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.

Portrait of Bill Tse, Wedding Photographer
Denver adventure wedding elopement photos by Jennifer Garza of Colorado
Bangor, Maine wedding photography by Hailey Crabtree
BW studio portrait of adventure wedding photographer Eliza Slobodzian
Tracey Buyce Wedding Images
Kent wedding reportage and elopement photography by David Burke of England United Kingdom
Wedding and elopement photos by Pierrick Roland
Centre-Val de Loire and Indre wedding photography by Gaelle Caré of France
Bavaria wedding and elopement photography by Andrea Kühl of Germany
Paris wedding photography by Coralie Garavel of the France WPJA
Lifestyle Portrait of Wedding and Elopement Photographer Morgan O'Neil
UK wedding reportage photography by Elodie Ruelleux-Dagorne
Shaun Baker - Wedding Photographer and Couple Portrait Professional
Documentary Wedding Photography by Niaz Maleknia
Studio portrait of French wedding reportage photographer David Blateyron
Wedding and Elopement Photographer Andreas Pollok
London elopement wedding reportage photographer Lyndsey Goddard, of England UK

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

Tara Theilen, of Nevada, is a wedding photographer for volcano, california
Isabelle Dohin, of , 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 Paradise Point Resort and Spa in San Diego, CA, the bride's daughter gives an enthusiastic two thumbs up. She cheerfully approves of her mom's hair and dress.
At Paradise Point Resort and Spa in San Diego, CA, the bride and her wedding party gently struggle with arranging her veil. Laughter and teamwork fill the moment as they work together to perfect the look.
In Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, the bride and groom make their way to the cocktail reception with a cinematic flair. Surrounded by vibrant flowers and sporting stylish sunglasses, their appearance exudes a movie-like charm, creating an unforgettable scene.
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.
At Quata Country House in Arezzo, Italy, the little bridesmaid is captivated by the bride's dress. She plays with the rhinestones, fascinated by their sparkle and beauty.
At the bride's home in Yilan County, Taiwan, a humorous moment unfolds as the groom's face gets stuck in a puzzled expression while his mother-in-law attempts to put a gold necklace on him. This lighthearted scene adds a touch of levity to the wedding.
At Twin Oaks Wedding Venue in San Marcos, CA, the groom's mom lovingly gives him a big kiss on the cheek. This sweet moment occurs outside, capturing their close bond.
At Villa di Ulignano in Tuscany, Italy, the bride and her father share a reaction of joy and excitement upon seeing the groom as they arrive at the wedding ceremony. This heartfelt moment underscores the anticipation and happiness of the 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 Thicket Priory in North Yorkshire, England, a young wedding guest is seen playfully handling her mother's wedding ring, capturing a sweet and endearing scene amid the celebrations.
At Moselle, in front of the church, a close-up shows the bride’s white train resting gently on a ground scattered with red petals, fabric folds and bright colors creating a romantic, raw atmosphere.
In Saint Vaast les Mello, France, the couple dances in the forest, holding hands and leaning away from each other. This graceful pose captures their connection amidst the enchanting woodland setting.
At DoubleTree in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a slow shutter captures string light trails as flash backlights the bride and groom, creating a dynamic, illuminated wedding portrait.
In Kaifeng, Henan, China, the bride and groom share a kiss in front of a mirror, capturing their reflection for a romantic wedding portrait.
At home in Nanping, Fujian, the bride is captured as she gets her makeup done, focusing on her preparation ahead of the wedding ceremony.
At a hotel in Nanping, Fujian, the bride and groom are photographed through goblet-like glasses, creating a unique, artistic perspective for their wedding portrait.
At Gite L'essentiel in Le Haut Breda, the couple poses outside at night beneath a clear umbrella, illuminated by the photographer. The lighting creates a glow against the evening backdrop.

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 embraces lovingly in a garden park in Innsbruck, Austria.
A joyful couple embraces on the sandy Rockanje beach in the Netherlands at sunset.
A happy couple shares a dip kiss by the majestic Gooseberry Falls in Minnesota.
A smiling couple embraces on a rocky shore of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota.
A happy couple snuggles closely among snow-covered trees in a serene Silverwood Park, Minnesota engagement portrait.
A happy couple gazes at ducks swimming in Pine Lake, Georgia, during their engagement photoshoot.
A happy couple joyfully dances in the snowy landscape of Silverwood Park, Minnesota.

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
At a wedding in Bucharest, Romania, the groom lovingly hugged his sister - a beautiful black and white image captured the emotional moment
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
At the stunning Mont La Salle in Napa, CA, the moment a bridesmaid holding flowers ran to hug the bride was truly a beautiful and emotional one that the wedding photographer was able to capture
The emotion of the proud parents hugging their son, the groom, as he prepared for his wedding day at House of the Groom in Siderno, Reggio Calabria was so beautiful it was captured as a timeless moment by the photographer
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 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 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