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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.

At St John's House, Warwick, a best man reassures the groom, offering support and calm before the ceremony.
James Arnia
In Daly City, CA, the bride prepares for her big day, surrounded by excitement and anticipation.
Chris Shum
At Ellis Ranch, Loveland, Colorado, the bride joyfully danced with children for hours before playfully collapsing on the floor.
Gretchen Troop
Chromatic infrared transforms the Masseria at Tenimento San Giuseppe, Foggia, revealing vibrant, surreal colors at the reception venue.
Pino Coduti
In Ji'an City, Jiangxi Province, China, the bride, led by her mother holding a traditional tool as a wedding prop, she observes ancestral hall etiquette, with double happiness characters adorning the space.
Jia You
In Gouvieux, France, the couple playfully seeks a little help capturing their special moment, adding fun to the day.
Frederic Bry
View Spotlight 2025 Round 14

Intimate Weddings & Elopement Photography

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

Engagement, elopement, and wedding photography by Andrew Morrell
Lifestyle Portrait of BreeAnna Lasher, a Seattle WA Wedding Photographer
Italy wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Simone Miglietta
Destination weddings, engagement couple sessions and elopement photography by Angela Nelson
Italy wedding photography by Danilo Coluccio
Destination Wedding Photography by Vincenzo Aiello
Couple engagement portraits by wedding photographer Joshua Grasso
Studio Portrait of Harinder Chahal of Singh Photography for Weddings
UK photographer: Martin Dabek
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Anastasiia Polyakov, of So Tender Is Humanity
Engagement, Wedding and Elopement Photographer for New England, Andy Madea
BW portrait of England UK wedding reportage photographer Simon Biffen
Wedding and elopement photos by Pierrick Roland
Engagement, elopements and wedding photography by Sujith Kumar of Incognito frames
Ottawa wedding photography by Kathi Robertson
Engagement couple portraits and elopement photography by Brenda Bravo - Bravo Image
Yucatan Peninsula wedding photography by Adrian Bonet of Cancun wedding photographer Adrian Bonet is a Mexico based Wedding Photojournalist Association member in Cancun
Wedding, engagement and elopement images by Mark Creery of Colorado
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
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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

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...

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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...

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View Wedding Articles

The Authenticity of
Wedding Photojournalism

Travis Haughton, of Illinois, is a wedding photographer for
Jamie Gillies, of Limerick, is a wedding photographer for
Brittany Diliberto, of Virginia, 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 Carr Bank in Nottinghamshire, UK, the bride gracefully descends the staircase, her train elegantly supported by bridesmaids. This coordinated effort highlights the beauty and teamwork involved.
At Giritli Meyhanesi, it's drum time as the bride takes charge with a drumstick in hand, while a man holds the drum steady. This lively moment adds rhythm and excitement to the celebration, showcasing the couple's festive spirit
At Terracotta Lamma in Hong Kong, the bride and groom share a joyful moment with their friends. They enjoy some shots together as the wedding reception comes to a lively close.
At a Baltimore, Maryland reception, a woman beams with surprise and joy after catching the bouquet. Her delighted expression captures a wedding tradition.
At Blackstone Rivers Ranch, the bride reacts with surprise and laughter after accidentally kicking away the glass she was meant to step on during the ceremony. This playful mishap adds a memorable and humorous twist to the proceedings.
At a reception venue in Loiret, Centre-Val de Loire, the bride and groom exit the church amid celebratory excitement. Confetti cannons fire, showering them in gold confetti as they begin their new journey together.
At Camp Katur in Yorkshire, England, young wedding guests joyfully play with bubbles. The playful scene adds a touch of delight to the celebration.
At Ruella Bistô in São Paulo, Brazil, the bride shares a joyful dance with her grandmother on the reception floor, surrounded by guests.

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.

A photograph of a wedding reception at Chateau Bouret, featuring long tables set for dining, with the Seine River visible behind, suggesting an outdoor setting
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 Finca La Concepción in Marbella, Spain, a vibrant dusk shot captures the active party scene on the outdoor dance floor during the evening reception. Guests are seen dancing and enjoying the festivities beneath the dark blue illuminated twilight sky.
In Cazorla, Spain, the couple is elegantly seated on the steps outside, beautifully lit by the photographer to enhance the intimate ambiance.
At Château du Prada in Saint-Lon-les-Mines, France, the bride and groom enjoy the sunset's colorful and dramatic hues, beautifully reflected in a mirror below, right before their meal begins.
Elegant Firenze wedding: close-up captures intricate details of bride's shoes, highlighting delicate craftsmanship and bridal style
Bride and groom gaze lovingly at each other, Aigle Castle in background
A couple poses for a wedding portrait in front of Château d'Aubiac, with dark storm clouds in the background

Diamond Awards - Pre-Wedding Engagement Portraits - April 9th, 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.

At Race Street Pier, Pennsylvania, a couple shares a romantic embrace and kiss during a proposal. The scenic backdrop and their joyful expressions capture the essence of love and commitment.
In Caorle, Venice, Italy, a couple strolls through a narrow, vividly colored alley. The bright and lively hues of the street add a joyful and picturesque backdrop to their walk.
In a forest in Budapest, Hungary, a couple shares a dreamy, romantic embrace captured in black and white, creating a timeless and enchanting scene amidst nature's tranquility.
In Dublin, a couple kisses as a Luas tram passes behind them, captured with a slow shutter blur effect. The image highlights their intimacy against the city's moving backdrop.
At Lac de Lacanau in Gironde, France, a couple enjoys a pre-wedding session by the lake, where the serene waters and scenic views enhance their joyous anticipation.
At Rob Wallace Park in Midland, NC, a couple stands together as geese pass by, symbolizing harmony and unity in their journey toward marriage.
In South Lake Tahoe, CA, a woman in a formal dress performs theatrical ballet moves in the forest, blending elegance and nature in an enchanting display of grace and beauty.
At Carnaval de Pierres in Uchon, a couple is captured in black and white beneath large stones, highlighting the dramatic interplay between their connection and the rugged scene.

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 at Ashton Creek Vineyard in Richmond, Virginia captured a beautiful moment of the bride and bridesmaids tearfully witnessing the groom's heartfelt vows
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 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 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 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 at the W Hotel in Chicago, IL captured a beautiful moment of the bride kissing her grandma right before walking down the aisle
The happy couple leaving their civil ceremony in Biarritz, France with their little boy beaming with joy at his parents' marriage, is captured wonderfully in this wedding photo, showing the love from his mother