WPJA.com HomeWedding Photojournalist Association

Michigan Wedding Photographers

Find a Photographer / United States / Michigan

Michigan Wedding Photographers

Our Michigan photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Dearborn, Livonia

Michigan Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

Intimate Wedding Photography in Michigan - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best Michigan 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 Michigan 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, Michigan documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings and elopements can’t wait. Find yours today!
Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards
A family member officiated a romantic beach wedding, creating a memorable day for the couple
Morgan O'Neil
The bride and groom giggled as they posed for sunrise light portraits beneath the big trees
Lucy Schultz
A powerful portrait of a couple holding hands while walking along a dock over a blue-green ocean captures a timeless stroll
Valeria Berti

Michigan Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Michigan 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 city hall, civil ceremony, DIY - do it yourself, 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.

9 Michigan Wedding Photographers...

Wedding photography and elopements by Ray Iavasile of Michigan

Ray Anthony Iavasile, a Michigan-based wedding photographer, is highly regarded for his journalistic style, capturing the essence of moments. Ranked as one of the Top 50 wedding photojournalists worldwide, he is the go-to choice for couples in Michigan.

Ray Iavasile

Birmingham in Michigan, US
66
3000 (USD)
Elopements by Top Wedding Photographer Justin Edmonds

Justin Edmonds, a highly experienced wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer, has established a stellar reputation with clients including Getty Images, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. With over 14 years in the industry, he has successfully...

Justin Edmonds

Denver in Colorado, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
136
1
10
3
64
4800 (USD)
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.

Madi Ellis

Chicago in Illinois, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
21
30
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.

Sarah Nader

Chicago in Illinois, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
27
54
4400 (USD)
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Natasha Lamalle

Natasha Lamalle is an honest story telling wedding photographer with fifteen years of experience as a journalist. Her keen ability to observe and capture the authentic and often fleeting moments of love, coupled with her trained eye and subtle approach to photography make...

Natasha Lamalle

Washington DC in District Of Columbia, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
15
5
75
4000 (USD)
Adventure marriage images by Nicky Byrnes of Nemus Wedding Photography

Documentary wedding photographer Nicky Byrnes has had a camera in her hand since childhood. With a degree in photojournalism, Nicky is published in several print and online magazines. An outdoors enthusiast and volunteer, she loves music, books, skiing, and her two rescue...

Nicky Byrnes

Carnelian Bay in California, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
46
1
7
3900 (USD)
Rustbelt Mayberry Wedding Photographer, Erin Ninehouser

With over 20 years of expertise, Erin Ninehouser is a seasoned wedding photojournalist based in the Eastern USA. Known for her ability to capture raw emotions, her work immortalizes wedding moments.

Erin Ninehouser

Ambridge in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
2
8
3600 (USD)
Destination weddings, engagement couple sessions and elopement photography by Angela Nelson

Angela Nelson is a destination wedding photographer based in Hawaii. She discovered her passion for photography while teaching high school in Maui and has been capturing real moments and the beauty of Hawaii ever since. When she's not behind the camera, Angela enjoys...

Angela Nelson

Makawao in Hawaii, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
8
1
26
3400 (USD)
Weddings by Ryan & Kate for elopements and marriage photography - Portrait of Ryan Howard Sigesmund

Ryan Howard Sig is a talented wedding photojournalist whose keen eye for storytelling brings an intimate and candid approach to every image he captures.

Ryan Howard Sigesmund

Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Michigan weddings.
1
3000 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Michigan Couples

Michigan Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

At the Meridian Banquet Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan, a bride bids farewell to her family following the heartwarming wedding ceremony.
At the Westin Hotel in Southfield, Michigan, an enchanting Indian wedding ceremony unfolds as the bride and groom joyfully participate in the traditional ritual of blowing flower petals into each other's faces.
At the Crystal Gardens Event Center, a heartwarming scene unfolds as the children of the bride and groom share a playful moment while peering in on their parents who are on the verge of exchanging vows.
A wedding guest at Blissful Barn in Michigan impresses the crowd with a worm dance move, complete with a tie wrapped around his head
The couple posed for an artful engagement portrait in Detroit, with downtown's skyline in the background and a police cruiser parked nearby
As the uninterested flower girl was escorted down the ceremony aisle of the Meridian Banquet and Events Hall in Farmington Hills, MI
At the Bride's parents home in Bloomfield Hills, MI, the Bride sought out her bridesmaids' opinions to decide which set of sparkling earrings to complete her wedding day look
Michigan candid documentary wedding photography at The Meridian Banquet and Events Hall in Farmington Hills captured this Indian bride getting help with her bangles
The first dance with the bride and groom at their outdoor reception at the Cafe Cortina, Farmington, MI
View this grand, pictorial Traverse City wedding image of the cake and a large sword cutting it which was a featured picture among the best wedding photography in Michigan from the WPJA
View this dramatic Traverse City wedding image of A colorful backlit portrait of the bride and groom in front of a fountain which was a featured picture among the best wedding photography in Michigan from the WPJA
The Michigan WPJA is the alternative to traditional wedding images and is pleased to present this inspiring wedding photography example from the Ovation Yacht on the Detroit River of the MI Bride and groom first dance under the Ambassador Bridge

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can couples find reviews of Michigan 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 Michigan wedding photographers for their own wedding.
Q: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my Michigan 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 Michigan wedding photographers who have earned Artistic Guild awards for portrait and detail images.
Q: Who are the best Michigan wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top Michigan 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.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
Essential Elopement Vendor - The Photographer
So your wedding is just around the corner and you’ve decided to elope , either because you want to do this on a budget , avoid a large wedding party, or simply to enjoy the day together with minimal distractions and as little stress as possible . They say 'all you need is...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
Smaller Weddings in a Time of Social Distancing
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

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 Michigan WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

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!

View Photographer
Emerson Fields wedding photography from the reception with bride and groom on dance floor

Sienna and Jacob

Photo by Justin Edmonds

WE ARE CRYING. THEY ARE SO GOOD. Gotta go, we're going to go look at them all over again. I have never seen better wedding photos in my life and I will flex on everyone soon.

View Photographer
Outdoor wedding ceremony at the Garden of the Gods Club

Shabnam and Joseph

Photo by Justin Edmonds

Choosing you was the easiest part of the shit show that was wedding planning. Working with you is something I would choose over a hundred times, you get how silly and impulsive we are . And You’re so damn tall, but you move like a ghost to get a shot that is as if it was taken from right in front of me. I remember dancing with you for like two seconds, and otherwise, don’t remember seeing you. It’s unbelievable. Thank you for capturing our wedding so perfectly. I would love to buy you a drink whenever you’re in town and are free.

View Photographer

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.