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 mean all the attention has to be on you as well? FROM VOWS TO CHITCHAT, WHICH REMAINS SACRED? Traditional weddings often require some degree of performance on the part of the couple, whether that is in the form of reciting...Read more
Are you planning a short-notice, small wedding or elopement?
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS ARE OPEN - Many couples don’t want to wait. They are planning to get married in the very near future, eloping, or rushing a small ceremony with their photographer, some close friends, and family but dispensing with or postponing the reception party.
View WPJA photo stories from smaller weddings - WedElope | Choose love, not fear!
Utah Wedding Photographers
Wedding Photographers of Utah, United States
Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan, Provo, Ogden, Park City
Utah Elopement Photographers
YOU CAN'T STOP LOVE - In recent days, some of our North America photographer vendors have expressed their desire to accommodate couples who don’t want to wait to be married and are rushing the ceremony.
Many brides and grooms around the globe are planning to elope and deciding to reschedule their original ideas for a big event because of current wedding size restrictions, social distancing, and mask requirements. They are getting wed on a whim, but dispensing with or postponing all else.
The WPJA has an abundance of top-ranked, documentary-style elopement photographers who are available right now who understand that some weddings can’t wait. Find yours today!
Most Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards
Elopement Photographers for Small United States Weddings
Shooting an elopement or small Utah 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.
Members are ready to document any secret, justice of the peace, 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.
We are anxious to create a picture story chronicling your religious, outdoor, symbolic, small wedding from beginning to end. In this sense, it is no different from any other event that we have covered. The emphasis is on documenting key moments, capturing spontaneous displays of emotion, telling your real love story, as well as creating artistic portraits and details.
Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Utah Couples
13 Documentary Wedding Photographers...
Working as a photojournalist for the past 13 years for clients like Getty Images, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Major League Baseball, Upper Deck, NASCAR and The Denver Post, to name a few, I've had the opportunity to document stories, events and people all over the country. I bring that level of experience, problem-solving and hard work to each and every wedding that I photograph. I've shot more than 130 weddings and elopements in my career which is something I can admit that I didn't see coming as a business student at the University of Denver, CO. I definitely thought I would end up in the advertising industry but I picked up a camera while studying abroad in Rome, Italy and haven't put it down since. I love spending time with my fianceé, Amy, and our families. When I have some free time I can usually be found on the golf course, riding one of my three bikes or snowboarding. I am passionate about cooking and craft beer, having tried more than 2,000 unique beers to date. [Denver Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
4300 (USD)
I am a no-make-up... t-shirt wearing... animal-loving... travel obsessed, Love is Love Believer, foot in mouth extroverted introverted wedding & wildlife photographer based outside of Washington DC... (that was a mouth-full). I have been shooting weddings around the world for over 10 years. My work mixes all the best parts of wedding photography... intimate little moments, truly epic portraits, and fun family photos that are more than just stand here and smile. I try to work with my couples to create unique pieces of artwork, making their images stand out from anything they have ever seen before. My photographs are Bold, Colorful, and Real. I love emotion and work to incorporate that in all my work. I do this by investing in getting to know my couples. I am not a wham bam thank you photographer. We will be spending way more than just your wedding day together and after your wedding is over I totally expect to be grabbing drinks with you. While I primarily shoot weddings in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, I absolutely love traveling and I love meeting up with couples while I am on an adventure (and it's only partly for hiking buddies) I give my couples affordable opportunities to travel with me anywhere in the world for elopements, mini weddings, and engagement sessions. I especially love traveling to the National Parks here in the US and frequently offer deals for full-day adventures! When I am not shooting weddings I am traveling the world-leading wildlife educational conservation photography tours. I take my clients to mostly East Africa where they have the opportunity to trek with Mountain Gorillas. I am an advocate for Wildlife Conservation around the world and have traveled to all Seven Continents photographing wildlife. Some of my wedding couples have even joined me for their honeymoons! [Washington DC Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
4000 (USD)
Michael is associate photographer at Bonnie Photo. However, his most important roles are as Bonnie’s husband-extraordinaire and co-parent to their two strange dogs, Sylas and Rowena. Mike is much more photogenic than Bonnie, which Bonnie is infinitely grateful for! Mike’s skills include: Mechanical Engineering (his day-job) Cooking Making everyone around him feel comfortable and at-ease Pointing Making Bonnie laugh [Boulder Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
2700 (USD)
I am a photojournalist and Pulitzer finalist who approaches weddings with a quiet presence and an eye for authenticity. I work with a calm demeanor and a desire to remain unnoticed, finding small moments of intimacy in the midst of public celebrations. While environment and ritual play an important part in my wedding coverage, I also focus on the personal connections and latent emotions brought to the surface by such pivotal moments in life. I feel my task is to anticipate and document moments as they naturally occur, without direction or interference. My ultimate goal is a highly personal book that is both beautiful and meaningful, authentic to the moment and revealing of those depicted. I'm a recent transplant to Denver, CO from Washington DC and I continue to cover weddings nationwide. [Denver Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
4000 (USD)
Howdy, I'm Darren, one half of The Hendrys! I am not a typical wedding photographer, that is for certain! You could say my style is very non-traditional and pretty offbeat. My approach to shooting is simple; I’ll keep it mostly documentary (you can’t beat a good caught-off-guard expression), capture the action as it unfolds throughout the day, avoid cheesy clichés and let everyone have good old knees up without any interference from me. I’m constantly pushing myself creatively and I am incredibly passionate about telling unique stories for each couple, so I aim to go into each wedding with a clear mind and eyes wide open. If I could describe my work in four words they would be the following: Natural. Emotive. Creative. Honest. I am also a sucker for some awesome light. My journey into the world of wedding photography started back in 2011. Prior to that, I was shooting portraits, gigs and architectural stuff (I have a degree in Architecture) and was starting to get slightly bored, not to mention, my lack of creativity was failing me. I randomly put a wedding photography advert on Gumtree and secured my first booking after a few weeks! Since then I have never looked back and have been doing wedding photography full-time for almost 7 years. It sounds slightly clichéd but getting to travel the world and meet loads of new people along the way has been totally inspiring. I have also stepped out of my creative boundaries and change it up at every wedding I capture, which always helps in keeping things fresh. It’s been an awesome experience so far! [Los Angeles Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
2500 (USD)
We are a photojournalistic-style husband and wife team based out of Northern Colorado. We have a background in photojournalism, where we developed a love for storytelling and capturing moments that bring photos to life. We've worked around the country spending time with people from diverse backgrounds. These instincts help us document weddings as they unravel while being unobtrusive. Photography has enabled us to travel, meet incredible people and share their stories; we are truly grateful for all the encounters and opportunities that being behind the camera has allowed us to experience. We love to go hiking, explore the beautiful outdoors, and push our creative limits as photographers. We're storytellers at heart. We are always inspired by intimate connections, the energy of a fun crowd, beautiful light and the constant challenge of holding on to those fleeting moments. Your story matters and deserves to be told with creativity and an eye for the unexpected. We are always looking to see the world differently and love a good challenge that pushes us creatively to achieve more for our couples. [Fort Collins Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
3700 (USD)
Dennis Mock's self-proclaimed spontaneity and documentary spirit. His background in sports photography allows him to capture split-second moments of joy or truly spectacular action passes of familial play, and his experience in architectural photography gives him a natural sense of composition. FUN FACTS: -I took my first serious camera clicks in the front row of Fleetwood Mac and the Bees Gees concerts. -Greatest adventure was documenting Burning Man 2012. -I brake for VG donuts and strawberry fields. -Love the colors of Hot Air Balloons drifting freely in the sky. -Bucket list: Go to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. -Asked by the San Diego Padres to be their team photographer from 1983-85, including the 1984 World Series vs the Detroit Tigers. -Capturing historical neon works as beautifully crafted pieces of art. -If I was a landscape architect, I'd put David Austin English Roses in every garden -I was given the nickname "Wandering Man"... long story ask me later! I BELIEVE FAMILY IS EVERYTHING The people who make it all worthwhile are my wife Lynn, my three kids I can’t wait to document all the people (and maybe even the dogs) who fill your life with joy! You can also spot me regularly tossing the ball with my two dogs (who I’m sure are convinced they are people): “Roxie” the 13-year-old basset hound and our new puppy, King Charles Cavalier...whose full name is “Princess Fiona of Sparren Ave.” [San Diego Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
2500 (USD)
I'm a Mexican-American documentary and editorial photographer based in Los Angeles (in the lovely enclave of Mount Washington). I document experiences and tell stories for artists, fashion designers, musicians, and of course, mindful couples that want to be in the moment and captured as they are. Getting my degree in Art History from UCLA really set me on a path towards photography that I'll always appreciate. Even today, I watch old films, read old books, and collect old cameras to get inspired. Most of my time these days is spent hanging with my wife Sarah and our wild baby boy, walking our dog Junie, and Facetime-ing with friends and family. Being mindful and being present is important to me and my work. I love taking trips to the foresty Big Sur and dusty Joshua Tree where it feels like the world slows down. With a cinematic touch, I tend to look for the quiet and calm in a moment. It's the serene stillness of a couple gazing into each other's eyes, or the expression of pure love encapsulated by a bride's smile on her wedding day. Creating a true document of these experiences is what I'm after. [Los Angeles Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
1250 (USD)
I grew up in upstate New York, but I've been living in South Lake Tahoe, California for over a decade and the Lake Tahoe Basin has felt like home since I first drove across the country. When I am not working, I enjoy doing anything that brings me outside. I currently live with my girlfriend Michelle and two huskies, Echo and Yuba. I feel very fortunate for that and to now be in a position where I can make a full-time living with my camera. Calm and unobtrusive, yet determined to get the shot. I am deeply passionate about photography and capturing the most meaningful and authentic moments of your wedding. I specialize in a photojournalistic approach, documenting your day as it unfolds. As a seasoned photographer with a wide range of freelance experience, I know how to anticipate the unique, natural moments of a dynamic event. At the same time, you probably chose to get married in Lake Tahoe for a reason and it is equally important to incorporate the surrounding landscape into your wedding imagery whenever possible. Outdoor portrait art and wedding photojournalism are the terms that first come to mind when asked to define my style. Formal or casual, large or small, you have a vision for your wedding and I would like to be there to tell your story with my camera ... I am an experienced wedding photographer, having shot weddings all over the Lake Tahoe region, Reno, Sacramento, the California foothills, and other parts of Northern California. [Lake Tahoe Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
1250 (USD)
Based in the gorgeous state of Colorado (Native here!), I spend my days roaming mountain-tops with Clients, and exploring all that this state has to offer with my little fam (Twin boys, hubby and the coolest German shepherd EVER.)! Being a wedding and elopement photographer in one of the most beautiful states in the country allows me to really pull together my love for documenting the adventure, real-time moments, as well as creating some Epic Environmental portraits! I love problem-solving lighting and all the "think on your toes" aspects of weddings, and thrive on the fact that no two weddings are ever the same! I love the spontaneity of emotions, weather, and all unscripted moments! I have been many times referred to as a "photo-ninja" (probably my most favorite compliment ever...), so you can bet I will be jumping in Rivers, climbing on rocks....or whatever it takes to get the shots! If there are kids at a wedding too...you can also bet I'll take 7689 photos of them...because kids do funny stuff. (Fun fact: Top notch service and experience for my clients is a must! I was a Catering and Events Manager for a high-end hotel chain for years before becoming a photographer...so weddings and service are ingrained in my blood! I like to offer that little "extra" service and experience to all my clients...helping keep planning and the day running absolutely smoothly and just as intended!) [Denver Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
2000 (USD)
I graduated from the University of Houston with my Master’s Degree in Accountancy and started a career as an auditor in 2015. Only a few months after I started, I felt out of place. Photography has always been my passion growing up. When I was little, I would borrow a camera phone from one of my cousins and start taking photos of things around me. In my senior year of high school when one of my good friends got this very awesome Sony camera phone (it was not a smartphone yet), she would let me use it an document our memories of senior years, per my request of course :). I used the paychecks from my very first part-time job to buy myself a DSLR and start taking photos for friends and family. So yes, it would be so much fun and exciting to start a photography business. While people spend 4 years of college trying to learn to do a job, I spent my 4 years to learn how to do a different job, not photography. I started doing wedding photography and fell in love. I fell in love with the exciting and upbeat environment of a wedding, I fell in love with the emotions that a bride goes through on her wedding date, I fell in love with how the guests dance the night away and how the wedding cakes taste just so indulging, and I fell in love with being the one to document all of that. So that was how Half A Rice Studios was born. [Houston Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
4200 (USD)
We’re a soon-to-be husband and wife wedding photography team based in Durango, CO! We met in sweet home Alabama, fell in love, and moved our sweet tea and buttered biscuits to Southwest Colorado and now aim to be the very best Durango wedding photographers! We love exploring new places and capturing love stories among natural scenes. Together, we’ve been lucky enough to have traveled in beautiful places by bicycle - from the colorful towns of Cuba, the towering mountains of Peru, and the quaint countryside in Italy. One of our favorite landscapes to explore happens to be in our very own backyard, The San Juan Mountains and the desert of Southern Utah. We believe there is no better way of creating meaningful experiences with the people you love than by sharing your stories, exploring your passions, and surrounding yourself with the ones you love under the big starry western sky. [Durango Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
2000 (USD)
Wedding Engagement Diamond Awards - Utah
Are you ready to find your Utah engagement / pre-wedding photographer for a portrait session to complement your story of love? Searching for some ideas and creative inspiration for your own pre-wed shoot? Pro members from the Utah Wedding Photojournalist Association would like to help you add some unique and artistic pictures to your engagement photo gallery!
Searches Related to Utah Wedding Photography Vendors
WPJA Communiqué: Features
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 special and memorable. But what could hold more memory, meaning, and importance than your own home? For those looking for that perfect venue, it may not be any further than beyond your threshold.Read more
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 better! Why limit yourself to a quiet, quaint ceremony when your adventurous heart may be calling out for something more? An entirely different genre of wedding, so to speak, is the adventure wedding elopement. This concept...Read more
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 love', but where exactly can you afford to trim the fat, so to speak? You want simplicity, but you also want to be properly married and, surely, to remember this occasion. Who, then, could be more important than...Read more
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 interested in. Fortunately, though, the concept of small weddings is becoming increasingly popular for couples who either want to be able to completely customize their day where and when they want with the option...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 remember the reason you’re getting married in the first place; not for the grand celebration, but because you love each other and want to be together. REMEMBER WHAT'S IMPORTANT You’re in this position now, about to get married, for...Read more
RAVES, REVIEWS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Alex & Kari
Photo by James Juarez
It has been 3 years since our wedding day and your photos and video have only enhanced our memories of it all, in the best way possible. You found a way to capture the joy and love that day held and saved it for us to relive any time we want. Kari and I couldn't be more grateful of the care and thoughtfulness you brought to one of the happiest days of our lives. Thank you!
Lacy & Tommy
Photo by Justin Edmonds
Omg we absolutely love these and yes you made me cry!! Thank you for making our day one we will never forget :)
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.
Kathy & John
Photo by Carl Bower
What a happy surprise! We didn't expect to see these for several days yet. They look awesome! John and I will review them together and get back to you. Thanks so much for photographing our wedding. It was so wonderful not only have you do it from a professional standpoint but it was great to have you there. You get us. We'll talk to you soon and thanks for the fast turn around!
Katie and Joel
Photo by Justin Edmonds
Dear Justin, Thank you so much for all your hard work in August! We are so grateful for the photos that captured our wedding day perfectly and will help us remember it forever. Your advice and experience was so valuable and we can't thank you enough.
John & Claire
Photo by James Juarez
We've been distracted this weekend moving all of John's stuff into our new LES apartment but rest assured - we have been evenly splitting our time between moving and lovingly gazing at your photos. We love them! They're so beautiful and captured the vibe and energy so well. So exciting!
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.
LAURA AND SID
Photo by David Braun
Hi David, You were so great to work with and the pictures are really stunning. We will leave you a review ASAP, hoping to get to it this weekend! Thank you for everything!
Chesney & Greg
Photo by Carl Bower
Every shot you took was a cut above. Not only are you a master technically, you're an artist. You understand how objects and shapes come together to create a powerful image and tell a story. You've also obviously carefully studied how people interact. The photos are so well-timed... it's almost as if you knew what I was going to do before I did it. That takes quite a trigger finger. You not only took photos of everyone who's important to me... you captured who those people are. My panic. Greg's graciousness. My mother's goofiness. My wedding is the first time I've ever seen my father cry… I know it was just another Saturday at work for you, but that album is the best wedding present I received. I'm so grateful I found you. On top of the compliments regarding your work, I just wanted to say that both Greg and I really enjoyed your company. You have a good spirit about you.
Allie and Cody Liberatore
Photo by David Braun
Hi David, Just letting you know I received the memory stick! I love all the extra touches you did, that is really cool and cute! We couldn’t believe it when we opened the package. Thank you again, I really appreciate everything you have done for our engagement and wedding photos. Mahalo- Allie
Holly and Hayden
Photo by Justin Edmonds
I absolutely ADORE these photos!! You did an amazing job and I just want to show you one simple shot that just gave goosebumps because it was basically a recreation of my best friend and I's favorite picture from graduating high school. I just feel the love and growth and maturity we've got through together in your picture. I wanted to let you know and let you know you're doing such a great job with your work even in these small moments-- whether you know it or not!
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.
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.
