California - Central Wedding Photographers

California - Central Wedding Photographers

Our California - Central photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Fresno, Central Coast, Visalia, Tulare, Madera, Modesto, Merced, Porterville, Turlock

California - Central Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

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

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

California - Central Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small California - Central 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 DIY - do it yourself, pop-up, city 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.

View Award-Winning Pictures from California - Central Wedding Venues

20 California - Central Wedding Photographers...

California Couple Portrait Sessions and Wedding Photography by Stephanie Secrest

Stephanie Secrest is a California-based photographer with a Master's in photojournalism from Ohio University, as well as awards from prestigious contests like the Pictures of the Year competition.

Stephanie Secrest

Arroyo Grande in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3300 (USD)

Based in Visalia, CA, Gingi Freeman is a skilled wedding photojournalist who specializes in non-intrusive, documentary-style photography. With a background in art and storytelling, she captures real moments and raw emotions, allowing couples to fully immerse themselves in...

Gingi Freeman

Visalia in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
1400 (USD)
California wedding and elopement photographer Annie Bang

As a wedding photojournalist and creative engagement portrait photographer in California, Annie Bang brings a background as a former journalist and Associated Press reporter. With a focus on documenting real moments and emotions, she uses documentary and photojournalistic...

Annie Bang

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
2500 (USD)
California wedding photography by Brett Butterstein

Southern California-based wedding photojournalist Brett Butterstein combines his background in photojournalism and five years of newspaper photography experience to expertly capture the genuine beauty and emotion of weddings.

Brett Butterstein

Encinitas in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3500 (USD)
Gretchen Troop Photography Studio for Weddings, Elopements and Portraits

As a documentary wedding photographer, Gretchen Troop skillfully captures the essence of every couple's special day. With a background in Studio Photography, she has an eye for framing unique moments in picturesque locations.

Gretchen Troop

Boulder in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3000 (USD)
Wedding and elopement photography by Will Tee - SW Wedding Photo Studio

Will Tee is the co-founder of SW Photo Studio and is a passionate wedding photographer. He has experienced many different cultures across the world. These unique experiences have shaped him as an open-minded person, integrating his creative photography with the lessons life...

Will Tee

Taipei City, TW *Now booking California - Central weddings.
2000 (USD)
Weddings by Chris Shum, Life Photographer

Chris Shum has been passionate about art since he was a young boy. At age 15, he received his first camera and has been the designated photographer ever since. Chris became a professional photographer in 2007 and provides beautiful, story-telling photography of destination...

Chris Shum

Sunnyvale in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
4500 (USD)
Northern CA, Wedding Photography by Joyce Perlman, serving Carmel and Big Sur

Joyce Perlman, an elopement photographer, is a N. CA based wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer. With a background in fine art and visual design, she is known for her sophisticated blend of contemporary portraiture and documentary-style images.

Joyce Perlman

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
4500 (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 California - Central weddings.
3000 (USD)
Portrait of Loren Haar, Engagement, Elopement and Wedding Photographer

Loren Haar is a skilled traveling wedding photographer known for capturing authentic and emotional moments. With a background in documenting significant life events, Loren's passion for photography truly blossomed after learning manual mode.

Loren Haar

Ventura in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
2200 (USD)

Douglas Despres is a wedding photographer who has photographed over 600 events since 2002. With a background in photojournalism and experience shooting worldwide, Doug specializes in documentary-style shots with an emphasis on comfortable connections with family and guests.

Douglas Despres

Alameda in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
750/hour (USD)
Edeelin Labra, Northern CA wedding photography

Northern California wedding photographer Edeelin Labra has a deep love for photography that began long ago. What began as a hobby has become a passionate pursuit for many years. Taking pictures of family and friends was much more than just snapping a shutter - it was...

Edeelin Labra

Vallejo in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
2000 (USD)
California Documentary Wedding and Elopement Photography by Gina Clyne

Gina Clyne, a California wedding photographer, specializes in capturing formal portraits that reflect couples' personalities and documenting subtle and profound moments of the day with her gentle eye.

Gina Clyne

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
2100 (USD)
California wedding photography by Jonathan Young

Jonathan Young, a California coast photographer, combines 20 years experience, a photojournalist background, and a keen eye for detail, capturing the joy and emotion of each wedding day.

Jonathan Young

Palos Verdes Estates in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
5500 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Brittany Bender, a San Diego wedding photographer - Southern California WPJA

Brittany Bender is a San Diego-based wedding photographer known for her talent in capturing candid and emotional moments. With a passion for storytelling, Brittany aims to truthfully and artistically portray the unique experiences of each person she photographs.

Brittany Bender

San Diego in California, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3000 (USD)
Marla Manes, a PNW ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER in Seattle WA

Seattle-based Marla Manes, skilled in wedding photojournalism and portraiture, integrates values and sustainability. Creates comfort for exceptional photos.

Marla Manes

Seattle in Washington, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
5500 (USD)
Chris Rusanowsky self portrait of a wedding photographer in black and white

Chris Rusanowsky, a seasoned documentary wedding photographer, travels across the US to capture the unscripted moments that unfold during weddings. His images artfully document the love, joy, and connection between couples.

Chris Rusanowsky

Northlake in Texas, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
2500 (USD)
Portrait of Katharine Green from Katie Corinne Wedding Photography Studio

Katharine Green is a skilled Colorado documentary wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience. She and her associate, Jamie, have a passion for capturing the happiest moments in life, specializing in wedding, engagement, and proposal photography.

Katharine Green

Monument in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3000 (USD)
Portrait of Amber Depangher of Sightglass Photography Studio

Amber Depangher is a documentary wedding photographer with a vibrant portfolio spanning 20 years. With roots in high school and a leap of faith after college, Amber and her artistic husband form an eclectic duo, delighting clients with their distinct styles.

Amber Depangher

Portland in Oregon, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
500/hour (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Evie Felts, a wedding and elopement photographer

Evie Felts is a former high school Spanish teacher turned photographer for 5 years. She enjoys connecting with people worldwide, capturing intimate moments. Evie resides in southwest Colorado, balancing her photography with caring for her kids and exploring the mountains.

Evie Felts

Mancos in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Central weddings.
3000 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving California - Central Couples

California - Central Wedding Elopement Photography - WedElope

View WedElope Image Galleries by California - Central Wedding Photographers from Small Events and Intimate Elopements.

California - Central Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

One of the bridesmaids at a private house in Santa Barbara, California carefully sews her dress before the wedding ceremony, with the dresses elegantly hanging from the railing of the stairs
California Wedding Dance Party: Groomsmen having a blast in the 'photo booth', spicing up the celebration with party hats and fun photo props
A romantic portrait of a couple embracing in a Carmel by the Sea, California, love celebration, perfectly framed in a doorway
At Crazy Diamond Campground in Ventucopa, CA, the newlywed couple shared a special moment as they recessed their outdoor wedding ceremony
At Crazy Diamond Campground in Ventucopa, CA, wedding guests enjoyed the venue pool prior to the wedding ceremony in the desert
At Crazy Diamond Campground in Ventucopa, CA, the bride and groom were joyfully "netted" in a festive celebration by guests wearing bright costumes
As the bride and groom entered their outdoor wedding reception in Paso Robles, CA, they were bathed in glowing sunlight, creating a light and warm atmosphere that only enhanced their big smiles
The groom and his roommates gathered in the rented home in Paso Robles, CA to join in prayer before the wedding
An after the marriage proposal Central Coast engagement photograph in California during the Late afternoon as sun backlights an engaged couple laughing together

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my California - Central 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 California - Central wedding photographers who have earned Artistic Guild awards for portrait and detail images.
Q: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small California - Central 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 California - Central wedding day by.
Q: How can couples find reviews of California - Central 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 California - Central wedding photographers for their own wedding.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
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
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
Clean background in this photo of the bride walking into her mountain ceremony.
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

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Central WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Christine & Bryan

Photo by Douglas Despres

"Doug these are amazing!! I can't even tell you how much I'm in love with them! You did such an incredible job and I cannot thank you enough! They're unreal!"

Christy & Stuart

Photo by Gina Clyne

We wanted to drop a quick note and tell you how awesome you are. You got in the spirit and came prepared, and brought so much happiness from behind the camera to whoever was in front of it. We're so grateful to have had you as part of our day, and can't wait to recommend you to everyone we know. (And everyone we don't -- so please let us know any and all sites where we can leave you reviews!) Much love, Christy + Stuart

Kiley & Josh

Photo by Douglas Despres

Dear Doug, Thank you so much for sending these images, and for the images themselves which are outstanding. We love so many of them, the hard part is going to be selecting the ones that go in the album! We'll have more time to look and select over the weekend, so we'll probably write to you then or early next week. Again, many thanks for your work -- we are very impressed :) Best, Josh & Kiley