Chicago Wedding Photographers

Chicago Wedding Photographers

Our Chicago photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Cook County, Chicagoland, Lake Michigan, Great Lakes, Cicero, Oak Park, Berwyn, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, River Forest, Lincolnwood, Lyons, Maywood, River Grove, Summit, Burbank, Evergreen Park, Norridge, Melrose Park

Chicago Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

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

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

Chicago Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Chicago 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.

Illinois WPJA members are ready to document any pop-up, city hall, justice of the peace, 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.

13 Chicago Wedding Photographers...

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

Madi Ellis, a wedding photojournalist based in the USA, is dedicated to capturing love stories with genuine emotion, texture, and connection. Her background in acting helps her create honest and unique images that truly represent couples.

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

In the journalistic-style approach, Milan Lazic, a visual storyteller and owner of WS Photography, discovered his passion for images while in high school. A momentous occasion at age 18, capturing his first wedding with an analog camera, sparked his desire to delve into the...

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)
Jason Kaczorowski, Destination Wedding Photography - USA

With a wealth of expertise as a wedding photojournalist, Jason Kaczorowski has spent over 18 years honing his skills, documenting over 650 weddings. His ability to immortalize meaningful moments ensures cherished memories for years to come.

3900 (USD)
Weddings, engagements and elopement photography by Kevin Kienitz

Kevin Kienitz

Aurora in Illinois, US *Now booking Chicago weddings.
3000 (USD)
Chicago, Chicagoland and IL Suburb wedding and elopement photography by Rue Pattison

Rue and Bryan Pattison, a dynamic duo in the world of wedding photography, are known for their documentary-style approach. As skilled photographers and storytellers, they skillfully capture the raw emotions and candid moments.

Rue Pattison

Mokena in Illinois, US *Now booking Chicago weddings.
3900 (USD)
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 *Now booking Chicago weddings.
3000 (USD)
Documentary wedding photography by Taber Lacie

Taber Lacie is a traveling USA based wedding photographer, with a background as a former EMT and a self-proclaimed photography nerd. Her passion for photography began at a young age and she started in the wedding industry as an assistant photographer at the age of 16.

Taber Lacie

West Bend in Wisconsin, US *Now booking Chicago 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 Chicago weddings.
450/hour (USD)
Wedding and Elopement Photographer Rosina DiBello

As a documentary wedding photographer with more than 20 years of experience, Rosina DiBello is a master at capturing the raw emotions and beautiful moments of weddings.

Rosina DiBello

Deerfield Beach in Florida, US *Now booking Chicago weddings.
3500 (USD)
Laura Alpizar - Wedding Photographer

Laura Alpizar is an experienced wedding photographer with over 9 years of experience. She draws her inspiration from her father's work in photojournalism and was born and raised in Costa Rica.

Laura Alpizar

Richfield in Minnesota, US *Now booking Chicago weddings.
4500 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Chicago Couples

Chicago Wedding Elopement Photography - WedElope

View WedElope Image Galleries by Chicago Wedding Photographers from Small Events and Intimate Elopements.

Chicago Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

A timeless black and white photograph capturing a bride and groom under a beautiful arch in Chicago, highlighting the intricate architecture.
A joyful wedding party getting ready in a beautiful room at Firehouse Chicago, filled with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming ceremony.
A stunning first dance wedding photo captured at the iconic Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago, showcasing the epitome of classic Chicago style in Illinois.
Modern, stylish, and contemporary, this award-winning wedding day portrait captures a couple in Chicago, surrounded by autumn leaves, about to share a loving kiss with joyous smiles.
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.
An artistic wedding photographer captures the intricate details of wedding rings against the rustic backdrop of a roaring fireplace at a cozy Chicago winery, embracing the romantic ambiance with warm bokeh circles.
In this award-winning wedding image at Union Station in Chicago, IL, a couple basks in their love, framed by vibrant tall columns.
An award-winning wedding photographer captures the scene as the bride, flanked by her parents, gracefully walks down the aisle at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. The golden sun casts long shadows, creating an enchanting ambiance.
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.
A playful couple shares a kiss at Winnemac Park in Chicago, IL, in a creative pre-wedding engagement portrait. The soft purple translucent screen adds a unique element to the composition.
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the best Chicago wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top Chicago 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: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago wedding day by.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
We all know that the economy can go through some hard times, and be somewhat reminiscent of past recessions. However, as people cut back on non-essential little luxuries here and there, one constant remains: weddings. People don’t tend to just stop getting married due to a...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
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 Chicago 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!!

Alexis & Pat

Photo by Steve Koo

You were the best wedding vendor decision we made! You were always prompt, responsive to my suggestions and questions, and I never worried that he would fail to catch a critical moment. I have received countless compliments on our wedding and engagement photos. I wouldn't hesitate to use you in the future or recommend you to anyone in need of a photographer.,

Stoney Creek, La Crosse, Wisconsin Wedding Photo of couple toasing in the woods

Chelsea + Robert

Photo by Taber Lacie

I cannot thank you enough for capturing our wedding! The pictures are gorgeous - it's going to be SO difficult narrowing down which ones to print! (limited wall space, you know) You are amazing - keep it up!