SMALL WEDDINGS + ELOPEMENTS | choose love, not fear

Intimate Weddings & Elopement Photography

Since 2002, the WPJA has been connecting couples with the best, most artistic wedding photographers from around the world.

Italy wedding photography by Danilo Coluccio
Elopements by Top Wedding Photographer Justin Edmonds
Portrait of Wedding Photographer Sarah Priestap - Last Light Studio
Ottawa wedding photography by Kathi Robertson
Texas wedding photography by Alexandre Grand
Wedding and elopement photography by Jonathan Ryder
Bulgaria Wedding Photography by Ognyan Stoynev, of Sofia
Creative wedding and elopement photography by Ernie Savarese
Portsmouth Wedding Photography and Elopements by Eric McCallister, of New Hampshire
Italy Couple Engagement Sessions Wedding and Elopement Photographer Carlo Bettuolo
Caterina Errani - WPJA Profile Image of wedding and elopement photographer
Katarina Nichol wedding and elopement photography
Documentary wedding photography by Janina Brocklesby
Wedding and elopement photography by Zsofia Rebicek - Light&Dreams
Dublin wedding reportage images by Aaron Daly of Leinster, Ireland
Wedding and elopement Photographer Carl Bower

Authentic Photography

The WPJA organizes various wedding photography rounds annually, recognizing and honoring exceptionally captivating images.

Take a look at the previous victors by clicking on the links below:

Intimate, Micro Wedding Planning & Elopement Articles

Kobe Vanderzande, of Limburg, is a wedding photographer for

There’s nothing quite like an intimate wedding reception in a tent, with its uniquely informal atmosphere, customized decor and proximity to the elements...

Not everyone has a lagoon or glacier next door, but there's no rule saying you can't have a small wedding in the great outdoors. Take advantage of natural...

The Authenticity of
Wedding Photojournalism

Tsvetelina Deliyska, of Sofia, is a wedding photographer for
Jacob Hannah, of Vermont, is a wedding photographer for Omaha, NE
Kevin Kheffache, of Dublin, is a wedding photographer for

WPJA Contest Photos - January 20th, 2025

Any wedding photographer is going to want to please their clients — but they also want their work to be appreciated on a broader scale. This is one of the reasons why the Wedding Photojournalist Association members love our regular photography competitions. These popular contests give our photographers the opportunity to submit their best images in hopes of being selected as a winner and being recognized for their creativity and effort. Our contests are judged by a panel of notable and respected working photojournalists and picture editors in the news industry, which adds an element of prestige to our awards.

At Stokes Farm Barn in Wokingham, guests relish the challenge of a limbo contest amid the lively evening party. The nighttime setting enhances the joyous and spirited mood of the celebration.
At Hothorpe Hall in Leicestershire, UK, the bride bursts into laughter during the groom's speech. Her joyous reaction adds warmth and humor to the celebratory atmosphere of their wedding.
At the church in Chantonnay, France, the bride and groom share a romantic kiss after the religious ceremony. In the background, guests display a variety of reactions—some are kissing, others look bored, and a few are engaged in different activities.
In Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, at the place of preparations, two young girls dressed in white mimic paparazzi. They hold cameras to their faces, capturing images before the wedding.
At a celebration in Waltham St Lawrence, United Kingdom, a black-and-white action shot captures a bridesmaid energetically enjoying the dancefloor, drink in hand.
At Divan Kuruçeşme in Istanbul, a belly dancer captivates the crowd, attracting men eager to place dollars on her outfit. This lively interaction adds a vibrant and entertaining flair to the celebration.
At Chateau de Terride in Tarn, France, the bride and groom's child makes an entrance down the outdoor ceremony aisle, driving a small black Mercedes toy car, adding a playful touch to the celebration.
At Chateau Bouret, the bride, her grandma, and guests gather around a table, sharing an emotional moment as they all cry together, united by the deep feelings of love and joy surrounding the special day.

Artistic Guild - Creative Portraits and Details - May 22nd, 2025

The Artistic Guild competitions are distinctly different from our other WPJA contests because this category is specifically for photographers who use their talent to create digitally-enhanced images, staged portraits and dramatic detail images. This competition attracts documentary wedding photographers who also view themselves as artists who are constantly looking to create their next masterpiece.

At a garden wedding ceremony in Pocklington, England, a young guest playfully holds a computer tablet across his face, adding a touch of humor and modernity to the event.
At a hotel in Nanping, Fujian, the newlyweds make their entrance into the wedding ceremony, welcomed by guests as they begin the celebration together.
In Istanbul, Turkey, a detailed bridal portrait focuses on the intricate colors of her dress, highlighting the rich textures and design in a beautifully vivid display.
At Domaine de Granoupiac, the groom eagerly awaits as the bride opens the door behind him. The anticipation fills the air in this captivating scene, blending excitement and romance.
At Wooden Villa in Miaoli, Taiwan, wedding rings rest elegantly on yams in a detailed shot. The warm tones add a rustic charm to this unique display.
At The LINE Hotel in Washington, D.C., a couple stands together gazing outward, framed by diffused light refractions and bokeh, creating a modern, atmospheric portrait.
At home in Saumur, France, an image captures the bride-to-be with her daughter during bridal preparations. Their shared smiles and tender interaction highlight the warmth and joy of the occasion.
In Fort Collins, CO, at a private home, the bride and groom take a sunset stroll on the prairie during their wedding reception. A lit portrait captures their serene and intimate journey.

Diamond Awards - Pre-Wedding Engagement Portraits - May 12th, 2025

Couples who are searching for a wedding photographer often want a pre-wedding engagement portrait session as well as wedding day photography services. Engagement photographers need to rely on their skill and expertise in order to help their couples select a meaningful location for their portrait session. These awards allow engagement photographers to submit their most moving engagement images in hopes of being recognized for their creativity and skill.

Sunlit bride-to-be Rocío in Baeza, Spain, with silhouetted groom-to-be Manuel in the foreground.
A Toronto couple's romantic silhouette against the bright lights of a lively arcade.
A couple shares a tender embrace beneath a vibrant holly bush in Burnham Beeches.
A San Francisco couple shares a tender embrace on rocky shore by the bay.
A happy couple gazes at ducks swimming in Pine Lake, Georgia, during their engagement photoshoot.
A joyful couple laughs and plays in the charming, sun-drenched provencal village of La Garde Adhémar, France.
A couple strolls hand-in-hand on Rockanje beach, Netherlands, with a vast, low ocean horizon behind them.
A couple joyfully walks and laughs during their engagement session at Jagdhaus im Kühl, Germany.

TLC - True Love Captured - March 3rd, 2023

This WPJA photography competition is focused on the emotions that are on display throughout any wedding event. The images showcase the powerful emotions that the couple are experiencing, and any of the feelings that any wedding guests may go through. The TLC contests follow a long-standing WPJA category tradition of capturing raw emotions.

The black and white photo of the friend hugging the bride, and groom has tears of joy whiped at Kasteel Maurick Vught - a beautiful and touching moment at their wedding
The wedding photojournalist captured a beautiful moment as the bride embraced her friends in a group hug at the reception of Hardy Farm in Fryeburg, Maine
The bride and her father shared an emotional moment as he kissed her head in the back of the limo just before the ceremony, captured perfectly in their wedding photo from Trieste, Italy
The bride's parents' emotional embrace and tears at the Chinese tea wedding ceremony in Sanya, Hainan, China was truly a beautiful moment to be captured by the photographer
The photograph captured a beautiful and emotional moment as the bride held back tears while saying her vows outdoors at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, WI
The photographer captured a beautiful moment of a hug between the bride and groom at Palacio de los Cordova, Granada, Spain, after receiving and giving comfort through the Chinese tea ceremony gifts from the parents, full of emotion and true love
The tender loving moment of the bride caressing her groom's face during their wedding ceremony at Duino, Trieste, Italy was captured perfectly in the wedding photo
The wedding photographer captured a timeless moment of love and joy as the bride's grandparents danced in an embrace at the Mountain Top Inn in Vermont