Washington DC Wedding Photographers

Washington DC Wedding Photographers

Our Washington DC photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: District of Columbia, United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., Federal Capital City, Federal District, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool

Washington DC Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

Intimate Wedding Photography in Washington DC - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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, Washington DC documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings and elopements can’t wait. Find yours today!

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

Washington DC Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Washington DC 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 small, fast, secret, 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.

32 Washington DC Wedding Photographers...

Navarre wedding photography by Matt Kolf in Spain

With a background in art history and photography, Matt Kolf has established himself as a reputable documentary wedding photographer, renowned for his ability to document Catholic weddings in Spain and on the East Coast.

3500 (USD)
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Natasha Lamalle

Natasha Lamalle is an honest story telling wedding photographer with fifteen years of experience as a journalist. Her keen ability to observe and capture the authentic and often fleeting moments of love, coupled with her trained eye and subtle approach to photography make...

4000 (USD)

In journalistic style, Ken Pak, a visual storyteller, freezes the most natural once-in-a-lifetime moments through his lenses, making them as beautiful as the couple remembers them.

3900 (USD)
Engagement Portraits, Elopements and Wedding Photography by Anji Martin Potok's - World Photography, LLC

With a documentary approach to storytelling, Anji Martin, a visual, has been documenting life with a camera since childhood. Specializing in wedding and elopement photography, she primarily serves couples in the Washington, DC, area but is available for destination weddings.

Anji Martin

Washington in District Of Columbia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4450 (USD)
Susannah Stevens, a DC, VA, and MD wedding photographer of Studio Lifetime Lens

Susannah Stevens, a D.C. native with an MA in multimedia journalism, specializes in intimate weddings, micro-weddings, and elopements. She offers short-notice availability, prioritizing meaningful moments, and employs an open and collaborative approach for documentary-style...

1100 (USD)
Studio portrait of wedding and elopement photographer Erica Dietz

In her journalistic style, Erica Dietz emerges as a skilled visual storyteller, adept at capturing candid moments with artful precision and thoughtful use of light. With a background as an intern at the Valley News Dispatch, she excels in guiding couples toward relaxed and...

Erica Dietz

Slippery Rock in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4000 (USD)
Studio portrait of Brittany Diliberto, an elopement and wedding photographer | Bee Two Sweet Photography

Brittany Diliberto is an East Coast USA-based photographer capturing spectacular moments with creative, artistic, and inspirational angles. Drawing from a background in professional lighting design, Brittany imprints emotion in her work.

Brittany Diliberto

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4250 (USD)
Shaun Baker - Wedding Photographer and Couple Portrait Professional

USA-based Shaun Baker is a wedding photojournalist, engagement portrait photographer, and artistic wedding portrait photographer. He transitioned from video to photography after college and has been capturing weddings since 2009.

Shaun Baker

San Diego in California, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
2900 (USD)
Xiaoqi Li - Artistic wedding and engagement photographer

Xiaoqi Li is a destination wedding photographer who is dedicated to capturing the genuine and meaningful moments of couples' special days. With a deep appreciation for the importance of photographs in preserving memories, she aims to provide peace of mind to her...

Xiaoqi Li

Charlottesville in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
0 (USD)
Wedding photography by Michael Freas

Michael Freas is a visual storyteller in the field of photography, specializing in wedding ceremonies. He excels at capturing the unique moments that define the love between two people, while also honoring the presence of all those who attend.

Michael Freas

Asheville in North Carolina, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3800 (USD)
Studio portrait of engagement, wedding and elopement photographer Scott Josuweit

Scott Josuweit, a documentary wedding photographer based in the USA, specializes in candidly and creatively documenting important moments, ensuring a true and immersive wedding experience for every couple.

Scott Josuweit

York in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3500 (USD)
Kenneth Clapp, USA Creative Wedding Photography

With a passion for capturing moments in a journalistic style, Kenneth Clapp brings an unobtrusive approach to his work as a wedding photojournalist. He skillfully documents the emotions and moments of each couple's big day, ensuring their love story is told through...

Kenneth Clapp

Baltimore in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3000 (USD)
Engagement Portrait Pro, Wedding and Elopement Photographer Johnny Shryock of the WPJA

USA-based wedding photographer Johnny Shryock has been documenting incredible moments since his own brother's wedding, ten years ago. He puts couples at ease, building a connection with them that allows him to capture the special moments of their wedding day.

Johnny Shryock

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4250 (USD)
Megan Rei, Documentary Style Wedding Photographer

With a passion for storytelling through images, Megan Rei is a documentary wedding photographer based in the Washington metropolitan area. Combining her experience in dog photography with her love for traveling, Megan strives to create a visual narrative that captures...

Megan Rei

Bristow in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4000 (USD)
Mike Kropf Wedding Photography in the USA

Mike Kropf is a native Charlottesvillian and passionate wedding photographer. Fueled by his love of camping and exploring, Mike discovered his passion for preserving memories through artful photography in the Middle East.

Mike Kropf

Charlottesville in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3000 (USD)
Color portrait of wedding photographer Lauren Barkume

A wedding photojournalist with a love for the Washington Metro Area, Lauren Barkume's passion for capturing nature's beauty and genuine emotions sets her images apart.

Lauren Barkume

Alexandria in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4990 (USD)
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Anastasiia Polyakov, of So Tender Is Humanity

Anastasiia Polyakov's documentary style, paired with her artistic eye, enables her to beautifully capture the essence of existence through wedding photography, memorializing moments with compassion and expression.

Anastasiia Polyakov

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3500 (USD)
Lifestyle Portrait of Wedding and Elopement Photographer Morgan O'Neil

Morgan O'Neil is a visual storyteller who expertly captures authentic and candid moments in vibrant coastal wedding photos. With 8 years of wedding experience, she also enjoys taking film photos in her free time and has a passion for boating, skiing, and live music.

Morgan O'Neil

Baltimore in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4800 (USD)
Baltimore engagement wedding and elopement photography by Breanna Shaw

With a documentary style, Breanna Shaw captures love and connection in her photography, dedicating her life to sharing these moments with clients as she travels the world.

Breanna Shaw

Reisterstown in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3850 (USD)
Portrait of wedding and elopement photographer Sarah Sta. Ana of Santa Ana Photography

Sarah Sta Ana is a wedding photojournalist in the Washington Metropolitan Area. With a passion for storytelling, she captures raw, pure, and beautiful moments. Her background in non-profits has shaped her approach to photography, and she continually hones her skills in...

Sarah Sta Ana

Aldie in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
1800 (USD)
Engagement, elopement, and wedding photography by Andrew Morrell

In his journalistic style, Andrew Morrell, a visual storyteller, captures unique moments that blend art and technology, inspired by his love of music and improvisation at the weddings and elopements he photographs.

Andrew Morrell

Cleveland in Ohio, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3600 (USD)

Pro Italian wedding photographer Marta Buso (born 1978, Venice). Skilled in reportage, portrait and wedding photography. Graduated from the University of Venice in Philosophy and worked on international co-operation projects.

Marta Buso

Venezia in Venezia, IT *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
1600 (EUR)

Kevin Quinlan, a wedding photojournalist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Art/Photography, utilizes a journalistic style to capture genuine moments. With his commercial experience, including esteemed clients like The University of Delaware, he expertly documents real...

Kevin Quinlan

Newark in Delaware, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
2250 (USD)

With a documentary approach, Mary Kate McKenna, an experienced wedding photographer, competently tells the visual story of couples. Specializing in small weddings, courthouse weddings, and destination micro weddings, she captures and preserves the genuine moments that...

Mary Kate McKenna

Frederick in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
2500 (USD)

Heather Hughes Ostermaier, a Virginia wedding photographer, specializes in capturing unforgettable moments using a journalistic style. With her extensive background in photojournalism, she artfully and unobtrusively documents each wedding.

Heather Hughes Ostermaier

Newport News in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
2999 (USD)
A black and white portrait of William West - A Documentary Wedding Photographer

In 2006, William West began his career as a professional photographer, branching out to documentary wedding photography. He has photographed over 650 weddings around the world, making use of his diverse skills in business development, graphic design, and art.

William West

in New Jersey, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3850 (USD)

Ryan Rayburn brings nine years of photographic journalism experience and a degree in photography to bear on capturing all the memories of couples’ special day. His considerable skill and proven track record ensure that couples’ wedding experience will be permanently...

Ryan Rayburn

Bethesda in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
2200 (USD)
Weddings by Ryan & Kate for elopements and marriage photography - Portrait of Ryan Howard Sigesmund

Renowned for his expertise as a documentary wedding photographer, Ryan Howard Sig captures raw and authentic moments that unfold naturally on a couple's big day.

Ryan Howard Sigesmund

Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3000 (USD)
Emie McGee wedding photography studio - Emie's Photo LLC

Emie McGee, a skilled wedding photojournalist based in Lynchburg, VA, captures timeless moments with a unique editing style inspired by film photography. Trust her to make your wedding day memorable and stress-free.

Emie McGee

Lynchburg in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3200 (USD)
Portrait of Amber Lamphere, a Wedding Photographer in Richmond, VA

Amber is a highly acclaimed wedding photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. With over ten years of experience in capturing beautiful wedding moments, her work has been featured in top wedding publications. Amber specializes in weddings in the greater Virginian area and...

Amber Lamphere

Lynchburg in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4750 (USD)
Studio portrait of Wes Shinn - owner / wedding and elopement photography studio

Wes Shinn, a seasoned wedding photojournalist with a decade of experience as a military photojournalist, expertly captures the essence and emotions of your wedding day, creating unforgettable memories.

Wes Shinn

Chesapeake in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3400 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Aira Hickman, a family & wedding photographer

Maryland-based photographer Aira Hickman, a mother and Navy veteran's wife, skillfully captures genuine moments with an organic approach. Passionate since picking up her first camera, she prioritizes authenticity, aiming to make clients feel confident and loved.

Aira Hickman

Gambrills in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
880 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Washington DC Couples

Washington DC Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

In a touching moment captured at Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Washington, D.C, the emotional groom is supported by the priest and best man during the bride's processional, creating a powerful scene in this BW wedding image.
A black and white moment captured at a wedding in Washington, D.C., with the groom giving fist bumps in the foreground as another kisses the bride's hand at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
A candid moment at Powerhouse, Washington D.C, as the bride shares a warm embrace with the groomsmen, and hands intertwined in a tender gesture.
A beautiful bride and groom embrace in the rain, captured in a romantic scene at the National Gallery of Art East Wing on their wedding day. The soft backlight highlights their connection and love for each other.
A jubilant bride wearing red lipstick gazes at her reflection in a mirror with a red frame on her wedding day at Lincoln's Cottage in Washington DC, showcasing a moment of joy and anticipation.
A beautiful wedding couple posing in front of the DC War Memorial in Washington DC on their special day, a timeless and elegant photograph showcasing love and dedication in a historical setting.
A Washington DC wedding couple embraces in front of a vibrant rainbow wall, symbolizing beauty and love on their special day.
A serene and beautiful engagement portrait captured at the Enid A Haupt Garden in Washington DC, showcasing the love and connection between the couple.
An older couple shares a laugh at District Winery in Washington DC as the husband playfully steals food from his wife during the reception.
Newlyweds sharing a laugh in front of the US Capitol at 101 Constitution, Washington, DC, capturing a joyful moment during their outdoor, sunny wedding ceremony.
Groom lovingly washes bride's feet during foot washing ceremony at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington DC as her sisters look on, a sacred and touching moment.
Wedding detail image showcasing appetizers suspended above a floral centerpiece, captured from a higher perspective. Located at Little Pearl in Washington DC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can couples find Washington DC photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for Washington DC 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 reviews of Washington DC wedding photographers?
A: We call them Client Letters. At the WPJA, we decided more than 20 years ago to avoid incorporating those third-person testimonials and endorsements that are found all too often in advertisements. Instead, we elevated our listings with the use of Client Letters, which represent the actual words and feelings of the clients who booked those Washington DC wedding photographers for their own wedding.
Q: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my Washington DC 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 Washington DC wedding photographers who have earned Artistic Guild awards for portrait and detail images.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
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
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
Clean background in this photo of the bride walking into her mountain ceremony.
Some couples, as they begin planning for their weddings, might think that they are limited to the classic locations: churches, gardens, beaches, or even Las Vegas. But in doing so they’re missing out on a multitude of unique options that might suit their personalities much...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND Washington DC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Outdoor wedding ceremony image of the bride and groom at Stroudsmoor Country Inn, Stroudsburg, PA

Kylie & Christopher

Photo by William West

My husband and I are utterly grateful to Will for everything he has done to ensure the capturing of countless precious moments from our special day. From the start, Will was incredibly responsive, informative, patient, flexible, and present. He remained in active communication with us as we navigated the unknowns of the pandemic and was supportive of our difficult decision to postpone our event from 2020 to 2021, without any hesitation or additional requests. When our special day finally arrived in 2021, Will went above and beyond to ensure the capturing of absolutely beautiful and precious moments throughout our special day despite added unforeseen obstacles that arose. His commitment to quality and care has been unwavering, and having just received our wedding photos only confirms that, tenfold. We haven't stopped looking through our photos.. we can't! They are tender, charming, vibrant, authentic, touching, beautiful.. perfect for us. They capture the essence of our day so remarkably, bringing us straight back to each unforgettable moment. We were so impressed from the beginning when Will shared his incredibly reasonable prices with us and explained all that was included...a full day of photography from the early hours to late-night hours of our special day, an online gallery of hundreds of beautifully captured and edited photos with NO watermark, 20 prints of our choice, AND a canvas! When we began planning for our wedding, we looked into a variety of photographers, and Will stood out as the most reasonable by far, without any compromise in quality. We were confident in Will's talents, quality, and professionalism right away, but now that we've worked with him and have received our photo gallery, we can't emphasize enough just how grateful and blessed we feel. We can only hope you make the same decision that we made. We know you will be just as grateful if you do! :)

Wedding image from Celebrations At the Reservoir, Richmond, Virginia, USA

Anna & Justin

Photo by Xiaoqi Li

Xiaoqi: We wanted to thank you for your exceptional service especially how challenging 2020 turned out to be. Your small trinkets (the unexpected cookies!) made getting married a delightful process. We were on the fence about having a wedding and now that we have done it, we are so glad we made the choice to proceed. You were an enormous part of our pleasant, beautiful, amazing experience. Thank you. Love, Anna & Justin

Laura & Bryan

Photo by Heather Hughes Ostermaier

Hi Heather! Thank you!! We are so excited to see the pictures. Thanks you so much for being a part of our day and capturing all our special moments. We will treasure these forever. Feel free to share any photos you'd like. Thank you again so much! I hope that one day our paths might cross again. Until then, I wish you and your family all the best!