California - Central Wedding Photographers

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 joy and intimacy of your wedding day.

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. 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, California - Central documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings and elopements can’t wait. Find yours today!

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

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 justice of the peace, mini, quick, 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.

View Award-Winning Pictures from California - Central Wedding Venues

21 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.
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 and elopement photographer Annie Bang

As a wedding photojournalist and creative engagement portrait photographer in California, Annie Bang brings a background as a former journalist and Associated Press reporter. With a focus on documenting real moments and emotions, she uses documentary and photojournalistic...

Annie Bang

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
2500 (USD)
California wedding photography by Brett Butterstein

Based in Southern California, Brett Butterstein is a highly skilled wedding photojournalist with a background in photojournalism and extensive experience in newspaper photography. With his keen eye for detail and ability to capture raw emotions, he is the ideal choice for...

Brett Butterstein

Encinitas in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3500 (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.
3000 (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.
2000 (USD)
Weddings by Chris Shum, Life Photographer

Chris Shum has been passionate about art since he was a young boy. At age 15, he received his first camera and has been the designated photographer ever since. Chris became a professional photographer in 2007 and provides beautiful, story-telling photography of destination...

Chris Shum

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

N. CA based Joyce Perlman is a skilled wedding photojournalist featuring contemporary and documentary-style images. With an extensive background in fine art and visual design, she excels at capturing the essence of elopements and bigger weddings.

Joyce Perlman

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
4500 (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.
3000 (USD)
Northern California wedding photography by Drew Bird - Creative Storytelling

Drew Bird, a Bay Area wedding photographer, uses his years of experience to capture authentic, unscripted expressions of beauty, love, and connection in his photographs. With a focus on storytelling through images, Drew is skilled in portraying the emotions and unique...

Drew Bird

Oakland in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3500 (USD)
Portrait of Loren Haar, Engagement, Elopement and Wedding Photographer

Loren Haar is a skilled traveling wedding photographer known for capturing authentic and emotional moments. With a background in documenting significant life events, Loren's passion for photography truly blossomed after learning manual mode.

Loren Haar

Ventura in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
2200 (USD)

Douglas Despres is a wedding photographer who has photographed over 600 events since 2002. With a background in photojournalism and experience shooting worldwide, Doug specializes in documentary-style shots with an emphasis on comfortable connections with family and guests.

Douglas Despres

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

Edeelin Labra, a wedding photojournalist based in Northern California, has honed her photography skills over the years. With a deep love for art, she transforms simple moments into cherished memories. Labra's passion for capturing emotions and preserving them for...

Edeelin Labra

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

California wedding photographer Gina Clyne specializes in photojournalistic style imagery, 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.
2100 (USD)
California wedding photography by Jonathan Young

Jonathan Young is a California coast wedding photographer, with 20 years of experience, a photojournalist background, and an eye for detail. He captures the joy and emotion of each unique wedding day.

Jonathan Young

Palos Verdes Estates in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
5500 (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)
Lifestyle portrait of Brittany Bender, a San Diego wedding photographer - Southern California WPJA

San Diego wedding photojournalist, Brittany Bender, excels at capturing candid and emotional moments. With a talent for storytelling, she artistically portrays the unique experiences of her subjects.

Brittany Bender

San Diego in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3000 (USD)
Marla Manes, a PNW ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER in Seattle WA

Seattle-based Marla Manes, a skilled wedding photographer, specializes in wedding photojournalism and portraiture. Advocate for values and environmental sustainability, creating a comfortable space for exceptional photos. Proud dog person, obsessed with her black cat...

Marla Manes

Seattle in Washington, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
5500 (USD)
Chris Rusanowsky self portrait of a wedding photographer in black and white

Chris Rusanowsky is a traveling documentary wedding photographer based in the US. With a passion for capturing truth and storytelling, Chris has been creating compelling images for clients for over fourteen years. He loves traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with...

Chris Rusanowsky

Northlake in Texas, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
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.
3000 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Evie Felts, a wedding and elopement photographer

Evie Felts, a wedding photographer with 5 years of experience, left teaching to pursue art. She connects with clients worldwide and captures intimate moments. Evie lives in Mancos, Colorado, enjoying outdoor activities when not photographing.

Evie Felts

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

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.

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 top-ranked California - Central wedding photographers?
A: The WPJA created the original wedding photographer ranking systems. Our innovative system is based on contest winning points, meaning that the California - Central photographers you see at the top of your search results page have recently won the most — and the most recent — contest awards. Our contests judge photographers based on their creativity, style, composure, and ability to capture the heart of any couple's story on their wedding day.
Q: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my California - Central wedding day?
A: While wedding photojournalists strive to capture candid moments on the wedding day, our photographers also are skilled artists who can compose powerful portraits. If you have a specific vision of what types of images you want from your wedding day, look at the top-ranked California - Central wedding photographers who have earned Artistic Guild awards for portrait and detail images.
Q: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small California - Central wedding?
A: There are many WPJA photographers who are able to help you out at a moment's notice. We understand that sometimes love happens and there's simply no time to lose. We can ensure that you can get married as quickly as possible — and have incredible photographs to remember your California - Central wedding day by.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
It’s no secret that these are strange times we’re going through right now, and there are many couples out there with weddings set in the near future who are left feeling uncertain and concerned about their futures. While that’s understandable, it’s also important to...Read more
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
While some of us were fortunate enough to be born as extroverts, not everyone feels the same way. For a good chunk of the population, any number of the typical wedding day traditions can inspire anxiety and existential dread. This day is all about you, yes, but does that...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Central WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Sarah + Stephen

Photo by Drew Bird

Hey Drew - We went through all the pics last night and I just wanted to tell you again how awesome they are! You really captured some amazing moments and we're forever grateful! I was 3/4 through them and crying lol. It's as if we were replaying a story of the day. SO AMAZING! THANK YOU!!! We've shared the link with some of our guests and they are all raving about them as well! A thousand thanks, Sarah and Stephen

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!

Christine & Bryan

Photo by Douglas Despres

"Doug these are amazing!! I can't even tell you how much I'm in love with them! You did such an incredible job and I cannot thank you enough! They're unreal!"