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SMALL WEDDINGS + ELOPEMENTS | choose love, not fear

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.

WPJA Spotlight

Exceptional Wedding Photography Showcase

Explore top-tier imagery captured by WPJA members. With special badges and recognition, these exceptional images from weddings showcase the unparalleled talent of our photographers. Dive into dedicated slider galleries within Member Profiles and Spotlight Galleries to witness the artistry and skill that sets our members apart.

At St Regis Bangkok, an emotional moment unfolds as heartfelt expressions and deep connections are captured.
Chaiyasith Junjuerdee
At Fanhams Hall, the bride and groom walk together, enjoying a serene and romantic moment within the beautiful setting.
Andy Sidders
At Ventanas, Atlanta, the couple poses strikingly on a helipad, with the city's skyline creating a dramatic backdrop.
Cindy Brown
In Gouvieux, France, the couple playfully seeks a little help capturing their special moment, adding fun to the day.
Frederic Bry
In Trieste, Italy, the father of the bride warmly hugs his daughter upon her arrival at the ceremony, filled with emotion.
Paolo Blocar
At Eglise de Serreslous-et-Arribans, Landes, France, the couple exits the religious ceremony under a shower of lavender, celebrating with joy.
Lisa Baquerin
View Spotlight 2025 Round 14

Intimate Weddings & Elopement Photography

Since 2002, the WPJA has been connecting couples with the best, most artistic wedding photographers from around the world.

Denver adventure wedding elopement photos by Jennifer Garza of Colorado
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Anastasiia Polyakov, of So Tender Is Humanity
England engagement, wedding and elopement photography by Hollie Mateer of M and G Wedding Photography
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Nilufer Nalbantoglu
Wedding Photographer and Engagement Portrait Pro, Ronnie Szeto
East Midlands documentary wedding photography by Simon Dewey of England, United Kingdom
Ufuk Sarisen Wedding Photography
Wedding and elopement photography by Amanda Squier
Wedding Photographer Chanarthip Cheingthong, for Thailand
UK wedding reportage photographer, Matt Ebbage
Centre-Val de Loire and Indre wedding photography by Gaelle Caré of France
London elopement wedding reportage photographer Lyndsey Goddard, of England UK
Adventure weddings and elopement photography by Lauren Lindley
Lifestyle portrait of Matthias Tiemann, a wedding photographer for NRW Ruhrgebiet
France wedding photography by Angelique Blaise
Texas wedding photography by Alexandre Grand
One of the most touching things about wedding photography is how quickly you find yourself thrown into the heart of such an important, intimate occasion. It's a responsibility only a fool would take lightly.- Harry Richards, WPJA Member
Become a Member

Authentic Photography

The WPJA organizes various wedding photography rounds annually, recognizing and honoring exceptionally captivating images.

Take a look at the previous victors by clicking on the links below:

2025 Lifestyle Engagement Portraits - Diamond Awards

2024 v04 Artistic Guild

2024 v04 Photography Competition

2024 Pre Wedding Couple Portraits - Diamond Awards

2024 v03 Artistic Guild

View More Contests

Intimate, Micro Wedding Planning & Elopement Articles

A Sunshine Solemnization - Outdoor Weddings in Nature

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...

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Kobe Vanderzande, of Limburg, is a wedding photographer for

Wedding Reception Tents: A Creative Photo Palette

There’s nothing quite like an intimate wedding reception in a tent, with its uniquely informal atmosphere, customized decor and proximity to the elements...

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View Wedding Articles

The Authenticity of
Wedding Photojournalism

Gaelle Le Berre, of Victoria, is a wedding photographer for
William Lambelet, of , is a wedding photographer for
Cindy Brown, of Georgia, is a wedding photographer for

Two people making a commitment of marriage want to remember the day for the rest of their lives. Shouldn’t the wedding photography that commemorates their celebration reflect the personal moments and honest emotions they will remember?

A love for authenticity in wedding photography — finding art in the actualities of a marriage celebration — led to the founding of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) in 2002. Out of respect for our clients, the wedding photographers and photojournalists accepted for WPJA membership have a demonstrated talent for candid originality and a dedication to the documentary approach in wedding photography. To maintain their standing in the WPJA, member photographers must adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards.

  • For Engaged Couples planning a wedding: Hire a WPJA photographer so you can reproduce and retell the beautiful, unique story of how your celebration unfolds — as you will want to remember it and have it told for generations.
  • For Professional Wedding Photographers with a photojournalist’s talent for capturing moments, not stage-directing them: Join the WPJA to have your expertise accredited, to help promote and further our craft, and to let the WPJA introduce you to the ideal clients for your work.

WPJA Contest Photos - January 20th, 2025

Any wedding photographer is going to want to please their clients — but they also want their work to be appreciated on a broader scale. This is one of the reasons why the Wedding Photojournalist Association members love our regular photography competitions. These popular contests give our photographers the opportunity to submit their best images in hopes of being selected as a winner and being recognized for their creativity and effort. Our contests are judged by a panel of notable and respected working photojournalists and picture editors in the news industry, which adds an element of prestige to our awards.

At Domaine de Pécarrère, France, the bride energetically tosses her bouquet to a group of waiting single women. The moment resembles a sports action shot, capturing the anticipation and excitement.
At Château Gütsch in Luzern, a couple dressed in all white share a heartfelt moment, seated and holding hands during the party. This intimate scene beautifully captures their connection amid the festivities.
During speeches at the head table in a Baltimore, Maryland reception, the bride humorously offers a tissue to the groom. A lighthearted moment amid heartfelt words adds levity to the occasion.
At Cloughjordan House in Ireland, the bride joyfully races across the lawn with page boys and flower girls as they celebrate amidst the picturesque greenery of the venue.
At Golfclub Dreibäumen in Solingen, kids have a blast playing inside an inflatable bounce castle decorated with dino-dragons. Their boundless energy bring extra fun to the gathering.
At the Hôtel de Ville de Nancy, the bride shares an emotional embrace with her sisters. Together, they form a heartfelt three-way hug, capturing the love and joy of this special moment.
At Swinton Park in North Yorkshire, UK, a bride and her bridesmaids are smiling as they are reflected in a wall full of different-shaped mirrors on the stair landing.
At Paradise Point Resort and Spa in San Diego, CA, three generations come together as the bride, her daughter, and her mother prepare for the big day. This shared moment captures their closeness and excitement.

Artistic Guild - Creative Portraits and Details - January 28th, 2025

The Artistic Guild competitions are distinctly different from our other WPJA contests because this category is specifically for photographers who use their talent to create digitally-enhanced images, staged portraits and dramatic detail images. This competition attracts documentary wedding photographers who also view themselves as artists who are constantly looking to create their next masterpiece.

At the bride's home in Foggia, Apulia, the bride, dressed in white, is seated and surrounded by her bridesmaids, who are dressed in blue dresses.
At The Lucky Spur Ranch Retreat in Justin, Texas, a couple poses with an Agave plant, one of their favorites, as a breathtaking Texas sunset paints the sky.
At a ceremony in Amsterdam, Noord Holland, a charming moment unfolds as a child playfully tries on the wedding ring before handing it to the couple, adding a touch of humor and sweetness to the occasion.
At Voco Oxford in the United Kingdom, the bride and groom share an embrace in the gardens, captured in black-and-white with off-centered framing. The composition beautifully highlights the countryside charm surrounding their romantic photo session.
On Assateague Island, the couple strolls along a hill, beautifully silhouetted against the sky between two large trees, creating a striking and serene scene.
At their reception location in Estes Park, Colorado, the bride and groom share an intimate kiss amid a gentle snowfall, adding a touch of winter romance to their wedding day.
In Istanbul-Karaköy, a striking composition features the bride bathed in sunlight in the foreground, while the groom stands in the shadows on the stairs behind her, creating a compelling play of light and depth.
In Acadia National Park, Maine, a bride and groom lean in for a kiss atop the cliffs, beautifully framed by clouds that add drama to the picturesque scene.

Diamond Awards - Pre-Wedding Engagement Portraits - April 9th, 2025

Couples who are searching for a wedding photographer often want a pre-wedding engagement portrait session as well as wedding day photography services. Engagement photographers need to rely on their skill and expertise in order to help their couples select a meaningful location for their portrait session. These awards allow engagement photographers to submit their most moving engagement images in hopes of being recognized for their creativity and skill.

In Frick Park, Pittsburgh, PA, a couple shares a sunset kiss amidst the warm fall tones of their neighborhood park, capturing the cozy and romantic ambiance of the season.
An engaged couple enjoys a sunny day in downtown Denver, Colorado, perched at a rail with a clear blue sky above, capturing joy and urban charm.
In a forest in Budapest, Hungary, a couple shares a dreamy, romantic embrace captured in black and white, creating a timeless and enchanting scene amidst nature's tranquility.
In Northern San Francisco, CA, an engaged couple is captured walking up steps from the beach to the cliffs, sharing a kiss that highlights the romantic coastal setting.
In Cappadocia, Turkey, a couple's pre-wedding photo session unfolds against the hillside's Old World buildings, capturing the region's historic charm and their romantic connection.
In Trieste, Italy, a couple shares a tender embrace by the sea at sunset. The flat water in the background enhances the serene and romantic atmosphere.
In Maceió, Brazil, a couple's image is beautifully reflected in street puddles within a quaint village, capturing the charm and atmosphere of their romantic setting.
In South Lake Tahoe, CA, a couple enjoys a playful engagement portrait session, radiating joy and love against the stunning natural backdrop of the lake and mountains.

TLC - True Love Captured - March 3rd, 2023

This WPJA photography competition is focused on the emotions that are on display throughout any wedding event. The images showcase the powerful emotions that the couple are experiencing, and any of the feelings that any wedding guests may go through. The TLC contests follow a long-standing WPJA category tradition of capturing raw emotions.

The bride's beautiful reaction to seeing her special best man seated in the front row was captured by the photographer at Chácara Caiambá - Pedro Leopoldo - Minas Gerais
The black and white photo of the friend hugging the bride, and groom has tears of joy whiped at Kasteel Maurick Vught - a beautiful and touching moment at their wedding
The groom's touching encouragement of his witnesses to make a speech at his outdoor ceremony at Les tables de Crespin, the reception venue in Tarn, France, was captured beautifully in this wedding photo
The tears of joy from the groom and ring bearer as the bride walked down the aisle at the Westin Playa Conchal in Guanacaste, Costa Rica were captured beautifully in the wedding photo
The wedding photojournalist captured a beautiful moment as the bride embraced her friends in a group hug at the reception of Hardy Farm in Fryeburg, Maine
The photographer captured a beautiful moment of the bride embracing one of her great friends during the getting ready process at Cote How, The Lake District
At the stunning Mont La Salle in Napa, CA, the moment a bridesmaid holding flowers ran to hug the bride was truly a beautiful and emotional one that the wedding photographer was able to capture
The photographer captured the beautiful moment of a wedding guest giving the bride a big hug and a kiss on the cheek at the Private Home in Congham, Norfolk, UK