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 town hall, small, pop-up, 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.

51 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 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.

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 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

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

San Jose wedding photographer Eric Le has a background in internet marketing and analytics. With an aspiration for capturing people's emotions, Eric has been photographing weddings 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, an elopement photographer, is well-versed in documentary wedding photography with a lifelong passion for capturing moments. Armed with a photojournalism degree and recognized work in both print and online magazines, she brings a unique artistic perspective.

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, destination wedding and elopement photographer. With a passion for capturing unforgettable moments, he specializes in creating artful and photojournalistic images of weddings.

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 Bay Area wedding photographer, uses his years of experience to capture authentic, unscripted expressions of beauty, love, and connection in his photographs. With a focus on storytelling through images, Drew is skilled in portraying the emotions and unique...

Drew Bird

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

Douglas Despres is a wedding photographer who has photographed over 600 events since 2002. With a background in photojournalism and experience shooting worldwide, Doug specializes in documentary-style shots with an emphasis on comfortable connections with family and guests.

Douglas Despres

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

Dennis Viera is an award-winning international wedding photographer. With a nearly decade-long background in photojournalism, Dennis's photography career began in high school. His passion for documenting life has taken him and his family around the world.

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 is a San Francisco-based wedding photographer with over 15 years of experience. Skilled at finding the perfect angles and lighting, she captures moments in a photojournalistic style, focusing on emotion, details and the connection between people.

Tara Arrowood

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

Debra Zeller is a San Francisco wedding photographer renowned for her ability to capture couples' personalities and moments in a relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere. She creates a special rapport with her clients to ensure the best possible results.

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 based in N CA, holds a Master's Degree in Photography and has captured over 300 weddings. Known for her love of black-and-white documentary photography and abstract fine art, she transforms couples into living pieces of art. Stone...

Lisa Stone

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4500 (USD)
Northern California wedding photography by San Jose-based Steve Kpa

CA-based San Jose wedding photojournalist Steve Kpa skillfully captures the emotions and essence of each wedding day as an empathetic storyteller. With a background in running his own gym, Steve's ability to create a comfortable atmosphere enhances his subjects'...

Steve Kpa

San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
750 (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)
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 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 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 California-based photographer with a Master's in photojournalism from Ohio University, as well as awards from prestigious contests like the Pictures of the Year competition.

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, 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.

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 Pollos is a traveling wedding photographer with a background as a photojournalist in the Navy. After capturing a powerful image of a young boy, he discovered his passion for photography and the impact it can have.

Jerome Pollos

Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)
Pro documentary-style wedding photography by Bradley Hanson

With a background in documentary technique, Bradley Hanson brings a unique storytelling perspective to his photography. Through his keen eye for detail and artistic vision, he captures the essence of each wedding he documents. His work has been featured in magazines and has...

Bradley Hanson

St. Paul in Minnesota, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5000 (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, 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)

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)

Gingi Freeman is a passionate traveling wedding photographer, artist, and storyteller. As a mother of two adorable toddlers, she often shoots alongside her husband Jonathan to capture real moments and raw emotions. Her non-intrusive approach allows couples to be present in...

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

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 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

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 Katharine Green from Katie Corinne Wedding Photography Studio

Katharine Green is a skilled Colorado documentary wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience. She and her associate, Jamie, have a passion for capturing the happiest moments in life, specializing 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

Based in New York and California, Kathryn Cooper is an unconventional wedding photographer, specializing in unique, creative, and joyful celebrations. With a background in travel and humanitarian photography, she thrives on adventure, welcoming diverse couples and...

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 documentary wedding photographer who excels in capturing the authentic moments of weddings, weaving together a compelling narrative. With her extensive experience, she has photographed over 250+ weddings.

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)
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, a skilled wedding photographer, specializes in wedding photojournalism and portraiture. Advocate for values and environmental sustainability, creating a comfortable space for exceptional photos. Proud dog person, obsessed with her black cat...

Marla Manes

Seattle in Washington, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5500 (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.

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.
A beautiful wedding photo taken at Saratoga Inn, Saratoga, CA, featuring a large black dog sitting at the bride's feet.
In this engagement portrait, a couple from Palo Alto, CA shares a mesmerizing embrace under a yellow tree, blending urban and natural elements in an artistic shot.
A couple in Los Gatos, CA, shares a warm embrace and small talk by the lake, radiating big smiles in a romantic setting for their engagement portrait session.
Capturing the silhouette of the embracing couple in Santa Cruz, CA, this monochromatic engagement portrait exudes a vintage charm with its black and white tones.
In San Francisco, CA, this engaged couple is captured in a romantic scene by the bay. The serene backdrop adds to the sweetness of their love.

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: 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.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
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
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
WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO ELOPE? If you look up the definition of “elope” in the Merriam-Webster dictionary , you’ll find a plethora of meanings making it quite clear how polarizing the word has become, and how it has transformed and evolved with the passage of time and...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Northern WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Edgewood at Tahoe wedding ceremony photography

LAURA AND SID

Photo by David Braun

Hi David, You were so great to work with and the pictures are really stunning. We will leave you a review ASAP, hoping to get to it this weekend! Thank you for everything!

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!

Sarah + Stephen

Photo by Drew Bird

Hey Drew - We went through all the pics last night and I just wanted to tell you again how awesome they are! You really captured some amazing moments and we're forever grateful! I was 3/4 through them and crying lol. It's as if we were replaying a story of the day. SO AMAZING! THANK YOU!!! We've shared the link with some of our guests and they are all raving about them as well! A thousand thanks, Sarah and Stephen