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Wedding Photos of Reception

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The following “Reception” 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 “Reception” 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.

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At the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley in East Palo Alto, CA, reception guests playfully attempt to rip the groom's shirts off.
Reception Guests Playfully Attempt To Rip Groom’s Shirts Off At Four Seasons Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Silicon ValleyPalo Alto wedding photographyPalo AltoHotel Receptionshirt removalEast Palo Altoreception
At Evergreen Memorial Barn in Evergreen, Colorado, the couple shares a laugh in front of their wedding reception venue at dusk, with the moon shining brightly overhead, adding a romantic and serene backdrop.
Couple Poses for a Portrait Under Moonlit Sky at Evergreen Memorial Barn Wedding in Colorado
brightlyEvergreen Memorial BarnsereneColoradomoonvenuecouple
At a reception venue in Paris, Île-de-France, the bride and groom share a kiss while their friends joyfully run in circles around them, captured in a dynamic blur by a slow shutter, adding a lively and artistic effect to the scene.
Bride and Groom Kiss Amid Friends' Whirlwind in Dynamic Slow Shutter Blur at Paris Reception Venue
Paris wedding venuebridedynamicÎle-de-France celebrationreceptioncouple kiss Pariswhirlwind
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
MondonvilleFrench elegance receptionstaircase wedding laughMondonville bride groomÉcuries de la Tourgrand staircase laughterelegant reception setting
At Soho House in Istanbul, Turkey, an intimate scene unfolds as the couple shares a tender kiss on the stairs, highlighting their deep connection amidst the hallway setting.
Couple Shares Tender Kiss on Stairs, Emphasizing Deep Connection at Soho House, Istanbul Reception
tender stairway kissstairsIstanbul intimate sceneTurkeydeep connection kissconnectionintimate Istanbul kiss
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
romanticwedding venueoff camera flashreceptionIlluminationThe Gatsbyilluminated wedding portrait
At the reception venue, Domaine du Moulin Neuf in France, a detailed photo captures a poignant moment as the groom closes his eyes, a tear falling while shivers run down his neck during a heartfelt speech at the secular ceremony.
Groom Sheds Tear During Emotional Speech in Detailed Portrait at Domaine du Moulin Neuf, France Reception
French ceremonypoignant tearBrittanytouching reception momentdetailed image Franceemotional wedding speechDomaine du Moulin Neuf
At the reception venue, Château de Contremoret in France, the bride and groom are photographed during their couple session, intimately posed against each other within the romantic setting of the castle where they were married.
Bride and Groom in Intimate Pose During Couple Session at Château de Contremoret, France Reception Venue
brideContremoret sessionelegant wedding sessionromantic reception settingCherromanticcouple
At the reception venue, Domaine de la Grand Maison in Oytier-Saint-Oblas, the bride and groom share a quiet and intimate photo session in the warm sun, with the groom gently wrapping his arms around her from behind.
Bride and Groom Share Intimate Sunlit Photo Session Embraced at Domaine de la Grand Maison, Oytier-Saint-Oblas
sunsetembraceDomaine venueFrench venueOytier wedding settingDomaine de la Grand Maisongroom
At Cherokee Castle in Sedalia, Colorado, a man makes a humorous face while dancing with a woman during the lively wedding reception.
Playful Dance Moves Light Up Reception at Cherokee Castle
SedaliahumorColoradoCherokee Castlelivelywomanlively wedding reception
At the University of Maryland Hotel, a group of single ladies, primarily friends and cousins, joyfully celebrate after catching the bouquet, marking a festive moment at the wedding reception.
Single Ladies Rejoice in Capture at University of Maryland Hotel Wedding
joyweddingfestivesingle ladiesMarylandUniversity of Maryland Hotelfriends
During the reception at The Barn at Brambleton, Virginia, the groom is lifted by his friends, creating a spirited and celebratory moment at the wedding.
Groom Soars with Friends at The Barn at Brambleton
spirited wedding scenereceptionfriends lifting groomcelebratory momentcelebratory groom liftspiritedcelebration
At The Lion Inn in Chelmsford, UK, the groom shares a joyful dance with his young son during the wedding reception. The heartfelt moment highlights the family celebration's warmth.
Father-Son Dance: Heartfelt Celebration Unfolds at The Lion Inn
heartfeltChelmsford UKChelmsford Weddinggroomreceptionjoyfulwarmth
At a reception in Henley on Thames, UK, the emotional father of the bride covers his face while seated at the head table. Family members surround him, adding warmth to this touching moment.
Father of the Bride Honored at Henley on Thames Reception
Thames GatheringfamilyHenley WeddingOxfordshire weddingtouchingEmotional Father Momentwarmth
At The Atrium in Butler County, PA, the bride and groom's little cousin looks surprised as she discovers a piece of debris stuck to her shoe during the wedding.
Little Cousin's Surprise: Wedding Day Discovery at The Atrium, Butler County, PA
Butler CountycelebrationweddingceremonymatrimonyPennsylvaniagirl
At Froyle Park in Alton, UK, children sit in high-back chairs engrossed in electronic devices, separate from the wedding reception festivities. The scene captures a candid contrast to the lively celebration nearby.
Children Absorbed in Devices Amidst Froyle Park Festivities
technologyChildrencandidchairsUK Children PhotographycelebrationFroyle Park
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.
Little Girl's Playful Dessert Delight at Krakow Reception
kidendearing dessert delightweddingplatereceptionfunjoy
At The Priory Barn in Hitchin, UK, the bride and groom walk past a mini vintage wedding car as they enter the barn for their reception. The scene combines classic charm with festive anticipation.
Newlyweds Pass Classic Car En Route to Priory Barn Reception
Hitchin UKbarnFestive Anticipation MomentgroomcarcelebrationHertfordshire
At a reception venue in Krakow, Malopolskie, a tight shot captures the bride embracing her emotional mother. The heartfelt hug underscores the deep bond and significance of the moment.
Bride Shares Heartfelt Hug with Mother in Krakow
Krakow weddingheartfeltembracelovesignificancereceptionaffection
At a reception venue in Krakow, Malopolskie, a tight shot captures the groom hugging the bride, while her touched sister joins the embrace. The emotional moment highlights the love and connection shared among them.
Groom, Bride, and Sister Share Heartfelt Moment in Krakow
momentjoyaffectionhugloveconnectionheartfelt family moment
At a reception venue in Krakow, Malopolskie, the groom playfully gestures to the bride in the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by friends and a lively party atmosphere.
Groom's Playful Gesture Captures Joyous Krakow Wedding Celebration
playfulGroom and bridegesturefuncelebrationatmospherePlayful Party Moment
At Riverlands Wedding Barn in Yorkshire, England, the bride and groom warmly embrace and greet guests, navigating a gauntlet row of handshakes and hugs. The scene embodies the joyous and inclusive spirit of the reception.
Bride and Groom Share Joyful Greetings at Riverlands Wedding Barn
greetreceptionjoyousEnglandRiverlands Wedding BarnUK weddingHandshakes
At the Grafton Inn in Grafton, VT, the bride and groom share their first dance captured in a high-angle shot. The romantic low light setting enhances the intimacy of this moment.
First Dance Romance: Intimate Moment Under Low Lights at Grafton Inn
indoorsGrafton Innintimatefirst dancebrideVermontwedding
At the groom's sister's farmhouse in Viterbo, Lazio, serving as the reception venue, the newlyweds share a kiss while seated at the head table. Surrounding guests continue to dine calmly, adding to the serene and intimate atmosphere of the celebration.
Newlyweds Share Serene Kiss at Viterbo Farmhouse Reception, Enhancing Intimate Atmosphere Amid Dining Guests
celebrationSerenguestsintimatekissCalmfarmhouse
At a reception venue in Paris, Île-de-France, the boyfriend of the girl who caught the bouquet playfully attempts to get rid of it. This humorous moment adds levity to the traditional wedding festivities.
Boyfriend's Playful Bouquet Toss Adds Humor to Wedding Festivities at Paris Reception Venue
ParislightheartedplayfulboyfriendParis weddingFestivitiescelebration
At a reception venue in Upper Austria, vendors carefully transport the wedding cake while guests, lined up behind a hedge of roses, eagerly watch. The scene combines anticipation and beauty amidst the floral backdrop.
Vendors Transport Wedding Cake as Eager Guests Watch Behind Rose Hedge in Upper Austria Reception Scene
eagerguestsfloralwatchUpper Austria AnticipationUpper Austriavendors
At Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos in Logroño, Spain, the bride and groom share a romantic dance during the reception as a friend plays their favorite song on the piano. This intimate moment beautifully captures the love and connection shared through music.
Bride and Groom Share Romantic Dance to Live Piano Music at Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos Reception
La RiojaLogroño WeddingSpanish CelebrationLogroño Eventromantic danceserenityconnection
At Locanda Perinella in Vicenza, Italy, guests enjoy a humorous video dedicated to the newlyweds during the reception. This lighthearted screening adds joy and laughter to the celebration, highlighting the couple's special connections with their friends.
Guests Enjoy Humorous Video for Newlyweds at Locanda Perinella Reception, Adding Laughter to Joyous Celebration
Vicenza WeddingnewlywedsCheerfulguestsjoyHumorous Videoatmosphere
At Kasteel Ruurlo, the bride and groom walk through tall glass doors. They enter the elegant reception venue, ready to celebrate their wedding party.
Romantic Elegance: Bride and Groom Enter Their Grand Reception at Kasteel Ruurlo's Glass Doors
celebrationRuurlopartyweddingnetherlands weddingRuurlo Venuevenue
At The Exchange wedding venue in downtown Chicago, the bride and groom enjoy a romantic dance during their wedding reception, surrounded by the elegant ambiance and lively atmosphere of the event.
Bride and Groom Share Moment Amidst Elegant Ambiance at The Exchange in Downtown Chicago
bride and groomChicagocelebrationDowntownlively atmospherechicago weddingDowntown Chicago

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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.