Wedding Photos of Elegance

The following “Elegance” images were created by documentary wedding photographers from the WPJA, who regularly submit their best candid moments, artistic portraits, details, and scene setters for review by our WPJA competition judges.

WEDDINGS + ELOPEMENTS + ARTISTIC PORTRAITS & DETAILS + ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

Some of the “Elegance” marriage photography samples below may have come from the getting ready events, the actual wedding ceremony, the reception after-party, an engagement session with the couple, or possibly be artistic portraits or detail shots.

FINE ART WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: Our Artistic Guild award winners take a more creative approach to wedding day Portraits and use their innovative skills to capture the Details of each couple’s special day. The Artistic Guild’s Scene Setters are some of the most notable and breathtaking from within the artistic WPJA contest categories. Playing with light and shadow, special effects, and post-production editing, these images embrace the artistic component of wedding photography.

PRE-WEDDING ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY: The story of every couple starts long before the wedding day, and the engagement marks one of the most important milestones in their story. Engaged couples often want to celebrate the occasion and announce their upcoming wedding with a photoshoot. Pre-wedding portraits of an engaged couple can be just as moving and compelling as the images taken on the wedding day. Engagement portraits can win a Diamond Award, an exclusive WPJA award whose winner is selected from the best engagement photography in the world.

In Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey, a couple's engagement photo session captures them standing apart at an arch of an Old World building. The sunlight illuminates the scene, highlighting the historic architecture and adding a touch of timeless elegance.

Engagement Session in Sultanahmet, Istanbul | Couple Stands Apart at Arch of Old World Building | Sunlight Highlights Historic Architecture and Timeless Elegance

In downtown Cleveland, Ohio, a couple dashes across the street with urban playfulness, dressed in formal wear. Captured in a vertical black-and-white frame, the image contrasts elegance with spontaneity in the bustling cityscape.

Couple in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio, Dashing Across Street in Formal Wear | Vertical Black-and-White Frame | Elegance Meets Spontaneity in Bustling City

Black cityscape street Ohio formal Cleveland urban

At the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago, IL, the Maid of Honor assists the bride with her dress, set against the intricate floor pattern, highlighting a moment of care and elegance.

Maid of Honor Adjusts Bride's Dress at Waldorf Astoria

IL chicago wedding photographer overhead shot Waldorf Astoria maid of honor helping bride Chicago

In Saint-Emilion, France, an engaged couple stands face to face beneath a massive Old World stone arch on a historic building. The grand arch, seemingly fit for giants, adds a touch of timeless elegance and grandeur to their intimate photo session.

Engaged Couple in Saint-Emilion, France, Under Massive Stone Arch | Grand Structure Adds Timeless Elegance and Grandeur to Intimate Portrait Session

grandeur Elegance grand love old architecture building

At Batchwood Golf Course in St Albans, a bride and groom share a joyful laugh in front of a backdrop of trees. In this black-and-white photo, the monochrome-toned foliage enhances the timelessness and elegance of their picture session.

Bride and Groom to be at Batchwood Golf Course, St Albans, Laugh Joyfully | Black-and-White Foliage Adds Timelessness and Elegance to Photo Session

bride wedding session Elegance photo love Batchwood Golf Course

In England, near Tower Bridge, an engaged couple walks hand in hand, facing each other with smiles. Their portrait is set against the backdrop of towering glass buildings, blending modern elegance with their timeless connection.

Engaged Couple Near Tower Bridge, England, Walking Hand in Hand | Smiles and Towering Glass Buildings Blend Modern Elegance with Timeless Connection

engaged couple Hand in hand together London Tower Bridge glass buildings modern

At Parco dei Cimini BioResort in Soriano (VT), the couple shares an intimate gaze, silhouetted against a backdrop of tall trees, as the sun peeks through a light layer of clouds, adding a mystical touch to the tranquil forest setting.

Couple Shares Intimate Gaze Silhouetted Against Trees and Sunlight at Parco dei Cimini BioResort, Italy

serenity dreamlike Soriano serene wedding portrait ITALY wedding photography romance enchanted forest backdrop

At the Titanic Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the couple shares a kiss in front of a mirror in the historic Drawing Rooms, surrounded by the timeless elegance of their romantic setting.

Couple Shares Kiss in Front of Mirror, Embracing Elegant Romance at Titanic Hotel's Historic Drawing Rooms

Drawing Rooms Northern Ireland timeless Belfast mirror romance kiss Drawing Rooms setting

At the Domaine des Cèdres, a tight portrait shot captures the bride with a warm smile, radiating joy and elegance.

Bride's Joyful Smile Radiates Elegance in Tight Portrait at Domaine des Cèdres Wedding Venue

joyful wedding elegance smile elegant bridal portrait Domaine des Cèdres Domaine des Cadres joy Bride Portrait

At Ecuries de la Tour in Mondonville, the bride and groom sit on the steps of a grand staircase in the reception hall, sharing a laugh together amidst the elegant setting.

Bride and Groom Share a Laugh on Grand Staircase Amidst Elegance at Ecuries de la Tour, Mondonville

hall reception Mondonville bride groom elegant reception setting laugh Écuries de la Tour Ecuries de la Tour wedding

At Solar Beach in Istanbul, the bride's veil flows gracefully around her, enveloping her entirely and making her shine like a diamond.

Bride's Veil Flows Gracefully, Enveloping Her in Radiance at Solar Beach Wedding in Istanbul

Turkish wedding scene Solar Beach bride Solar Beach radiance Beach bridal elegance shine enveloped veil

In a home in Nanping, Fujian, a detail shot from behind captures the groom in his traditional red attire, complemented by a traditional black hat. This image highlights the rich cultural significance and elegance of his wedding ensemble as he prepares.

Groom Prepares in Traditional Red Attire and Black Hat in Nanping, Fujian

Nanping groom preparation Nanping China Fujian cultural attire cultural wedding attire Nanping Fujian wedding Nanping traditional groom

At Danesfield House, a night-time portrait captures the bride and groom illuminated by off-camera flash. The striking image highlights their elegance against the sophisticated backdrop of the venue.

Bride and Groom's Elegance Illuminated by Flash in Nighttime Portrait at Danesfield House Venue

groom Danesfield nighttime photography Elegance nighttime flash portrait Danesfield House elegant night portrait Danesfield House elegance

At The Gatsby, a romantic portrait captures the bride and groom at their wedding reception venue, beautifully illuminated by off-camera flash.

Bride and Groom Captured in Romantic Portrait with Off-Camera Flash at The Gatsby Wedding Venue

Hertfordshire illuminated wedding portrait Elegance wedding venue Illumination off camera flash The Gatsby bride and groom

In Provence, France, a skilled wedding photographer captures a couple's joyful celebration, expertly framing the scene to highlight the essence of romance in the picturesque setting, reminiscent of Italian charm and elegance.

Photographer Captures Couple's Joyful Celebration Amidst Provence's Romantic Scenery, Evoking Italian Elegance and Charm

picturesque French scene France celebration Provence France setting Italian charm Elegance romance

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.

Aerial View Highlights Bride's Elegant Arrival Down Spiral Staircase at Toulouse Ceremony Location

Haute Garonne architecture Toulouse bridal perspective Bride Arrival aerial Elegance Haute-Garonne Descent

In Khao Yai, Thailand, a black-and-white portrait captures an engaged couple in an open field. Surrounded by a perimeter of trees, the natural setting highlights the timeless elegance of their connection.

Engaged Couple in Black-and-White Portrait in Open Field, Khao Yai, Thailand, Surrounded by Trees, Emphasizing Timeless Elegance

scenic Thailand romantic connection love trees open field

At Symondsbury Estate, a simple bouquet detail shot captures the flowers set in a small window opening. The soft palette of colors enhances the serene and understated elegance of the arrangement, creating a gentle and inviting visual.

Bouquet's Soft Palette in Window Opening at Symondsbury Estate Creates Inviting Visual

Dorset soft inviting colors soft color palette Symondsbury bouquet elegant bouquet display window floral arrangement serene

At Le Mas de Peyre, a detail shot captures the groom's shoe alongside his grandfather's watch, artfully highlighting the items with a play of light and shadow, which adds depth and a sense of timeless elegance to the scene.

Groom's Shoe and Grandfather's Watch in Artful Light and Shadow at Le Mas de Peyre

French detail Elegance timeless heirloom shot elegant memory token flat lay wedding Peyre scene shoe

At Domaine de la Clausade in Mauguio, during the golden hour, a photograph captures the bride’s elegant open back and jewelry. The shot, taken over her shoulder, beautifully highlights her look on this special day.

Golden Hour Highlights Bride’s Elegant Jewelry and Open Back in Over-Shoulder Portrait at Domaine de la Clausade, Mauguio

intimate Mauguio portrait delicate jewelry detail bridal elegance Domaine de la Clausade jewelry over shoulder elegance Mauguio

In Foligno, a black-and-white portrait captures the bride softly illuminated by natural light, with her face masked behind her veil. This vertical shot beautifully conveys her elegance.

Bride's Elegance Captured in Black-and-White Portrait with Veiled Face and Soft Natural Light in Foligno

bride graceful veiled bride Foligno elegance ethereal bridal image Perugia soft illumination Foligno bride

Aboard the Schiff Mainod in Frankfurt, a creative shot captures the ladies seen through an opening with a HOTEL sign prominently above in the frame, creating an intriguing blend of perspectives that ties together elegance and urban elements.

Ladies Framed by Opening with HOTEL Sign Aboard Schiff Mainod in Frankfurt

creative artistic view ladies Schiff Mainod urban hotel sign city and elegance

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.

Bride's Reflection in Window Captured in Elegant Black-and-White Portrait at StoneTree Estate, Novato, California

serene Novato window elegance window StoneTree Estate california bride StoneTree elegance bw portrait

At StoneTree Estate in Novato, California, a couple dressed in traditional red formal attire takes a romantic walk among the graceful willow trees and grass.

Couple in Traditional Red Formal Attire Strolls Among Graceful Willows at StoneTree Estate, Novato, California

attire trail tradition vibrant red stroll willow

At Chateau La Durantie in France, the bride gracefully poses inside the castle, standing at the center of a hallway. She gazes off to the side as soft window light bathes the scene, highlighting her elegance and the timeless beauty of the setting.

Graceful Bride in Sunlit Corridor: Captivating Portrait at Chateau La Durantie Wedding in France

pose light castle France beauty La Durantie Chateau la Durantie corridor

In Chicago, Illinois, an engaged couple poses for a formal portrait behind a lattice window at the botanical gardens, blending elegance with the beauty of their vibrant surroundings.

Chicago Couple's Botanical Garden Engagement Blends Elegance and Nature

Chicago vibrant surroundings botanical elegance garden beauty Elegance Illinois formal pose

In downtown Milwaukee, an engaged couple poses elegantly in formal attire. The last rays of sunset cast a warm glow over the urban landscape, beautifully framing their timeless poses.

Milwaukee Sunset: Couple's Elegant Engagement Amidst City Glow

urban couple downtown Milwaukee shoot formal cityscape glow sunset elegance Wisconsin Milwaukee elegance formal attire

In Lille Nord, a black-and-white portrait captures the bride sitting alone on a window ledge, gazing thoughtfully outside as she prepares for her wedding day.

Solitary Reflection: Bride's Thoughtful Portrait on Window Ledge Captures Pre-Wedding Moment in Lille Nord

contemplation window contemplation thoughtful portrait Elegance reflection solitude

At Spring Ranch in Mendocino, California, a black-and-white shot captures the bride's bridesmaid practicing fluffing the wedding dress by a window. The scene exudes elegance and anticipation before the ceremony.

Elegance in Motion: Bridesmaid Perfects Dress Fluffing at Spring Ranch

California - Northern California wedding spring ranch dress bw California poise

In Icart, St. Martins, Guernsey, the couple stands resiliently against a strong wind and a dark grey sky at dusk. The bride's veil mirrors the motion of the blowing green foliage in the foreground, creating a dramatic and captivating scene.

Couple Stands Strong Amidst Wind and Dark Skies in Icart, St. Martins, Guernsey

foliage atmosphere Icart dusk guernsey weddings Dramatic Guernsey Couple

Pages

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.