Illinois Wedding Photographers

Illinois Wedding Photographers

Our Illinois photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Aurora, Joliet, Rockford, Naperville, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin, Bloomington, Champaign, Chicago

Illinois Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

Intimate Wedding Photography in Illinois - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best Illinois 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 Illinois 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, Illinois documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings and elopements can’t wait. Find yours today!

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

Illinois Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Illinois 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 civil ceremony, fast, secret, 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.

18 Illinois Wedding Photographers...

Mid-west wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Madi Ellis

US traveling wedding photographer, Madi Ellis, deeply passionate about documenting love stories with authentic emotion, texture, and connection. Former actor turned storyteller, she creates honest and original work, fully representing couples in every way possible.

4450 (USD)
Portrait of wedding photographer Sarah Nader

With a background in photojournalism and a passion for capturing life's most precious moments, Sarah Nader shines as an acclaimed wedding photojournalist. Alongside her husband and cherished Golden Retrievers, she revels in traveling, cooking, and Peloton.

4400 (USD)
Chicago wedding and elopement photography by Milan Lazic of Illinois United States

Milan Lazic is a professional wedding photographer and the owner of WS photography. He developed a passionate interest for photography while in high school. With an analog camera, he shot his first wedding at age 18, igniting his love to explore and learn about lighting...

3500 (USD)

Jason Brown is a Chicago IL based wedding photographer, specializing in capturing and preserving moments with a documentary style. With years of experience as a news photographer, Jason strives to produce timeless images that tell your unique story.

4750 (USD)

Noelle Adams is an experienced wedding photographer, driven to capture raw emotion that makes up a couple's special day. Through visual storytelling, Noelle strives to document their unique love story and create images that truly capture the relationship between two...

4500 (USD)

Steve Koo is an award-winning wedding photographer based in Chicago, IL. With an artist's eye, Steve pursues wedding photojournalism with a passion that is strongly influenced from his background of fine art photography. He skillfully captures unforgettable memories...

3900 (USD)

Peter Pawinski is a professional wedding photographer with a photojournalism background. With over 13 years of experience shooting weddings and publications such as The New York Times, Business Week and the Chicago Tribune, he strives to truly capture the memories of his...

2500 (USD)
Chicago, Chicagoland and IL Suburb wedding and elopement photography by Rue Pattison

Rue and Bryan Pattison, a dynamic duo in the world of wedding photography, are known for their documentary-style approach. As skilled photographers and storytellers, they skillfully capture the raw emotions and candid moments.

3900 (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.

3900 (USD)
Elopements by Top Wedding Photographer Justin Edmonds

Justin Edmonds, a highly experienced wedding photojournalist and engagement portrait photographer, has established a stellar reputation with clients including Getty Images, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. With over 14 years in the industry, he has successfully...

Justin Edmonds

Denver in Colorado, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
4800 (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 Illinois weddings.
3000 (USD)
Documentary wedding photography by Taber Lacie

With a background as a former EMT and a passion for photography since a young age, Taber Lacie is now a documentary wedding photographer, preserving the genuine essence of love and emotions on the wedding day.

Taber Lacie

West Bend in Wisconsin, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
3000 (USD)
Wedding photography of real moments by Leah Moyers

Traveling wedding and elopement photographer Leah Moyers has a journalistic style, utilizing her Fine Arts background to capture her clients authentically. Her unobtrusive and candid approach allows her to document the moments of love in beautiful and unique ways.

Leah Moyers

Sevierville in Tennessee, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
450/hour (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 Illinois weddings.
5000 (USD)
Wedding and Elopement Photographer Rosina DiBello

As a documentary wedding photographer with more than 20 years of experience, Rosina DiBello is a master at capturing the raw emotions and beautiful moments of weddings.

Rosina DiBello

Deerfield Beach in Florida, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
3500 (USD)
Destination wedding photography by Ferdy Martinus

Ferdy Martinus is a wedding photographer with 25 years of experience in storytelling through pictures and videos. Trained at the New York Institute of Photography, he has shot over 400 weddings in the US Midwest, focusing on Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Ferdy Martinus

Minneapolis in Minnesota, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
1750 (USD)
Laura Alpizar - Wedding Photographer

With a documentary approach to her craft, Laura Alpizar intertwines storytelling and visual techniques to portray the essence of weddings. Having grown up in Costa Rica, she brings a distinct perspective to her work, ensuring captivating visuals that unfold meaningful...

Laura Alpizar

Richfield in Minnesota, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
4500 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Illinois Couples

Illinois Wedding Elopement Photography - WedElope

View WedElope Image Galleries by Illinois Wedding Photographers from Small Events and Intimate Elopements.

Illinois Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

A stunning first dance wedding photo captured at the iconic Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago, showcasing the epitome of classic Chicago style in Illinois.
Chicago, Illinois-based wedding photographer captures a stunning and modern image during a bride's preparation at home. The photograph showcases the bride's dress hanging in the background, creating a stylistic composition with dual mirror reflections.
A professional documentary wedding photographer based in Chicago captures the joyous celebration of a bride and groom after their wedding at the Bottom Lounge. This image has been recognized with a prestigious award from WPJA.
Lifestyle couple portrait at Guthries Tavern in Chicago, IL. Shot from outside looking through the window, the couple is captured enjoying a drink.
At the Riverwalk in Chicago, IL, a soon-to-be-wed couple enjoyed their engagement portrait session, sitting together and laughing joyfully while holding cotton candy - he with a blue treat and she with a pink one.
In this beautiful wedding day photo captured in Chicago, Illinois, the bride and her father are the focal point as they watch the heartwarming mother/son dance, a moment of love and joy.
During a wedding reception at Skokie Country Club in Glencoe, Illinois, a touching moment unfolds as the groom gracefully dances with his mother, showcasing their deep bond.
A talented wedding photographer captured this award-winning photo during a reception in Chicago, Illinois. The image shows the couple happily dancing to the music before going inside to celebrate their special day.
Romantic silhouette of a couple sharing a tender kiss beneath a breathtaking sunrise at North Avenue Beach in Chicago, IL
A couple in Chicago, IL held hands during their off-centered portrait session on their wedding day, capturing the foggy haze and the scenic backdrop of the city's skyline at Milton Lee Olive Park.
Groomsmen and the groom strike a pose for a creative wedding portrait at Ewing Manor in Bloomington, IL, with a unique mirror reflection of the sky and trees beneath them
A wedding photojournalist captured the moment the newlywed couple at their wedding reception in Chicago Winery, reacting with joy as the sister of the bride presented them with a photo during a toast. This image received a WPJA Honor Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can couples find Illinois photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for Illinois 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: Where can I find a photographer for a short-notice, small Illinois 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 Illinois wedding day by.
Q: Who are the best Illinois wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top Illinois 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.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO ELOPE? If you look up the definition of “elope” in the Merriam-Webster dictionary , you’ll find a plethora of meanings making it quite clear how polarizing the word has become, and how it has transformed and evolved with the passage of time and...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
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 Illinois WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Jennifer & Steve

Photo by Noelle Adams

I finally saw the video today and, I have to admit, I cried my eyes out when I finally watched it at home! You captured the day so perfectly, and everyone looks so happy. I completely re-lived the day (and have watched it several times) and cannot tell you how delighted I am with the final product. I can't wait to see all of the other photo files. You are AMAZING!!!!

Picture from the end of an outdoor ceremony in Madison, by a Wisconsin wedding photographer

Angela + Ian

Photo by Taber Lacie

Taber! Wow! The photos are incredible!!!!! I’m crying looking at them! You captured so many precious moments, and I have no idea how you were everywhere at the same time! You are a ninja! I love them all so much! I can’t thank you enough for your gorgeous images and making our day one we will never forget! Thank you for saying I’d regret not getting photos because you’re absolutely right, especially after seeing these!!!! I will recommend you to everyone I know and would love to use you in the future! You’re wonderful to work with, super fun, you wear Rothy’s, and are a real artist! Thank you for everything!

Outdoor wedding ceremony at the Garden of the Gods Club

Shabnam and Joseph

Photo by Justin Edmonds

Choosing you was the easiest part of the shit show that was wedding planning. Working with you is something I would choose over a hundred times, you get how silly and impulsive we are . And You’re so damn tall, but you move like a ghost to get a shot that is as if it was taken from right in front of me. I remember dancing with you for like two seconds, and otherwise, don’t remember seeing you. It’s unbelievable. Thank you for capturing our wedding so perfectly. I would love to buy you a drink whenever you’re in town and are free.