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 the San Francisco Peninsula

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 city hall, fast, themed, 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 talented wedding photojournalist and artistic portrait photographer. With a background in commerce, hair artistry, portrait photography, and graphic design, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Having experienced shooting across 14 countries,...

Tanushree Vaidya

Hayward in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4000 (USD)
Adventure weddings and elopement photography by Lauren Lindley

Lauren Lindley, an elopement photographer, specializes in capturing unforgettable moments. With her ability to make people feel at ease in front of the lens, she excels in creating artistic wedding portraits and engagement portraits. Lauren brings her diverse skillset and...

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 destination wedding photographer who has been passionate about art and photography since his youth. With a camera given to him by his father at age 15, Chris has captured beautiful and joyful moments for couples and their families. Through his artistic...

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.

With over 25 years of professional experience, Chris Werner specializes in wedding photography, capturing the unique love and personalities of engaged couples. He began studying black and white film in 1994 and developed a fine art approach to photography over the years,...

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 photographer based in Lake Tahoe. With a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of California, Santa Cruz, she has been photographing weddings professionally for a decade.

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

N. CA based Joyce Perlman is a skilled wedding photojournalist featuring contemporary and documentary-style images. With an extensive background in fine art and visual design, she excels at capturing the essence of elopements and bigger weddings.

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 skilled Northern California wedding photojournalist, specializing in elopements and artistic portraits. With a background in graphic design, his simple philosophy centers around capturing life as it unfolds, emphasizing meaningful moments and exquisite...

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 elopement photographer, specializing in creating artful and photojournalistic images of weddings. He is passionate about capturing unforgettable moments and is particularly skilled in destination wedding photography.

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

Jipeng Han is an experienced wedding photojournalist with a specialization in documenting storytelling. She is based in San Jose, CA.

Jipeng Han

San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1200 (USD)
Northern California wedding photography by Drew Bird - Creative Storytelling

Drew Bird, a skilled wedding photographer with years of experience, specializes in capturing authentic and unscripted beauty, love, and connection through photographs. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he excels in telling stories through his lens.

Drew Bird

Oakland in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3500 (USD)

Douglas Despres is a photographer with a background in photojournalism and over 600 events photographed since 2002. Specializing in documentary-style shots with comfortable connections to family and guests, he brings his global photography experience to every shoot.

Douglas Despres

Alameda in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
750/hour (USD)

Dennis Viera, an award-winning wedding photojournalist, holds almost a decade of experience in this field. Starting his photography career in high school, he has traveled globally with his family to capture life's moments.

Dennis Viera

Rohnert Park in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5000 (USD)
Wedding and Elopement Photographer Tanarak Visessonchoke

Tanarak, an award-winning wedding photographer with 12 years of experience, serves San Francisco, Bay area, & beyond. Tanarak captures unique love stories with anticipation, excitement, and joy, celebrating universal love in all its forms. Tanarak's passion lies in...

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 wedding photojournalist based in San Francisco, Northern California, brings over 15 years of experience. With a keen eye for angles and lighting, she skillfully captures emotional moments and details, emphasizing the connection between individuals.

Tara Arrowood

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5500 (USD)

Debra Zeller, a highly acclaimed wedding photojournalist based in San Francisco, Northern California, excels at capturing couples' unique personalities and moments in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. By establishing a special rapport with her clients, she guarantees...

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)
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

San Jose wedding photographer Steve Kpa is a skilled and empathetic storyteller, capturing the essence and emotions of a wedding day. With a background in running his own gym and understanding the importance of individual contexts, Steve has a unique ability to make his...

Steve Kpa

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

California wedding photojournalist and creative engagement portrait photographer Annie Bang is a former journalist and Associated Press reporter. With a focus on capturing real moments and emotions, she uses documentary and photojournalistic photography to create timeless...

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, a wedding photographer specializing in elopements, brings a fun and comfortable atmosphere to her shoots, allowing clients to be their authentic selves. With experience since 2013, Lucy is a professional with a knack for capturing memorable moments.

Lucy Schultz

Lakewood in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5900 (USD)
Gretchen Troop Photography Studio for Weddings, Elopements and Portraits

Gretchen Troop is a documentary wedding photographer with a Bachelor's degree in Studio Photography. She has a passion for capturing weddings in beautiful locations, particularly in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Gretchen is known for her ability to make clients...

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 is the co-founder of SW Photo Studio and is a passionate wedding photographer. He has experienced many different cultures across the world. These unique experiences have shaped him as an open-minded person, integrating his creative photography with the lessons life...

Will Tee

Taipei City, TW *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2000 (USD)
USA hiking, rock climbing, Adventure Wedding Photographer Traci Edwards

With a background in the arts and a wealth of experience in wedding logistics, Traci Edwards is a documentary wedding photographer renowned for her ability to capture genuine and candid moments, creating a true-to-life narrative for couples embarking on their marital...

Traci Edwards

Maple Falls in Washington, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
6900 (USD)
Wedding photography and elopements by Ray Iavasile of Michigan

Ray Anthony Iavasile, a wedding photojournalist based in Michigan, is celebrated for his journalistic style and ability to capture authentic moments. He is recognized as one of the Top 50 wedding photojournalists worldwide and is the go-to choice for couples in 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

In the journalistic style, Bradley Hanson is an experienced wedding photojournalist who captures the candid moments of the wedding day. With 24 years of experience, he has covered celebrations of all sizes and his work has been featured in magazines and ad campaigns.

Bradley Hanson

St. Paul in Minnesota, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5000 (USD)
Denver wedding and elopement photography by Caroline Robert of the CO WPJA

Caroline Robert is a 12-year experienced Wedding Photographer in the Rocky Mountains. She studied Fine Art when getting her Bachelor's Degree in 2008, and has since then used her creativity to capture moments in a timeline and beyond.

Caroline Robert

Denver in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
10000 (USD)

In a journalistic style, Logan Westom is a visual storyteller who captures the most intimate moments of couples' special days, Taylor Swift concerts, and newspaper events throughout his decade-long career in professional photography from his base in Seattle.

Logan Westom

Bremerton in Washington, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4000 (USD)
Engagement Photo Shoots and wedding photography by Darren Hendry

Darren Hendry, a non-traditional and offbeat wedding photographer, specializes in natural, emotive, creative, and honest storytelling. With a background in architecture and a passion for photography, he has been capturing unique wedding stories for almost 7 years.

Darren Hendry

Pasadena in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)

Prior to his photography career, Ron Storer raced on the US Cycling Team earning a Gold Medal in the Pan-Am Games and a Silver Medal in the Olympic Trials. His passion for capturing and preserving wedding moments motivates him to provide couples with unique and special...

Ron Storer

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

Based in Visalia, CA, Gingi Freeman is a skilled wedding photojournalist who specializes in non-intrusive, documentary-style photography. With a background in art and storytelling, she captures real moments and raw emotions, allowing couples to fully immerse themselves in...

Gingi Freeman

Visalia in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1400 (USD)

Robert Walker, a highly acclaimed wedding photojournalist, boasts 17 years of experience in Texas and California. Known for his unobtrusive and journalistic style, he skillfully captures precious moments. Currently residing in Dallas with his family, Robert's...

Robert Walker

Dallas in Texas, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2400 (USD)

Maria Newman, an authentic documentary photographer, developed her love for wedding storytelling when a friend requested her to photograph their wedding during her studies.

Maria Newman

Portland in Oregon, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)
California Documentary Wedding and Elopement Photography by Gina Clyne

California wedding photographer Gina Clyne specializes in photojournalistic style imagery, 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, a California coast photographer, combines 20 years experience, a photojournalist background, and a keen eye for detail, capturing the joy and emotion of each 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

After starting her journey as an intern in the bustling city of Chicago, Danette Chappell evolved into a skilled wedding photojournalist, capturing magical moments between couples in both NV and CA.

Danette Chappell

Reno in Nevada, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1225 (USD)
Portrait of Amber Depangher of Sightglass Photography Studio

Amber Depangher is a documentary wedding photographer with a vibrant portfolio spanning 20 years. With roots in high school and a leap of faith after college, Amber and her artistic husband form an eclectic duo, delighting clients with their distinct styles.

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, a seasoned documentary wedding photographer, travels across the US to capture the unscripted moments that unfold during weddings. His images artfully document the love, joy, and connection between couples.

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, an experienced Colorado wedding photojournalist, has been expertly capturing love-filled moments for over a decade, specializing in wedding, engagement, and proposal photography alongside her associate, Jamie.

Katharine Green

Monument in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (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)
Weddings, engagements and elopement photography by Kevin Kienitz

Kevin Kienitz

Aurora in Illinois, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Jason Kaczorowski, Destination Wedding Photography - USA

With a wealth of expertise as a wedding photojournalist, Jason Kaczorowski has spent over 18 years honing his skills, documenting over 650 weddings. His ability to immortalize meaningful moments ensures cherished memories for years to come.

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 transitioned from teaching Spanish to wedding photography, now capturing intimate moments worldwide for 5 years. Based in Mancos, Colorado, she enjoys outdoor activities and homesteading with her family.

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.

A creative portrait captured by a Northern California wedding photographer, showing a groom leading his bride-to-be up a sandy embankment at a beach in San Francisco.
A creative couple portrait by a North California wedding photographer capturing a romantic kiss on a city street at night near trees with lights in them in Los Gatos, California.
Creative couple portrait by a N California wedding photographer, Oakland. The lovers embrace in the forest - head to head, in profile, sunlight in the trees overhead.
Couple portrait by a N California wedding photographer, Palo Alto. The love of two coming together. The lovers embrace head to head, in profile, with a geometric orange structure behind them, creating a symmetrical framing.
A couple portrait in the cypress forest by the ocean captured by a North California wedding photographer.
A couple portrait captured by a N California wedding photographer in Los Gatos. The image shows the couple striking a cool pose in the forest, surrounded by tall trees and boulders along a tree-lined trail.
Portrait of a couple captured by a North California wedding photographer in San Francisco. The image shows the couple enjoying a tranquil session at their favorite cafe, sitting indoors at a table by a window.
A beautiful bride smiles as she gets ready in front of a wall-hung mirror at Waterfall Lodge in Ben Lomond, California.
Bride in California at a private residence in Milpitas smiles joyfully as her sisters playfully douse her with water during the pre-wedding traditions ceremony.
In Mendocino, California, the groom's mom lovingly pins his boutonniere on before the ceremony, captured in a wall-mounted circular mirror reflection.
A black and white image capturing the bride and groom blessing their rings during their elopement ceremony at the Harbor House Inn in Elk, California, with the beautiful ocean view in the background.
A young girl joyfully performs a backbend on the dance floor at Gray's Crossing in Truckee, CA, as a young boy watches in amusement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small California - Northern 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 California - Northern wedding day by.
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
jperlman elk cove inn ceremony
Everyone always says that your wedding day is all about you. But let’s face it; that’s not always actually the case. Many couples stress over guest lists, planning, expenses, and all the frills and traditions of your standard large wedding that they may or may not even be...Read more
We all know that the economy can go through some hard times, and be somewhat reminiscent of past recessions. However, as people cut back on non-essential little luxuries here and there, one constant remains: weddings. People don’t tend to just stop getting married due to a...Read more
Traditionally speaking, often times it is the couple’s families who help pay for their wedding. However, unfortunately that’s just not possible for everyone, especially these days when the cost of weddings can quickly and easily get out of control. Some couples find...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Northern WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Teresa and Kenny

Photo by Ron Storer

Thank you so much for all of your hard work on our beautiful wedding photos. There are no words to express our gratitude for capturing some of the most important moments of our lives. Our wedding & engagement photos are an absolute treasure that we will savor and cherish forever. When we share our album with friends, they rave about how unique it is and that they’ve never seen anything like it. I have to agree it is amazing and a delight to flip through - it just seems to bring us right back to June 7, 2008 - a day that we hold very close to our hearts.

Kiley & Josh

Photo by Douglas Despres

Dear Doug, Thank you so much for sending these images, and for the images themselves which are outstanding. We love so many of them, the hard part is going to be selecting the ones that go in the album! We'll have more time to look and select over the weekend, so we'll probably write to you then or early next week. Again, many thanks for your work -- we are very impressed :) Best, Josh & Kiley

Christine & Bryan

Photo by Douglas Despres

"Doug these are amazing!! I can't even tell you how much I'm in love with them! You did such an incredible job and I cannot thank you enough! They're unreal!"