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 justice of the peace, DIY - do it yourself, 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.

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

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)

Ken Pak is a Metro Capital DC area wedding photographer who captures the most natural once in a lifetime moments through his lenses. With unmatched creativity, dedication, and a professional attitude, he freezes wedding moments and makes them as beautiful as the couple...

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

Traveling wedding photographer, Anji Martin, has been documenting special moments since childhood. With a passion for capturing moments for people, Anji now specializes in wedding and elopement photography, primarily serving couples in the Washington, DC, area but available...

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

Employing a documentary approach, Erica Dietz weaves her storytelling abilities with a keen eye for the visual. Specializing in capturing candid moments, she brings artistry and thoughtful composition to each wedding she photographs.

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

Drawing from her background in professional lighting design, Brittany Diliberto, an East Coast USA-based photographer, applies a documentary approach to her visual storytelling. Through her artistic lens, she skillfully captures spectacular moments, creating a visual...

Brittany Diliberto

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4250 (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 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 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 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

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 Washington DC weddings.
3000 (USD)
Engagement Portrait Pro, Wedding and Elopement Photographer Johnny Shryock of the WPJA

Adopting a documentary approach, USA-based wedding photographer Johnny Shryock employs his storytelling talent to capture incredible moments since his own brother's wedding a decade ago. By establishing a genuine connection with couples, he creates a comfortable...

Johnny Shryock

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
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.

Megan Rei

Bristow in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4000 (USD)
Color portrait of wedding photographer Lauren Barkume

As a documentary wedding photographer, Lauren Barkume possesses a deep love for nature and travel, which seamlessly blend into her photographs. She believes in capturing the authentic narrative of couples, empowering them to embrace their true selves.

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

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...

Anastasiia Polyakov

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3500 (USD)
Mike Kropf Wedding Photography in the USA

Mike Kropf is a passionate Charlotte wedding photojournalist. 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)
Lifestyle Portrait of Wedding and Elopement Photographer Morgan O'Neil

Morgan O'Neil is a skilled wedding and engagement photographer, specializing in vibrant coastal wedding photos. With 8 years of experience in capturing authentic and candid moments, Morgan also enjoys taking film photos in her free time and loves boating, skiing, and...

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 documentary wedding photographer based in the Washington Metropolitan Area. With a love for storytelling, she has a knack for capturing raw, pure, and beautiful moments.

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)

Marta Buso, an accomplished Italian wedding photographer born in 1978 in Venice, takes a documentary approach to her work. With a focus on authentic storytelling, she uses her camera to capture the essence of life's most beautiful moments, while maintaining an...

Marta Buso

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

Kevin Quinlan is a skilled photographer with a documentary approach, specializing in storytelling through visuals. With his unobtrusive style, he captures authentic moments to create a narrative that truly reflects the essence of the event. Kevin's expertise has been...

Kevin Quinlan

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

In her own creative style, Mary Kate McKenna, a wedding photojournalist with 13 years of experience, captures the genuine moments that unfold during small weddings, courthouse weddings, and destination micro weddings, celebrating the union between two people.

Mary Kate McKenna

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

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

With a documentary approach, William employs visual storytelling to create stunning and genuine wedding photographs. His professional and diverse skills, including business development, graphic design, and art, allow him to capture the essence of each unique love story in a...

William West

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

Ryan Rayburn, a seasoned wedding photojournalist, utilizes his journalistic style and expertise honed from nine years in the newspaper industry to capture candid moments. With a keen eye for emotions and an unobtrusive approach, Ryan ensures couples have a visual chronicle...

Ryan Rayburn

Bethesda in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
2200 (USD)
Emie McGee wedding photography studio - Emie's Photo LLC

Emie McGee, a talented documentary wedding photographer from Lynchburg, VA, brings her expertise and passion for film photography to capture your special day in a unique and unforgettable way.

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 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.

Wes Shinn

Chesapeake in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3400 (USD)
Weddings by Ryan & Kate for elopements and marriage photography - Portrait of Ryan Howard Sigesmund

Ryan Howard Sig is a talented wedding photojournalist whose keen eye for storytelling brings an intimate and candid approach to every image he captures.

Ryan Howard Sigesmund

Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3000 (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: 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.
Q: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small Washington DC 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 Washington DC wedding day by.
Q: How can couples find top-ranked Washington DC wedding photographers?
A: The WPJA created the original wedding photographer ranking systems. Our innovative system is based on contest winning points, meaning that the Washington DC 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.
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
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
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 Washington DC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Susan & Benjamin

Photo by William West

Our wedding photo experience with you was exceptional! You were very professional and creative. All of our photographs turned out more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. You were able to capture the feelings and the beauty of our very special day in every photo. You were a pleasure to work with and our wedding day turned out to be the most amazing day. Your relaxed and creative style allowed us to have a lot of fun and really be ourselves. Most of the time, we didn’t even know you were there taking our photo. The photographs are amazing and we had so many to choose from. You set out to capture the beauty and magic of our special day and succeeded beyond all of our expectations. You are a true professional and talented photographer. We can’t thank you enough for providing us with beautiful memories that will last a lifetime!

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! :)

Bride and groom reception dancing image from the Washington Golf & Country Club Venue, Arlington, VA

Liz & Cameron

Photo by Xiaoqi Li

Xiaoqi, Cameron and I cannot thank you enough for making our wedding day so special and capturing it all beautifully. Many of our guests commented on how kind, talented and helpful you were. You made everyone posing feel comfortable in front of the lens, which can be a tough task for a photographer I'd imagine! We will definitely recommend you to others as more of our friends and family get married. Can't wait for the big reveal and maybe we will see you down in Charlottesville! -Lizzy