Virginia Wedding Photographers

Virginia Wedding Photographers

Our Virginia photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Hampton, Roanoke, Portsmouth, Arlington, Williamsburg, Luray, and Leesburg

Virginia Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

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

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

Virginia Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Virginia 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 DIY - do it yourself, city hall, justice of the peace, 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.

35 Virginia Wedding Photographers...

Studio portrait of Brittany Diliberto, an elopement and wedding photographer | Bee Two Sweet Photography

In her work as a visual storyteller, Brittany Diliberto, an East Coast USA-based photographer, skillfully captures breathtaking moments through a journalistic style, artistic angles, and a touch of inspiration. With a background in professional lighting design, she...

4250 (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...

0 (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.

4250 (USD)
Megan Rei, Documentary Style Wedding Photographer

Known for her expertise in capturing heartfelt moments, Megan Rei is a wedding photojournalist from the Washington metropolitan area. With a background in dog photography, she brings a unique perspective to every wedding.

4000 (USD)
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Anastasiia Polyakov, of So Tender Is Humanity

Wedding photographer Anastasiia Polyakov is an experienced creative based in the US for 10 years. Using her upbringing, Anastasiia celebrates human spirit and emotion with her photography. Mixing compassion and expressions, Anastasiia aims to memorialize the essence of...

3500 (USD)
Color portrait of wedding photographer Lauren Barkume

Lauren Barkume is a Washington Metro Area wedding photographer with a passion for nature, travel and joy. She has a unique photographic style, creating beautiful images with soul and story. Lauren believes in helping people feel seen and empowering them to be their true...

4990 (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.

3000 (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...

1800 (USD)

Heather Hughes Ostermaier is a Virginia wedding photographer with over 8 years full-time experience. She and her husband Rob both have extensive backgrounds in photojournalism and have been published in various notable publications. They provide unobtrusive and creative...

2999 (USD)
Emie McGee wedding photography studio - Emie's Photo LLC

Emie McGee is a Lynchburg, USA-based wedding photographer, specializing in creating timeless photos and developing a unique editing style inspired by film photography. With photo experience since 2018, she is here to make your wedding day stress-free.

3200 (USD)
Studio portrait of Wes Shinn - owner / wedding and elopement photography studio

Wes Shinn is a wedding photographer who has served for a decade as a military photojournalist, capturing major national disasters. His skill for capturing details and stories in an impactful way translates into awe-inspiring memorials of your wedding day.

3400 (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...

4750 (USD)
Wedding photography by Michael Freas

Michael Freas is a photojournalistic wedding photographer. He puts the focus on your unique relationship, honoring all of those present. His commitment to stress-free joy, allowing couples to celebrate to the fullest, has made him one of the most reputable wedding...

Michael Freas

Asheville in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3800 (USD)

Neil Thurston is a destination wedding photographer with a unique background. As a graduate of NESOP, he spent several years in action sports photography. With extensive international experience, Neil has applied his creative skills to become a renowned photojournalist...

Neil Thurston

Nags Head in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
500/hour (USD)
New England wedding and elopement photography by Christine Hochkeppel

Christine Hochkeppel, a New England documentary wedding photographer, brings a decade of experience in capturing weddings and has contributed to publications including Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Cape Cod Times, and the Boston Globe.

3675 (USD)
Kenneth Clapp, USA Creative Wedding Photography

Kenneth Clapp takes a documentary approach to wedding photography, focusing on storytelling through his visuals. With a keen eye for capturing emotions and moments, he crafts stunning images that truly reflect the essence of the couple's big day.

Kenneth Clapp

Baltimore in Maryland, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3000 (USD)
Song Johns wedding and elopement photography of Blooming Dreams Photo

Song Johns is an acclaimed documentary wedding photographer and the founder of Blooming Dreams Photo. With her unique artistic approach, she skillfully captures the genuine emotions and fleeting moments of each couple's wedding day.

Song Johns

Charlotte in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
2900 (USD)
USA wedding photography by Lacey Butler

Lacey Butler, a visual storyteller with a strong background in traditional photography, studio lighting, and English literature, has documented over 400 weddings. She takes a journalistic style approach, valuing authentic, heartfelt moments over staged ones.

Lacey Butler

Cary in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
2000 (USD)
At Work Image of Wedding Photographer Ted Felsberg

Ted Felsberg

Mays Landing in New Jersey, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
5000 (USD)
Navarre wedding photography by Matt Kolf in Spain

Matt Kolf is an international wedding photographer. Originally from Washington D.C., he was inspired to pursue art history and photography through the likes of Velaquez, Rembrandt, and Norman Rockwell. Specifically, Kolf specializes in Catholic weddings in Spain and on the...

Matt Kolf

Washington DC in District Of Columbia, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3500 (USD)
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Natasha Lamalle

In a journalistic style, Natasha Lamalle is known as a visual storyteller who excels at capturing the authentic and often fleeting moments of love. With fifteen years of experience as a journalist, her trained eye and subtle approach to photography have made her one of the...

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.

Ken Pak

Washington DC in District Of Columbia, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3900 (USD)
Lifestyle Portrait of Wedding and Elopement Photographer Morgan O'Neil

Morgan O'Neil takes a documentary approach to her photography, skillfully capturing wedding moments with a camera. Specializing in vibrant coastal wedding photos, she uses her storytelling skills to create visually compelling images.

Morgan O'Neil

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

Breanna Shaw is a world traveler and passionate wedding photographer. Being able to share moments of love and connection with her clients is her greatest honor, and the accident that has become her life's mission. When she is not taking photos, Breanna enjoys rock...

Breanna Shaw

Reisterstown in Maryland, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3850 (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 Virginia weddings.
3600 (USD)
Colleen Stepanian - Documentary Wedding Photography

Colleen Stepanian, a USA wedding photographer, approaches her work with a documentary approach, combining storytelling and visual elements. She believes in capturing the essence of human connection, relationships, and vulnerability, with the responsibility to preserve...

Colleen Stepanian

Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
4800 (USD)
Engagement Portraits, Elopements and Wedding Photography by Anji Martin Potok's - World Photography, LLC

In a journalistic style, Anji Martin, a visual storyteller, has been capturing moments with her 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 Virginia weddings.
4450 (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 Virginia weddings.
2500 (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 Virginia weddings.
2200 (USD)

Dan Harris is a US based wedding photographer with over 20 years experience working in newspapers. His lifelong affinity for photography was born when he was 8, learning about his mother's Kodak Brownie II camera. He has won several prestigious awards worldwide and has...

Dan Harris

Jacksonville in Florida, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
400/hour (USD)
BW wedding and elopement photography by Brian Mullins

Brian Mullins, a highly regarded Raleigh documentary wedding photographer, brings his diverse background in photography, cinematography, and concert lighting to create stunning imagery that captures the true essence of wedding moments.

Brian Mullins

Apex in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3499 (USD)
Susannah Stevens, a DC, VA, and MD wedding photographer of Studio Lifetime Lens

Washington, D.C. native Susannah Stevens, an MA graduate in multimedia journalism from the Corcoran College of Art & Design, specializes in intimate weddings, micro-weddings, and elopements. Offering short-notice availability, she prioritizes meaningful moments. With an...

1100 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Annalee Durland-Jones, a Boston, MA Wedding Photographer

Annalee Durland-Jones is a wedding photographer based in New England, specializing in authentic and sentimental moments. She discovered her passion for photography in high school and fell in love with capturing love stories. With a focus on storytelling, Annalee aims to...

Annalee Durland-Jones

Boston in Massachusetts, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
6000 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of wedding photographer Tom Waldenberg

As a wedding photojournalist based in the Eastern U.S., Tom Waldenberg uses his keen eye and storytelling skills to capture raw and authentic moments for couples. When he's not behind the lens, you can find him strumming his guitar for local bands or nurturing his...

Tom Waldenberg

Raleigh in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3000 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Aira Hickman, a family & wedding photographer

Dedicated Maryland photographer Aira Hickman, a loving mother and Navy veteran's wife, captures genuine moments with an organic approach. Passionate since picking up her first camera, she focuses on authenticity and making clients feel confident and loved.

Aira Hickman

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

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Virginia Couples

Virginia Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

In Virginia at Poplar Springs Manor in Warrenton, the bride playfully smashes cake into the groom's face, causing it to fall off as they both share a joyous laugh.
At Inn at Mount Vernon Farm in Sperryville, VA, the bride's sister hurries to find water for the nervous bride before the wedding ceremony.
Bride and her bridesmaids share a candid moment in the nursery at Grace Episcopal Church in Alexandria, VA, just before the ceremony.
Emotional moment captured at Early Mountain Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia, as the bride and her brother embrace and shed tears after the ceremony.
Two beautiful brides celebrating joyfully during a bubble exit at Naked Mountain Winery in Markham, VA, filled with excitement and happiness.
Brides share a dance surrounded by loved ones at their wedding reception at Lydia Mountain Lodge and Log Cabins in Stanardsville, VA.
A captivating embrace in the rain, symbolizing their love's journey. This award-winning portrait captures the scene shared by the newlyweds at The Estate at River Run, Maidens VA.
At The Estate at River Run in Maidens, VA, two eager dogs on leashes sniff the adorable toddler flower girl
In Winchester, Virginia, a heartwarming moment unfolds as the bride presents a gift to her flower girl before the wedding ceremony. The precious expression on the little girl's face captures the love and anticipation in the air.
Photographer captures guests at a wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia, dancing and enjoying donuts. The lively image was recognized with an award from the Wedding Photojournalist Association.
A couple shares a kiss in front of their loved ones at the beautiful Woodlands at Algonkian in Sterling, VA. This image won an award from the WPJA.
The bride leads her guests away from the summit at Shenandoah National Park in the rain, creating a memorable and adventurous wedding experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can couples find Virginia photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for Virginia 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: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small Virginia wedding?
A: There are many WPJA photographers who are able to help you out at a moment's notice. We understand that sometimes love happens and there's simply no time to lose. We can ensure that you can get married as quickly as possible — and have incredible photographs to remember your Virginia wedding day by.
Q: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my Virginia 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 Virginia wedding photographers who have earned Artistic Guild awards for portrait and detail images.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
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
While some of us were fortunate enough to be born as extroverts, not everyone feels the same way. For a good chunk of the population, any number of the typical wedding day traditions can inspire anxiety and existential dread. This day is all about you, yes, but does that...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND Virginia WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Michelle and Peter

Photo by Neil Thurston

Thank you for the amazing pictures! They are absoloutely breathtaking! You both captured every single detail of the day and every picture tells a story. You both did a phenomenal job and were such a pleasure to work with. We can't thank you enough for these amazing memories!

Neil GT Photography Outer Banks Wedding Photographer

Teri and Michael

Photo by Neil Thurston

Thank you so incredibly much for everything! Everyone that sees our pictures says WOW! and that we just radiate happiness, and that is the perfect compliment because that's exactly how we felt and you captured it perfectly! We will cherish these photos forever. Hopefully our paths cross again one day, perhaps for family photos!

Corley & Don

Photo by Neil Thurston

Hi Neil and Lisa, Don and I are beyond thrilled with our pictures! The quality, detail, and beauty of the pictures is just so obvious. Aside from all those things, we love that you captured the sequence of events in a photojournalistic fashion. I've gotten comments from many of my friends/family that these are the best pictures they have ever seen, and of course we are just so proud that they are our pictures. I also have to chuckle a little because you guys were such an organized but chill vendor and as a project manager myself, I know how much preparation you both did behind the scenes to make that work. We couldn't be any happier and if you ever need a reference - email, phone, whatever - please do not hesitate to call.