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.

BW lifestyle portrait of wedding photographer Ruth Blamire-Brown
Foggia wedding photography by Pino Coduti of Apulia, Italy
Studio portrait of New England small wedding and elopement photographer Nicole Chan
Cristina Tanase is a Wedding and Engagement Photographer
UK wedding reportage and engagement photography by Damion Mower
France wedding photography by Angelique Blaise
Wedding, engagement and elopement images by Mark Creery of Colorado
Lifestyle portrait of England wedding photographer Tori Deslauriers
Gloria Ruth - Wedding and elopement photography
Wedding photography of real moments by Leah Moyers
Adventure elopement and wedding photography by Mike Kory
Ufuk Sarisen Wedding Photography
Shaun Baker - Wedding Photographer and Couple Portrait Professional
Emie McGee wedding photography studio - Emie's Photo LLC
Studio portrait of Florianópolis wedding photographer Diego Pereira da Silveira of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Kevin Bergthold, adventurous wedding photographer of Berg Berg Photography Studio

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

Color Song, of Guangxi, is a wedding photographer for
Hong Phuc Bui, of Cotes-d'Armor (22) , 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 a reception venue in Krakow, Malopolskie, a little girl begins her dessert by licking the plate. This endearing moment adds a touch of kid fun to the festivities.
At Villa il Poggiale in San Casciano Val di Pesa, Tuscany, the male wedding guests indulge in cigars and drinks during the cocktail hour. They enjoy a moment of relaxation and camaraderie.
At Coastal Sol in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, the bride adjusts her hair in front of a floor mirror, focusing on perfecting her look for the day.
At the Inn at Long Shore in Westport, CT, the couple shares a laugh during their outdoor ceremony on the grass. The bride exudes joy and connection at this special moment.
At Domaine de Montjoie, a grandma playfully dumps confetti on the groom's head. The outdoor moment is filled with laughter and joy as the celebration continues.
At Acadia National Park in Maine, during an elopement ceremony, the couple stands on the rocks by the ocean. It's a sunny day, and the ocean nearby, adding to the beauty of their day.
In London, UK, a vibrant explosion of confetti surrounds the happy couple. Their joyful faces light up the moment as they celebrate outside, adding a festive touch to their special day.
In Montmartre, Paris, the bride and groom burst out in joy. They celebrate after being declared husband and wife.

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.

In the groom's parents' car en route to the church, a poignant detail captures the mother's hand alongside "no entry" signs, adding an emotional layer to the journey.
Set at Domaine Le Petit Roulet, this empty ceremony room is gracefully arranged, with rows of elegant chairs lining the aisle. The serene setting awaits the forthcoming celebration, framed by the charm of 84 La Salle.
At Soho House in Istanbul, indoor portraits of the bride and groom are captured with stunning reflections, highlighting their elegance and the venue's sophisticated charm.
At Clayfield Farm in Pocklington, England, a wedding guest arrives with her dog nestled in a designer bag, adding a touch of charm and personality to the celebration.
At L'étoile de Forges, the bride and groom share a kiss amid the snow, creating a romantic and serene winter scene.
At Boulders Resort & Spa, a low-light dinner scene shows a long table with guests, their faces softly illuminated by the warm glow of table candles.
At the Spanish Steps in Washington, D.C., the bride embraces the groom as they laugh, framed by lush green foliage and reflected greenery.
In Istanbul, Turkey, the couple's portrait captures them bathed in sunlight against a backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, framed by a symmetrical, old-world building, enhancing the scene's elegance and charm.

Diamond Awards - Pre-Wedding Engagement Portraits - July 10th, 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.

Engaged couple video chats with family, smiling, in charming downtown Annapolis, Maryland, during engagement photos.
Indian boy and Australian girl in traditional attire, Maharashtra temple backdrop, celebrating cultural roots and love.
Couple poses in Grado’s historic village, standing together before a beautiful textured stone wall.
An engaged couple smiles widely, embracing on the sand in Maragogi, Alagoas, by the sea.
Engaged couple poses in afternoon light, sun rays crossing before them, Baeza, Jaén, Spain setting.
Engaged couple kissing in the wind, sunny day, by the sea, Portopiccolo, Sistiana, Trieste, Italy.
Couple embraces lovingly during their engagement session in Chicago’s vibrant and bustling Fulton Market district.
Couple stands on outdoor San Francisco stairway, surrounded by tall trees, embracing in natural light.

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 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 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 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 photographer captured a beautiful moment of the bride joyously embracing her best friend on the dance floor of her San Francisco wedding reception
The bride's beautiful reaction to seeing her special best man seated in the front row was captured by the photographer at Chácara Caiambá - Pedro Leopoldo - Minas Gerais
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 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 photo taken at West Haven, Connecticut captured a touching moment of a groom shedding tears as his mother lovingly does his hair for the big day