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 mini, quick, pop-up, 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.

16 Illinois Wedding Photographers...

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

Madi Ellis, a wedding photojournalist based in the USA, is dedicated to capturing love stories with genuine emotion, texture, and connection. Her background in acting helps her create honest and unique images that truly represent couples.

4450 (USD)
Portrait of wedding photographer Sarah Nader

Sarah Nader, a documentary wedding photographer, brings her expertise from a successful career in photojournalism. When she's not immersing herself in capturing cherished memories, Sarah enjoys exploring new destinations and experimenting in the kitchen.

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

In the journalistic-style approach, Milan Lazic, a visual storyteller and owner of WS Photography, discovered his passion for images while in high school. A momentous occasion at age 18, capturing his first wedding with an analog camera, sparked his desire to delve into the...

3500 (USD)

Steve Koo is an award-winning wedding photographer known for his documentary approach and storytelling. With an unobtrusive style, he captures moments filled with emotions. His visual artistry skillfully portrays the unique love and joy of each wedding day.

3900 (USD)

Peter Pawinski's documentary approach to wedding photography allows him to capture the essence and emotions of each moment. With a focus on visual storytelling, Peter strives to create a narrative that truly reflects the unique love story of each couple.

2500 (USD)
Jason Kaczorowski, Destination Wedding Photography - USA

With a wealth of expertise as a wedding photojournalist, Jason Kaczorowski has spent over 18 years honing his skills, documenting over 650 weddings. His ability to immortalize meaningful moments ensures cherished memories for years to come.

3900 (USD)
Chicago, Chicagoland and IL Suburb wedding and elopement photography by Rue Pattison

Rue Pattison is a professional Chicago wedding photographer with years of experience behind the camera. She specializes in capturing the connection and love between couples, while her tech-savvy husband Bryan takes care of off-camera lighting, computer editing, and all...

3900 (USD)
Elopements by Top Wedding Photographer Justin Edmonds

Justin Edmonds has worked as a photojournalist for the past 14 years, having built his reputation with major clients like Getty Images, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Major League Baseball, Upper Deck, NASCAR and The Denver Post. His experience and skill have...

Justin Edmonds

Denver in Colorado, US *Now booking Illinois weddings.
4800 (USD)
Wedding photography and elopements by Ray Iavasile of Michigan

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 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 & elopement photographer Leah Moyers; Fine Arts background; capturing clients authentically; unobtrusive, candid & inclusive style; beautiful, unique work.

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

Rosina DiBello is a destination wedding photographer who has been shooting weddings for over 20 years. With the help of mentors and her natural creativity, Rosina has developed a unique style of capturing reality with a sense of humor, making her a sought after photographer.

Rosina DiBello

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

Ferdy Martinus is a wedding photojournalist with 25 years of experience, specializing in capturing stories through pictures and videos. Trained at the New York Institute of Photography, he has photographed over 400 weddings in the US Midwest, focusing on areas like...

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: Can a wedding photojournalist create artistic portraits on my Illinois 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 Illinois wedding photographers who have earned Artistic Guild awards for portrait and detail images.
Q: How can couples find reviews of Illinois 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 Illinois wedding photographers for their own wedding.
Q: How can couples find top-ranked Illinois wedding photographers?
A: The WPJA created the original wedding photographer ranking systems. Our innovative system is based on contest winning points, meaning that the Illinois 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
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
Jola Mulder, of Overijssel, is a wedding photographer for
Oftentimes when people are considering a venue for their weddings, they search for a location away from home, whether that be ten minutes or ten hours, all just to find what they already have: a place that holds meaning for them, that feels comfortable, or that they find...Read more
So your wedding is just around the corner and you’ve decided to elope , either because you want to do this on a budget , avoid a large wedding party, or simply to enjoy the day together with minimal distractions and as little stress as possible . They say 'all you need is...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND Illinois WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Jessica & Christiaan

Photo by Steve Koo

You were absolutely wonderful! You were everything we were looking for in photgrapher- professional, creative, talented, hard worker etc. You really captured both the beautiful natural backdrop as well as everyones personalities so perfectly! Everyone I send the pictures to has the same response- WOW!!,

Heather and Matt

Photo by Justin Edmonds

Holy smokes, you are ridiculously talented. Which I already knew, but, DAMN these photos are incredible! Thank you for sharing and posting about our day! We’re so grateful we trusted you with capturing it.

Briar Common Brewery Wedding Photography in the rain.

Holly and Hayden

Photo by Justin Edmonds

I absolutely ADORE these photos!! You did an amazing job and I just want to show you one simple shot that just gave goosebumps because it was basically a recreation of my best friend and I's favorite picture from graduating high school. I just feel the love and growth and maturity we've got through together in your picture. I wanted to let you know and let you know you're doing such a great job with your work even in these small moments-- whether you know it or not!