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Washington DC Wedding Photographers

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Washington DC Wedding Photographers

Our Washington DC photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: District of Columbia, United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., Federal Capital City, Federal District, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool

Washington DC Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

Intimate Wedding Photography in Washington DC - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best Washington DC 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 boutique, non-traditional, unique, or at-home wedding.

By planning a simple Washington DC 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, Washington DC documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings can’t wait. Find yours today!
Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards
The small wedding was held at the Town Hall and was attended by only a few close family and friends
David Pullum
On the nearby beach, a couple having a small wedding enjoyed a stunning sunset and captured beautiful portrait images in the ice-cold wind
Christelle Rall
A small beach wedding with the bride walking barefoot in the ocean tides, making memories in a romantic portrait session
Federico Pannacci

Washington DC Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Washington DC 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 justice of the peace, town hall, minimony, 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.

26 Washington DC Wedding Photographers...

Ken Pak, a wedding storyteller known for his documentary approach, captures the authentic moments of love with his camera, creating stunning visuals that tell a compelling story.

Ken Pak

Washington DC in District Of Columbia, US
115
39
3900 (USD)
Navarre wedding photography by Matt Kolf in Spain

Matt Kolf, a seasoned wedding photojournalist with a keen eye for capturing intimate moments, has made a name for himself in the world of Catholic weddings in Spain and the East Coast.

Matt Kolf

Washington DC in District Of Columbia, US
7
1
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.

Natasha Lamalle

Washington DC in District Of Columbia, US
18
5
80
3950 (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 Washington DC weddings.
3
25
4450 (USD)
Shaun Baker - Wedding Photographer and Couple Portrait Professional

USA-based wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer, Shaun Baker, turned to photography after graduating college. With a background in video, he captured his first wedding in 2009, specializing in artistic wedding portraits.

Shaun Baker

San Diego in California, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
100
11
2900 (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.

Anastasiia Polyakov

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
29
64
3500 (USD)
Studio portrait of wedding and elopement photographer Erica Dietz

Employing a documentary approach, Erica Dietz weaves her storytelling abilities with a keen eye for the visual. Specializing in capturing candid moments, she brings artistry and thoughtful composition to each wedding she photographs.

Erica Dietz

Slippery Rock in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
44
2
1
4000 (USD)
Megan Rei, Documentary Style Wedding Photographer

With a passion for storytelling through images, Megan Rei is a documentary wedding photographer based in the Washington metropolitan area. Combining her experience in dog photography with her love for traveling, Megan strives to create a visual narrative that captures...

Megan Rei

Bristow in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
8
2
36
4000 (USD)
BW studio portrait of Xiaoqi Li, an 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...

Xiaoqi Li

Charlottesville in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
49
2
3
5
0 (USD)
Michael Freas, a Wedding and Engagement Photographer

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 Washington DC weddings.
66
3
30
3800 (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.

Emie McGee

Lynchburg in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3
5
2500 (USD)
Studio portrait of engagement, wedding and elopement photographer Scott Josuweit

Scott Josuweit, a wedding photojournalist based in the USA, skillfully and artistically captures significant moments, providing a genuine and memorable experience for each couple.

Scott Josuweit

York in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
29
120
3500 (USD)
Studio portrait of Brittany Diliberto, an elopement and wedding photographer | Bee Two Sweet Photography

In her work as a visual storyteller, Brittany Diliberto, an East Coast USA-based photographer, skillfully captures breathtaking moments through a journalistic style, artistic angles, and a touch of inspiration. With a background in professional lighting design, she...

Brittany Diliberto

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
164
1
105
4250 (USD)
Kenneth Clapp, USA Creative Wedding Photography

Kenneth Clapp is an experienced US-based wedding photographer with an eye for visual arts and storytelling. Specializing in wedding photojournalism and bold photography, he has shot an average of 20 weddings per year, gaining experience from internships with recognized...

Kenneth Clapp

Baltimore in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
26
5
3000 (USD)
Engagement Portrait Pro, Wedding and Elopement Photographer Johnny Shryock of the WPJA

USA-based wedding photographer Johnny Shryock has been documenting incredible moments since his own brother's wedding, ten years ago. He puts couples at ease, building a connection with them that allows him to capture the special moments of their wedding day.

Johnny Shryock

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
132
52
4250 (USD)
Lifestyle 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.

Lauren Barkume

Alexandria in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4
13
4990 (USD)
Lifestyle Portrait of Wedding and Elopement Photographer Morgan O'Neil

Morgan O'Neil is a skilled wedding and engagement photographer, specializing in vibrant coastal wedding photos. With 8 years of experience in capturing authentic and candid moments, Morgan also enjoys taking film photos in her free time and loves boating, skiing, and...

Morgan O'Neil

Baltimore in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4
1
1
5000 (USD)
Portrait of wedding and elopement photographer Sarah Sta. Ana of Santa Ana Photography

Sarah Sta Ana is a wedding photojournalist in the Washington Metropolitan Area. With a passion for storytelling, she captures raw, pure, and beautiful moments. Her background in non-profits has shaped her approach to photography, and she continually hones her skills in...

Sarah Sta Ana

Aldie in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3
1
8
1800 (USD)
Engagement, elopement, and wedding photography by Andrew Morrell

In his journalistic style, Andrew Morrell, a visual storyteller, captures unique moments that blend art and technology, inspired by his love of music and improvisation at the weddings and elopements he photographs.

Andrew Morrell

Cleveland in Ohio, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
23
1
1
16
3600 (USD)

Kevin Quinlan, a wedding photojournalist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Art/Photography, utilizes a journalistic style to capture genuine moments. With his commercial experience, including esteemed clients like The University of Delaware, he expertly documents real...

Kevin Quinlan

Newark in Delaware, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
1
5
2250 (USD)
A black and white portrait of William West - A Documentary Wedding Photographer

In 2006, William West began his career as a professional photographer, branching out to documentary wedding photography. He has photographed over 650 weddings around the world, making use of his diverse skills in business development, graphic design, and art.

William West

in New Jersey, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
7
3850 (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 Washington DC weddings.
2200 (USD)
Studio portrait of Wes Shinn - owner / wedding and elopement photography studio

Wes Shinn, a seasoned wedding photojournalist with a decade of experience as a military photojournalist, expertly captures the essence and emotions of your wedding day, creating unforgettable memories.

Wes Shinn

Chesapeake in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3400 (USD)
Weddings by Ryan & Kate for elopements and marriage photography - Portrait of Ryan Howard Sigesmund

Ryan Howard Sig is a talented wedding photojournalist whose keen eye for storytelling brings an intimate and candid approach to every image he captures.

Ryan Howard Sigesmund

Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
1
3000 (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...

Amber Lamphere

Lynchburg in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
1
4750 (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 Washington DC weddings.
999 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Washington DC Couples

Washington DC Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

Bride and her father walking down the aisle in St. Aloysius Church, surrounded by the beautiful architecture of Gonzaga High School on wedding day in Washington, DC.
In Washington D.C., a WPJA professional captures a charming embrace during an engagement session as the couple shares a tender kiss in their backyard garden, surrounded by rustic wood fencing.
At the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, DC, the bride and groom pose in the hauntingly empty Farragut North Metro station during an ice storm.
Washington, D.C. - A groomsmen at St. Regis Hotel gently escorts the bride through light rain on her way to the wedding.
Washington DC, United States - The newly married couple shares a romantic kiss after their wedding ceremony at District Winery.
14th Street, Washington, D.C. - A shot captured during the pre-wedding photo session of a couple holding hands and strolling through the vibrant streets of the nation's capital.
A portrait of a couple, framed by the windows of an urban venue, taken at the Crimson Whiskey Bar in Washington DC.
The couple's reflection captured at the Planet Word Museum in Washington DC in front of the Word Wall.
Karaoke fun at Planet Word Museum in Washington DC as the newlyweds take the mic and sing their hearts out with lyrics projected on the screen behind them.
An engaged couple poses for their portrait at the Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC. They appear in reflected form with a flat disc Earth in the background.
Engagement portrait in Washington DC shows a playful couple holding hands while crossing the road. Happy and excited expressions captured.
Engaged couple standing in front of a kaleidoscope at the Museum of Illusion with their faces in black and white.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small Washington DC 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 Washington DC wedding day by.
Q: Who are the best Washington DC wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top Washington DC 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: How can couples find Washington DC photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for Washington DC 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.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
jperlman elk cove inn ceremony
Top 4 Types of Small Weddings to Make Your Day Truly Yours
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
Jola Mulder, of Overijssel, is a wedding photographer for
Bringing it Home: The Joys of a Backyard Wedding
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
An Unforgettable Romance: The Intimacy of an Elopement
While some people live for the hustle and bustle of a big wedding with extravagant décor and an impossibly long guest list, others find these kinds of weddings to be too much hoopla, preferring instead something simpler and quieter, allowing for more intimacy between them...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 Washington DC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Amanda & David

Photo by William West

You were very responsive and flexible. Your eye and style are fantastic and you are very calm and collected. Since the day we booked over the phone long distance, you made us feel very confident and relaxed in choosing your service. We saw preview photos the very next day and we LOVE them. Your value is excellent and I highly recommend you to anyone. We can't wait to see the rest of the photos!

View Photographer
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

View Photographer
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

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.