Illinois Wedding Photographers

Illinois Wedding Photographers

Our Illinois photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Aurora, Joliet, Rockford, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin, Bloomington, Champaign, Chicago

Illinois Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

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

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

Illinois Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Illinois 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 secret, pop-up, town hall, 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.

18 Illinois 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)

With a documentary approach, Jason Brown, a wedding photographer based in Chicago IL, aims to tell captivating stories through his visual storytelling. Jason's expertise in this field stems from his background as a news photographer, ensuring that his photographs tell...

4750 (USD)

Noelle Adams, a talented visual storyteller with a journalistic style, is passionate about capturing the heartfelt moments that define a couple's wedding day. With her documentary approach to storytelling and authentic perspective, she weaves together images that...

4500 (USD)

Steve Koo is an award-winning wedding photographer based in Chicago, IL. With an artist's eye, Steve pursues wedding photojournalism with a passion that is strongly influenced from his background of fine art photography. He skillfully captures unforgettable memories...

3900 (USD)

Peter Pawinski is an experienced wedding photojournalist whose passion lies in capturing the intimate and candid moments of his client's wedding day. With a background in photojournalism and a portfolio that includes publications like The New York Times and Business...

2500 (USD)
Chicago, Chicagoland and IL Suburb wedding and elopement photography by Rue Pattison

With a passion for weddings, Rue and Bryan Pattison are Chicago's premier wedding photojournalists. Their years of experience and expertise allow them to beautifully capture the intimate moments between couples, telling their unique love stories.

3900 (USD)
Jason Kaczorowski, Destination Wedding Photography - USA

A seasoned documentary wedding photographer, Jason Kaczorowski brings more than 18 years of experience to his craft, adeptly capturing over 650 weddings. His talent lies in creating timeless memories that encapsulate the essence of each relationship.

3900 (USD)
Elopements by Top Wedding Photographer Justin Edmonds

Justin Edmonds, with 14 years of experience as a photojournalist, has worked for notable clients such as Getty Images, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. Having shot over 130 weddings and elopements, his expertise and skill make him a sought-after wedding and...

Justin Edmonds

Denver in Colorado, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
4800 (USD)
Wedding photography and elopements by Ray Iavasile of Michigan

Ray Anthony Iavasile is a Michigan based wedding photographer renowned for his documentary style and passion to capture the "decisive moment". He has ranked in the Top 50 wedding photojournalists worldwide and is the premier wedding photojournalist for Michigan.

Ray Iavasile

Birmingham in Michigan, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
3000 (USD)
Documentary wedding photography by Taber Lacie

Taber Lacie, a self-proclaimed photography nerd and former EMT, is now a wedding photojournalist capturing authentic moments with her unique documentary style.

Taber Lacie

West Bend in Wisconsin, US *Now booking Illinois 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 Illinois weddings.
450/hour (USD)
Pro documentary-style wedding photography by Bradley Hanson

Bradley Hanson is a professional wedding photographer with 24 years of experience, covering celebrations as small as 6 guests. His acclaimed work has earned him work in ad campaigns for Amazon and Sony Ericsson, as well as been featured in multiple magazines.

Bradley Hanson

St. Paul in Minnesota, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
5000 (USD)
Wedding and Elopement Photographer Rosina DiBello

Rosina DiBello is a destination wedding photographer who has been shooting weddings for over 20 years. With the help of mentors and her natural creativity, Rosina has developed a unique style of capturing reality with a sense of humor, making her a sought after photographer.

Rosina DiBello

Deerfield Beach in Florida, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
3500 (USD)
Destination wedding photography by Ferdy Martinus

Ferdy Martinus is an experienced wedding photographer with 25 years of storytelling through pictures and videos. He received formal photography training from the New York Institute of Photography and has shot around 400 weddings in the US Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin...

Ferdy Martinus

Minneapolis in Minnesota, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
1750 (USD)
Laura Alpizar - Wedding Photographer

With a documentary approach to her craft, Laura Alpizar intertwines storytelling and visual techniques to portray the essence of weddings. Having grown up in Costa Rica, she brings a distinct perspective to her work, ensuring captivating visuals that unfold meaningful...

Laura Alpizar

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

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Illinois Couples

Illinois Wedding Elopement Photography - WedElope

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

Illinois Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

A stunning first dance wedding photo captured at the iconic Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago, showcasing the epitome of classic Chicago style in Illinois.
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.
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.
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.
In this beautiful wedding day photo captured in Chicago, Illinois, the bride and her father are the focal point as they watch the heartwarming mother/son dance, a moment of love and joy.
During a wedding reception at Skokie Country Club in Glencoe, Illinois, a touching moment unfolds as the groom gracefully dances with his mother, showcasing their deep bond.
A talented wedding photographer captured this award-winning photo during a reception in Chicago, Illinois. The image shows the couple happily dancing to the music before going inside to celebrate their special day.
Romantic silhouette of a couple sharing a tender kiss beneath a breathtaking sunrise at North Avenue Beach in Chicago, IL
A couple in Chicago, IL held hands during their off-centered portrait session on their wedding day, capturing the foggy haze and the scenic backdrop of the city's skyline at Milton Lee Olive Park.
Groomsmen and the groom strike a pose for a creative wedding portrait at Ewing Manor in Bloomington, IL, with a unique mirror reflection of the sky and trees beneath them
A wedding photojournalist captured the moment the newlywed couple at their wedding reception in Chicago Winery, reacting with joy as the sister of the bride presented them with a photo during a toast. This image received a WPJA Honor Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the best Illinois wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top Illinois 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 reviews of Illinois wedding photographers?
A: We call them Client Letters. At the WPJA, we decided more than 20 years ago to avoid incorporating those third-person testimonials and endorsements that are found all too often in advertisements. Instead, we elevated our listings with the use of Client Letters, which represent the actual words and feelings of the clients who booked those Illinois wedding photographers for their own wedding.
Q: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small Illinois 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 Illinois wedding day by.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
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
Jola Mulder, of Overijssel, is a wedding photographer for
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
Not everyone has a lagoon or glacier next door, but there's no rule saying you can't have a small wedding in the great outdoors. Take advantage of natural sunshine and that open, airy feeling and give your guests some room to breathe! LESS IS MORE Instead of hemming your...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND Illinois WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Picture from the end of an outdoor ceremony in Madison, by a Wisconsin wedding photographer

Angela + Ian

Photo by Taber Lacie

Taber! Wow! The photos are incredible!!!!! I’m crying looking at them! You captured so many precious moments, and I have no idea how you were everywhere at the same time! You are a ninja! I love them all so much! I can’t thank you enough for your gorgeous images and making our day one we will never forget! Thank you for saying I’d regret not getting photos because you’re absolutely right, especially after seeing these!!!! I will recommend you to everyone I know and would love to use you in the future! You’re wonderful to work with, super fun, you wear Rothy’s, and are a real artist! Thank you for everything!

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

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!