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Washington DC Wedding Photographers

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Washington DC Wedding Photographers

Our Washington DC photographers also provide documentary-style coverage in: District of Columbia, United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., Federal Capital City, Federal District, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool

Washington DC Wedding Photography, Engagement Photo Sessions + Elopements

Intimate Wedding Photography in Washington DC - Capturing the Joy of Small Celebrations - Discover the best Washington DC 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 romantic, casual, non-traditional, or at-home wedding.

By planning a simple Washington DC 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, Washington DC documentary wedding photographers available right now who understand that some weddings can’t wait. Find yours today!
Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards
The newlyweds decided to have a small backyard wedding, with the kissing couple surrounded by their closest friends who had come for a house warming party, transforming it into a wedding celebration
Corey Butler
The couple was overjoyed to have finally made their commitment to each other legally binding, and celebrated with an intimate cafe reception. As they made their entrance, the couple beamed with happiness and pride.
Cindy Brown
The bride and groom prayed together during their small church wedding ceremony, captured in a beautiful black and white photo by their elopement photographer
Bryan Aleman

Washington DC Photographers for Large or Small Weddings

Shooting an elopement or small Washington DC 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 justice of the peace, town hall, courthouse, 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.

26 Washington DC Wedding Photographers...

Ken Pak, a wedding storyteller known for his documentary approach, captures the authentic moments of love with his camera, creating stunning visuals that tell a compelling story.

Ken Pak

Washington DC in District Of Columbia, US
115
39
3900 (USD)
Navarre wedding photography by Matt Kolf in Spain

With a background in art history and photography, Matt Kolf has established himself as a reputable documentary wedding photographer, renowned for his ability to document Catholic weddings in Spain and on the East Coast.

Matt Kolf

Washington DC in District Of Columbia, US
7
1
3500 (USD)
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Natasha Lamalle

In a journalistic style, Natasha Lamalle is known as a visual storyteller who excels at capturing the authentic and often fleeting moments of love. With fifteen years of experience as a journalist, her trained eye and subtle approach to photography have made her one of the...

Natasha Lamalle

Washington DC in District Of Columbia, US
18
5
80
3950 (USD)
Engagement Portraits, Elopements and Wedding Photography by Anji Martin Potok's - World Photography, LLC

In a journalistic style, Anji Martin, a visual storyteller, has been capturing moments with her camera since childhood. Specializing in wedding and elopement photography, she primarily serves couples in the Washington, DC, area but is available for destination weddings.

Anji Martin

Washington in District Of Columbia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3
25
4450 (USD)
Shaun Baker - Wedding Photographer and Couple Portrait Professional

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 Washington DC weddings.
100
11
2900 (USD)
Wedding, engagement and elopement photography by Anastasiia Polyakov, of So Tender Is Humanity

Anastasiia Polyakov's documentary style, paired with her artistic eye, enables her to beautifully capture the essence of existence through wedding photography, memorializing moments with compassion and expression.

Anastasiia Polyakov

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
29
64
3500 (USD)
Studio portrait of wedding and elopement photographer Erica Dietz

Employing a documentary approach, Erica Dietz weaves her storytelling abilities with a keen eye for the visual. Specializing in capturing candid moments, she brings artistry and thoughtful composition to each wedding she photographs.

Erica Dietz

Slippery Rock in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
44
2
1
4000 (USD)
Megan Rei, Documentary Style Wedding Photographer

Megan Rei is a Washington metropolitan area wedding photographer with a background in dog photography. She enjoys traveling and is open to new adventures. Megan lives with her husband Neal and their dog Rui, and she strives to capture natural and candid moments in her...

Megan Rei

Bristow in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
8
2
36
4000 (USD)
BW studio portrait of Xiaoqi Li, an artistic wedding and engagement photographer

Xiaoqi Li is a destination wedding photographer who is dedicated to capturing the genuine and meaningful moments of couples' special days. With a deep appreciation for the importance of photographs in preserving memories, she aims to provide peace of mind to her...

Xiaoqi Li

Charlottesville in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
49
2
3
5
0 (USD)
Michael Freas, a Wedding and Engagement Photographer

Michael Freas is a visual storyteller in the field of photography, specializing in wedding ceremonies. He excels at capturing the unique moments that define the love between two people, while also honoring the presence of all those who attend.

Michael Freas

Asheville in North Carolina, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
66
3
30
3800 (USD)
Emie McGee wedding photography studio - Emie's Photo LLC

Emie McGee is a Lynchburg, USA-based wedding photographer, specializing in creating timeless photos and developing a unique editing style inspired by film photography. With photo experience since 2018, she is here to make your wedding day stress-free.

Emie McGee

Lynchburg in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3
5
2500 (USD)
Studio portrait of engagement, wedding and elopement photographer Scott Josuweit

Scott Josuweit, a wedding photojournalist based in the USA, skillfully and artistically captures significant moments, providing a genuine and memorable experience for each couple.

Scott Josuweit

York in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
29
120
3500 (USD)
Studio portrait of Brittany Diliberto, an elopement and wedding photographer | Bee Two Sweet Photography

Brittany Diliberto is an East Coast USA-based photographer capturing spectacular moments with creative, artistic, and inspirational angles. Drawing from a background in professional lighting design, Brittany imprints emotion in her work.

Brittany Diliberto

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
164
1
105
4250 (USD)
Kenneth Clapp, USA Creative Wedding Photography

Kenneth Clapp takes a documentary approach to wedding photography, focusing on storytelling through his visuals. With a keen eye for capturing emotions and moments, he crafts stunning images that truly reflect the essence of the couple's big day.

Kenneth Clapp

Baltimore in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
26
5
3000 (USD)
Engagement Portrait Pro, Wedding and Elopement Photographer Johnny Shryock of the WPJA

USA-based wedding photographer Johnny Shryock has been documenting incredible moments since his own brother's wedding, ten years ago. He puts couples at ease, building a connection with them that allows him to capture the special moments of their wedding day.

Johnny Shryock

Arlington in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
132
52
4250 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of wedding photographer Lauren Barkume

As a documentary wedding photographer, Lauren Barkume possesses a deep love for nature and travel, which seamlessly blend into her photographs. She believes in capturing the authentic narrative of couples, empowering them to embrace their true selves.

Lauren Barkume

Alexandria in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4
13
4990 (USD)
Lifestyle Portrait of Wedding and Elopement Photographer Morgan O'Neil

Morgan O'Neil takes a documentary approach to her photography, skillfully capturing wedding moments with a camera. Specializing in vibrant coastal wedding photos, she uses her storytelling skills to create visually compelling images.

Morgan O'Neil

Baltimore in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
4
1
1
5000 (USD)
Portrait of wedding and elopement photographer Sarah Sta. Ana of Santa Ana Photography

Sarah Sta Ana is a wedding photojournalist in the Washington Metropolitan Area. With a passion for storytelling, she captures raw, pure, and beautiful moments. Her background in non-profits has shaped her approach to photography, and she continually hones her skills in...

Sarah Sta Ana

Aldie in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
3
1
8
1800 (USD)
Engagement, elopement, and wedding photography by Andrew Morrell

Utilizing a documentary approach, Andrew Morrell showcases his distinctive storytelling ability. Through his visual style, he artfully captures weddings and elopements, combining art, technology, and an element of improvisation.

Andrew Morrell

Cleveland in Ohio, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
23
1
1
16
3600 (USD)

Kevin Quinlan, a wedding photojournalist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Art/Photography, utilizes a journalistic style to capture genuine moments. With his commercial experience, including esteemed clients like The University of Delaware, he expertly documents real...

Kevin Quinlan

Newark in Delaware, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
1
5
2250 (USD)
A black and white portrait of William West - A Documentary Wedding Photographer

In 2006, William embarked on his journey as a wedding photojournalist, adopting a journalistic style to capture beautiful and authentic moments. With an unobtrusive approach, he skillfully documents the intimate relationships and stories that unfold on a couple's...

William West

in New Jersey, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
7
3850 (USD)

With a documentary approach and a passion for storytelling, Ryan Rayburn captures the moments and emotions of couples' weddings. Drawing on his nine years of experience as a photographer in newspapers, he applies his visual storytelling skills to create a comprehensive...

Ryan Rayburn

Bethesda in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
2200 (USD)
Weddings by Ryan & Kate for elopements and marriage photography - Portrait of Ryan Howard Sigesmund

Renowned for his expertise as a documentary wedding photographer, Ryan Howard Sig captures raw and authentic moments that unfold naturally on a couple's big day.

Ryan Howard Sigesmund

Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
1
3000 (USD)
Portrait of Amber Lamphere, a Wedding Photographer in Richmond, VA

Amber is a highly acclaimed wedding photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. With over ten years of experience in capturing beautiful wedding moments, her work has been featured in top wedding publications. Amber specializes in weddings in the greater Virginian area and...

Amber Lamphere

Lynchburg in Virginia, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
1
4750 (USD)
Lifestyle portrait of Aira Hickman, a family & wedding photographer

Maryland-based photographer Aira Hickman, a mother and Navy veteran's wife, skillfully captures genuine moments with an organic approach. Passionate since picking up her first camera, she prioritizes authenticity, aiming to make clients feel confident and loved.

Aira Hickman

Gambrills in Maryland, US *Now booking Washington DC weddings.
999 (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 Washington DC weddings.
3400 (USD)

Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Washington DC Couples

Washington DC Wedding, Elopement and Engagement Images by WPJA Photographers

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

Bride and her father walking down the aisle in St. Aloysius Church, surrounded by the beautiful architecture of Gonzaga High School on wedding day in Washington, DC.
In Washington D.C., a WPJA professional captures a charming embrace during an engagement session as the couple shares a tender kiss in their backyard garden, surrounded by rustic wood fencing.
At the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, DC, the bride and groom pose in the hauntingly empty Farragut North Metro station during an ice storm.
Washington, D.C. - A groomsmen at St. Regis Hotel gently escorts the bride through light rain on her way to the wedding.
Washington DC, United States - The newly married couple shares a romantic kiss after their wedding ceremony at District Winery.
14th Street, Washington, D.C. - A shot captured during the pre-wedding photo session of a couple holding hands and strolling through the vibrant streets of the nation's capital.
A portrait of a couple, framed by the windows of an urban venue, taken at the Crimson Whiskey Bar in Washington DC.
The couple's reflection captured at the Planet Word Museum in Washington DC in front of the Word Wall.
Karaoke fun at Planet Word Museum in Washington DC as the newlyweds take the mic and sing their hearts out with lyrics projected on the screen behind them.
An engaged couple poses for their portrait at the Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC. They appear in reflected form with a flat disc Earth in the background.
Engagement portrait in Washington DC shows a playful couple holding hands while crossing the road. Happy and excited expressions captured.
Engaged couple standing in front of a kaleidoscope at the Museum of Illusion with their faces in black and white.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can couples find reviews of Washington DC 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 Washington DC wedding photographers for their own wedding.
Q: How can couples find top-ranked Washington DC wedding photographers?
A: The WPJA created the original wedding photographer ranking systems. Our innovative system is based on contest winning points, meaning that the Washington DC 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.
Q: Who are the best Washington DC wedding photographers for small elopements?
A: The WPJA is proud to have some of the top Washington DC 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
An Unforgettable Romance: The Intimacy of an Elopement
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
Jola Mulder, of Overijssel, is a wedding photographer for
Bringing it Home: The Joys of a Backyard Wedding
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
Small Weddings - How to Budget and Save
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

WPJA Communiqué: Viewpoints
Elopements: Traditional and Modern
The oldsters among the WPJA ranks no doubt remember when 'to elope' meant, in Merriam-Webster’s definition, “to run away secretly with the intention of getting married, usually without parental consent.” Many wedding photographers have gone on the lam with couples who did just that. However, even Merriam-Webster now acknowledges that “elope appears to have become shorthand for ‘ small destination weddings ,’ a ‘ wedding that is not financially insane ,’ or a ‘ wedding that allows us to not invite all the people we would rather not invite .’” Smaller Weddings are... Read more
What is Reportage?
On Instagram and elsewhere, one can see images labeled as #photojournalism or #reportage when they are, in fact, merely photos. I say "merely," even though photography has been my career's great passion. But it's because of that passion and my respect for the work of actual photojournalists that I am particularly bothered to see wedding photographers call their work "reportage." That word properly used actually means something important beyond just a stylistic conceit. By contrast, however, I'm the lead cheerleader for those practitioners of #weddingphotojournalism ... Read more

RAVES, REVIEWS, AND Washington DC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Merchants House Museum of New York wedding image of the couple walking outside

Elizabeth & Tillman

Photo by William West

Oh man, these are SO great!! Wow! Thank you for passing these on. Thank you again for helping make our day so special!

View Photographer

Megan And Allen

Photo by Kevin Quinlan

They are AMAZING!!!!! Thank you so much:),

View Photographer
Wedding image of the bride dancing at The Park Savoy, Florham Park, NJ

Katie & Tom

Photo by William West

Will... I am dying over the pics! They are stunning! Thank you, thank you for everything and being so easy to work with!

View Photographer

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.