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Nathaniel West is no longer a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association.

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 secret, town hall, mini, 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.

16 Illinois Wedding Photographers...

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

Madi Ellis, a documentary wedding photographer from the USA, has a strong passion for capturing love stories in a raw and authentic way. With a background in acting, she skillfully tells couples' stories through her honest and original work.

4450 (USD)
Portrait of wedding photographer Sarah Nader

With a background in photojournalism and a passion for capturing life's most precious moments, Sarah Nader shines as an acclaimed wedding photojournalist. Alongside her husband and cherished Golden Retrievers, she revels in traveling, cooking, and Peloton.

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

Taking a documentary approach, Milan Lazic, a visual storyteller and owner of WS Photography, cultivated his love for photography during his high school years. Immersed in the world of analog cameras, his first wedding shoot at the age of 18 ignited a deep curiosity for...

3500 (USD)

A Chicago-based wedding photojournalist, Steve Koo brings a fine art background and an urban style to capture the meaningful, emotional moments of each wedding day. His vibrant, timeless images express the unique love and joy of every couple.

3900 (USD)

Peter Pawinski's documentary approach to wedding photography allows him to capture the essence and emotions of each moment. With a focus on visual storytelling, Peter strives to create a narrative that truly reflects the unique love story of each couple.

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

Rue Pattison is a professional Chicago wedding photographer with years of experience behind the camera. She specializes in capturing the connection and love between couples, while her tech-savvy husband Bryan takes care of off-camera lighting, computer editing, and all...

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

A seasoned documentary wedding photographer, Jason Kaczorowski brings more than 18 years of experience to his craft, adeptly capturing over 650 weddings. His talent lies in creating timeless memories that encapsulate the essence of each relationship.

3900 (USD)
Elopements by Top Wedding Photographer Justin Edmonds

Justin Edmonds, with 14 years of experience as a photojournalist, has worked for notable clients such as Getty Images, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. Having shot over 130 weddings and elopements, his expertise and skill make him a sought-after wedding and...

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)
United States destination documentary wedding photography by Taber Lacie

Taber Lacie, a self-proclaimed photography nerd and former EMT, is now a wedding photojournalist capturing authentic moments with her unique documentary style.

Taber Lacie

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

Traveling wedding & elopement photographer Leah Moyers; Fine Arts background; capturing clients authentically; unobtrusive, candid & inclusive style; beautiful, unique work.

Leah Moyers

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

In the journalistic style, Bradley Hanson is an experienced wedding photojournalist who captures the candid moments of the wedding day. With 24 years of experience, he has covered celebrations of all sizes and his work has been featured in magazines and ad campaigns.

Bradley Hanson

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

With over two decades of experience, Rosina DiBello is a highly skilled wedding photojournalist. Her unparalleled ability to authentically capture the essence of weddings has made her one of the most sought-after photographers in the industry.

Rosina DiBello

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

Ferdy Martinus is an experienced wedding photographer with 25 years of storytelling through pictures and videos. He received formal photography training from the New York Institute of Photography and has shot around 400 weddings in the US Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin...

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 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.
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 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.
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
jperlman elk cove inn ceremony
Everyone always says that your wedding day is all about you. But let’s face it; that’s not always actually the case. Many couples stress over guest lists, planning, expenses, and all the frills and traditions of your standard large wedding that they may or may not even be...Read more
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

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND Illinois WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

BW image of Bride and Groom Laughing at the Head Table at a Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Wedding Venue

Jerrica + Tim

Photo by Taber Lacie

We cannot thank you enough for the photos that were captured. Though it was crazy and I had almost no timeline for the day, every picture showed so much love and laughter that Tim and I both could not stop laughing and smiling over all of them. Every photo has a moment that he and I remember and that is all we could ask for. You captured so much and I didn’t even know you took my dress to the garden for pics while I was getting ready! These pics are amazing!!! I can’t wait to get these printed on canvas!!

Heather and Matt

Photo by Justin Edmonds

Holy smokes, you are ridiculously talented. Which I already knew, but, DAMN these photos are incredible! Thank you for sharing and posting about our day! We’re so grateful we trusted you with capturing it.

Melissa and Jordan

Photo by Justin Edmonds

They are amazing! Thank you so very much for everything, it was a pleasure having you be a part of our journey, from engagement to marriage. The pictures really show our happiness and love, they’re perfect. Thank you!