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Craig Watson is no longer a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association.

Michigan Wedding Photographers

Michigan Wedding Photographers

Our Michigan photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Dearborn, Livonia

Michigan Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

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

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

Michigan Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Michigan 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 mini, themed, fast, 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.

9 Michigan Wedding Photographers...

Wedding photography and elopements by Ray Iavasile of Michigan

Ray Anthony Iavasile, a Michigan-based wedding photographer, is highly regarded for his journalistic style, capturing the essence of moments. Ranked as one of the Top 50 wedding photojournalists worldwide, he is the go-to choice for couples in Michigan.

3000 (USD)
Elopements by Top Wedding Photographer Justin Edmonds

Justin Edmonds, with 14 years of experience as a photojournalist, has worked for notable clients such as Getty Images, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. Having shot over 130 weddings and elopements, his expertise and skill make him a sought-after wedding and...

Justin Edmonds

Denver in Colorado, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
4800 (USD)
Mid-west wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Madi Ellis

US traveling wedding photographer, Madi Ellis, deeply passionate about documenting love stories with authentic emotion, texture, and connection. Former actor turned storyteller, she creates honest and original work, fully representing couples in every way possible.

Madi Ellis

Chicago in Illinois, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
4450 (USD)
Portrait of wedding photographer Sarah Nader

Sarah Nader, a documentary wedding photographer, brings her expertise from a successful career in photojournalism. When she's not immersing herself in capturing cherished memories, Sarah enjoys exploring new destinations and experimenting in the kitchen.

Sarah Nader

Chicago in Illinois, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
4400 (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)
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 Michigan weddings.
3900 (USD)
Rustbelt Mayberry Wedding Photographer, Erin Ninehouser

Erin Ninehouser, a documentary wedding photographer hailing from the Eastern USA, boasts an impressive resume of over two decades of experience. Her photographs tell captivating stories, capturing the essence of each event she witnesses.

Erin Ninehouser

Ambridge in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
3600 (USD)
Destination weddings, engagement couple sessions and elopement photography by Angela Nelson

Angela Nelson is a destination wedding photographer based in Hawaii. She discovered her passion for photography while teaching high school in Maui and has been capturing real moments and the beauty of Hawaii ever since. When she's not behind the camera, Angela enjoys...

Angela Nelson

Makawao in Hawaii, US *Now booking Michigan 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.

3000 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Michigan Couples

Michigan Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

At the Meridian Banquet Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan, a bride bids farewell to her family following the heartwarming wedding ceremony.
At the Westin Hotel in Southfield, Michigan, an enchanting Indian wedding ceremony unfolds as the bride and groom joyfully participate in the traditional ritual of blowing flower petals into each other's faces.
At the Crystal Gardens Event Center, a heartwarming scene unfolds as the children of the bride and groom share a playful moment while peering in on their parents who are on the verge of exchanging vows.
A wedding guest at Blissful Barn in Michigan impresses the crowd with a worm dance move, complete with a tie wrapped around his head
The couple posed for an artful engagement portrait in Detroit, with downtown's skyline in the background and a police cruiser parked nearby
As the uninterested flower girl was escorted down the ceremony aisle of the Meridian Banquet and Events Hall in Farmington Hills, MI
At the Bride's parents home in Bloomfield Hills, MI, the Bride sought out her bridesmaids' opinions to decide which set of sparkling earrings to complete her wedding day look
Michigan candid documentary wedding photography at The Meridian Banquet and Events Hall in Farmington Hills captured this Indian bride getting help with her bangles
The first dance with the bride and groom at their outdoor reception at the Cafe Cortina, Farmington, MI
View this grand, pictorial Traverse City wedding image of the cake and a large sword cutting it which was a featured picture among the best wedding photography in Michigan from the WPJA
View this dramatic Traverse City wedding image of A colorful backlit portrait of the bride and groom in front of a fountain which was a featured picture among the best wedding photography in Michigan from the WPJA
The Michigan WPJA is the alternative to traditional wedding images and is pleased to present this inspiring wedding photography example from the Ovation Yacht on the Detroit River of the MI Bride and groom first dance under the Ambassador Bridge

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small Michigan 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 Michigan wedding day by.
Q: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my Michigan 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 Michigan wedding photographers who have earned Artistic Guild awards for portrait and detail images.
Q: How can couples find Michigan photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for Michigan 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.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
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
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
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 Michigan WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Emerson Fields wedding photography from the reception with bride and groom on dance floor

Sienna and Jacob

Photo by Justin Edmonds

WE ARE CRYING. THEY ARE SO GOOD. Gotta go, we're going to go look at them all over again. I have never seen better wedding photos in my life and I will flex on everyone soon.

Melissa and Jordan

Photo by Justin Edmonds

They are amazing! Thank you so very much for everything, it was a pleasure having you be a part of our journey, from engagement to marriage. The pictures really show our happiness and love, they’re perfect. Thank you!

Briar Common Brewery Wedding Photography in the rain.

Holly and Hayden

Photo by Justin Edmonds

I absolutely ADORE these photos!! You did an amazing job and I just want to show you one simple shot that just gave goosebumps because it was basically a recreation of my best friend and I's favorite picture from graduating high school. I just feel the love and growth and maturity we've got through together in your picture. I wanted to let you know and let you know you're doing such a great job with your work even in these small moments-- whether you know it or not!