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Philadelphia Wedding Photographers

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Philadelphia Wedding Photographers

Our Philadelphia photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Center City, South Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, Lower North Philadelphia, Upper North Philadelphia, River Wards, Roxborough-Manayunk, Germantown-Chestnut Hill, Olney-Oak Lane, Near Northeast Philadelphia, and Far Northeast Philadelphia

Philadelphia Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

Intimate Wedding Photography in Philadelphia - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best Philadelphia photographers specializing in intimate marriages. Couples are embracing the trend of smaller, more meaningful celebrations. Let our talented photographers capture the happiness and closeness of your symbolic, romantic, outdoor, or at-home wedding.

By planning a simple Philadelphia elopement, couples are able to stay present in the moment and fully absorb the impact of their wedding day. With many couples feeling more comfortable and relaxed in intimate settings, it is not surprising that some of the most sincere and touching wedding photos are captured at smaller celebrations.

The WPJA has an abundance of top-ranked, Philadelphia documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings can’t wait. Find yours today!
Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards
The couple shares a heartfelt moment in the rain, blurring the lines between raindrops and tears. A unique wedding experience.
Seven Tao
The blended family of bride and groom and their four daughters sang a hymn at the small chapel wedding ceremony
Cindy Brown
The couple asked their best friend to officiate their small wedding, which led to plenty of laughter and tears as they stood with their friend and watched her sign the marriage license
Darren Hendry

Philadelphia Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Philadelphia 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.

Pennsylvania WPJA members are ready to document any town hall, small, city hall, or any other type of elopement wedding, even if it is a Monday-Thursday ceremony. Search for the “Can Shoot Weddings on Short Notice!” message on the listings below.

View Award-Winning Pictures from Philadelphia Wedding Venues

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8 Philadelphia Wedding Photographers...

Studio portrait of John Ryan, wedding photographer of J&J Studios, LLC

With a background in documentary photography, John Ryan of J&J Studios is an exceptional wedding photographer who has been immersed in the art of capturing love stories since 2011.

John Ryan

Lafayette Hill in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Philadelphia weddings.
22
93
3800 (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
3
4800 (USD)

In a journalistic style, Peter Doyle, an experienced US wedding photographer, has spent 20 years capturing moments for magazines, corporations, and documentary projects. His work has been exhibited in the US and Europe, and even included in the prestigious Philadelphia...

Peter Doyle

Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, US
9
1
2300 (USD)
Lifestyle Portrait of Kimberly Kunda Wedding Photographer During Fall

With a photography background rooted in her parents, Kimberly Kunda is an exceptional documentary wedding photographer in the Eastern USA. Her dedication and passion have shaped her career, producing countless captivating articles and prints.

Kimberly Kunda

Morrisville in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Philadelphia weddings.
3
3000 (USD)
Casey Fatchett Wedding Photography

With a documentary approach, Casey Fatchett tells stories through his visual skills. Unobtrusive and capturing honest moments, his photography is filled with emotions and brings out the true essence of each wedding.

Casey Fatchett

New York in New York, US *Now booking Philadelphia weddings.
9
3
1
43
3300 (USD)
Engagement Portraits, Elopements and Wedding Photography by Anji Martin Potok's - World Photography, LLC

With a documentary approach to storytelling, Anji Martin, a visual, has been documenting life with a 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 Philadelphia weddings.
3
25
4450 (USD)
Wedding and Elopement Photography by Kate Hagerty

Drawing from her experience in fine art framing, photojournalism, and acting, Kate Hagerty is a documentary wedding photographer who skillfully tells the story of couples on their wedding day.

Kate Hagerty

Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Philadelphia weddings.
1
3
2
3000 (USD)
Rylan Lott Wedding Photographer: Expertly documenting the romance, laughter, and tears of your special day with skill and artistry.

Wedding photographer Rylan Earle-Lott specializes in photojournalistic style captures in the Greater Philadelphia region. With a focus on authentic connections and candid moments, Rylan excels in documenting unique and unconventional celebrations that showcase the...

Rylan Earle Lott

Westampton in New Jersey, US *Now booking Philadelphia weddings.
7
23
3650 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Philadelphia Couples

Philadelphia Wedding Elopement Photography - WedElope

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

Philadelphia Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

Captured amidst the bustling city streets of Philadelphia, this pre-wedding engagement session showcases the joy and love of a couple strolling along the iconic Broad Street median. In black and white, their laughter radiates above the urban streets.
A touching moment between a mother and son captured at the Switch House by Cescaphe Philadelphia, PA wedding reception venue illuminated by romantic candlelight and elegant chandeliers.
A heartwarming moment captured as a groom and his father prepare for the big day, surrounded by the elegance of Switch House by Cescaphe in Philadelphia.
A wedding image captured at the elegant Switch House, featuring a couple on the grand staircase under a chandelier.
In Philadelphia, PA, the world-renowned Art Museum Steps provide a stunning setting for an engagement photo session. The double exposure captures the couple's love against a backdrop of City Hall and the charming old buildings of Love Park.
A couple is framed within pussywillow branches during a warm afternoon sunlight engagement portrait session at FDR Park. The rim lighting from the sun highlights the foreground plants, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.
A couple is silhouetted against the sunset at FDR Park, framed by a dramatic blue sky.
Engaged couple shares affectionate cuddle in Pennsylvania's Lincoln Financial Field in front of iconic Philadelphia Eagles logo, and lit by photographer.
Engaged couple poses on the iconic Eagles field at Lincoln Financial Field in Pennsylvania, expertly lit by the photographer.
A stunning image captured at the Merchant's Exchange building in Philadelphia features a dramatic spotlight illuminating the brides in a silhouette, after their intimate elopement.
In Philadelphia, PA, during a couple's pre-ceremony portrait session, one partner steals a kiss while the other laughs.
Engaged couple posed in front of vibrant artwork at Garage Passayunk bar in Philadelphia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia wedding day by.
Q: How can couples find Philadelphia photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for Philadelphia 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: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia wedding photographers who have earned Artistic Guild awards for portrait and detail images.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
Small Weddings - How to Budget and Save
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
Clean background in this photo of the bride walking into her mountain ceremony.
Adventure Wedding Elopements
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...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 Philadelphia WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

New York wedding photographer at Duck Walk Vineyard, Long Island

Suzanne and Ilya

Photo by Casey Fatchett

You and your entire crew were so phenomenal yesterday. Thank you so much for all your help and being so dedicated and helpful and cheerful and energetic. When the weather opened up out of nowhere, it was a shock and I didn't see how the day was going to turn around. But you guys made it so nice and put so much effort into getting us the shots we were hoping for despite the curveball. I just wanted to extend a big thank you and let you know how much we appreciated it.

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.