Illinois Wedding Photographers

Illinois Wedding Photographers

Our Illinois photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Aurora, Joliet, Rockford, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin, Bloomington, Champaign, Chicago

Illinois Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

Intimate Wedding Photography in Illinois - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best Illinois photographers specializing in intimate marriages. Couples are embracing the trend of smaller, more meaningful celebrations. Let our talented photographers capture the joy and intimacy of your wedding day.

By planning a simple Illinois elopement, couples are able to stay present in the moment and fully absorb the impact of their wedding day. Given the fact that many couples feel more natural and at ease in intimate settings, it's no surprise that some of the most breathtaking wedding images come from elopements.

The WPJA has an abundance of top-ranked, Illinois documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings and elopements can’t wait. Find yours today!

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

Illinois Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Illinois wedding event is a wedding photojournalist’s dream: a fairly open schedule with lots of breathing space for creativity – it’s just the photographer, the couple, the officiant, and perhaps a few select companions.

United States WPJA members are ready to document any small, mini, secret, or elopement wedding, even if it is a Monday-Thursday ceremony. Search for the “Can Shoot Weddings on Short Notice!” message on the listings below.

18 Illinois Wedding Photographers...

Mid-west wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Madi Ellis

US traveling wedding photographer, Madi Ellis, deeply passionate about documenting love stories with authentic emotion, texture, and connection. Former actor turned storyteller, she creates honest and original work, fully representing couples in every way possible.

4450 (USD)
Portrait of wedding photographer Sarah Nader

Sarah Nader, a documentary wedding photographer, brings her expertise from a successful career in photojournalism. When she's not immersing herself in capturing cherished memories, Sarah enjoys exploring new destinations and experimenting in the kitchen.

4400 (USD)
Chicago wedding and elopement photography by Milan Lazic of Illinois United States

In the journalistic-style approach, Milan Lazic, a visual storyteller and owner of WS Photography, discovered his passion for images while in high school. A momentous occasion at age 18, capturing his first wedding with an analog camera, sparked his desire to delve into the...

3500 (USD)

Jason Brown is a Chicago IL based wedding photographer, specializing in capturing and preserving moments with a documentary style. With years of experience as a news photographer, Jason strives to produce timeless images that tell your unique story.

4750 (USD)

Noelle Adams, with a documentary approach to storytelling, uses her camera to capture authentic moments of love and create visually stunning images that truly depict the unique relationship between two individuals in love.

4500 (USD)

Steve Koo is an award-winning wedding photographer known for his documentary approach and storytelling. With an unobtrusive style, he captures moments filled with emotions. His visual artistry skillfully portrays the unique love and joy of each wedding day.

3900 (USD)

Peter Pawinski is an experienced wedding photojournalist whose passion lies in capturing the intimate and candid moments of his client's wedding day. With a background in photojournalism and a portfolio that includes publications like The New York Times and Business...

2500 (USD)
Chicago, Chicagoland and IL Suburb wedding and elopement photography by Rue Pattison

With a passion for weddings, Rue and Bryan Pattison are Chicago's premier wedding photojournalists. Their years of experience and expertise allow them to beautifully capture the intimate moments between couples, telling their unique love stories.

3900 (USD)
Jason Kaczorowski, Destination Wedding Photography - USA

With a wealth of expertise as a wedding photojournalist, Jason Kaczorowski has spent over 18 years honing his skills, documenting over 650 weddings. His ability to immortalize meaningful moments ensures cherished memories for years to come.

3900 (USD)
Elopements by Top Wedding Photographer Justin Edmonds

Justin Edmonds has worked as a photojournalist for the past 14 years, having built his reputation with major clients like Getty Images, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Major League Baseball, Upper Deck, NASCAR and The Denver Post. His experience and skill have...

Justin Edmonds

Denver in Colorado, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
4800 (USD)
Wedding photography and elopements by Ray Iavasile of Michigan

Ray Anthony Iavasile, a wedding photojournalist based in Michigan, is celebrated for his journalistic style and ability to capture authentic moments. He is recognized as one of the Top 50 wedding photojournalists worldwide and is the go-to choice for couples in Michigan.

Ray Iavasile

Birmingham in Michigan, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
3000 (USD)
Documentary wedding photography by Taber Lacie

Taber Lacie is a traveling USA based wedding photographer, with a background as a former EMT and a self-proclaimed photography nerd. Her passion for photography began at a young age and she started in the wedding industry as an assistant photographer at the age of 16.

Taber Lacie

West Bend in Wisconsin, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
3000 (USD)
Wedding photography of real moments by Leah Moyers

Traveling wedding and elopement photographer Leah Moyers has a journalistic style, utilizing her Fine Arts background to capture her clients authentically. Her unobtrusive and candid approach allows her to document the moments of love in beautiful and unique ways.

Leah Moyers

Sevierville in Tennessee, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
450/hour (USD)
Pro documentary-style wedding photography by Bradley Hanson

With a background in documentary technique, Bradley Hanson brings a unique storytelling perspective to his photography. Through his keen eye for detail and artistic vision, he captures the essence of each wedding he documents. His work has been featured in magazines and has...

Bradley Hanson

St. Paul in Minnesota, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
5000 (USD)
Wedding and Elopement Photographer Rosina DiBello

Rosina DiBello is a destination wedding photographer who has been shooting weddings for over 20 years. With the help of mentors and her natural creativity, Rosina has developed a unique style of capturing reality with a sense of humor, making her a sought after photographer.

Rosina DiBello

Deerfield Beach in Florida, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
3500 (USD)
Destination wedding photography by Ferdy Martinus

Ferdy Martinus is a wedding photographer with 25 years of experience in storytelling through pictures and videos. Trained at the New York Institute of Photography, he has shot over 400 weddings in the US Midwest, focusing on Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Ferdy Martinus

Minneapolis in Minnesota, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
1750 (USD)
Laura Alpizar - Wedding Photographer

With a documentary approach to her craft, Laura Alpizar intertwines storytelling and visual techniques to portray the essence of weddings. Having grown up in Costa Rica, she brings a distinct perspective to her work, ensuring captivating visuals that unfold meaningful...

Laura Alpizar

Richfield in Minnesota, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
4500 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Illinois Couples

Illinois Wedding Elopement Photography - WedElope

View WedElope Image Galleries by Illinois Wedding Photographers from Small Events and Intimate Elopements.

Illinois Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

Below are some Illinois wedding photography samples from the world’s best wedding photographers of the WPJA. Some of these Illinois marriage pictures might be artistic portraits, details, or documentary-style images that have come from getting ready sessions, wedding ceremonies, reception venues, or Illinois engagement portrait sessions with couples.

A stunning first dance wedding photo captured at the iconic Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago, showcasing the epitome of classic Chicago style in Illinois.
Chicago, Illinois-based wedding photographer captures a stunning and modern image during a bride's preparation at home. The photograph showcases the bride's dress hanging in the background, creating a stylistic composition with dual mirror reflections.
A professional documentary wedding photographer based in Chicago captures the joyous celebration of a bride and groom after their wedding at the Bottom Lounge. This image has been recognized with a prestigious award from WPJA.
Lifestyle couple portrait at Guthries Tavern in Chicago, IL. Shot from outside looking through the window, the couple is captured enjoying a drink.
At the Riverwalk in Chicago, IL, a soon-to-be-wed couple enjoyed their engagement portrait session, sitting together and laughing joyfully while holding cotton candy - he with a blue treat and she with a pink one.
In this beautiful wedding day photo captured in Chicago, Illinois, the bride and her father are the focal point as they watch the heartwarming mother/son dance, a moment of love and joy.
During a wedding reception at Skokie Country Club in Glencoe, Illinois, a touching moment unfolds as the groom gracefully dances with his mother, showcasing their deep bond.
A talented wedding photographer captured this award-winning photo during a reception in Chicago, Illinois. The image shows the couple happily dancing to the music before going inside to celebrate their special day.
Romantic silhouette of a couple sharing a tender kiss beneath a breathtaking sunrise at North Avenue Beach in Chicago, IL
A couple in Chicago, IL held hands during their off-centered portrait session on their wedding day, capturing the foggy haze and the scenic backdrop of the city's skyline at Milton Lee Olive Park.
Groomsmen and the groom strike a pose for a creative wedding portrait at Ewing Manor in Bloomington, IL, with a unique mirror reflection of the sky and trees beneath them
A wedding photojournalist captured the moment the newlywed couple at their wedding reception in Chicago Winery, reacting with joy as the sister of the bride presented them with a photo during a toast. This image received a WPJA Honor Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can couples find reviews of Illinois wedding photographers?
A: We call them Client Letters. At the WPJA, we decided more than 20 years ago to avoid incorporating those third-person testimonials and endorsements that are found all too often in advertisements. Instead, we elevated our listings with the use of Client Letters, which represent the actual words and feelings of the clients who booked those Illinois wedding photographers for their own wedding.
Q: Who are the best Illinois wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top Illinois documentary wedding photographers for elopements. Our members are able to submit WedElope Stories that take you step-by-step, via a 9 image picture story, through the unique and moving elopements that take place around the world.
Q: How can couples find Illinois photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for Illinois wedding photographers to showcase their best engagement photography work. These awards are given to photographers who prove that they have an ability to be creative, artistic, and intuitive while working on-location with couples who are newly engaged.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography 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 sunshine and that open, airy feeling and give your guests some room to breathe! LESS IS MORE Instead of hemming your...Read more
Jola Mulder, of Overijssel, is a wedding photographer for
Oftentimes when people are considering a venue for their weddings, they search for a location away from home, whether that be ten minutes or ten hours, all just to find what they already have: a place that holds meaning for them, that feels comfortable, or that they find...Read more
We all know that the economy can go through some hard times, and be somewhat reminiscent of past recessions. However, as people cut back on non-essential little luxuries here and there, one constant remains: weddings. People don’t tend to just stop getting married due to a...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND Illinois WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Jessica & Christiaan

Photo by Steve Koo

You were absolutely wonderful! You were everything we were looking for in photgrapher- professional, creative, talented, hard worker etc. You really captured both the beautiful natural backdrop as well as everyones personalities so perfectly! Everyone I send the pictures to has the same response- WOW!!,

Alexis & Pat

Photo by Steve Koo

You were the best wedding vendor decision we made! You were always prompt, responsive to my suggestions and questions, and I never worried that he would fail to catch a critical moment. I have received countless compliments on our wedding and engagement photos. I wouldn't hesitate to use you in the future or recommend you to anyone in need of a photographer.,

Jennifer & Steve

Photo by Noelle Adams

I finally saw the video today and, I have to admit, I cried my eyes out when I finally watched it at home! You captured the day so perfectly, and everyone looks so happy. I completely re-lived the day (and have watched it several times) and cannot tell you how delighted I am with the final product. I can't wait to see all of the other photo files. You are AMAZING!!!!