While some people live for the hustle and bustle of a big wedding with extravagant décor and an impossibly long guest list, others find these kinds of weddings to be too much hoopla, preferring instead something simpler and quieter, allowing for more intimacy between them...Read more
California - Southern Wedding Photographers
California - Southern Wedding Photographers
Our California - Southern photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Los Angeles, San Diego, Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Pasadena, Chula Vista, Encinitas, San Bernardino, Orange County, Irvine, Riverside, Bakersfield, Simi Valley, Malibu, Ventura
California - Southern Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements
Intimate Wedding Photography in California - Southern - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best California - Southern 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 - Southern 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 - Southern 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 - Southern Photographers for Large or Small Weddings
Shooting an elopement or small California - Southern 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 adventure, open-air, 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 - Southern Wedding Venues
42 California - Southern Wedding Photographers...
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 - Southern weddings.2500 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.2900 (USD)
Brett Butterstein is a wedding photographer based in Southern California. His background in photojournalism and experience from five years of newspaper photography makes him the perfect choice for capturing the true beauty and emotion of a wedding.
Brett Butterstein
Encinitas in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3500 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.2200 (USD)
Darren Hendry, a non-traditional and offbeat wedding photographer, specializes in natural, emotive, creative, and honest storytelling. With a background in architecture and a passion for photography, he has been capturing unique wedding stories for almost 7 years.
Darren Hendry
Pasadena in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2500 (USD)
Thinh Phan, a wedding photojournalist and creative engagement portrait photographer, brings a flair for capturing couples' vibrant personalities in bold and colorful outdoor portraits. With a background in design and a passion for photography, Thinh skillfully crafts...
Thinh Phan
in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2500 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.2100 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.5500 (USD)
Brenda Bravo, a wedding photojournalist, and engagement portrait photographer, brings her unique perspective and passion for storytelling to every moment. With a degree in Visual Communication and a minor in Sociology, Brenda's expertise shines through her captivating...
Brenda Bravo
Pasadena in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2000 (USD)
Sierra Dawn is an experienced wedding photojournalist and creative engagement portrait photographer based in the USA. With a background influenced by her father's 20+ years in the field, she possesses a wealth of passion and expertise in capturing beautiful moments.
Sierra Dawn
Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.5500 (USD)
Dennis Mock, a skilled documentary wedding photographer, combines his expertise in sports and architectural photography to deliver stunning compositions. He has received recognition and awards from professional photography associations, as well as prestigious honors from...
Dennis Mock
San Diego in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.450/hour (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
Based in the Western USA, James Juarez is a Mexican-American wedding photojournalist with a degree in Art History from UCLA. With 8 years of experience in documenting punk bands and the fashion industry, he brings a unique perspective to capturing your special day.
James Juarez
Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2450 (USD)
Rebecca Aranda, a West Coast North America wedding photojournalist, merges storytelling skills from her background in theater, film, and publishing to capture the joy of each moment through her decades of experience.
Rebecca Aranda
Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.5000 (USD)
Attila Iuhasz is a S. CA wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer. He specializes in capturing candid moments with an artistic touch. With a background in Management and Marketing, Attila is a well-rounded professional, continuously improving his skills.
Attila Iuhasz
Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2400 (USD)
Using a journalistic style, Nikhol Esteras, a visual storyteller, captures the authentic and unique moments of destination weddings in Oaxaca and California, combining her background in psychology and holistic health.
Nikhol Esteras
Oaxaca de Juárez in Oaxaca, MX *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
Gretchen Troop is a documentary wedding photographer with a Bachelor's degree in Studio Photography. She has a passion for capturing weddings in beautiful locations, particularly in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Gretchen is known for her ability to make clients...
Gretchen Troop
Boulder in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
Stephanie Secrest is a wedding and engagement portrait photographer based in Central Coast CA. With a Master's in photojournalism, she has garnered recognition from renowned competitions such as Pictures of the Year.
Stephanie Secrest
Arroyo Grande in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3300 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.2000 (USD)
Chris Shum is a destination wedding photographer who has been passionate about art and photography since his youth. With a camera given to him by his father at age 15, Chris has captured beautiful and joyful moments for couples and their families. Through his artistic...
Chris Shum
Sunnyvale in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.4500 (USD)
Kimmi Cranes is a California and Nevada wedding photographer based in Lake Tahoe. With a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of California, Santa Cruz, she has been photographing weddings professionally for a decade.
Kimmi Cranes
South Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2000 (USD)
In a journalistic style, Ilana Bar av is a visual storyteller who captures the beautiful moments of weddings. Inspired by her father and brother, also photographers, Barav overcame skepticism to pursue her passion and celebrates six successful years in the business.
Ilana Bar av
Madison in Wisconsin, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.4800 (USD)
Philip Thomas is a skilled wedding photographer with over two decades of experience, known for his documentary approach and storytelling visual style. Originally from England, he honed his skills in the US, photographing local news, models, and actors.
Philip Thomas
San Antonio in Texas, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.4500 (USD)
Ray Anthony Iavasile, a Michigan-based wedding photographer, is highly regarded for his journalistic style, capturing the essence of moments. Ranked as one of the Top 50 wedding photojournalists worldwide, he is the go-to choice for couples in Michigan.
Ray Iavasile
Birmingham in Michigan, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
Tyler Vu is a skilled Northern California wedding photojournalist, specializing in elopements and artistic portraits. With a background in graphic design, his simple philosophy centers around capturing life as it unfolds, emphasizing meaningful moments and exquisite...
Tyler Vu
San Jose in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.4000 (USD)
Drew Bird, a skilled wedding photographer with years of experience, specializes in capturing authentic and unscripted beauty, love, and connection through photographs. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he excels in telling stories through his lens.
Drew Bird
Oakland in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3500 (USD)
Logan Westom is a documentary wedding photographer based in Seattle. With a career in professional photography spanning over a decade, Westom has shot for newspapers, couples’ special days, and Taylor Swift concerts...
Logan Westom
Bremerton in Washington, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.4000 (USD)
Douglas Despres is a photographer with a background in photojournalism and over 600 events photographed since 2002. Specializing in documentary-style shots with comfortable connections to family and guests, he brings his global photography experience to every shoot.
Douglas Despres
Alameda in California, US *Now booking California - Southern 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 - Southern weddings.5000 (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 - Southern weddings.1400 (USD)
Robert Walker, a highly acclaimed wedding photojournalist, boasts 17 years of experience in Texas and California. Known for his unobtrusive and journalistic style, he skillfully captures precious moments. Currently residing in Dallas with his family, Robert's...
Robert Walker
Dallas in Texas, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.2400 (USD)
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 California - Southern weddings.3850 (USD)
In journalistic style, Dan Harris, an experienced newspaper photojournalist, captures the intimate moments of love and joy that unfold during weddings. With over 20 years of experience and an impressive portfolio, he skillfully documents each event, preserving the essence...
Dan Harris
Jacksonville in Florida, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.400/hour (USD)
With a diverse background in photojournalism, acting, and fine art framing, Kate Hagerty captures the essence of weddings as a skilled wedding photojournalist.
Kate Hagerty
Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
A seasoned documentary wedding photographer, Jason Kaczorowski brings more than 18 years of experience to his craft, adeptly capturing over 650 weddings. His talent lies in creating timeless memories that encapsulate the essence of each relationship.
Jason Kaczorowski
Chicago in Illinois, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3900 (USD)
Kristin Bednarz is an experienced storyteller wedding photographer skilled in capturing special moments of weddings everywhere. She has photographed over 250+ weddings...
Kristin Bednarz
Slaton in Texas, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.4500 (USD)
Amber Depangher is an experienced wedding photographer with over 20 years of capturing weddings. She started her photography journey in high school and decided to make it her career after college, taking the risk of starting her own business. Amber is fortunate to work with...
Amber Depangher
Portland in Oregon, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.500/hour (USD)
Wes Shinn, a documentary wedding photographer with a decade of experience as a military photojournalist, beautifully documents every detail and narrative of your wedding, creating powerful and cherished memories.
Wes Shinn
Chesapeake in Virginia, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3400 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.5500 (USD)
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 - Southern weddings.2500 (USD)
Evie Felts transitioned from teaching Spanish to wedding photography, now capturing intimate moments worldwide for 5 years. Based in Mancos, Colorado, she enjoys outdoor activities and homesteading with her family.
Evie Felts
Mancos in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.3000 (USD)
Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving California - Southern Couples
Wedding Venue Pictures by California - Southern Wedding Photographers
Please select a venue below to view all associated contest-winning California - Southern wedding photos.
California - Southern Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers
Below are some California - Southern wedding photography samples from the world’s best wedding photographers of the WPJA. Some of these California - Southern marriage pictures might be artistic portraits, details, or documentary-style images that have come from getting ready sessions, wedding ceremonies, reception venues, or California - Southern engagement portrait sessions with couples.
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Searches Related to California - Southern Wedding Photography Vendors
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can couples find reviews of California - Southern 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 - Southern wedding photographers for their own wedding.
Q: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my California - Southern 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 - Southern wedding photographers who have earned Artistic Guild awards for portrait and detail images.
Q: How can couples find California - Southern photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for California - Southern 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.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
Traditionally speaking, often times it is the couple’s families who help pay for their wedding. However, unfortunately that’s just not possible for everyone, especially these days when the cost of weddings can quickly and easily get out of control. Some couples find...Read more
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 sunshine and that open, airy feeling and give your guests some room to breathe! LESS IS MORE Instead of hemming your...Read more
RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Southern WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS
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
Susan & Benjamin
Photo by William West
Our wedding photo experience with you was exceptional! You were very professional and creative. All of our photographs turned out more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. You were able to capture the feelings and the beauty of our very special day in every photo. You were a pleasure to work with and our wedding day turned out to be the most amazing day. Your relaxed and creative style allowed us to have a lot of fun and really be ourselves. Most of the time, we didn’t even know you were there taking our photo. The photographs are amazing and we had so many to choose from. You set out to capture the beauty and magic of our special day and succeeded beyond all of our expectations. You are a true professional and talented photographer. We can’t thank you enough for providing us with beautiful memories that will last a lifetime!
Benita & Ben
Photo by Drew Bird
Drew, thanks so much for everything. We had so much fun working with you. From start to finish you were great to work with and showed the highest professionalism. All of our guests really enjoyed how fun you were, too. And the photos!! The images are just beautiful. Every time we look through the photo story we see new favorites and amazing moments. Even though the wedding was only a month ago the images bring back so many amazing memories. We are so happy that you were our photographer. We will definitely be recommending you to all our family and friends. Also let us know where we can give you some public shout-outs! Thanks again!
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.
