

Studio portrait of wedding photographer Tanushree Vaidya

Tanushree Vaidya is a talented wedding photojournalist and artistic portrait photographer. With a background in commerce, hair artistry, portrait photography, and graphic design, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Having experienced shooting across 14 countries,...

Tanushree Vaidya

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

Lauren Lindley specializes in elopement photography, making clients feel comfortable in front of her lens. She is a talented wedding photojournalist and artistic portrait photographer, capturing unforgettable moments with her skill and creativity.

Lauren Lindley

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

Chris Shum is a destination wedding photographer who has been passionate about art and photography since his youth. With a camera given to him by his father at age 15, Chris has captured beautiful and joyful moments for couples and their families. Through his artistic...

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 an experienced elopement photographer based in Lake Tahoe, CA. With over 25 years of professional experience, he specializes in capturing the unique love and personalities of engaged couples through artistic wedding portraits.

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

N. CA based Joyce Perlman is a skilled wedding photojournalist featuring contemporary and documentary-style images. With an extensive background in fine art and visual design, she excels at capturing the essence of elopements and bigger weddings.

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

San Jose wedding photographer Eric Le has a background in internet marketing and analytics. With an aspiration for capturing people's emotions, Eric has been photographing weddings 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)
Adventure marriage images by Nicky Byrnes of Nemus Wedding Photography

Documentary wedding photographer Nicky Byrnes has had a camera in her hand since childhood. With a degree in photojournalism, Nicky is published in several print and online magazines. An outdoors enthusiast and volunteer, she loves music, books, skiing, and her two rescue...

Nicky Byrnes

Carnelian Bay in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3900 (USD)
Kevin Sawyer for Elopements and Weddings and Engagement Photography

Kevin Sawyer is an award-winning, destination wedding and elopement photographer. With a passion for capturing unforgettable moments, he specializes in creating artful and photojournalistic images of weddings.

Kevin Sawyer

Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
San Jose wedding and elopement photography by Jipeng Han of Northern California

Jipeng Han is an experienced wedding photojournalist with a specialization in documenting storytelling. She is based in San Jose, CA.

Jipeng Han

San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1200 (USD)
Northern California wedding photography by Drew Bird - Creative Storytelling

Drew Bird is a San Francisco Bay Area-based wedding photographer with years of experience. His focus is on telling stories through photographs, capturing authentic and unscripted expressions of beauty, love and connection.

Drew Bird

Oakland in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3500 (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 photojournalist, holds almost a decade of experience in this field. Starting his photography career in high school, he has traveled globally with his family to capture life's moments.

Dennis Viera

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

Tanarak, an award-winning 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's passion lies in...

Tanarak Visessonchoke

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

Northern California wedding photographer Edeelin Labra has a deep love for photography that began long ago. What began as a hobby has become a passionate pursuit for many years. Taking pictures of family and friends was much more than just snapping a shutter - it was...

Edeelin Labra

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

Tara Arrowood, a wedding photojournalist based in San Francisco, Northern California, brings over 15 years of experience. With a keen eye for angles and lighting, she skillfully captures emotional moments and details, emphasizing the connection between individuals.

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 an experienced USA-based wedding photographer specializing in photojournalistic wedding photography and outdoor portrait art. With a wide range of freelance experience, David knows how to anticipate and capture the unique and natural moments of a wedding.

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 based in N CA, holds a Master's Degree in Photography and has captured over 300 weddings. Known for her love of black-and-white documentary photography and abstract fine art, she transforms couples into living pieces of art. Stone...

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

With a Bachelor's degree in Studio Photography, Gretchen Troop excels as a wedding photojournalist. Her talent lies in capturing natural and candid moments, creating memories that last a lifetime.

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, co-founder of SW Photo Studio, is an experienced wedding photographer who excels at capturing real moments. His love for travel and exposure to different cultures has made him open-minded and allows him to integrate unique perspectives into his creative...

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 Pollos is a traveling wedding photographer with a background as a photojournalist in the Navy. After capturing a powerful image of a young boy, he discovered his passion for photography and the impact it can have.

Jerome Pollos

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

Bradley Hanson is a professional wedding photographer with 24 years of experience, covering celebrations as small as 6 guests. His acclaimed work has earned him work in ad campaigns for Amazon and Sony Ericsson, as well as been featured in multiple magazines.

Bradley Hanson

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

Logan Westom is a documentary wedding photographer based in Seattle. With a career in professional photography spanning over a decade, Westom has shot for newspapers, couples’ special days, and Taylor Swift concerts...

Logan Westom

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

Darren Hendry, a non-traditional and offbeat wedding photographer, specializes in natural, emotive, creative, and honest storytelling. With a background in architecture and a passion for photography, he has been capturing unique wedding stories for almost 7 years.

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)

Based in Visalia, CA, Gingi Freeman is a skilled wedding photojournalist who specializes in non-intrusive, documentary-style photography. With a background in art and storytelling, she captures real moments and raw emotions, allowing couples to fully immerse themselves in...

Gingi Freeman

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

Robert Walker, an accomplished wedding photographer residing in Dallas, is recognized for his documentary approach and storytelling skills. With over 17 years of experience in Texas and California, his visual work showcases the narratives behind each couple's wedding...

Robert Walker

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

Maria Newman, an authentic documentary photographer, developed her love for wedding storytelling when a friend requested her to photograph their wedding during her studies.

Maria Newman

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

California wedding photographer Gina Clyne specializes in photojournalistic style imagery, capturing formal portraits that reflect couples' personalities and documenting subtle and profound moments of the day with her gentle eye.

Gina Clyne

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

Jonathan Young is a California coast wedding photographer, with 20 years of experience, a photojournalist background, and an eye for detail. He captures the joy and emotion of each unique wedding day.

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, an experienced Colorado wedding photojournalist, has been expertly capturing love-filled moments for over a decade, specializing in wedding, engagement, and proposal photography alongside her associate, Jamie.

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

Based in New York and California, Kathryn Cooper is an unconventional wedding photographer, specializing in unique, creative, and joyful celebrations. With a background in travel and humanitarian photography, she thrives on adventure, welcoming diverse couples and...

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 a documentary wedding photographer who excels in capturing the authentic moments of weddings, weaving together a compelling narrative. With her extensive experience, 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 a documentary wedding photographer with a vibrant portfolio spanning 20 years. With roots in high school and a leap of faith after college, Amber and her artistic husband form an eclectic duo, delighting clients with their distinct styles.

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 is a traveling documentary wedding photographer based in the US. With a passion for capturing truth and storytelling, Chris has been creating compelling images for clients for over fourteen years. He loves traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with...

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, a wedding photographer with 5 years of experience, left teaching to pursue art. She connects with clients worldwide and captures intimate moments. Evie lives in Mancos, Colorado, enjoying outdoor activities when not photographing.

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: 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.
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: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my California - Northern wedding day?
A: While wedding photojournalists strive to capture candid moments on the wedding day, our photographers also are skilled artists who can compose powerful portraits. If you have a specific vision of what types of images you want from your wedding day, look at the top-ranked California - Northern wedding photographers who have earned Artistic Guild awards for portrait and detail images.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
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
It’s no secret that these are strange times we’re going through right now, and there are many couples out there with weddings set in the near future who are left feeling uncertain and concerned about their futures. While that’s understandable, it’s also important to...Read more
Jola Mulder, of Overijssel, is a wedding photographer for
Oftentimes when people are considering a venue for their weddings, they search for a location away from home, whether that be ten minutes or ten hours, all just to find what they already have: a place that holds meaning for them, that feels comfortable, or that they find...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Northern WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Kari and Glen

Photo by Ron Storer

Omigoodness!! Can I just say wow? You are such an amazing photographer! Glen and I have shared these photos with some of our family and friends, and all of them have been like, "I love these pictures! You rock!

Whitney & Terry

Photo by Dennis Viera

Using you guys was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. From our first conversation, we could tell you were friendly, easygoing people who just like to take great pictures and make your clients happy. You took the time getting to know us and our relationship so you could give us exactly what we wanted. On our wedding day you were flexible, fun, and extremely easy to work with; not that we ever had any doubts, but the pictures came out ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. We were thrilled with all the pictures...and happy to have two new friends. We love you and recommend you wholeheartedly!!!

Tyler + Karim

Photo by Drew Bird

Hi Drew, These photos are AMAZING! We haven't been able to stop looking through them since Thursday night. All work productivity has been shot! We love reliving every moment of the day through the beautiful storybook you've created for us. There are so many moments that we weren't even aware of-- and we're so thankful that you were able to show those to us. It's absolutely beautiful. We especially appreciative of the creative shots you were able to capture within live shots-- the lines, colors and images from the churches and venues are incredible. We are so happy and thankful for your attention to detail. We had a lot of family and friends also comment on how professional you were and inquire about your website. Let us know where we can leave our public reviews to help let other folks know about your amazing work. Best, Tyler & Karim