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Ian Chin is no longer a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association.

San Francisco Wedding Photographers

San Francisco Wedding Photographers

Our San Francisco photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: Oakland, Fremont, Santa Rosa, Hayward, Sunnyvale, Concord, Santa Clara, Vallejo

San Francisco Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

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

Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards

San Francisco Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small San Francisco 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.

California - Northern WPJA members are ready to document any civil ceremony, justice of the peace, courthouse, 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.

23 San Francisco Wedding Photographers...

Studio portrait of wedding photographer Tanushree Vaidya

Tanushree Vaidya is a traveling destination wedding photographer with experiences across 14 countries, combining previous skills in commerce, hair artistry, portrait photography, and graphic design.

Tanushree Vaidya

Hayward in California, US *Now booking San Francisco weddings.
4000 (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 San Francisco weddings.
4500 (USD)
Northern CA, Wedding Photography by Joyce Perlman, serving Carmel and Big Sur

Joyce Perlman is a US-based wedding photographer. She is known for her sophisticated blend of contemporary portraiture and documentary-style images. She also has an extensive background in fine art and visual design.

4500 (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 San Francisco weddings.
750/hour (USD)

Dennis Viera is an award-winning international wedding photographer. With a nearly decade-long background in photojournalism, Dennis's photography career began in high school. His passion for documenting life has taken him and his family around the world.

Dennis Viera

Rohnert Park in California, US *Now booking San Francisco weddings.
5000 (USD)
Wedding and Elopement Photographer Tanarak Visessonchoke

Tanarak is an award-winning wedding photographer with twelve years of experience serving San Francisco, Bay area, & beyond. He captures unique love stories with anticipation, excitement, and joy. Tanarak believes in celebrating love in all its forms, regardless of...

4500 (USD)
Edeelin Labra, Northern CA wedding photography

Edeelin Labra, a wedding photojournalist based in Northern California, has honed her photography skills over the years. With a deep love for art, she transforms simple moments into cherished memories. Labra's passion for capturing emotions and preserving them for...

Edeelin Labra

Vallejo in California, US *Now booking San Francisco weddings.
2000 (USD)
Tara Arrowood, Wedding Photographer

Tara Arrowood, a wedding photojournalist based in San Francisco, Northern California, brings over 15 years of experience. With a keen eye for angles and lighting, she skillfully captures emotional moments and details, emphasizing the connection between individuals.

5500 (USD)

Debra Zeller, a renowned wedding photojournalist from Northern California, specializes in capturing couples' moments in a relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere. With her ability to create a special rapport, she ensures the best possible results for her clients. Based in San...

3000 (USD)
California wedding and elopement photographer Annie Bang

California wedding photojournalist and creative engagement portrait photographer Annie Bang is a former journalist and Associated Press reporter. With a focus on capturing real moments and emotions, she uses documentary and photojournalistic photography to create timeless...

Annie Bang

Los Angeles in California, US *Now booking San Francisco weddings.
2500 (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 San Francisco weddings.
3300 (USD)
Adventure weddings and elopement photography by Lauren Lindley

Lauren Lindley, an elopement photographer, specializes in capturing unforgettable moments. With her ability to make people feel at ease in front of the lens, she excels in creating artistic wedding portraits and engagement portraits. Lauren brings her diverse skillset and...

Lauren Lindley

South Lake Tahoe in California, US *Now booking San Francisco weddings.
4200 (USD)
Adventure wedding and elopement photography by Kimmi Cranes

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 San Francisco weddings.
2000 (USD)
CA Engagemen, Wedding and Elopement Photography by Tyler Vu

Tyler Vu is a Northern California-based wedding photojournalist and portrait photographer with a background in graphic design. With his keen eye for composition and dedication to capturing meaningful moments, Tyler thrives on immortalizing the details and emotions that make...

Tyler Vu

San Jose in California, US *Now booking San Francisco weddings.
4000 (USD)
Jerome Pollos Self Portrait, a wedding and elopement photographer of the WPJA

Jerome Pollos is a traveling wedding photographer with a background as a photojournalist in the Navy. After capturing a powerful image of a young boy, he discovered his passion for photography and the impact it can have.

Jerome Pollos

Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, US *Now booking San Francisco weddings.
2500 (USD)

Based in Visalia, CA, Gingi Freeman is a skilled wedding photojournalist who specializes in non-intrusive, documentary-style photography. With a background in art and storytelling, she captures real moments and raw emotions, allowing couples to fully immerse themselves in...

Gingi Freeman

Visalia in California, US *Now booking San Francisco weddings.
1400 (USD)

Maria Newman is a PNW wedding photojournalist with a background in photojournalism. She discovered her love for wedding photography when a friend asked her to photograph her wedding while she was in school.

Maria Newman

Portland in Oregon, US *Now booking San Francisco weddings.
2500 (USD)
California Documentary Wedding and Elopement Photography by Gina Clyne

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 San Francisco weddings.
2100 (USD)
California wedding photography by Jonathan Young

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 San Francisco weddings.
5500 (USD)
Jason Kaczorowski, Destination Wedding Photography - USA

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 San Francisco weddings.
3900 (USD)
Studio portrait of San Francisco wedding photographer Lisa Stone of the N California Wedding Photojournalist Association.

Lisa Stone, a wedding photographer with a Masters Degree in Photography, has shot over 300 weddings. Specializing in black and white documentary and abstract fine art, she enjoys problem-solving and creating art with light. Outside of work, she loves film photography and...

4500 (USD)
Travel and destination wedding & elopement photography by Kathryn Cooper

Kathryn Cooper, a wedding photographer based in New York and California, specializes in adventurous and unique celebrations. With a background in travel photography and a love for outdoor activities, she captures personalized moments for diverse couples worldwide.

Kathryn Cooper

Pleasant Valley in New York, US *Now booking San Francisco weddings.
3600 (USD)
Weddings, engagements and elopement photography by Kevin Kienitz

Kevin Kienitz

Aurora in Illinois, US *Now booking San Francisco weddings.
3000 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving San Francisco Couples

San Francisco Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

A photographer in San Francisco, CA, takes pictures of a couple in love by the Golden Gate Bridge, capturing them sharing a kiss on the beach during the beautiful sunset light that is soft.
At a photo shoot in San Francisco, CA, the couple in love posed in front of the building ruins, creating a beautiful and lasting memory of their special time together.
While at San Francisco's Historic Sutro Baths, the couple lovingly embraced each other by the ocean pool ruins during their engagement portrait session.
Newlyweds sharing a kiss under the Palace of Fine Arts dome entrance in San Francisco, CA. Photograph captures the intimate exchange with a low camera angle, blue sky, and a romantic touch of wind.
At Baker Beach, San Francisco CA, amid the crowds, a couple discovers a hidden trail, capturing the essence of their love with engagement portraits before their upcoming wedding.
During their engagement portrait session at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, the soon-to-be-married couple shared a tender and warm embrace within the old world stone pillars, capturing their love beautifully.
Captured in San Francisco, a couple lovingly embraces on a city street in a black and white urban shot, with a garage door framing their romantic hug.
In the bustling city of San Francisco, a couple shares a romantic kiss in the tranquil city park, illuminated by the golden urban sunlight.
Captured in San Francisco, CA, this engagement portrait features a couple sharing a sweet kiss under an umbrella by the pier, amidst a rainy day with men fishing nearby.
A romantic engagement portrait of a couple in San Francisco, CA, captured in the soft pastel light of the afternoon sun.
In San Francisco, CA, this engaged couple is captured in a romantic scene by the bay. The serene backdrop adds to the sweetness of their love.
A black and white close-up shot of a couple exchanging vows at San Francisco City Hall during their wedding day, showcasing their love and commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can couples find reviews of San Francisco 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 San Francisco wedding photographers for their own wedding.
Q: How can couples find San Francisco photographers for pre-wedding engagement portraits?
A: The WPJA issues Diamond Awards for San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco wedding day by.
WPJA Communiqué: Featured Wedding Photography Articles
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
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
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

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND San Francisco 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!

Lynn & Greg

Photo by Debra Zeller

We just went through the pictures and we are absolutely thrilled! You have an amazing eye - the pictures are aesthetically beautiful, interesting and really captured the event perfectly. I knew you were good, and I knew my choice was good - but now I think my choice was positively inspired. There are literally too many good pictures: we don't know which ones to get prints of! Thank you so much for the incredible craftsmanship; you're a real artist.

Sandy & Kason

Photo by Tanarak Visessonchoke

Huge hugs and thanks Tanarak and your team for capturing all the sweet and unforgettable moments of our wedding on Christmas Eve in 2014. The pictures and videos are even more perfect than we ever expected. Happy tears still roll down our cheeks when we look at them. Thanks for being part of it and making our wedding complete.