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Washington DC Wedding Photographers

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 joy and intimacy of your wedding day.

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. 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, Washington DC documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings and elopements can’t wait. Find yours today!

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

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 DIY - do it yourself, mini, small, 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.

32 Washington DC Wedding Photographers...

Navarre wedding photography by Matt Kolf in Spain

With a background in art history and photography, Matt Kolf has established himself as a reputable documentary wedding photographer, renowned for his ability to document Catholic weddings in Spain and on the East Coast.

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.

4000 (USD)

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.

3900 (USD)
Engagement Portraits, Elopements and Wedding Photography by Anji Martin Potok's - World Photography, LLC

In a journalistic style, Anji Martin, a visual storyteller, has been capturing moments with her 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.
4450 (USD)
Susannah Stevens, a DC, VA, and MD wedding photographer of Studio Lifetime Lens

Susannah Stevens, a native of Washington, D.C., holds an MA in multimedia journalism from the Corcoran College of Art & Design. She specializes in intimate weddings, micro-weddings, and elopements, offering short-notice availability to prioritize meaningful moments.

1100 (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.
4000 (USD)
Studio portrait of Brittany Diliberto, an elopement and wedding photographer | Bee Two Sweet Photography

Brittany Diliberto is an East Coast USA-based photographer capturing spectacular moments with creative, artistic, and inspirational angles. Drawing from a background in professional lighting design, Brittany imprints emotion in her work.

Brittany Diliberto

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4250 (USD)
Shaun Baker - Wedding Photographer and Couple Portrait Professional

USA-based Shaun Baker is a wedding photojournalist, engagement portrait photographer, and artistic wedding portrait photographer. He transitioned from video to photography after college and has been capturing weddings since 2009.

Shaun Baker

San Diego in California, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
2900 (USD)
Xiaoqi Li - 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.
0 (USD)
Wedding photography by Michael Freas

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.
3800 (USD)
Studio portrait of engagement, wedding and elopement photographer Scott Josuweit

Scott Josuweit, a documentary wedding photographer based in the USA, specializes in candidly and creatively documenting important moments, ensuring a true and immersive wedding experience for every couple.

Scott Josuweit

York in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3500 (USD)
Kenneth Clapp, USA Creative Wedding Photography

Kenneth Clapp takes a documentary approach to wedding photography, focusing on storytelling through his visuals. With a keen eye for capturing emotions and moments, he crafts stunning images that truly reflect the essence of the couple's big day.

Kenneth Clapp

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

In a journalistic style, USA-based wedding photographer Johnny Shryock has been recognized as a visual storyteller, capturing incredible moments since his own brother's wedding a decade ago. Through his unique approach, he builds a connection with couples, putting them...

Johnny Shryock

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4250 (USD)
Megan Rei, Documentary Style Wedding Photographer

Megan Rei is a Washington metropolitan area wedding photographer with a background in dog photography. She enjoys traveling and is open to new adventures. Megan lives with her husband Neal and their dog Rui, and she strives to capture natural and candid moments in her...

Megan Rei

Bristow in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4000 (USD)
Color portrait of wedding photographer Lauren Barkume

As a documentary wedding photographer, Lauren Barkume possesses a deep love for nature and travel, which seamlessly blend into her photographs. She believes in capturing the authentic narrative of couples, empowering them to embrace their true selves.

Lauren Barkume

Alexandria in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4990 (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.
3500 (USD)
Mike Kropf Wedding Photography in the USA

Mike Kropf is a passionate Charlotte wedding photojournalist. Fueled by his love of camping and exploring, Mike discovered his passion for preserving memories through artful photography in the Middle East.

Mike Kropf

Charlottesville in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3000 (USD)
Lifestyle Portrait of Wedding and Elopement Photographer Morgan O'Neil

Morgan O'Neil takes a documentary approach to her photography, skillfully capturing wedding moments with a camera. Specializing in vibrant coastal wedding photos, she uses her storytelling skills to create visually compelling images.

Morgan O'Neil

Baltimore in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4800 (USD)
Baltimore engagement wedding and elopement photography by Breanna Shaw

Breanna Shaw is a world traveler and passionate wedding photographer. Being able to share moments of love and connection with her clients is her greatest honor, and the accident that has become her life's mission. When she is not taking photos, Breanna enjoys rock...

Breanna Shaw

Reisterstown in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3850 (USD)
Portrait of wedding and elopement photographer Sarah Sta. Ana of Santa Ana Photography

Washington Metropolitan Area wedding photographer Sarah Sta Ana is a documentary photographer with a passion for storytelling and capturing raw, pure, and beautiful moments. Initially drawn to the world of non-profits, she moved to Washington, DC to further develop her...

Sarah Sta Ana

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

Andrew Morrell is a professional wedding photographer with a unique perspective. He has his own style, blending art and technology with his abiding love of music, and bringing an element of improvisation to the weddings and elopements he shoots.

Andrew Morrell

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

Pro Italian wedding photographer Marta Buso (born 1978, Venice). Skilled in reportage, portrait and wedding photography. Graduated from the University of Venice in Philosophy and worked on international co-operation projects.

Marta Buso

Venezia in Venezia, IT *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
1600 (EUR)

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.
2250 (USD)

Mary Kate McKenna is a documentary wedding photographer with 13 years of experience. She focuses on celebrating the union between two people through small weddings, courthouse weddings, and destination micro weddings.

Mary Kate McKenna

Frederick in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
2500 (USD)

Heather Hughes Ostermaier, a Virginia wedding photographer, specializes in capturing unforgettable moments using a journalistic style. With her extensive background in photojournalism, she artfully and unobtrusively documents each wedding.

Heather Hughes Ostermaier

Newport News in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
2999 (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.
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)
Emie McGee wedding photography studio - Emie's Photo LLC

Emie McGee is a Lynchburg, USA-based wedding photographer, specializing in creating timeless photos and developing a unique editing style inspired by film photography. With photo experience since 2018, she is here to make your wedding day stress-free.

Emie McGee

Lynchburg in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3200 (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.
4750 (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

Renowned for his expertise as a documentary wedding photographer, Ryan Howard Sig captures raw and authentic moments that unfold naturally on a couple's big day.

Ryan Howard Sigesmund

Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3000 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Aira Hickman, a family & wedding photographer

Aira Hickman, a Maryland family and wedding photographer, captures clients' essence with an organic approach. Passionate since picking up her first camera, she focuses on authenticity, aiming to make clients feel confident and deeply loved.

Aira Hickman

Gambrills in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
880 (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.

In a touching moment captured at Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Washington, D.C, the emotional groom is supported by the priest and best man during the bride's processional, creating a powerful scene in this BW wedding image.
A black and white moment captured at a wedding in Washington, D.C., with the groom giving fist bumps in the foreground as another kisses the bride's hand at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
A candid moment at Powerhouse, Washington D.C, as the bride shares a warm embrace with the groomsmen, and hands intertwined in a tender gesture.
A beautiful bride and groom embrace in the rain, captured in a romantic scene at the National Gallery of Art East Wing on their wedding day. The soft backlight highlights their connection and love for each other.
A jubilant bride wearing red lipstick gazes at her reflection in a mirror with a red frame on her wedding day at Lincoln's Cottage in Washington DC, showcasing a moment of joy and anticipation.
A beautiful wedding couple posing in front of the DC War Memorial in Washington DC on their special day, a timeless and elegant photograph showcasing love and dedication in a historical setting.
A Washington DC wedding couple embraces in front of a vibrant rainbow wall, symbolizing beauty and love on their special day.
A serene and beautiful engagement portrait captured at the Enid A Haupt Garden in Washington DC, showcasing the love and connection between the couple.
An older couple shares a laugh at District Winery in Washington DC as the husband playfully steals food from his wife during the reception.
Newlyweds sharing a laugh in front of the US Capitol at 101 Constitution, Washington, DC, capturing a joyful moment during their outdoor, sunny wedding ceremony.
Groom lovingly washes bride's feet during foot washing ceremony at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington DC as her sisters look on, a sacred and touching moment.
Wedding detail image showcasing appetizers suspended above a floral centerpiece, captured from a higher perspective. Located at Little Pearl in Washington DC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my Washington DC 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 Washington DC wedding photographers who have earned Artistic Guild awards for portrait and detail images.
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.
Q: How can couples find top-ranked Washington DC wedding photographers?
A: The WPJA created the original wedding photographer ranking systems. Our innovative system is based on contest winning points, meaning that the Washington DC photographers you see at the top of your search results page have recently won the most — and the most recent — contest awards. Our contests judge photographers based on their creativity, style, composure, and ability to capture the heart of any couple's story on their wedding day.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
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
It’s no secret that these are strange times we’re going through right now, and there are many couples out there with weddings set in the near future who are left feeling uncertain and concerned about their futures. While that’s understandable, it’s also important to...Read more
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

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND Washington DC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Grounds for Sculpture, Princeton, NJ wedding image in black and white of the couple cutting their cake

Tanya & Pete

Photo by William West

Thank you so much William! I just took a quick spin through and they are beautiful! Again, super big thank you. Pete and I know how early you came and how late you worked and we REALLY appreciate it. The pictures are beautiful and it's so wonderful having these moments captured forever. You were a pleasure to work with and I plan to recommend you to anyone who asks.

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

Outdoor wedding ceremony image of the bride and groom at Stroudsmoor Country Inn, Stroudsburg, PA

Kylie & Christopher

Photo by William West

My husband and I are utterly grateful to Will for everything he has done to ensure the capturing of countless precious moments from our special day. From the start, Will was incredibly responsive, informative, patient, flexible, and present. He remained in active communication with us as we navigated the unknowns of the pandemic and was supportive of our difficult decision to postpone our event from 2020 to 2021, without any hesitation or additional requests. When our special day finally arrived in 2021, Will went above and beyond to ensure the capturing of absolutely beautiful and precious moments throughout our special day despite added unforeseen obstacles that arose. His commitment to quality and care has been unwavering, and having just received our wedding photos only confirms that, tenfold. We haven't stopped looking through our photos.. we can't! They are tender, charming, vibrant, authentic, touching, beautiful.. perfect for us. They capture the essence of our day so remarkably, bringing us straight back to each unforgettable moment. We were so impressed from the beginning when Will shared his incredibly reasonable prices with us and explained all that was included...a full day of photography from the early hours to late-night hours of our special day, an online gallery of hundreds of beautifully captured and edited photos with NO watermark, 20 prints of our choice, AND a canvas! When we began planning for our wedding, we looked into a variety of photographers, and Will stood out as the most reasonable by far, without any compromise in quality. We were confident in Will's talents, quality, and professionalism right away, but now that we've worked with him and have received our photo gallery, we can't emphasize enough just how grateful and blessed we feel. We can only hope you make the same decision that we made. We know you will be just as grateful if you do! :)