Warning message

Mauricio Arias is no longer a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association.

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 justice of the peace, pop-up, quick, 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 is a traveling destination wedding photographer with experiences across 14 countries, combining previous skills in commerce, hair artistry, portrait photography, and graphic design.

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 wedding, engagement, lifestyle, and family photographer with a lifelong passion for art. With his artistic eye and unobstructive approach, Chris captures the beauty and joy of weddings, creating elegant, storytelling photographs that couples can treasure...

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 photojournalist and portrait photographer with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from UC Santa Cruz, specializing in elopements. With over 10 years of professional experience, she is skilled at capturing the essence and emotions...

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)
Adventure marriage images by Nicky Byrnes of Nemus Wedding Photography

Nicky Byrnes is an elopement photographer and a documentary wedding photographer with a photojournalism degree. Her work has been published in print and online magazines. An outdoors enthusiast, she loves music, books, and skiing, and has two rescue dogs.

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 documentary wedding photographer who specializes in creating artful, photojournalistic images of your special day. He is a destination wedding photographer who is passionate about capturing those unforgettable moments.

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

Meet Jipeng Han, an experienced wedding photojournalist based in San Jose, CA. She specializes in documenting storytelling through her photographs.

Jipeng Han

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

Douglas Despres, a wedding photojournalist with a background in photojournalism, has captured over 600 events since 2002. With a global photography experience, he specializes in comfortable connections with guests, focusing on documentary-style shots.

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 is an award-winning wedding photographer with twelve years of experience serving San Francisco, Bay area, & beyond. He captures unique love stories with anticipation, excitement, and joy. Tanarak believes in celebrating love in all its forms, regardless of...

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 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 renowned wedding photojournalist from Northern California, specializes in capturing couples' moments in a relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere. With her ability to create a special rapport, she ensures the best possible results for her clients. Based in San...

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 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)
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)
Northern California wedding photography by San Jose-based Steve Kpa

Steve Kpa is a skilled and empathetic wedding photojournalist from San Jose, CA, with a background in running his own gym. He has a unique ability to capture the essence and emotions of a wedding day by making his subjects feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Steve Kpa

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

As a wedding photojournalist and creative engagement portrait photographer in California, Annie Bang brings a background as a former journalist and Associated Press reporter. With a focus on documenting real moments and emotions, she uses documentary and photojournalistic...

Annie Bang

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (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 California - Northern weddings.
2900 (USD)
Engagements, Weddings and Elopement Photographer Lucy Schultz

Lucy Schultz, an experienced documentary wedding photographer focused on elopements and engagement portraits, creates a relaxed and enjoyable environment for clients to showcase their true selves. Since 2013, she has perfected the art of capturing unforgettable moments.

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

Stephanie Secrest is a wedding and engagement portrait photographer based in Central Coast CA. With a Master's in photojournalism, she has garnered recognition from renowned competitions such as 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 is a Michigan based wedding photographer renowned for his documentary style and passion to capture the "decisive moment". He has ranked in the Top 50 wedding photojournalists worldwide and is the premier wedding photojournalist for 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

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)

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)

Ron Storer's passion for capturing and preserving wedding moments is fueled by his success as a member of the US Cycling Team, where he earned a Gold Medal in the Pan-Am Games and a Silver Medal in the Olympic Trials. With a wedding photojournalist approach, he...

Ron Storer

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

Gingi Freeman, a passionate traveling wedding photojournalist based in Visalia, CA, specializes in non-intrusive, documentary-style weddings. With a background in art and storytelling, she captures real moments and raw emotions in a way that allows couples to be fully...

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, a California wedding photographer, specializes in 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)
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 seasoned wedding photojournalist, expertly documenting love stories for over two decades. From high school hobby to thriving business, Amber and her husband's unique styles make for an unbeatable team.

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, skilled in wedding photojournalism and portraiture, integrates values and sustainability. Creates comfort for exceptional photos.

Marla Manes

Seattle in Washington, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5500 (USD)
Portrait of Katharine Green from Katie Corinne Wedding Photography Studio

Katharine Green, a traveling wedding photographer, has been capturing the happiest moments of life for over 10 years. Based in Colorado, she and her associate, Jamie, specialize 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

Wedding photographer and officiant Rachel Gazes, based in Reno/Tahoe, with nearly a decade of experience. Skilled in photography and ceremony officiating, she excels at working with families, pets, and calming nerves on wedding days.

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 photojournalist based in New York and California, specializes in unique wedding & elopement photography worldwide. With a background in travel and humanitarian photography, she offers adventurous couples creative, nontraditional, and joy-filled...

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 seasoned wedding photojournalist with expertise in capturing the essence of weddings through her storytelling approach. She has documented more than 250+ weddings worldwide.

Kristin Bednarz

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

A seasoned documentary wedding photographer, Jason Kaczorowski brings more than 18 years of experience to his craft, adeptly capturing over 650 weddings. His talent lies in creating timeless memories that encapsulate the essence of each relationship.

Jason Kaczorowski

Chicago in Illinois, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3900 (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.

In Palo Alto, CA, the couple posed together at the peaceful outdoor cafe, a shot carefully composed to be symmetrical and simple.
A photographer in San Francisco, CA, takes pictures of a couple in love by the Golden Gate Bridge, capturing them sharing a kiss on the beach during the beautiful sunset light that is soft.
In Berkeley, CA, the couple enjoyed the warm late afternoon sun and ocean breeze during their engagement portrait session at the beach, standing together and sharing a hug in the beautiful sunset light.
Couple embraced in a hug, surrounded by trees in the late afternoon sun in a beautiful Northern California forest for their engagement portrait session in Oakland, CA.
At a photo shoot in San Francisco, CA, the couple in love posed in front of the building ruins, creating a beautiful and lasting memory of their special time together.
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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: 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.
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
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
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

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Northern WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Eleanor & Dave

Photo by Douglas Despres

Doug you did the most FANTASTIC job! The photos are all so beautiful I can't even make a favorites list because they're all so great. I confess that I even teared up looking at them it was such a happy day and you captured everything. We're so grateful for all your efforts, we really can't imagine having had a different photographer there to share our day with us. Thank you so so much!

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!

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