WPJA.com HomeWedding Photojournalist Association

SMALL WEDDINGS + ELOPEMENTS | choose love, not fear

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.

WPJA Spotlight

Exceptional Wedding Photography Showcase

Explore top-tier imagery captured by WPJA members. With special badges and recognition, these exceptional images from weddings showcase the unparalleled talent of our photographers. Dive into dedicated slider galleries within Member Profiles and Spotlight Galleries to witness the artistry and skill that sets our members apart.

In NRW, Germany, a captivating wedding portrait captures the groom lovingly wrapping his arms around the bride from behind. Their eyes lock in a moment filled with warmth and connection, all set against the serene backdrop of nature.
Monique De Caro
In the bustling city center of Utrecht, the Netherlands, the couple poses elegantly amidst the lively urban backdrop.
Judith Kuivenhoven
At Meteora, Greece, under a canopy of stars, a couple stands boldly, hand in hand, gazing up at the vast night sky.
Ambre Peyrotty
In a charming Italian villa in Gorizia, the groom gracefully descends a grand staircase, dressed in his sharp wedding attire, exuding excitement and anticipation for the big day ahead.
Paolo Blocar
At Koury Farms in Auburn, Georgia, the bride and groom share hearty laughs with guests during the dinner hour, a moment of joy and close-knit celebration at their wedding reception.
Cindy Brown
In Monaco, four women in white dresses pose gracefully in front of a grand window, the soft light creating a timeless and sophisticated scene in this BW shot.
Sylvain Bouzat
View Spotlight 2025 Round 12

Intimate Weddings & Elopement Photography

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

Studio portrait of wedding and elopement photographer Erica Dietz
France wedding photography by Angelique Blaise
Casey Fatchett Wedding Photography
Rochester wedding photography by Bob Kniley of Upstate New York
Robin Goodlad is a UK based Wedding Reportage and Elopement Photographer
Studio portrait of Wes Shinn - owner / wedding and elopement photography studio
Kim Chapman, a talented wedding photographer offering her services in the beautiful city of Portland, Maine, United States
Harpenden and Hertfordshire elopement and wedding reportage photography by Neil Pleasants of England United Kingdom
BW studio portrait of Xiaoqi Li, an artistic wedding and engagement photographer
England elopement and wedding reportage photography by James Pearce - United Kingdom WPJA Pro
Portrait of Wedding Photographer Denise Chastain
Sergio Russo elopement and wedding photography from the studio ParamountPics
Lifestyle portrait of England wedding photographer Tori Deslauriers
Katarina Nichol wedding and elopement photography
East Midlands documentary wedding photography by Simon Dewey of England, United Kingdom
Destination Wedding Photography by Vincenzo Aiello
One of the most touching things about wedding photography is how quickly you find yourself thrown into the heart of such an important, intimate occasion. It's a responsibility only a fool would take lightly.- Harry Richards, WPJA Member
Become a Member

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:

2025 Lifestyle Engagement Portraits - Diamond Awards

2024 v04 Artistic Guild

2024 v04 Photography Competition

2024 Pre Wedding Couple Portraits - Diamond Awards

2024 v03 Artistic Guild

View More Contests

Intimate, Micro Wedding Planning & Elopement Articles

A Sunshine Solemnization - Outdoor Weddings in Nature

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...

Read the Article
Kobe Vanderzande, of Limburg, is a wedding photographer for

Wedding Reception Tents: A Creative Photo Palette

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

Read the Article
View Wedding Articles

The Authenticity of
Wedding Photojournalism

Andy Sidders, of Buckinghamshire, is a wedding photographer for
Zsofia Rebicek, of Terni, is a wedding photographer for

Two people making a commitment of marriage want to remember the day for the rest of their lives. Shouldn’t the wedding photography that commemorates their celebration reflect the personal moments and honest emotions they will remember?

A love for authenticity in wedding photography — finding art in the actualities of a marriage celebration — led to the founding of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) in 2002. Out of respect for our clients, the wedding photographers and photojournalists accepted for WPJA membership have a demonstrated talent for candid originality and a dedication to the documentary approach in wedding photography. To maintain their standing in the WPJA, member photographers must adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards.

  • For Engaged Couples planning a wedding: Hire a WPJA photographer so you can reproduce and retell the beautiful, unique story of how your celebration unfolds — as you will want to remember it and have it told for generations.
  • For Professional Wedding Photographers with a photojournalist’s talent for capturing moments, not stage-directing them: Join the WPJA to have your expertise accredited, to help promote and further our craft, and to let the WPJA introduce you to the ideal clients for your work.

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 the Bar Harbor Inn, during an intimate elopement, a flower girl lays in the grass, laughing joyfully. The high angle shot captures her carefree spirit and the charm of the moment.
Waterside Venue, Hertfordshire Bride looks out at guests with funny expression as she struggles to get ring on husband's finger.
In Rocamadour, France, during the ribbon bouquet ritual, the bride reaches up with scissors to cut through the ribbons, which form a striking pattern of triangles above her head, in a symbolic and picturesque scene.
At Kingdom in Kent, UK, a tight shot captures the groom's joyful face as guests reach their hands towards him in a celebratory gesture. This moment highlights the excitement and communal spirit of the occasion.
At Conacul Serghiescu, the bride warmly hugs her friends outside at the end of the wedding. The night scene is beautifully lit from the side, highlighting the joy and closeness of the moment.
At Mountain Shadows in Scottsdale, Arizona, the bride and groom jubilantly walk down the aisle after their outdoor ceremony. Surrounded by the lush grass and mountain scenery, they celebrate their union with smiles and joy.
In Istanbul, Turkey, the groom's cousins share a sweet dance, a boy and girl holding hands and spinning in joyful circles. This endearing scene captures the warmth and familial spirit of the celebration.
A happy bride and groom are smiling as they walk outside. They just got married in Ottawa, Ontario. Guests are throwing flower petals in the air to celebrate. The sun is shining, and everyone looks joyful.

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 the ceremony location in Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, an aerial perspective captures the bride's arrival as she descends a spiral staircase, highlighting the architectural beauty and elegance of the bride.
At StoneTree Estate in Novato, California, a black-and-white portrait captures a bride in a robe standing by a window, her reflection mirrored in the glass as she savors her big day.
Inside Château de Thorens, France, the bride and groom stand together, holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes, captured in a black-and-white shot.
In Morzine, nestled in the French Alps, a couple shares a romantic kiss beneath a beautifully adorned wedding altar flower arch, set against the stunning alpine backdrop.
At Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort, the wedding couple pose amidst the mountain shadows as the alpenglow beautifully illuminates the East Wall. Behind them, the mountaintops are bathed in soft sunlight, creating a stunning contrast between light and shadow.
At La Grange aux Fées in Autrans, Isère, France, the bride and groom enjoy a joyful stroll in the rain, walking along the paved drive as a light snowfall adds a touch of wintry charm to the scene.
In Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, a bride and groom embraced for a kiss with their wedding party in the background.
Outside a winter ceremony location in Budapest, Hungary, amidst a serene snow scene, time seems to pause as love surrounds the couple. In her white dress and him in full military dress whites, he gently kisses her, for a timeless and romantic image.

Diamond Awards - Pre-Wedding Engagement Portraits - February 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.

In Budapest, along the Rakpart, an engaged couple pauses their walk at a high concrete wall, gazing out over the rail.
In Breckenridge, Colorado, a couple stands on a dirt road surrounded by the golden aspen leaves of fall. The vibrant foliage creates a stunning backdrop, enhancing the beauty of their session together.
In Kayseri, Turkey, during an engagement photo session in Cappadocia, a couple stands at a ranch with many horses. The low sun creates a warm glow, while to the right, a cowboy rides a horse rearing up, adding a dynamic element to the scene.
At the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center in Philadelphia, PA, a couple is captured laughing together as they sit casually on the house floor. The relaxed and joyful scene is enhanced by the serene cultural setting surrounding them.
In England, near Tower Bridge, an engaged couple stands beneath strings of twinkling lights at dusk. Holding hands and facing each other with warm smiles, their portrait is against the backdrop of the iconic landmark.
In Ceparana, an engaged couple is enveloped in layers of soft-toned foliage, creating a deep and textured image. The gentle hues of the leaves add a dreamy quality, perfectly capturing the essence of their love in this natural setting.
In Vail, Colorado, an engaged couple stands side by side in a creek bed, holding hands. A wide-angle, low camera angle captures the natural beauty of the stones.
In Trieste, Italy, a couple walks hand in hand along the pier, passing a boat tie-down post. The breakwater concrete barriers create a maritime backdrop, enhancing the serene and romantic coastal stroll.

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 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 wedding photojournalist captured the beautiful and emotional moment of the Bride as she reads her heartfelt vows in the sunshine beneath the trees at Hardy Farm in Fryeburg, Maine
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 photographer captured a beautiful moment of the bride joyously embracing her best friend on the dance floor of her San Francisco wedding reception
The photographer captured the beautiful moment of a wedding guest giving the bride a big hug and a kiss on the cheek at the Private Home in Congham, Norfolk, UK
The tears of joy from the groom and ring bearer as the bride walked down the aisle at the Westin Playa Conchal in Guanacaste, Costa Rica were captured beautifully in the wedding photo
The photographer captured a beautiful and emotional moment as a Bari bride lovingly greeted her ailing grandmother, who was unfortunately unable to join the celebration of her special day