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 themed, quick, 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

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.

4450 (USD)
Portrait of wedding photographer Sarah Nader

Sarah Nader, a documentary wedding photographer, brings her expertise from a successful career in photojournalism. When she's not immersing herself in capturing cherished memories, Sarah enjoys exploring new destinations and experimenting in the kitchen.

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 is a professional wedding photographer with a photojournalism background. With over 13 years of experience shooting weddings and publications such as The New York Times, Business Week and the Chicago Tribune, he strives to truly capture the memories of his...

2500 (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)
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)
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

Leah Moyers, a traveling wedding and elopement photographer with a documentary approach, brings a Fine Arts background to her storytelling. Through her inclusive and authentic style, she captures the moments of love with her camera, producing visually stunning and unique...

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: How can couples find top-ranked Chicago wedding photographers?
A: The WPJA created the original wedding photographer ranking systems. Our innovative system is based on contest winning points, meaning that the Chicago 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 Chicago photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for Chicago 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 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.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
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
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
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

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND Chicago WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Couple listens to a speech at their wedding reception at the Tinsmith in Madison, Wisconsin

Chelsea + Chris

Photo by Taber Lacie

Taber, Thank you so much for being such an integral part of our special day and leaving us with memories we'll hold on to forever. Your style and personality were such a perfect fit for us. We hope you were happy to be a part of it too. All the best to you and your family! With love, C+C

Jessica & Christiaan

Photo by Steve Koo

You were absolutely wonderful! You were everything we were looking for in photgrapher- professional, creative, talented, hard worker etc. You really captured both the beautiful natural backdrop as well as everyones personalities so perfectly! Everyone I send the pictures to has the same response- WOW!!,

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!!