Wedding Photos of Black and white

The following “Black and white” images were created by documentary wedding photographers from the WPJA, who regularly submit their best candid moments, artistic portraits, details, and scene setters for review by our WPJA competition judges.

WEDDINGS + ELOPEMENTS + ARTISTIC PORTRAITS & DETAILS + ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

Some of the “Black and white” marriage photography samples below may have come from the getting ready events, the actual wedding ceremony, the reception after-party, an engagement session with the couple, or possibly be artistic portraits or detail shots.

FINE ART WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: Our Artistic Guild award winners take a more creative approach to wedding day Portraits and use their innovative skills to capture the Details of each couple’s special day. The Artistic Guild’s Scene Setters are some of the most notable and breathtaking from within the artistic WPJA contest categories. Playing with light and shadow, special effects, and post-production editing, these images embrace the artistic component of wedding photography.

PRE-WEDDING ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY: The story of every couple starts long before the wedding day, and the engagement marks one of the most important milestones in their story. Engaged couples often want to celebrate the occasion and announce their upcoming wedding with a photoshoot. Pre-wedding portraits of an engaged couple can be just as moving and compelling as the images taken on the wedding day. Engagement portraits can win a Diamond Award, an exclusive WPJA award whose winner is selected from the best engagement photography in the world.

An artistic wedding photographer captured the opening dance of the wedding couple from a high angle at Lüntenbecker Höhe in Wuppertal. The image, in black and white, features a tilt-shift effect.

Atop Lüntenbecker Höhe: Mesmerizing Black and White Tilt-Shift Wedding Dance

Capturing the enchanting beauty of a historic Montpellier church, this award-winning image showcases the pipe organ player, immersed in their music, adding a touch of artistry to the wedding day.

Enchanting Montpellier Church: Artistry and Music Embrace on Wedding Day

historic church Montpellier Church Montpellier black and white pipe organ archway Montpellier Artistic Image

In Biscarosse, Landes, a couple shares a heartfelt picture session, radiating joy and affection as they embrace, their laughter echoing through the air. This captivating black and white portrait captures their genuine connection.

Laughter Echoes: A Captivating Biscarosse Wedding Portrait of Genuine Connection

joyful Genuine Portrait black and white Wedding Photographer Landes embrace Happy couple bw

Wedding portrait captured in Villefranche de Lonchat, Dordogne, France. A couple embraces, her tender touch on the groom's face, on the brink of a kiss, amidst a black and white ambiance with a gentle haze.

VILLEFRANCHE DE LONCHAT: A Captivating Embrace in the French Countryside

portrait photography married couple Artistic wedding photographer in Dordogne France wedding photography Dordogne Artful Artsy

Newlyweds strike a pose near the rustic brick wall at Residence House, Ruse, Bulgaria. This award-winning artistic portrait captures their joyful smiles and love for one another in black and white.

Blissful Unison: Artistic Wedding Portrait in Residence House, Ruse, Bulgaria

bricks bride and groom Ruse wedding photography Bulgaria brick wall black and white

Newlyweds stand on isolated stumps, capturing their love amidst the serene beauty of Germany's Schwäbische Alb. A striking black-and-white portrait celebrating the couple's unique bond.

Love Unveiled: A Serene Black-and-White Portrait in Germany's Schwäbische Alb

Newlywed portrait Swabian Jura serene beauty Schwäbische Alb tree stumps germany wedding photography portrait photography Swabian Jura

Award-winning wedding portrait captures the romance as the bride and groom joyfully pose amidst a picturesque snowfall. The grandeur of Mellon Institute adds a timeless charm to the captivating black and white scene.

Enchanting Snowfall: Timeless Romance at Mellon Institute's Grandeur

bride and groom Artful grandeur enchanting Newlywed portrait Mellon Institute timeless

Wedding guests become part of the stunning barn backdrop at Irons Mill Farmstead in New Wilmington, PA. The sun shines on their faces during the ceremony, captured in beautiful black and white.

Sun-Kissed Barn Bliss: Guests Merged in Monochrome at Irons Mill

Pennsylvania wedding photography black and white sunshine New Wilmington PA Irons Mill Farmstead New Wilmington Outdoor Ceremony stunning barn

The award-winning photographer captures a beautiful scene at Embassy Suites in Pittsburgh, PA. In black and white, the bride's maid of honor and mother carefully hold and steam the wedding dress, ensuring perfection for the big day.

Picturing Perfection at Embassy Suites, Pittsburgh, PA

steaming dress brides gown hotel room preparations Embassy Suites Pittsburgh PA black and white Pittsburgh

Wedding portrait at Chateau de Balarin in Montréal du Gers, France. The bride and groom in a stunning silhouette, with the bride leaning back, embracing the golden sunlight on her face while the groom stands profiled in shadows.

Luminous Love Portrait: Allure of Shadows and Sunlight at Chateau de Balarin

golden sunlight Gers Artistic Portrait Gers Montreal FR black and white Chateau de Balarin sunlight and shadows

A stylish wedding portrait captures the intimate kiss of a bride and groom in a sophisticated setting, enhanced by geometric elements and a black and white off-center composition.

Glamorous Kiss in BW: A Stunning Wedding Day Portrait in a Sophisticated Setting

intimate kiss black and white Hong Kong off center reflections sophisticated setting Hong Kong Artistic Portrait

A stunning black and white photograph captures the bride and groom running hand in hand at the romantic Carmen de los Mártires in Granada, Spain. Her flowing veil and gown add to the beautiful scene.

Hand in hand, love at Carmen de los Mártires: an artistic wedding photo

flowing veil artistic portrait sessions Spain married couple creative portrait wedding couple Artful

The artistic wedding photographer captures an intimate detail pic at Hethfelton House in Dorset, where the couple lovingly adjust their newly exchanged wedding rings. The black and white image emphasizes the beauty of their intertwined hands.

Interwoven Promises: Intimate exchange amidst Hethfelton House's allure, Dorset's elegance mesmerizes

black and white intimate details couples rings Detail Shot Hethfelton House newlyweds tight shot

A skilled wedding photographer captured the intricate beauty of henna-painted Indian wedding hands on Burano Island, Venice. The photograph exudes artistry with its black and white/sepia tones.

Venetian Henna Harmony: Artistic Capture of Indian Wedding Hands

black and white Venice Venice wedding venue bw Wedding Photography sepia wedding photography romantic Venetian weddings Indian wedding photography

A talented wedding photographer captured a beautiful portrait of a bride and groom at Campo San Bortolo in Venice, Italy. The image showcases the romantic atmosphere as the couple stands still while passersby blur in the background.

A Venetian Promise: Merging Souls in Campo San Bortolo's Serenity

Artsy slow shutter Campo San Bortolo wedding couple bw black and white outdoors

In Heidelberg, Germany, at an urban car park, this award-winning wedding photo showcases the artistic finesse of the photographer. Bold black and white tones, strong shadows, and a captivating contrast create a visually striking portrait.

A Mesmerizing Urban Wedding in Heidelberg

finesse strong Heidelberg wedding shadows artistic visually striking portrait car park

Lifestyle couple portrait captured at Roswell Mill Covered Bridge, featuring a couple walking towards the camera across a charming covered bridge. The image displays a black and white vertical composition with the couple centered.

A stunning portrait of a couple's affection at Roswell Mill Covered Bridge

black and white couple walking vertical format Roswell covered bridge Georgia Roswell Engagement Session

A creative lifestyle couple engagement portrait in Anglet, France. The black and white image showcases the couple in a forest setting, with dappled light and a center-framed composition.

ANGLET AFFECTION: Romantic Black and White Forest Portrait with Creative Couple

black and white dark forest Dappled Light Anglet Engagement Portrait Anglet center framed Pyrénées-Atlantiques

A creative wedding photographer captures a romantic pose as a groom gazes lovingly at his new wife, with her reflection beautifully captured in his sunglasses. This black and white portrait was taken at the charming Barn at Raccoon Creek venue.

Reflection of Love: A Breathtaking Moment at Barn Raccoon Creek

groom Littleton CO bw Colorado black and white creative portrait outdoors

In Germany's beautiful Rheinland-Pfalz region, this award-winning wedding portrait captures a groom as he hears his bride's call. The black and white, bold portrait adds a touch of timeless elegance to their special day.

Capturing Love: A Groom's Melodic Response in Rheinland-Pfalz Wedding Portrait

groom portrait groom Artsy Artful timeless elegance husband monochrome

Creative lifestyle couple portrait at The Castelnau des Fieumarcon in Lectoure, Gers. The couple is seen holding each other near the wire hand rails. The photograph is captured in black and white.

Embracing Love: A Timeless Journey at The Castelnau des Fieumarcon

Lectoure black and white Gers Engagement Portrait wire rails Gers overlook Castelnau des Fieumarcon

A stylish pre-wedding engagement portrait captured in the charming streets of Székesfehérvár. The couple is featured prominently in the frame as he gracefully kisses her hand while dropping to one knee.

Whispers of Love: A Romantic Engagement in Székesfehérvár

Fehérvár Fehérvár Engagement Session kissing hand Székesfehérvár on a knee black and white Hungary

In this acclaimed photo, a professional wedding photographer captured a breathtaking scene at Mar de Eucaliptos venue. The black and white image displays a romantic couple surrounded by ethereal clouds.

Misty Love: A Surreal Wedding Moment at Mar de Eucaliptos

ethereal wedding misty Mar de Eucaliptos venue romantic couple portrait Alagoas photographer Mar de Eucaliptos wedding love

In this award-winning wedding day portrait, the joyous bride and groom stand facing each other amidst rows of grape vines at a romantic reception venue in France. The photo is captured in black and white.

French vineyard embrace: A timeless celebration of love and happiness

Newlywed portrait France vines portrait photography bride and groom wine reception venue

An engaged couple in Kansas City, Missouri, enjoyed a relaxing afternoon in a city park, posing for their engagement portrait session amidst nature's beauty, in black and white silhouettes and leaves enveloping them.

Enchanted Love: A Serene Kansas City Engagement Portrait Amidst Nature's Embrace

Kansas City Missouri silhouettes Kansas City Engagement Photography black and white tree branches

In Nanping, Fujian, at the couple's home, a skilled wedding photographer captures a remarkable black and white image of the newlyweds and their cat, stacking their hands together.

A Breathtaking Portrait of Love, Paws & Unity

kitten kitty black and white hands Unity artistic detail shot feline

Capturing the essence of the wedding day, the photographer's artistic eye focused on the intricate details of the bride's piano at her Nanping, Fujian home. The image beautifully showcases the wedding ring and the keys.

Nanping Wedding Harmony: Intimate Reflections of Love and Melody.

piano wedding day China bw keys hands China wedding venue

In this award-winning wedding day detail picture captured in Nanping, Fujian, at the bride's home, the artistic photographer beautifully showcases the emotional tears of a bridesmaid in a breathtaking black and white image.

Nanping's Emotional Tears: An Award-Winning Breathtaking Wedding Day Detail

Fujian tear Artistic Photographer emotional tears fujian weddings bridesmaid Nanping

A stunning black and white photo captures the grace, beauty, and elegance of a bride walking down the stairs at North Cadbury Court, UK. This award-winning pic showcases the artistry of the wedding photographer.

A Bride's Staircase Descent: Artistic Elegance at North Cadbury Court

reflection descending stairs staircase North Cadbury Court window light Somerset UK Bridal Portrait

Award-winning wedding day pic taken at the Crown Casino Hotel in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This captivating black and white photo captures the symmetrical frame with guests mingling.

Melbourne Moments: A Captivating Black and White Wedding Affair

black and white large windows Victoria mingling guests Melbourne Artistic Scene Setter Crown Casino Hotel symmetrical frame

Pages

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.