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
California - Southern Wedding Photographers
California - Southern Wedding Photographers
Our California - Southern photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Los Angeles, San Diego, Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Pasadena, Chula Vista, Encinitas, San Bernardino, Orange County, Irvine, Riverside, Bakersfield, Simi Valley, Malibu, Ventura
California - Southern Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements
Intimate Wedding Photography in California - Southern - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best California - Southern 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 - Southern 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 - Southern 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 - Southern Photographers for Large or Small Weddings
Shooting an elopement or small California - Southern 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 adventure, courthouse, 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.
View Award-Winning Pictures from California - Southern Wedding Venues
42 California - Southern Wedding Photographers...
Annie Bang, a former journalist, and Associated Press reporter, documents real moments and emotions through documentary and photojournalistic photography. She is passionate about capturing fleeting moments to create timeless memories of our lives.
Annie Bang
Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2500 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.2900 (USD)
Based in Southern California, Brett Butterstein is a highly skilled wedding photojournalist with a background in photojournalism and extensive experience in newspaper photography. With his keen eye for detail and ability to capture raw emotions, he is the ideal choice for...
Brett Butterstein
Encinitas in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3500 (USD)
Loren Haar is a skilled wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer, specializing in capturing authentic and emotional moments. With a background in documenting life events, Loren's passion for photography grew after mastering manual mode.
Loren Haar
Ventura in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2200 (USD)
Darren Hendry, an architecture-trained photographer with 7 years of experience, specializes in non-traditional and offbeat weddings. He captures unique stories through his natural, emotive, and creative style, creating honest and captivating images. Darren also offers...
Darren Hendry
Pasadena in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2500 (USD)
Thinh Phan, a wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer, specializes in capturing couples' fun-loving personalities in bold outdoor portraits. With a background in design and a passion for vibrant colors, Thinh skillfully crafts images that showcase...
Thinh Phan
in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2500 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.2100 (USD)
Jonathan Young is a wedding photojournalist with 20 years of experience, a background in photojournalism, and a talent for capturing the unique emotion and joy of each wedding day. Based in California, he specializes in photographing beautiful moments along the coast.
Jonathan Young
Palos Verdes Estates in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.5500 (USD)
Brenda Bravo, a wedding photojournalist, and engagement portrait photographer, brings her unique perspective and passion for storytelling to every moment. With a degree in Visual Communication and a minor in Sociology, Brenda's expertise shines through her captivating...
Brenda Bravo
Pasadena in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2000 (USD)
Sierra Dawn is an experienced wedding photojournalist and creative engagement portrait photographer based in the USA. With a background influenced by her father's 20+ years in the field, she possesses a wealth of passion and expertise in capturing beautiful moments.
Sierra Dawn
Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.5500 (USD)
Dennis Mock, a talented documentary wedding photographer, brings his background in sports and architectural photography to create captivating compositions. Recognized and awarded by professional photography associations, he has also received prestigious honors from Kodak...
Dennis Mock
San Diego in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.450/hour (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
Based in the Western USA, James Juarez is a Mexican-American wedding photojournalist with a degree in Art History from UCLA. With 8 years of experience in documenting punk bands and the fashion industry, he brings a unique perspective to capturing your special day.
James Juarez
Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2450 (USD)
Rebecca Aranda is a West Coast North American wedding photographer with decades of experience in storytelling. She draws on her background in theater, film, and publishing to capture the joy of each moment.
Rebecca Aranda
Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.5000 (USD)
Attila Iuhasz is a Southern California wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer with a passion for capturing candid moments. With a background in Management and Marketing, Attila is an adaptable and open-minded professional, constantly improving his...
Attila Iuhasz
Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2400 (USD)
Using a journalistic style, Nikhol Esteras, a visual storyteller, captures the authentic and unique moments of destination weddings in Oaxaca and California, combining her background in psychology and holistic health.
Nikhol Esteras
Oaxaca de Juárez in Oaxaca, MX *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
As a documentary wedding photographer, Gretchen Troop skillfully captures the essence of every couple's special day. With a background in Studio Photography, she has an eye for framing unique moments in picturesque locations.
Gretchen Troop
Boulder in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.3300 (USD)
Will Tee is a co-founder of SW Photo Studio and an outstanding wedding photographer. He has traveled extensively, experiencing diverse cultures that have enriched his open-mindedness and creativity. His engagement portrait sessions are known for their fun and creative...
Will Tee
Taipei City, TW *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2000 (USD)
Chris Shum has been passionate about art since he was a young boy. At age 15, he received his first camera and has been the designated photographer ever since. Chris became a professional photographer in 2007 and provides beautiful, story-telling photography of destination...
Chris Shum
Sunnyvale in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.4500 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.2000 (USD)
Ilana Bar av is a dedicated wedding photographer whose passion for the craft began with her dad and oldest brother, both of whom are also photographers. Despite their initial skepticism, Barav chose to pursue a career in wedding photography and is now celebrating her sixth...
Ilana Bar av
Madison in Wisconsin, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.4800 (USD)
Philip Thomas is a renowned wedding photographer with over two decades of experience. He learned his craft in England before moving to the US and honing his skills shooting local news, models and actors. This creativity has since been focused to the art of capturing wedding...
Philip Thomas
San Antonio in Texas, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.4800 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.4000 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.3500 (USD)
Logan Westom is a documentary wedding photographer based in Seattle. With a career in professional photography spanning over a decade, Westom has shot for newspapers, couples’ special days, and Taylor Swift concerts...
Logan Westom
Bremerton in Washington, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.4000 (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 - Southern 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 - Southern weddings.5000 (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 - Southern 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 - Southern weddings.2400 (USD)
In 2006, William embarked on his journey as a wedding photojournalist, adopting a journalistic style to capture beautiful and authentic moments. With an unobtrusive approach, he skillfully documents the intimate relationships and stories that unfold on a couple's...
William West
in New Jersey, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3850 (USD)
In a journalistic style, Dan Harris, a wedding photojournalist, expertly captures the fleeting moments of love and joy that occur during weddings. His extensive portfolio showcases the unforgettable memories he has captured, and he has been recognized with numerous...
Dan Harris
Jacksonville in Florida, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.400/hour (USD)
Kate Hagerty: Talented wedding photographer with experience in photojournalism, fine art framing, and acting. Published work in WESA.com, The Pittsburgh Current, The Pittsburgh City Paper, and The Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Kate Hagerty
Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.3900 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.4500 (USD)
Amber Depangher is an experienced wedding photographer with over 20 years of capturing weddings. She started her photography journey in high school and decided to make it her career after college, taking the risk of starting her own business. Amber is fortunate to work with...
Amber Depangher
Portland in Oregon, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.500/hour (USD)
Wes Shinn, a documentary wedding photographer with a decade of experience as a military photojournalist, beautifully documents every detail and narrative of your wedding, creating powerful and cherished memories.
Wes Shinn
Chesapeake in Virginia, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3400 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.5500 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.2500 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving California - Southern Couples
Wedding Venue Pictures by California - Southern Wedding Photographers
Please select a venue below to view all associated contest-winning California - Southern wedding photos.
California - Southern Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers
Below are some California - Southern wedding photography samples from the world’s best wedding photographers of the WPJA. Some of these California - Southern marriage pictures might be artistic portraits, details, or documentary-style images that have come from getting ready sessions, wedding ceremonies, reception venues, or California - Southern engagement portrait sessions with couples.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Searches Related to California - Southern Wedding Photography Vendors
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small California - Southern 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 - Southern wedding day by.
Q: How can couples find California - Southern photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for California - Southern 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: How can couples find top-ranked California - Southern 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 - Southern 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
RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Southern WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Benita & Ben
Photo by Drew Bird
Drew, thanks so much for everything. We had so much fun working with you. From start to finish you were great to work with and showed the highest professionalism. All of our guests really enjoyed how fun you were, too. And the photos!! The images are just beautiful. Every time we look through the photo story we see new favorites and amazing moments. Even though the wedding was only a month ago the images bring back so many amazing memories. We are so happy that you were our photographer. We will definitely be recommending you to all our family and friends. Also let us know where we can give you some public shout-outs! Thanks again!
Marcela & Rishi
Photo by Philip Thomas
What can we say...thank you so very much for sharing your art and your passion with us during our wedding weekend! Your photos capture the essence of the weekend-the joy, the fun, the passion, the love-you got it all. We can't wait to see "the book" and we can't want to work with you again. Thanks again!
Amanda & David
Photo by William West
You were very responsive and flexible. Your eye and style are fantastic and you are very calm and collected. Since the day we booked over the phone long distance, you made us feel very confident and relaxed in choosing your service. We saw preview photos the very next day and we LOVE them. Your value is excellent and I highly recommend you to anyone. We can't wait to see the rest of the photos!
WPJA contest judges have been recognized by their industry peers, winning top awards as staff picture editors, staff photojournalists, and newsroom mentors while working for these and other leading publications and journalism organizations.
