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.

England elopement and wedding reportage photography by James Pearce - United Kingdom WPJA Pro
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Nilufer Nalbantoglu
Portrait of Nottinghamshire elopement and wedding photographer Martin Makowski, of United Kingdom England East Midlands
Lyon wedding photography by Mallory Davies of the Rhone Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes France
California Couple Portrait Sessions and Wedding Photography by Stephanie Secrest
Studio portrait of Brittany Diliberto, an elopement and wedding photographer | Bee Two Sweet Photography
Engagement, Wedding and Elopement Photographer for New England, Andy Madea
Studio portrait of French wedding reportage photographer David Blateyron
Portsmouth Wedding Photography and Elopements by Eric McCallister, of New Hampshire
Adventure weddings and elopement photography by Lauren Lindley
Asia-based wedding photography by Narin Nirundarangkul
England engagement, wedding and elopement photography by Hollie Mateer of M and G Wedding Photography
Documentary wedding photography by Janina Brocklesby
Yucatan Peninsula wedding photography by Adrian Bonet of Cancun wedding photographer Adrian Bonet is a Mexico based Wedding Photojournalist Association member in Cancun
Zurich wedding photography by Mischa Baettig of Switzerland
A studio portrait of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a wedding photographer Amael Dubiez from France

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

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...

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...

The Authenticity of
Wedding Photojournalism

Nikhol Esteras, of Oaxaca, is a wedding photographer for
Andrea Sampoli, of Siena, is a wedding photographer for
Philip Thomas, of Texas, is a wedding photographer for Bulverde, Texas

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 Tanglewood in Lenox, MA, the bride is joyfully lifted into the air during the reception on a lively dance floor. The festive party scene captures the exuberance and celebration of the evening.
At Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Westmount, Quebec, the flower girl makes her entrance, delicately scattering petals, setting a sweet and graceful tone for the ceremony.
In Signes (Var), the bride smiles joyfully as she throws her bouquet, while the girls eagerly reach out, hoping to catch it in a fun and lively scene.
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 Castello di San Fabiano in Siena, the bride and groom share their first dance outside at dusk under twinkling string lights. This enchanting setting highlights the couple's shared delight, surrounded by the warmth and joy of their loved ones.
At a reception venue in Cleveland, Ohio, the first dance is truly special as the couple is surrounded by their loved ones. The presence of friends and family adds warmth and joy to these memorable moments.
In the beautiful Jardins de la Coursiana in Gers, France, the bride and groom share a romantic dance, surrounded by cheering guests.
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.

Artistic Guild - Creative Portraits and Details - January 28th, 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 Ashridge House in Bucks, United Kingdom, a portrait captures the bride standing between the two grand doors, with off-camera flash highlighting her elegance and the intricate details of her dress against the venue's stately backdrop.
In Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, a home portrait captures the bride's son seated on a couch. With his hands on his knees and shoulders straight, he looks directly at the camera, exuding a poised and composed demeanor.
In Istanbul-Karaköy, a striking composition features the bride bathed in sunlight in the foreground, while the groom stands in the shadows on the stairs behind her, creating a compelling play of light and depth.
At Château de Pleneselve in France, the bride and groom stand still in a field, surrounded by their bridal party in motion, creating a dynamic scene with the couple sharply in focus against the blurred movement.
At Domaine de la Ruisselière in Lacenas, France, a flat lay artfully arranges the engagement rings alongside a card, shoes, and other wedding accoutrements, capturing the details and elegance of the occasion.
Golden light bathes laughing couple, silhouetted against sunset sea at Tunnels Beaches, Devon wedding venue
In a Cleveland, Ohio hotel, an impromptu photo captures window light highlighting the scene. The bride rests her hand on the groom's shoulder and gazes intensely at the camera, creating a powerful and captivating image.
Wide shot of Jewish wedding at Lyman Estate, Waltham, sunburst through leaves illuminates the ceremony

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.

A couple shares a natural kiss amidst vibrant flowers and blue hues at Heritage and Gardens in Sandwich, MA.
A couple joyfully dance in a sunny Dortmund park, Ruhrgebiet, NRW, Germany.
A Toronto couple's romantic silhouette against the bright lights of a lively arcade.
The couple share a romantic pier portrait session, posing near calm waters and a bridge under blue skies.
Silhouetted pre-wedding portrait: couple touches heads face-to-face in Baeza, Jaén, Spain.
Two perspectives, one love story: her Profile, his adoring gaze at Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Massachusetts.
A couple in Minhang Cultural Park, Shanghai, share a baseball interest; glove, ball, and bat featured.
A black and white engagement portrait in Gorizia, Italy, with a couple hugging in a sun-drenched park.

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 groom's touching encouragement of his witnesses to make a speech at his outdoor ceremony at Les tables de Crespin, the reception venue in Tarn, France, was captured beautifully in this wedding photo
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 photojournalist captured the tender moment of the bride being embraced by her friend during the outdoor patio reception at Le fou Gascon in Prechac, Gers, France
The beautiful moment of a bride wiping away her mother's tears of joy at Help Beach, Fethiye, Mugla was captured by the wedding photographer
The photographer captured a beautiful moment of the bride embracing one of her great friends during the getting ready process at Cote How, The Lake District
The brothers' emotional speeches and hugs at the Lobster Factory ceremony in Tournai, Belgium were beautifully captured in the wedding photo
The photographer captured a beautiful moment of double happiness, with the bride giving a sweet touch on the cheek and a loving hug from behind at Strabrechtse Hoeve Mierlo
The photographer captured a beautiful moment of the bride joyously embracing her best friend on the dance floor of her San Francisco wedding reception