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California - Northern Wedding Photographers

California - Northern Wedding Photographers

Our California - Northern photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Santa Clara, Oakland, Shasta Lake, Napa, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Alameda, Vallejo, Sunnyvale, Mendocino, Woodside, San Mateo County, and all of Northern California

California - Northern Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

Intimate Wedding Photography in California - Northern - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best California - Northern 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 - Northern 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 - Northern 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 - Northern Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small California - Northern 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 town hall, small, pop-up, 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.

50 California - Northern Wedding Photographers...

Studio portrait of wedding photographer Tanushree Vaidya

Tanushree Vaidya, a skilled wedding photojournalist and artistic portrait photographer, has a background in commerce, hair artistry, portrait photography, and graphic design. Traveling across 14 countries, she specializes in capturing destination weddings and engagement...

Tanushree Vaidya

Hayward in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4000 (USD)
Adventure weddings and elopement photography by Lauren Lindley

Lauren Lindley - Traveling wedding photographer specializing in capturing unforgettable moments. Enjoys people and gets them to feel comfortable in front of the lens.

Lauren Lindley

South Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4200 (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 - Northern weddings.
4500 (USD)
Capture beautiful moments on your special day with the talented wedding photographer Chris Werner in Northern California's stunning Lake Tahoe.

With over 25 years of professional experience, Chris Werner specializes in wedding photography, capturing the unique love and personalities of engaged couples. He began studying black and white film in 1994 and developed a fine art approach to photography over the years,...

Chris Werner

Truckee in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3850 (USD)
Adventure wedding and elopement photography by Kimmi Cranes

Kimmi Cranes is a California and Nevada wedding photojournalist and portrait photographer with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from UC Santa Cruz, specializing in elopements. With over 10 years of professional experience, she is skilled at capturing the essence and emotions...

Kimmi Cranes

South Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2000 (USD)
Northern CA, Wedding Photography by Joyce Perlman, serving Carmel and Big Sur

Joyce Perlman is a US-based wedding photographer. She is known for her sophisticated blend of contemporary portraiture and documentary-style images. She also has an extensive background in fine art and visual design.

Joyce Perlman

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4500 (USD)
Studio portrait of San Jose wedding photographer Eric Le of the Northern California WPJA

Skilled in internet marketing and analytics, San Jose wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer Eric Le has been capturing genuine emotions in his work since 2007.

Eric Le

San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
CA Engagemen, Wedding and Elopement Photography by Tyler Vu

Tyler Vu is a Northern California-based wedding photojournalist and portrait photographer with a background in graphic design. With his keen eye for composition and dedication to capturing meaningful moments, Tyler thrives on immortalizing the details and emotions that make...

Tyler Vu

San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4000 (USD)
Adventure marriage images by Nicky Byrnes of Nemus Wedding Photography

Documentary wedding photographer Nicky Byrnes has had a camera in her hand since childhood. With a degree in photojournalism, Nicky is published in several print and online magazines. An outdoors enthusiast and volunteer, she loves music, books, skiing, and her two rescue...

Nicky Byrnes

Carnelian Bay in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3900 (USD)
Kevin Sawyer for Elopements and Weddings and Engagement Photography

Kevin Sawyer is an award-winning elopement photographer, specializing in creating artful and photojournalistic images of weddings. He is passionate about capturing unforgettable moments and is particularly skilled in destination wedding photography.

Kevin Sawyer

Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
San Jose wedding and elopement photography by Jipeng Han of Northern California

Meet Jipeng Han, an experienced wedding photojournalist based in San Jose, CA. She specializes in documenting storytelling through her photographs.

Jipeng Han

San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1200 (USD)

Douglas Despres, a wedding photojournalist with a background in photojournalism, has captured over 600 events since 2002. With a global photography experience, he specializes in comfortable connections with guests, focusing on documentary-style shots.

Douglas Despres

Alameda in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
750/hour (USD)

Dennis Viera, an award-winning wedding photojournalist, holds almost a decade of experience in this field. Starting his photography career in high school, he has traveled globally with his family to capture life's moments.

Dennis Viera

Rohnert Park in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5000 (USD)
Wedding and Elopement Photographer Tanarak Visessonchoke

Tanarak is an award-winning wedding photographer with twelve years of experience serving San Francisco, Bay area, & beyond. He captures unique love stories with anticipation, excitement, and joy. Tanarak believes in celebrating love in all its forms, regardless of...

Tanarak Visessonchoke

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4500 (USD)
Edeelin Labra, Northern CA wedding photography

Edeelin Labra, a wedding photojournalist based in Northern California, has honed her photography skills over the years. With a deep love for art, she transforms simple moments into cherished memories. Labra's passion for capturing emotions and preserving them for...

Edeelin Labra

Vallejo in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2000 (USD)
Tara Arrowood, Wedding Photographer

Tara Arrowood is a San Francisco-based wedding photographer with over 15 years of experience. Skilled at finding the perfect angles and lighting, she captures moments in a photojournalistic style, focusing on emotion, details and the connection between people.

Tara Arrowood

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5500 (USD)

Debra Zeller is a San Francisco wedding photographer renowned for her ability to capture couples' personalities and moments in a relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere. She creates a special rapport with her clients to ensure the best possible results.

Debra Zeller

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Black and White Headshot of elopement, engagement and wedding photographer David Braun

David Braun is an artistic wedding photographer with a background in portrait art. With an artistic approach and extensive freelance experience, he excels in capturing the natural and unforgettable moments of wedding ceremonies. His expertise lies in anticipating and...

David Braun

South Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1250 (USD)
Studio portrait of San Francisco wedding photographer Lisa Stone of the N California Wedding Photojournalist Association.

Lisa Stone is a wedding photographer with a Masters Degree in Photography, specializing in black and white documentary and abstract fine art. With over 300 weddings shot, she enjoys problem-solving and creating art with light. Outside of work, she loves film photography,...

Lisa Stone

San Francisco in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4500 (USD)
PNW Wedding and Elopement Photography by Brianna Parks

Brianna Parks, an elopement photographer based in the Pacific Northwest, has a knack for capturing unique and personalized elopement experiences. Her love for secret places and breathtaking landscapes led her to specialize in documenting elopements in the stunning...

Brianna Parks

Redding in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
6500 (USD)
Northern California wedding photography by San Jose-based Steve Kpa

Steve Kpa is a skilled and empathetic wedding photojournalist from San Jose, CA, with a background in running his own gym. He has a unique ability to capture the essence and emotions of a wedding day by making his subjects feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Steve Kpa

San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
750 (USD)
California wedding and elopement photographer Annie Bang

Annie Bang, a former journalist, and Associated Press reporter, documents real moments and emotions through documentary and photojournalistic photography. She is passionate about capturing fleeting moments to create timeless memories of our lives.

Annie Bang

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (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 California - Northern weddings.
2900 (USD)
Engagements, Weddings and Elopement Photographer Lucy Schultz

Lucy Schultz, an experienced documentary wedding photographer focused on elopements and engagement portraits, creates a relaxed and enjoyable environment for clients to showcase their true selves. Since 2013, she has perfected the art of capturing unforgettable moments.

Lucy Schultz

Lakewood in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5900 (USD)
Gretchen Troop Photography Studio for Weddings, Elopements and Portraits

With a Bachelor's degree in Studio Photography, Gretchen Troop excels as a wedding photojournalist. Her talent lies in capturing natural and candid moments, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Gretchen Troop

Boulder in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
California Couple Portrait Sessions and Wedding Photography by Stephanie Secrest

Based in Central Coast CA, Stephanie Secrest is a wedding and engagement portrait photographer. She holds a Master's in photojournalism and has been recognized for her work in prestigious contests like Pictures of the Year.

Stephanie Secrest

Arroyo Grande in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3300 (USD)
Wedding and elopement photography by Will Tee - SW Wedding Photo Studio

Will Tee is a co-founder of SW Photo Studio and an outstanding wedding photographer. He has traveled extensively, experiencing diverse cultures that have enriched his open-mindedness and creativity. His engagement portrait sessions are known for their fun and creative...

Will Tee

Taipei City, TW *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2000 (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 - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Jerome Pollos Self Portrait, a wedding and elopement photographer of the WPJA

Jerome Pollos is a traveling wedding photographer with a background as a photojournalist in the Navy. After capturing a powerful image of a young boy, he discovered his passion for photography and the impact it can have.

Jerome Pollos

Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)
Pro documentary-style wedding photography by Bradley Hanson

In the journalistic style, Bradley Hanson is an experienced wedding photojournalist who captures the candid moments of the wedding day. With 24 years of experience, he has covered celebrations of all sizes and his work has been featured in magazines and ad campaigns.

Bradley Hanson

St. Paul in Minnesota, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5000 (USD)

In a journalistic style, Logan Westom is a visual storyteller who captures the most intimate moments of couples' special days, Taylor Swift concerts, and newspaper events throughout his decade-long career in professional photography from his base in Seattle.

Logan Westom

Bremerton in Washington, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4000 (USD)
Engagement Photo Shoots and wedding photography by Darren Hendry

Darren Hendry, an architecture-trained photographer, has spent 7 years capturing unique wedding stories through his natural, emotive, and creative style. Specializing in non-traditional and offbeat weddings, he combines his passion for photography and storytelling to create...

Darren Hendry

Pasadena in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)

Prior to his photography career, Ron Storer raced on the US Cycling Team earning a Gold Medal in the Pan-Am Games and a Silver Medal in the Olympic Trials. His passion for capturing and preserving wedding moments motivates him to provide couples with unique and special...

Ron Storer

Auburn in Washington, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2400 (USD)

Gingi Freeman, a passionate traveling wedding photojournalist based in Visalia, CA, specializes in non-intrusive, documentary-style weddings. With a background in art and storytelling, she captures real moments and raw emotions in a way that allows couples to be fully...

Gingi Freeman

Visalia in California, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1400 (USD)

Robert Walker, an accomplished wedding photographer residing in Dallas, is recognized for his documentary approach and storytelling skills. With over 17 years of experience in Texas and California, his visual work showcases the narratives behind each couple's wedding...

Robert Walker

Dallas in Texas, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2400 (USD)

Maria Newman, an authentic documentary photographer, developed her love for wedding storytelling when a friend requested her to photograph their wedding during her studies.

Maria Newman

Portland in Oregon, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)
California Documentary Wedding and Elopement Photography by Gina Clyne

California wedding photographer Gina Clyne specializes in photojournalistic style imagery, 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 - Northern 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 - Northern weddings.
5500 (USD)
Lifestyle street portrait of Danette Chappell, a Nevada & California wedding photographer

From her humble beginnings as an intern in the vibrant city of Chicago to her current role as a documentary wedding photographer, Danette Chappell has perfected her craft, creating captivating visuals that immortalize love stories in NV and CA.

Danette Chappell

Reno in Nevada, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
1225 (USD)
Chris Rusanowsky self portrait of a wedding photographer in black and white

Chris Rusanowsky is a traveling documentary wedding photographer based in the US. With a passion for capturing truth and storytelling, Chris has been creating compelling images for clients for over fourteen years. He loves traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with...

Chris Rusanowsky

Northlake in Texas, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2500 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Brittany Bender, a San Diego wedding photographer - Southern California WPJA

San Diego wedding photojournalist, Brittany Bender, excels at capturing candid and emotional moments. With a talent for storytelling, she artistically portrays the unique experiences of her subjects.

Brittany Bender

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

Seattle-based Marla Manes, a skilled wedding photographer, specializes in wedding photojournalism and portraiture. Advocate for values and environmental sustainability, creating a comfortable space for exceptional photos. Proud dog person, obsessed with her black cat...

Marla Manes

Seattle in Washington, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
5500 (USD)
Portrait of Katharine Green from Katie Corinne Wedding Photography Studio

Katharine Green, an experienced Colorado wedding photojournalist, has been expertly capturing love-filled moments for over a decade, specializing in wedding, engagement, and proposal photography alongside her associate, Jamie.

Katharine Green

Monument in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Reno Nevada & Lake Tahoe California Wedding Photography by Rachel Gazes

Skilled wedding photographer and officiant Rachel Gazes, based in Reno/Tahoe, brings almost a decade of experience capturing weddings across Northern Nevada and California.

Rachel Gazes

Reno in Nevada, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
2600 (USD)
Travel and destination wedding & elopement photography by Kathryn Cooper

Kathryn Cooper, a wedding photographer based in New York and California, specializes in adventurous and unique celebrations. With a background in travel photography and a love for outdoor activities, she captures personalized moments for diverse couples worldwide.

Kathryn Cooper

Pleasant Valley in New York, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3600 (USD)
Texas wedding and elopement photography by Kristin Bednarz

Kristin Bednarz is a seasoned wedding photojournalist with expertise in capturing the essence of weddings through her storytelling approach. She has documented more than 250+ weddings worldwide.

Kristin Bednarz

Slaton in Texas, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
4500 (USD)
Jason Kaczorowski, Destination Wedding Photography - USA

Jason Kaczorowski is an experienced destination wedding photographer with over 18 years in the field and over 650 weddings captured. He specializes in capturing powerful relationship moments and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Jason Kaczorowski

Chicago in Illinois, US *Now booking California - Northern weddings.
3900 (USD)
Weddings, engagements and elopement photography by Kevin Kienitz

Kevin Kienitz

Aurora in Illinois, US *Now booking California - Northern 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 - Northern 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 - Northern weddings.
3000 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving California - Northern Couples

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

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

In Palo Alto, CA, the couple posed together at the peaceful outdoor cafe, a shot carefully composed to be symmetrical and simple.
A photographer in San Francisco, CA, takes pictures of a couple in love by the Golden Gate Bridge, capturing them sharing a kiss on the beach during the beautiful sunset light that is soft.
In Berkeley, CA, the couple enjoyed the warm late afternoon sun and ocean breeze during their engagement portrait session at the beach, standing together and sharing a hug in the beautiful sunset light.
Couple embraced in a hug, surrounded by trees in the late afternoon sun in a beautiful Northern California forest for their engagement portrait session in Oakland, CA.
At a photo shoot in San Francisco, CA, the couple in love posed in front of the building ruins, creating a beautiful and lasting memory of their special time together.
Beautiful wedding photograph at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands in Carmel, CA capturing the stunning ocean view and the ongoing ceremony. A perfect vow exchange frozen in time.
Bride and groom showing gratitude to parents and elders at a wedding at Valley Presbyterian Church, Portola Valley, CA. Tradition and respect are evident in the photograph.
Wedding photo capturing a couple at Peacock Gap Golf Club in San Rafael, CA, sharing a slice of cake by both taking a bite from the same slice on a knife.
Captivating outdoor wedding photo taken at Redwood Ridge Estate, Los Gatos CA. Emotion-filled ceremony surrounded by redwoods. Picture perfect moment captured by a skilled photographer.
In this wedding photo, a photographer captured a poignant moment at the 16th Street Train Station in Oakland, CA, as the bride was moved to tears by the groom's heartfelt vows.
Photograph captured at Domenico Winery wedding in San Carlos, CA, featuring two men stealing the show with a spontaneous dance-off. A memorable moment frozen in time
Capture the special moment of a couple getting married at the Los Altos History Museum in Los Altos, CA despite the challenges of a pandemic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the best California - Northern wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top California - Northern 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 California - Northern 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 - Northern wedding photographers for their own wedding.
Q: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small California - Northern 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 - Northern wedding day by.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
jperlman elk cove inn ceremony
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
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
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

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Northern WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Amy & Matt

Photo by Ron Storer

I must say again, that I love what you've done to capture the memories of our special day. Matt and I both really appreciate how you've expressed our personalities so accurately with your shots and the candid yet flattering moments you captured. You have a gift and your genuine interest in us only made the photos that much better! Thanks again!

Lynn & Greg

Photo by Debra Zeller

We just went through the pictures and we are absolutely thrilled! You have an amazing eye - the pictures are aesthetically beautiful, interesting and really captured the event perfectly. I knew you were good, and I knew my choice was good - but now I think my choice was positively inspired. There are literally too many good pictures: we don't know which ones to get prints of! Thank you so much for the incredible craftsmanship; you're a real artist.

Tahoe Bleu Wave Boat wedding image captured out on the water.

Sara and Ted

Photo by Kimmi Cranes

The photos are stunning! You definitely made it so much fun and found the love and joy in all of us! We all had such an amazing time. You are an incredibly special person and your light shines through you. We are lucky to have had you as our photographer.