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, and all of Southern California (SoCal)

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 happiness and closeness of your non-traditional, casual, outdoor, or at-home wedding.

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. With many couples feeling more comfortable and relaxed in intimate settings, it is not surprising that some of the most sincere and touching wedding photos are captured at smaller celebrations.

The WPJA has an abundance of top-ranked, California - Southern documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings 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 remote, city hall, micro, or any other type of elopement wedding, even if it is a Monday-Thursday ceremony. Search for the “Can Shoot Weddings on Short Notice!” message on the listings below.

37 California - Southern Wedding Photographers...

Shaun Baker - Wedding Photographer and Couple Portrait Professional

USA-based Shaun Baker is a wedding photojournalist, engagement portrait photographer, and artistic wedding portrait photographer. He transitioned from video to photography after college and has been capturing weddings since 2009.

Shaun Baker

San Diego in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
2900 (USD)
California wedding photography by Brett Butterstein

Based in Southern California, Brett Butterstein is a highly skilled wedding photojournalist with a background in photojournalism and extensive experience in newspaper photography. With his keen eye for detail and ability to capture raw emotions, he is the ideal choice for...

Brett Butterstein

Encinitas in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3500 (USD)
California wedding and elopement photographer Annie Bang

As a wedding photojournalist and creative engagement portrait photographer in California, Annie Bang brings a background as a former journalist and Associated Press reporter. With a focus on documenting real moments and emotions, she uses documentary and photojournalistic...

Annie Bang

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
2500 (USD)
Portrait of Loren Haar, Engagement, Elopement and Wedding Photographer

Loren Haar is a skilled and well-traveled wedding photojournalist, engagement portrait photographer, and artistic wedding portrait photographer. With a background in documenting significant life events and a passion for photography that flourished through learning manual...

Loren Haar

Ventura in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
2200 (USD)
California wedding photography by Jonathan Young

Jonathan Young is a California coast wedding photographer, with 20 years of experience, a photojournalist background, and an eye for detail. He captures the joy and emotion of each unique wedding day.

Jonathan Young

Palos Verdes Estates in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
5500 (USD)
JD Land Wedding Photographer

In a journalistic style, JD Land, a visual storyteller, focuses on capturing real wedding moments since 2012. With a keen eye for detail, he also delves into wildlife photography, searching for the ideal image to tell his visual tales.

JD Land

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Engagement Photo Shoots and wedding photography by Darren Hendry

Darren Hendry, an architecture-trained photographer with 7 years of experience, specializes in non-traditional and offbeat weddings. He captures unique stories through his natural, emotive, and creative style, creating honest and captivating images. Darren also offers...

Darren Hendry

Pasadena in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3900 (USD)
Wedding Photography by Thinh Phan

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 Documentary Wedding and Elopement Photography by Gina Clyne

Gina Clyne, CA wedding photographer, specializes in photojournalistic style imagery. She uses a gentle eye to capture formal portraits that reflect the personalities of couples while also documenting the subtle and profound moments of the day.

Gina Clyne

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
2100 (USD)
Engagement couple portraits and elopement photography by Brenda Bravo - Bravo Image

Brenda Bravo is a wedding photojournalist, engagement portrait photographer, and artistic wedding portrait photographer. With a degree in Visual Communication and a minor in Sociology, Brenda brings her unique perspective to capture the beauty and emotion of each moment...

Brenda Bravo

Pasadena in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
2000 (USD)
Studio portrait of wedding photographer Sierra Dawn

Sierra Dawn is a USA-based traveling wedding photographer. Her passion and knowledge is passed down from her father's 20+ years in the profession.

Sierra Dawn

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
5500 (USD)
Destination weddings and elopement photography by Dennis Mock

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.
3000 (USD)
Lifestyle Portrait of Wedding and Elopement Photographer James Juarez

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)
Documentary wedding photography by Rebecca Aranda

Rebecca Aranda, a wedding photojournalist based on the West Coast of North America, brings decades of experience in storytelling, theater, film, and publishing to capture the joy in each moment.

Rebecca Aranda

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
5000 (USD)
Southern California wedding photography and engagement portraits by Attila Iuhasz

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)
Wedding photography and elopements by Ray Iavasile of Michigan

Ray Anthony Iavasile, a wedding photojournalist based in Michigan, is celebrated for his journalistic style and ability to capture authentic moments. He is recognized as one of the Top 50 wedding photojournalists worldwide and is the go-to choice for couples in Michigan.

Ray Iavasile

Birmingham in Michigan, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3000 (USD)

Philip Thomas is a wedding photojournalist with over two decades of experience, known for his journalistic style and for capturing moments on a couple's big day. With a background in shooting local news, models, and actors, Philip's expertise shines through in his...

Philip Thomas

San Antonio in Texas, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
4000 (USD)
California Couple Portrait Sessions and Wedding Photography by Stephanie Secrest

Based in Central Coast CA, Stephanie Secrest is a wedding and engagement portrait photographer. She holds a Master's in photojournalism and has been recognized for her work in prestigious contests like Pictures of the Year.

Stephanie Secrest

Arroyo Grande in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3300 (USD)
Gretchen Troop Photography Studio for Weddings, Elopements and Portraits

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.
3500 (USD)
Wedding and elopement photography by Will Tee - SW Wedding Photo Studio

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)
Weddings by Chris Shum, Life Photographer

Chris Shum is a wedding, engagement, lifestyle, and family photographer with a lifelong passion for art. With his artistic eye and unobstructive approach, Chris captures the beauty and joy of weddings, creating elegant, storytelling photographs that couples can treasure...

Chris Shum

Sunnyvale in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
4500 (USD)
Adventure wedding and elopement photography by Kimmi Cranes

Kimmi Cranes is a California and Nevada wedding photojournalist and portrait photographer with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from UC Santa Cruz, specializing in elopements. With over 10 years of professional experience, she is skilled at capturing the essence and emotions...

Kimmi Cranes

South Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
2000 (USD)
CA Engagemen, Wedding and Elopement Photography by Tyler Vu

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)
Northern California wedding photography by Drew Bird - Creative Storytelling

Drew Bird is a San Francisco Bay Area-based wedding photographer with years of experience. His focus is on telling stories through photographs, capturing authentic and unscripted expressions of beauty, love and connection.

Drew Bird

Oakland in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3500 (USD)

Douglas Despres is a wedding photographer who has photographed over 600 events since 2002. With a background in photojournalism and experience shooting worldwide, Doug specializes in documentary-style shots with an emphasis on comfortable connections with family and guests.

Douglas Despres

Alameda in California, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
750/hour (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 is an award-winning and published wedding photographer with over 17 years experience in Texas and California. His photo-journalistic style and professional demeanor have earned him praise from clients. He and his family currently reside in Dallas.

Robert Walker

Dallas in Texas, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
2400 (USD)
A black and white portrait of William West - A Documentary Wedding Photographer

With a documentary approach, William employs visual storytelling to create stunning and genuine wedding photographs. His professional and diverse skills, including business development, graphic design, and art, allow him to capture the essence of each unique love story in a...

William West

in New Jersey, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3850 (USD)

Dan Harris is a US based wedding photographer with over 20 years experience working in newspapers. His lifelong affinity for photography was born when he was 8, learning about his mother's Kodak Brownie II camera. He has won several prestigious awards worldwide and has...

Dan Harris

Jacksonville in Florida, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
400/hour (USD)
Wedding and Elopement Photography by Kate Hagerty

Kate Hagerty: Talented wedding photographer with experience in photojournalism, fine art framing, and acting. Published work in WESA.com, The Pittsburgh Current, The Pittsburgh City Paper, and The Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

Kate Hagerty

Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3000 (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.

Jason Kaczorowski

Chicago in Illinois, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3900 (USD)
Portrait of Amber Depangher of Sightglass Photography Studio

Amber Depangher is a seasoned wedding photojournalist, expertly documenting love stories for over two decades. From high school hobby to thriving business, Amber and her husband's unique styles make for an unbeatable team.

Amber Depangher

Portland in Oregon, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
500/hour (USD)
Studio portrait of Wes Shinn - owner / wedding and elopement photography studio

Wes Shinn, a seasoned wedding photojournalist with a decade of experience as a military photojournalist, expertly captures the essence and emotions of your wedding day, creating unforgettable memories.

Wes Shinn

Chesapeake in Virginia, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3400 (USD)
Marla Manes, a PNW ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER in Seattle WA

Seattle-based Marla Manes, a skilled wedding photographer, specializes in wedding photojournalism and portraiture. Advocate for values and environmental sustainability, creating a comfortable space for exceptional photos. Proud dog person, obsessed with her black cat...

Marla Manes

Seattle in Washington, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
5500 (USD)
Chris Rusanowsky self portrait of a wedding photographer in black and white

With over fourteen years of experience, Chris Rusanowsky is a highly skilled wedding photojournalist. His photographs capture the raw emotions and tell the story of each client's special day, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Chris Rusanowsky

Northlake in Texas, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
2500 (USD)
Portrait of Katharine Green from Katie Corinne Wedding Photography Studio

Katharine Green, a traveling wedding photographer, has been capturing the happiest moments of life for over 10 years. Based in Colorado, she and her associate, Jamie, specialize in wedding, engagement, and proposal photography.

Katharine Green

Monument in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3000 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Evie Felts, a wedding and elopement photographer

Evie Felts, a wedding photographer with 5 years of experience, left teaching to pursue art. She connects with clients worldwide and captures intimate moments. Evie lives in Mancos, Colorado, enjoying outdoor activities when not photographing.

Evie Felts

Mancos in Colorado, US *Now booking California - Southern weddings.
3000 (USD)

1 more photographers available for your wedding...

4250 US Dollar

Jaimie Nicole Krause Photography : Jaimie Krause

Saint Peters in Missouri, United States

 

 

 

Art and Connection: Captivating Wedding Photography Expertly Blended

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving California - Southern Couples

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.

A picture of an Egyptian couple's wedding at Huntington Beach, CA, where paper airplanes are being thrown by guests to embrace their aviation theme.
The couple is walking through a city rooftop garden in San Francisco, CA, radiating joy and anticipation for their future together. Captured by a top pre-wedding photographer, their engagement portrait session is a glimpse of the beautiful journey ahead.
LOS ANGELES - Newlyweds inside their car on the street at night, filled with colorful balloons and sweet messages from loved ones, at the end of their wedding at Smogshoppe in California's City of Angels.
Fallbrook, CA - Newlyweds sway to the music with their furry friend at their wedding celebration, held at the Monserate Vineyards & Winery.
In a heartwarming display of love and joy, the bride's dog couldn't resist sneaking a kiss during the reception at Monserate Winery in Fallbrook, California
At Monserate Winery in Fallbrook, California, a heartwarming photo captures the carefree spirit of three very young children playing cards while the wedding party prepares for the big day.
PALM SPRINGS, CA - A couple poses for a portrait at sunrise in the desert, with a row of wind turbines in the backdrop.
A pre-wedding portrait of this couple in Downtown LA, California showcases the stunning combination of architecture and light.
In Southern California's Los Angeles, the couple's pre-wedding photo session showcased some creativity with a display of blue light and a dark background.
In a pre-wedding picture session in Southern California's Los Angeles, the photographer got creative with prisms, capturing mesmerizing repeating images in a circular pattern.
As the sun began to set in Los Angeles, California, the engagement photographer expertly utilized circles, light, and reflective surfaces of glass to capture a stunning portrait of the couple.
The stiffly posed couple exudes a slice of Americana as they stand amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the foothills in Pasadena during their pre-wedding picture session in Southern California.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Q: Who are the best California - Southern wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top California - Southern 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.
Q: How can couples find top-ranked California - Southern wedding photographers?
A: The WPJA created the original wedding photographer ranking systems. Our innovative system is based on contest winning points, meaning that the California - Southern 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
Clean background in this photo of the bride walking into her mountain ceremony.
Some couples, as they begin planning for their weddings, might think that they are limited to the classic locations: churches, gardens, beaches, or even Las Vegas. But in doing so they’re missing out on a multitude of unique options that might suit their personalities much...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
It’s no secret that these are strange times we’re going through right now, and there are many couples out there with weddings set in the near future who are left feeling uncertain and concerned about their futures. While that’s understandable, it’s also important to...Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND California - Southern WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Eleanor & Dave

Photo by Douglas Despres

Doug you did the most FANTASTIC job! The photos are all so beautiful I can't even make a favorites list because they're all so great. I confess that I even teared up looking at them it was such a happy day and you captured everything. We're so grateful for all your efforts, we really can't imagine having had a different photographer there to share our day with us. Thank you so so much!

Couple celebrating wedding post-ceremony by the lake at Fallen Leaf Lake, South Lake Tahoe, CA

John & Claire

Photo by James Juarez

We've been distracted this weekend moving all of John's stuff into our new LES apartment but rest assured - we have been evenly splitting our time between moving and lovingly gazing at your photos. We love them! They're so beautiful and captured the vibe and energy so well. So exciting!

Christine & Bryan

Photo by Douglas Despres

"Doug these are amazing!! I can't even tell you how much I'm in love with them! You did such an incredible job and I cannot thank you enough! They're unreal!"