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California - Central Wedding Photographers

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California - Central Wedding Photographers

Our California - Central photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Fresno, Central Coast, Visalia, Tulare, Madera, Modesto, Merced, Porterville, Turlock

California - Central Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

Intimate Wedding Photography in California - Central - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best California - Central photographers specializing in intimate marriages. Couples are embracing the trend of smaller, more meaningful celebrations. Let our talented photographers capture the happiness and closeness of your unique, religious, intimate, or at-home wedding.

By planning a simple California - Central elopement, couples are able to stay present in the moment and fully absorb the impact of their wedding day. With many couples feeling more comfortable and relaxed in intimate settings, it is not surprising that some of the most sincere and touching wedding photos are captured at smaller celebrations.

The WPJA has an abundance of top-ranked, California - Central documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings can’t wait. Find yours today!
Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards
The couple said their vows at a small ceremony at the Register Office, then walked the streets together, the bride was smiling big
Boz Green
At the end of the reception party, the happy couple wowed their guests by dancing together in the sparkler-lit venue
Penny McCoy
A newly engaged couple embraces on a wooden dock, cherishing their love. Surrounded by loved ones, they share a heartfelt moment as they prepare for their wedding journey
Furkan Akarsu

California - Central Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small California - Central 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 micro, civil ceremony, self solemnization, or any other type of elopement wedding, even if it is a Monday-Thursday ceremony. Search for the “Can Shoot Weddings on Short Notice!” message on the listings below.

View Award-Winning Pictures from California - Central Wedding Venues

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20 California - Central Wedding Photographers...

California Couple Portrait Sessions and Wedding Photography by Stephanie Secrest

Stephanie Secrest is a California-based photographer with a Master's in photojournalism from Ohio University, as well as awards from prestigious contests like the Pictures of the Year competition.

Stephanie Secrest

Arroyo Grande in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
54
19
3300 (USD)

Gingi Freeman, a passionate traveling wedding photojournalist based in Visalia, CA, specializes in non-intrusive, documentary-style weddings. With a background in art and storytelling, she captures real moments and raw emotions in a way that allows couples to be fully...

Gingi Freeman

Visalia in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
1400 (USD)
California wedding photography by Brett Butterstein

Southern California-based wedding photojournalist Brett Butterstein combines his background in photojournalism and five years of newspaper photography experience to expertly capture the genuine beauty and emotion of weddings.

Brett Butterstein

Encinitas in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
168
3500 (USD)
California wedding and elopement photographer Annie Bang

California wedding photojournalist and creative engagement portrait photographer Annie Bang is a former journalist and Associated Press reporter. With a focus on capturing real moments and emotions, she uses documentary and photojournalistic photography to create timeless...

Annie Bang

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
164
1
21
2500 (USD)
Wedding photography and elopements by Ray Iavasile of Michigan

Ray Anthony Iavasile is a Michigan based wedding photographer renowned for his documentary style and passion to capture the "decisive moment". He has ranked in the Top 50 wedding photojournalists worldwide and is the premier wedding photojournalist for Michigan.

Ray Iavasile

Birmingham in Michigan, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
68
3000 (USD)
Portrait of Loren Haar, Engagement, Elopement and Wedding Photographer

Loren Haar is a skilled wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer, specializing in capturing authentic and emotional moments. With a background in documenting life events, Loren's passion for photography grew after mastering manual mode.

Loren Haar

Ventura in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
4
1
2
2200 (USD)
California wedding photography by Jonathan Young

Jonathan Young is a wedding photojournalist with 20 years of experience, a background in photojournalism, and a talent for capturing the unique emotion and joy of each wedding day. Based in California, he specializes in photographing beautiful moments along the coast.

Jonathan Young

Palos Verdes Estates in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3
5500 (USD)
Gretchen Troop Photography Studio for Weddings, Elopements and Portraits

As a documentary wedding photographer, Gretchen Troop skillfully captures the essence of every couple's special day. With a background in Studio Photography, she has an eye for framing unique moments in picturesque locations.

Gretchen Troop

Boulder in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
5
25
3500 (USD)
Wedding and elopement photography by Will Tee - SW Wedding Photo Studio

Will Tee is a co-founder of SW Photo Studio and an outstanding wedding photographer. He has traveled extensively, experiencing diverse cultures that have enriched his open-mindedness and creativity. His engagement portrait sessions are known for their fun and creative...

Will Tee

Taipei City, TW *Now booking California - Central weddings.
36
25
2000 (USD)
Weddings by Chris Shum, Life Photographer

Chris Shum is a wedding, engagement, lifestyle, and family photographer with a lifelong passion for art. With his artistic eye and unobstructive approach, Chris captures the beauty and joy of weddings, creating elegant, storytelling photographs that couples can treasure...

Chris Shum

Sunnyvale in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
134
7
497
4500 (USD)
Northern CA, Wedding Photography by Joyce Perlman, serving Carmel and Big Sur

Joyce Perlman is a US-based wedding photographer. She is known for her sophisticated blend of contemporary portraiture and documentary-style images. She also has an extensive background in fine art and visual design.

Joyce Perlman

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
49
4
6
4500 (USD)
Northern California wedding photography by Drew Bird - Creative Storytelling

Drew Bird, a skilled wedding photographer with years of experience, specializes in capturing authentic and unscripted beauty, love, and connection through photographs. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he excels in telling stories through his lens.

Drew Bird

Oakland in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
23
3
15
12
7
3500 (USD)

Douglas Despres is a photographer with a background in photojournalism and over 600 events photographed since 2002. Specializing in documentary-style shots with comfortable connections to family and guests, he brings his global photography experience to every shoot.

Douglas Despres

Alameda in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
8
9
750/hour (USD)
Edeelin Labra, Northern CA wedding photography

Edeelin Labra is an experienced wedding photojournalist based in Northern California. With a deep passion for photography and years of dedicated pursuit, her hobby has transformed into a lifelong skill. Labra's artistry goes beyond capturing moments; it preserves...

Edeelin Labra

Vallejo in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
2000 (USD)
California Documentary Wedding and Elopement Photography by Gina Clyne

Gina Clyne, a California wedding photographer, specializes in capturing formal portraits that reflect couples' personalities and documenting subtle and profound moments of the day with her gentle eye.

Gina Clyne

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
8
1
2100 (USD)
Chris Rusanowsky self portrait of a wedding photographer in black and white

With over fourteen years of experience, Chris Rusanowsky is a highly skilled wedding photojournalist. His photographs capture the raw emotions and tell the story of each client's special day, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Chris Rusanowsky

Northlake in Texas, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3
2500 (USD)
Portrait of Katharine Green from Katie Corinne Wedding Photography Studio

Katharine Green, a traveling wedding photographer, has been capturing the happiest moments of life for over 10 years. Based in Colorado, she and her associate, Jamie, specialize in wedding, engagement, and proposal photography.

Katharine Green

Monument in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3
8
3000 (USD)
Portrait of Amber Depangher of Sightglass Photography Studio

Amber Depangher is a seasoned wedding photojournalist, expertly documenting love stories for over two decades. From high school hobby to thriving business, Amber and her husband's unique styles make for an unbeatable team.

Amber Depangher

Portland in Oregon, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
500/hour (USD)
Marla Manes, a PNW ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER in Seattle WA

Seattle-based Marla Manes, skilled in wedding photojournalism and portraiture, integrates values and sustainability. Creates comfort for exceptional photos.

Marla Manes

Seattle in Washington, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
5
5500 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Evie Felts, a wedding and elopement photographer

Evie Felts transitioned from teaching Spanish to wedding photography, now capturing intimate moments worldwide for 5 years. Based in Mancos, Colorado, she enjoys outdoor activities and homesteading with her family.

Evie Felts

Mancos in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3000 (USD)

1 more photographers available for your wedding...

4250 US Dollar

Jaimie Nicole Krause Photography : Jaimie Krause

Saint Peters in Missouri, United States

 

 

 

Art and Connection: Captivating Wedding Photography Expertly Blended

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving California - Central Couples

California - Central Wedding Elopement Photography - WedElope

View WedElope Image Galleries by California - Central Wedding Photographers from Small Events and Intimate Elopements.

California - Central Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

At Carmel Mission Basilica in Carmel, CA, the bride and groom stand near the altar during their ceremony in the historic Old World building, surrounded by timeless beauty and sacred ambiance.
At the Bodega in Los Alamos, CA, a friend of the bride can be seen holding a zoom call while in the background her dad gently passes the baby across the table, adding layers of activity to the bustling wedding day photo.
Beautiful moment captured at a picturesque California Mission, as the newlyweds share a kiss surrounded by cheering guests. The intimate shot from inside the church is framed by rows of pews.
One of the bridesmaids at a private house in Santa Barbara, California carefully sews her dress before the wedding ceremony, with the dresses elegantly hanging from the railing of the stairs
California Wedding Dance Party: Groomsmen having a blast in the 'photo booth', spicing up the celebration with party hats and fun photo props
A romantic portrait of a couple embracing in a Carmel by the Sea, California, love celebration, perfectly framed in a doorway
At Crazy Diamond Campground in Ventucopa, CA, the newlywed couple shared a special moment as they recessed their outdoor wedding ceremony
At Crazy Diamond Campground in Ventucopa, CA, wedding guests enjoyed the venue pool prior to the wedding ceremony in the desert
At Crazy Diamond Campground in Ventucopa, CA, the bride and groom were joyfully "netted" in a festive celebration by guests wearing bright costumes
As the bride and groom entered their outdoor wedding reception in Paso Robles, CA, they were bathed in glowing sunlight, creating a light and warm atmosphere that only enhanced their big smiles
The groom and his roommates gathered in the rented home in Paso Robles, CA to join in prayer before the wedding
An after the marriage proposal Central Coast engagement photograph in California during the Late afternoon as sun backlights an engaged couple laughing together

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can couples find reviews of California - Central 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 California - Central wedding photographers for their own wedding.
Q: Who are the best California - Central wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top California - Central 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 California - Central photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for California - Central 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
Small Weddings - How to Budget and Save
Traditionally speaking, often times it is the couple’s families who help pay for their wedding. However, unfortunately that’s just not possible for everyone, especially these days when the cost of weddings can quickly and easily get out of control. Some couples find...Read more
Clean background in this photo of the bride walking into her mountain ceremony.
Adventure Wedding Elopements
Some couples, as they begin planning for their weddings, might think that they are limited to the classic locations: churches, gardens, beaches, or even Las Vegas. But in doing so they’re missing out on a multitude of unique options that might suit their personalities much...Read more
An Unforgettable Romance: The Intimacy of an Elopement
While some people live for the hustle and bustle of a big wedding with extravagant décor and an impossibly long guest list, others find these kinds of weddings to be too much hoopla, preferring instead something simpler and quieter, allowing for more intimacy between them...Read more

WPJA Communiqué: Viewpoints
Elopements: Traditional and Modern
The oldsters among the WPJA ranks no doubt remember when 'to elope' meant, in Merriam-Webster’s definition, “to run away secretly with the intention of getting married, usually without parental consent.” Many wedding photographers have gone on the lam with couples who did just that. However, even Merriam-Webster now acknowledges that “elope appears to have become shorthand for ‘ small destination weddings ,’ a ‘ wedding that is not financially insane ,’ or a ‘ wedding that allows us to not invite all the people we would rather not invite .’” Smaller Weddings are... Read more
What is Reportage?
On Instagram and elsewhere, one can see images labeled as #photojournalism or #reportage when they are, in fact, merely photos. I say "merely," even though photography has been my career's great passion. But it's because of that passion and my respect for the work of actual photojournalists that I am particularly bothered to see wedding photographers call their work "reportage." That word properly used actually means something important beyond just a stylistic conceit. By contrast, however, I'm the lead cheerleader for those practitioners of #weddingphotojournalism ... Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Central WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Emily + Zach

Photo by Drew Bird

Hi Drew - These photos are absolutely incredible!! We are speechless. We were looking through them this evening and it was like re-living the whole weekend in the sierra mountains. These are such treasured memories. We feel so lucky to have had you as our storyteller and that you were part of the weekend story, along with all our friends and family. Thank you!!!! -Emily + Zach

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Lauren & Jason

Photo by Gina Clyne

Gina these are so great!!! It's so fun seeing them after time has gone by and the weather is cooling off. Such an awesome summer day that you captured SO well. We love these, I cant wait to comb through all of them. Thank you for your amazing craft. The family pictures are so special!

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Kiley & Josh

Photo by Douglas Despres

Dear Doug, Thank you so much for sending these images, and for the images themselves which are outstanding. We love so many of them, the hard part is going to be selecting the ones that go in the album! We'll have more time to look and select over the weekend, so we'll probably write to you then or early next week. Again, many thanks for your work -- we are very impressed :) Best, Josh & Kiley

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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.