2024 Pre Wedding Couple Portraits - Diamond Awards

For two decades, the Wedding Photojournalist Association has been presenting awards to documentary photographers who showcase style, creativity and passion during their engagement portrait sessions.

Pre-wedding portrait shoots have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more couples being interested in having images to cherish from this special time in their lives. The best engagement photographers know that the environment for these portrait sessions is critical, as it plays a pivotal role in the story that is told. While on location, photographers need to have a creative eye — they should always be searching for details that can be incorporated into the portrait or a landscape that will set the mood. When the photographer works with the couple to uncover the perfect location, the couple will feel relaxed, happy and completely natural in that space. The end result is a set of breathtaking images that highlight their relationship in an artistic and expressive way.

From playful portraits on the beach to formal, black-and-white images, the WPJA Diamond Award winners below showcase the spectrum of possibilities that lie in the engagement portrait category. Here, you will find inspiration for an original engagement portrait session.

A couple portrait by a Raleigh wedding photographer, in which they share a snack at the NC state fair with a carousel behind them in a symmetrical frame, showcasing an artistic composition.

Tom Waldenberg

Engagement portrait of a couple in a photo session captured by a Nevsehir wedding photographer, with the woman's flowing yellow dress fanned out on the rocks in Goreme, Turkey.

Ufuk Sarisen

Couple embracing and looking lovingly at each other in Atalaia, AL - captured by a skilled wedding photographer.

Renner Boldrino

A Bozeman wedding photographer captures a couple in a river, wading in water and embracing. This image is a fine art portrait that beautifully showcases the couple's love and connection in a natural setting.

Charles Moll

Lifestyle couple portrait at Piney River Ranch, CO. The sun sets on the mountain range as a couple embraces in red attire that complements the mountains. They are prominently positioned left of the center of the frame, bathed in the photographer's light.

Trent Gillespie

In the bustling city of San Francisco, a couple shares a romantic kiss in the tranquil city park, illuminated by the golden urban sunlight.

Chris Shum

A heartwarming pre-wedding engagement portrait. Two brides-to-be embrace atop Cira Green in Philadelphia at twilight, enveloped in a Pride Flag, accentuating their silhouettes against the city lights.

Rylan Earle-Lott

Engaged couple in Estes Park, Co, enjoy the serene mountain surroundings as they bond over music, creating a heartfelt scene through an impromptu nature jam session with a guitar.

Sean Lara

A couple portrait taken by a Pittsburgh wedding photographer in Highland Park, PA. The serene session captures the couple enjoying the evening as the sun sets in the park. The image showcases a creative portrait session in privacy amidst nature.

Erin Ninehouser

Engagement portrait by a Brazil wedding photographer at Lago Negro in Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, capturing a couple enjoying a beautiful afternoon in the mountain city with romantic light.

Rogerio Frota dos Santos

Lifestyle couple portrait at Gatlosen showcasing future newlyweds in a winter wonderland. Against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the couple shares passionate kisses amidst fresh snow, beautifully highlighted by the photographer.

Jeremy Sauterel

An artistic engagement portrait captured by a Pyrénées wedding photographer in the mountains of France, showcasing a romantic black and white session.

Camille Demolliens

Creative portrait by a MA wedding photographer, Rockport, Headland: Medium shot of a couple holding hands and walking along a cliff path in Rockport, Massachusetts - a scenic embrace of nature.

Joanna Banks Morgan

In their engagement portrait against the iconic backdrop of the Bund in Shanghai, China, the couple radiates joy with tall buildings framing the shot.

Seven Tao

Captured in Boulder, CO, this engagement portrait shows a couple embracing under the morning sun in a meadow with a beautiful hillside view.

Nina Larsen Reed

Portrait of a couple by a Philadelphia wedding photographer, Quince St, PA: A creative image capturing a couple wrapped in love and foliage at their bw engagement on a historic street in Philly.

Rylan Earle-Lott

Creative couple desert pre-wedding shoot in the sand dunes captured by a Dubai wedding photographer, with the photographer's creative perspective through a pair of sunglasses revealing their silhouettes.

Geeshan Bandara

A lifestyle couple portrait captured at Vaughn Woods in Hallowell, Maine. The couple exudes tranquility as they sit on a ledge, in front of a gentle waterfall, wearing casual attire and projecting a composed and relaxed demeanor.

Sarah Gagnon

Lifestyle couple portrait at Finca Vikingos, Santa Barbara, Heredia, Costa Rica. Couple in the midst of a picturesque coffee plantation during golden hour, beautifully highlighted by the photographer. Face to face pose with sunlight softly streaming in.

Mauricio Urena

Fine art portrait of a couple kissing during sunset at Gillette Castle State Park captured by a CT wedding photographer, with a glowing frame around them and the trees in the background.

Thaddeus Ladzinski

In Atlanta, Georgia, this couple shares a second kiss on the cheek, surrounded by blooming trees and urban street mural art for their engagement portrait.

Cindy Brown

A portrait of a couple taken by a Scheveningen wedding photographer at the beach, in the Netherlands. On a lovely summer evening, the photographer captured this soon-to-be-married couple.

Judith Kuivenhoven

In a picturesque setting in La Rochelle on the Atlantic Coast of France, a couple toast champagne in a rustic picnic setting at sunset in a dry field.

Florent Fauqueux

Creative portrait by a Massachusetts wedding photographer, Rock Harbor Beach, Orleans - Side by side with joyous grins, the couple stands hand in hand, their laughter echoing the lightness of the sky behind them.

Ewerton Decastro

A creatively composed lifestyle couple portrait captured in Cappadocia, Turkey. Lost in their affection, the couple embraces amidst a horse stampede within a dry corral, creating a captivating image.

Ufuk Sarisen

A pre-wedding engagement portrait at Alsancak, Izmir, Turkey, beautifully composed by the photographer. The image depicts a couple holding hands against a backdrop of a blue sky, below a statue tower showcasing horses with riders preparing for battle.

Ufuk Sarisen

Lifestyle couple portrait at Mount Falcon Trailhead: A couple gazes intently into each other's eyes amidst a sunset backdrop, enveloped by the enchanting sight of small, luminous bugs swirling around them. The composition is left of center-framed.

Lexus Reynolds

A pre-wedding shoot by a Hertfordshire wedding photographer in Kimpton Woods, England. A creative portrait of a couple sitting on logs in the woods, captured with an off-camera flash for a beautifully lit and stunning image.

Neil Pleasants

Couple engagement portrait by a Rhone wedding photographer in Monsol, La Roche D'Ajou, France - a stunning setting in the high Beaujolais, with romantic afternoon sunlight.

Tommy Loska

Embracing at Colorado College, this monochromatic portrait captures the couple huddled together as sunlight illuminates their faces, radiating a vintage vibe.

Liam Gordon

Indoor couple portrait captured during a romantic window session at the future bride and groom's home in Lyon.

Castille Alma

Couple portrait by an Alagoas wedding photographer, Marechal Deodoro - AL. Couple smiling at the window of an old house.

Renner Boldrino

Artistic couple portrait by a Brasil wedding photographer capturing a duo playing guitar at sunset in a field at Topo do Mundo.

Victor Ataide

In the beautiful Fűvészkert botanical garden in Budapest, Hungary, this engaged couple is framed by lush tropical palm fronds, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere.

Attila Ancsin

Capturing the joy and playfulness of a couple in Beijing's Wudaoying Hutong, this engagement portrait session in a Chinese courtyard exudes fun and happiness.

Jianghui Feng

Portrait of a couple by a Lyon wedding photographer during a love session at the future bride and groom's residence.

Castille Alma

Lifestyle couple portrait at Albi, France, featuring a couple walking on a side rail over an industrial backdrop. The black and white image showcases a scene of bike racks on the sidewalk, beautifully highlighted by the photographer.

Loic Bourniquel

Lifestyle couple portrait at Haughley Park, Suffolk. An engagement shoot in the early summer evening. The couple stands facing each other, embracing gently. She playfully lifts one leg, captured by the photographer.

Neil Pleasants

At Penshurst Place, a pair shares a tender embrace against a natural backdrop. The groom lovingly hugs the bride from behind.

Andy Sidders

A black and white portrait session with vintage vibes capturing a couple embracing in front of a water tower in Phalsbourg, France.

Jonathan Gabel

A whimsical engagement portrait captured at Paris-Orsay Museum, with a vintage aesthetic. Their premonitory photo taken before their wedding ceremony adds a charming twist to their love story.

Marie Carbonnier

Fine art portrait of a Durham couple laughing and relaxed during their black and white engagement session in a forest setting by a Durham wedding photographer.

Tom Waldenberg

A stylish pre-wedding engagement portrait captured in the charming streets of Székesfehérvár. The couple is featured prominently in the frame as he gracefully kisses her hand while dropping to one knee.

Attila Ancsin

A couple shares a kiss on a rock at Arapaho National Forest, CO, with a breathtaking mountain view in the background, symbolizing their everlasting love.

Nina Larsen Reed

A couple preparing to tie the knot elegantly posed for their engagement portrait session in Harrisburg, PA. The silhouettes of the couple were captured against a picturesque garage door backdrop on City Island, illuminated by spotlights.

Scott Josuweit

At Kerpenhir Point, Morbihan, France, a couple of happy lovers are captured in autumn. Their smiles, laughter, and playful fun shine through the portrait session.

Benoit Mace

A beautiful engagement portrait of a couple strolling on Bill Point Beach, Morbihan, France. The setting is romantic and relaxing, giving off a calm and serene energy.

Benoit Mace

Chris Shum

A stunning sunrise in San Mark Square, Venice, captures the couple embraced by historic buildings in a wide-angle shot, creating a romantic and relaxed portrait session.

Carlo Bettuolo

A couple portrait captured by a Bath wedding photographer at Parade Gardens. The image shows the couple in a session of quiet connection, sitting and tenderly embracing and touching each other. This photo exudes a fine art vibe in BW.

Simon Biffen

Engaging portrait captured by a China wedding photographer at the Bund in Shanghai, showcasing a clear umbrella displaying the date for the couple—an artistic touch to their engagement photo.

Seven Tao

Engaging couple photographed by a Çanakkale wedding photographer in a vintage shot near a forest, capturing the afternoon light in a fine art composition.

Fatih Cinar

Captured against the stunning backdrop of the Bund in Shanghai, this portrait showcases the couple in a beautiful light, with smiles, laughter, and joyful playfulness.

Seven Tao

In a picturesque setting at Cape Cod Airfield, a couple takes a nostalgic walk beside a classic plane during the golden hour, symbolizing their timeless love.

Ewerton Decastro

Lifestyle couple portrait captured in Boulder, CO featuring a romantic stroll down a snow-coated trail against the backdrop of the majestic Flatirons, with hints of tall dry grass adding to the picturesque scene.

Nina Larsen Reed

Engagement portrait by a France wedding photographer in Beg Meil, a couple hugging on a small rock above water in romantic afternoon sunlight.

Nicolas Bastien

A romantic couple in Sarzana, Italy, share an intimate session in ruins, seen through a shattered window. A vintage black-and-white portrait captures their love beautifully.

Matteo Originale

A couple about to be wed posed for their engagement portrait session at Siam, showcasing their relaxed indoors dynamic as they posed back to back, with her attempting to feed him overhead.

Surasart Areear

A portrait capturing a couple kissing on a via ferrata, showcasing their adventurous spirit against the backdrop of Grenoble, France.

Florian Fauvarque

Fine art portrait of a couple backlit by the dramatic sunset in front of the Italian Dolomites, captured by an Italian wedding photographer in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Michele Agostinis

A captivating pre-wedding engagement portrait in the heart of Toulouse, France. Amidst the iconic red bricks, this city center picture showcases the couple's love as they stand illuminated by the golden sunlight.

Julie Schimel

In Phalsbourg, France, a couple embracing and laughing, captured in a black and white portrait session with a vintage feel.

Jonathan Gabel

A couple portrait captured by an England wedding photographer in Cassiobury Park, Watford, on a small foot bridge, standing hand in hand.

Andy Sidders

Lifestyle couple portrait at Estes Park, Co. A newly engaged couple poses with their cat during their engagement session. The white leashed cat is at the center, looking directly at the camera.

Sean Lara

A romantic portrait of the couple, set against the night view of Beijing city, captures their love at China International Trade Phase 3 Hotel.

Jianghui Feng

Captured in Bourne, Massachusetts, this engagement portrait showcases a couple in a joyful mid-air jump in their backyard, with nature enhancing their energy.

Ewerton Decastro

A couple poses for their engagement portrait against the backdrop of the iconic Bund in Shanghai, China. A pink "I DO" balloon adds a whimsical touch to the romantic scene.

Seven Tao

Sand Harbor State Park in Nevada provides a stunning backdrop as a couple embraces on the boulders of the shore of Lake Tahoe. Captured by a Nevada wedding photographer, this image showcases the beauty and romance of the couple in a natural setting.

Lauren Lindley

An engaged couple in Kansas City, Missouri, enjoyed a relaxing afternoon in a city park, posing for their engagement portrait session amidst nature's beauty, in black and white silhouettes and leaves enveloping them.

Deanna Johnson

A couple embraces in a captivating pose, basking in the vibrant autumn hues surrounding them, creating a serene and romantic ambiance for a pre-wedding engagement portrait in Fort Collins, CO.

Sean Lara

In Cappadocia, Turkey, this pre-wedding photo session captures the couple's vibrant energy with playful hip-check bumping, big smiles, laughter, and joy.

Ufuk Sarisen

A artistic and sentimental lifestyle couple portrait taken in Manchester, UK, at Whitworth Locke. The engaged bride and groom stand outside Room 217, the very spot where their engagement took place a year prior.

Andrew Heeley

A couple sits side by side amidst a row of low bushes in Alsancak, Izmir, Turkey for a pre-wedding portrait. The expansive blue sky serves as a backdrop while a bicyclist passes by.

Ufuk Sarisen

At their engagement portrait session, held at Tatai tó, the couple about to wed posed with the groom leaning against a large tree trunk while they lovingly embraced and smiled in the midst of the forest.

Attila Ancsin

In a romantic escape by the shores of Lake d'Aiguebelette in Savoie, a couple about to tie the knot strike a pose, caught in black and white, their faces illuminated by the soft light.

Emilie Roy

A creative portrait of a couple reflected in a mosaic-style round mirror on a wall, captured by a Cappadocia wedding photographer in Turkiye.

Derya Engin

Paris - Bagatelle gardens. A pre-wedding engagement session capturing a tender embrace between the couple in love amidst the beauty of nature.

Samantha Pastoor

At the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, a couple, silhouetted near a statue in front of a museum window, is captured in a monochromatic engagement portrait session, emitting a vintage elegance.

Alexis Pauwels

A black and white lifestyle couple portrait in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The couple is lying on a bench on their backs, facing opposite directions, while attempting to make eye contact with each other.

Bryan Aleman

Located in Porto Alegre RS, the Centro Cultural Usina do Gasômetro provides a stunning backdrop for this engagement portrait. The couple is captured enjoying a sweet pose by Guaíba Lake on a beautiful, hot day.

Rogerio Frota dos Santos

In the cozy foyer of the Stanley Hotel, nestled in Estes Park, Colorado, a couple sits together on a wooden bench for a relaxed and romantic portrait session.

Mark Creery

Lifestyle couple portrait at Guthries Tavern in Chicago, IL. Shot from outside looking through the window, the couple is captured enjoying a drink.

Sarah Nader

An artistic couple engagement portrait captured by a Cazorla wedding photographer in Spain, showing a couple kissing and framed by flowers in the soft afternoon light.

Pedro Volana

A couple engagement portrait captured by a France wedding photographer in Saint Martin de Ré, where the couple is having fun in the afternoon sunlight.

Camille Demolliens

Quartier Latin engagement session in the lovers' district captures the couple's love amidst the charming streets and historic architecture of Paris.

Samantha Pastoor

Creative engagement portrait by a Brasil wedding photographer in Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, capturing the couple's love in a fun and playful way with a giant red heart.

Rogerio Frota dos Santos

A couple portrait captured by a North Devon wedding photographer at Porlock Beach. The couple shares a laugh together as they stand near the beach, framed symmetrically by hills on each side with water behind them.

Simon Biffen

Cynthia Arena

A captivating lifestyle couple portrait at Flagstaff Mountain, Boulder, CO. The couple faces each other with laughter, surrounded by floating bubbles at dusk. The photographer expertly highlights the scene with strategically placed lighting.

Jason Johnson

A creative couple portrait taken by a Delhi wedding photographer at ITC Grand Bharat, Delhi, India, as they share a dance together, rolling and holding hands, with the sky as the limit for this amazing couple.

Ankita Asthana

A romantic shot capturing a couple's tender embrace in the empty Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, France, symbolizing their strong bond and love.

Elodie Micciche

Lifestyle couple portrait at Flagstaff Mountain, Boulder, CO. Couple poses against the picturesque Colorado Mountain backdrop at dusk, illuminated by a photographer's light creating striking silhouettes.

Jason Johnson

In the romantic town of Vals-les-Bains, France, a couple stands facing each other on a sweet spring evening, silhouetted between trees and bushes.

Camille Ravel

In this engagement portrait, a beautiful woman gazes lovingly at her fiancé through a delicate fishnet veil, set against a backdrop at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

Alexis Pauwels

Engagement portrait of a couple by a Jaén wedding photographer in Baeza, Spain. A couple kissing on train tracks, lying down and sitting - romantic afternoon light.

Rocio Sanchez

Engagement portrait of a couple captured by a Compiègne wedding photographer in a fine art style, beautifully illuminated by the romantic afternoon sunlight in the trees behind them.

Stephane Auvray

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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.