Virginia Wedding Photographers

Virginia Wedding Photographers

Our Virginia photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Hampton, Roanoke, Portsmouth, Arlington, Williamsburg, Luray, and Leesburg

Virginia Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

Intimate Wedding Photography in Virginia - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best Virginia 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 Virginia 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, Virginia documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings and elopements can’t wait. Find yours today!

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

Virginia Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Virginia 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, secret, themed, 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.

35 Virginia Wedding Photographers...

Studio portrait of Brittany Diliberto, an elopement and wedding photographer | Bee Two Sweet Photography

Drawing from her background in professional lighting design, Brittany Diliberto, an East Coast USA-based photographer, applies a documentary approach to her visual storytelling. Through her artistic lens, she skillfully captures spectacular moments, creating a visual...

4250 (USD)
Xiaoqi Li - Artistic wedding and engagement photographer

Xiaoqi Li is a destination wedding photographer who is dedicated to capturing the genuine and meaningful moments of couples' special days. With a deep appreciation for the importance of photographs in preserving memories, she aims to provide peace of mind to her...

0 (USD)
Engagement Portrait Pro, Wedding and Elopement Photographer Johnny Shryock of the WPJA

Adopting a documentary approach, USA-based wedding photographer Johnny Shryock employs his storytelling talent to capture incredible moments since his own brother's wedding a decade ago. By establishing a genuine connection with couples, he creates a comfortable...

4250 (USD)
Megan Rei, Documentary Style Wedding Photographer

Known for her expertise in capturing heartfelt moments, Megan Rei is a wedding photojournalist from the Washington metropolitan area. With a background in dog photography, she brings a unique perspective to every wedding.

4000 (USD)
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Anastasiia Polyakov, of So Tender Is Humanity

Anastasiia Polyakov's documentary style, paired with her artistic eye, enables her to beautifully capture the essence of existence through wedding photography, memorializing moments with compassion and expression.

3500 (USD)
Color portrait of wedding photographer Lauren Barkume

A wedding photojournalist with a love for the Washington Metro Area, Lauren Barkume's passion for capturing nature's beauty and genuine emotions sets her images apart.

4990 (USD)
Mike Kropf Wedding Photography in the USA

Mike Kropf is a passionate Charlotte wedding photojournalist. Fueled by his love of camping and exploring, Mike discovered his passion for preserving memories through artful photography in the Middle East.

3000 (USD)
Portrait of wedding and elopement photographer Sarah Sta. Ana of Santa Ana Photography

Sarah Sta Ana is a documentary wedding photographer based in the Washington Metropolitan Area. With a love for storytelling, she has a knack for capturing raw, pure, and beautiful moments.

1800 (USD)

Heather Hughes Ostermaier, a Virginia wedding photographer, specializes in capturing unforgettable moments using a journalistic style. With her extensive background in photojournalism, she artfully and unobtrusively documents each wedding.

2999 (USD)
Emie McGee wedding photography studio - Emie's Photo LLC

Emie McGee, a skilled wedding photojournalist based in Lynchburg, VA, captures timeless moments with a unique editing style inspired by film photography. Trust her to make your wedding day memorable and stress-free.

3200 (USD)
Studio portrait of Wes Shinn - owner / wedding and elopement photography studio

Wes Shinn, a documentary wedding photographer with a decade of experience as a military photojournalist, beautifully documents every detail and narrative of your wedding, creating powerful and cherished memories.

3400 (USD)
Portrait of Amber Lamphere, a Wedding Photographer in Richmond, VA

Amber is a highly acclaimed wedding photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. With over ten years of experience in capturing beautiful wedding moments, her work has been featured in top wedding publications. Amber specializes in weddings in the greater Virginian area and...

4750 (USD)
Wedding photography by Michael Freas

Michael Freas is a photojournalistic wedding photographer. He puts the focus on your unique relationship, honoring all of those present. His commitment to stress-free joy, allowing couples to celebrate to the fullest, has made him one of the most reputable wedding...

Michael Freas

Asheville in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3800 (USD)

Neil Thurston is a destination wedding photographer who takes a documentary approach to storytelling through visual imagery. With a background in action sports photography and extensive international experience, Neil uses his unobtrusive style to capture the authentic...

Neil Thurston

Nags Head in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
500/hour (USD)
New England wedding and elopement photography by Christine Hochkeppel

Christine Hochkeppel, a New England documentary wedding photographer, brings a decade of experience in capturing weddings and has contributed to publications including Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Cape Cod Times, and the Boston Globe.

3675 (USD)
Kenneth Clapp, USA Creative Wedding Photography

With a passion for capturing moments in a journalistic style, Kenneth Clapp brings an unobtrusive approach to his work as a wedding photojournalist. He skillfully documents the emotions and moments of each couple's big day, ensuring their love story is told through...

Kenneth Clapp

Baltimore in Maryland, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3000 (USD)
Song Johns wedding and elopement photography of Blooming Dreams Photo

As a skilled wedding photojournalist, Song Johns, the creative genius behind Blooming Dreams Photo, specializes in capturing the intimate and authentic moments of couples and families.

Song Johns

Charlotte in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
2900 (USD)
A black and white portrait of wedding photographer Lacey Butler

Lacey Butler, a visual storyteller with a strong background in traditional photography, studio lighting, and English literature, has documented over 400 weddings. She takes a journalistic style approach, valuing authentic, heartfelt moments over staged ones.

Lacey Butler

Asheville in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
2000 (USD)
At Work Image of Wedding Photographer Ted Felsberg

Ted Felsberg

Mays Landing in New Jersey, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
5000 (USD)
Navarre wedding photography by Matt Kolf in Spain

With a background in art history and photography, Matt Kolf has established himself as a reputable documentary wedding photographer, renowned for his ability to document Catholic weddings in Spain and on the East Coast.

Matt Kolf

Washington DC in District Of Columbia, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3500 (USD)
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Natasha Lamalle

Natasha Lamalle takes a documentary approach to her photography, drawing on her fifteen years of experience as a journalist. With her keen eye and storytelling abilities, she skillfully captures the authentic and emotional moments of love.

4000 (USD)

Ken Pak is a Metro Capital DC area wedding photographer who captures the most natural once in a lifetime moments through his lenses. With unmatched creativity, dedication, and a professional attitude, he freezes wedding moments and makes them as beautiful as the couple...

Ken Pak

Washington DC in District Of Columbia, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3900 (USD)
Lifestyle Portrait of Wedding and Elopement Photographer Morgan O'Neil

Morgan O'Neil takes a documentary approach to her photography, skillfully capturing wedding moments with a camera. Specializing in vibrant coastal wedding photos, she uses her storytelling skills to create visually compelling images.

Morgan O'Neil

Baltimore in Maryland, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
4800 (USD)
Baltimore engagement wedding and elopement photography by Breanna Shaw

Using a journalistic approach, Breanna Shaw captures the essence of love and connection in her photography, making it her life's mission to share these moments with her clients.

Breanna Shaw

Reisterstown in Maryland, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3850 (USD)
Engagement, elopement, and wedding photography by Andrew Morrell

Andrew Morrell is a professional wedding photographer with a unique perspective. He has his own style, blending art and technology with his abiding love of music, and bringing an element of improvisation to the weddings and elopements he shoots.

Andrew Morrell

Cleveland in Ohio, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3600 (USD)
Colleen Stepanian - Documentary Wedding Photography

In her journalistic style, Colleen Stepanian, a visual storyteller and freelance photographer, captures poignant moments that preserve present reality for future nostalgia. She is driven by human connection, relationships, and vulnerability, embracing the responsibility to...

Colleen Stepanian

Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
4800 (USD)
Engagement Portraits, Elopements and Wedding Photography by Anji Martin Potok's - World Photography, LLC

In a journalistic style, Anji Martin, a visual storyteller, has been capturing moments with her camera since childhood. Specializing in wedding and elopement photography, she primarily serves couples in the Washington, DC, area but is available for destination weddings.

Anji Martin

Washington in District Of Columbia, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
4450 (USD)

In her own creative style, Mary Kate McKenna, a wedding photojournalist with 13 years of experience, captures the genuine moments that unfold during small weddings, courthouse weddings, and destination micro weddings, celebrating the union between two people.

Mary Kate McKenna

Frederick in Maryland, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
2500 (USD)

With a documentary approach and a passion for storytelling, Ryan Rayburn captures the moments and emotions of couples' weddings. Drawing on his nine years of experience as a photographer in newspapers, he applies his visual storytelling skills to create a comprehensive...

Ryan Rayburn

Bethesda in Maryland, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
2200 (USD)

Dan Harris is a US based wedding photographer with over 20 years experience working in newspapers. His lifelong affinity for photography was born when he was 8, learning about his mother's Kodak Brownie II camera. He has won several prestigious awards worldwide and has...

Dan Harris

Jacksonville in Florida, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
400/hour (USD)
BW wedding and elopement photography by Brian Mullins

Brian Mullins is a renowned Raleigh wedding photojournalist known for his unique visual arts experience and ability to capture intimate moments that evoke deep emotions.

Brian Mullins

Apex in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3499 (USD)
Susannah Stevens, a DC, VA, and MD wedding photographer of Studio Lifetime Lens

Susannah Stevens, a D.C. native with an MA in multimedia journalism, specializes in intimate weddings, micro-weddings, and elopements. She offers short-notice availability, prioritizing meaningful moments, and employs an open and collaborative approach for documentary-style...

1100 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Annalee Durland-Jones, a Boston, MA Wedding Photographer

Annalee Durland-Jones is a wedding photographer based in New England, specializing in authentic and sentimental moments. She discovered her passion for photography in high school and fell in love with capturing love stories. With a focus on storytelling, Annalee aims to...

Annalee Durland-Jones

Boston in Massachusetts, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
6000 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of wedding photographer Tom Waldenberg

Tom Waldenberg, a documentary wedding photographer hailing from the Eastern U.S., combines his artistic flair and passion for storytelling to immortalize the genuine emotions of wedding couples.

Tom Waldenberg

Raleigh in North Carolina, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
3000 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Aira Hickman, a family & wedding photographer

Dedicated Maryland photographer Aira Hickman, a loving mother and Navy veteran's wife, captures genuine moments with an organic approach. Passionate since picking up her first camera, she focuses on authenticity and making clients feel confident and loved.

Aira Hickman

Gambrills in Maryland, US *Now booking Virginia weddings.
880 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Virginia Couples

Virginia Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

Black and white wedding photo captured at Top of the Town in Arlington, VA, showcasing a groomsman clinking a glass of water to signal the kiss between the newlyweds.
A playful moment frozen in time at an elegant wedding venue, showcasing a curious young guest reaching towards a cooler filled with alcoholic beverage drinks at The Inn at Mount Vernon Farm in Virginia.
A candid moment captured during a wedding at Blue Hill Farm in Waterford, VA, with a lone guest framed in the empty space of a hanging seating chart, adding a touch of intrigue to the image.
A touching moment in black and white captured at Birkby House in Leesburg, VA, as the groom's mother warmly embraces the bride, welcomed into the family after the ceremony on their wedding day.
Emotional moment at The Estate at River Run, Maidens VA, as the mother assists the bride with her gown - a tender black and white shot from the wedding day.
A beautiful black and white image of a groom spinning his bride in the rain on their wedding day at The Estate at River Run in Maidens, VA. The couple shares a romantic and tender dance together under the falling raindrops.
A striking wedding photo of groom and groomsmen in deep forest green suits posing with cigars at Poplar Springs Manor in Warrenton, VA, surrounded by lush trees creating a sophisticated and timeless image.
A romantic moment captured at Zion Springs in Hamilton, VA as the newlyweds toast with champagne spray under a starry night sky on their wedding day.
At Whitehall Estate in Bluemont, VA, the bride's dog steals the show during bridesmaid's toast, captured in a unique low-angle shot on the wedding day.
At their fall engagement session at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Virginia, the couple stands above a sea of beautiful pink and white flowers.
A unique and fun wedding photo at Irvine Estate in Virginia, featuring the groom and his entire bridal party holding light sabers for a night time group shot, capturing a joyful party atmosphere at a Star Wars wedding celebration.
In Virginia at Poplar Springs Manor in Warrenton, the bride playfully smashes cake into the groom's face, causing it to fall off as they both share a joyous laugh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can couples find top-ranked Virginia wedding photographers?
A: The WPJA created the original wedding photographer ranking systems. Our innovative system is based on contest winning points, meaning that the Virginia 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: How can couples find Virginia photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for Virginia 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 Virginia wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top Virginia 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
Jola Mulder, of Overijssel, is a wedding photographer for
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...Read more
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
WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO ELOPE? If you look up the definition of “elope” in the Merriam-Webster dictionary , you’ll find a plethora of meanings making it quite clear how polarizing the word has become, and how it has transformed and evolved with the passage of time and...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND Virginia WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Wedding image from Celebrations At the Reservoir, Richmond, Virginia, USA

Anna & Justin

Photo by Xiaoqi Li

Xiaoqi: We wanted to thank you for your exceptional service especially how challenging 2020 turned out to be. Your small trinkets (the unexpected cookies!) made getting married a delightful process. We were on the fence about having a wedding and now that we have done it, we are so glad we made the choice to proceed. You were an enormous part of our pleasant, beautiful, amazing experience. Thank you. Love, Anna & Justin

Bride and groom reception dancing image from the Washington Golf & Country Club Venue, Arlington, VA

Liz & Cameron

Photo by Xiaoqi Li

Xiaoqi, Cameron and I cannot thank you enough for making our wedding day so special and capturing it all beautifully. Many of our guests commented on how kind, talented and helpful you were. You made everyone posing feel comfortable in front of the lens, which can be a tough task for a photographer I'd imagine! We will definitely recommend you to others as more of our friends and family get married. Can't wait for the big reveal and maybe we will see you down in Charlottesville! -Lizzy

Laura & Bryan

Photo by Heather Hughes Ostermaier

Hi Heather! Thank you!! We are so excited to see the pictures. Thanks you so much for being a part of our day and capturing all our special moments. We will treasure these forever. Feel free to share any photos you'd like. Thank you again so much! I hope that one day our paths might cross again. Until then, I wish you and your family all the best!