SMALL WEDDINGS + ELOPEMENTS | choose love, not fear

Intimate Weddings & Elopement Photography

Since 2002, the WPJA has been connecting couples with the best, most artistic wedding photographers from around the world.

Federico Rongaroli wedding reportage photographer in Brescia Italy
Engagement, elopement, and wedding photography by Andrew Morrell
Lifestyle portrait of England wedding photographer Tori Deslauriers
Colorado wedding photography and CO couple engagement portraits by Joe Pyle
Tracey Buyce Wedding Images
Studio portrait of John Ryan, wedding photographer of J&J Studios, LLC
New Delhi documentary-style wedding photographer Shivali Chopra - India WPJA Pro
Boulder wedding and elopement photography by Jason Johnson of the CO WPJA
Italian wedding and elopement photographer - Alessia Bruchi Fotografia
Europe weddings, engagements and elopement pictures by Marco Tartaglia
BW portrait of Mark Wallis, Europe wedding reportage photographer
Color wedding photography by Iris Hu
Portrait of Florent Fauqueux, Photographer for marriage ceremonies and engagement sessions
Timmy Keane Wedding Photography of Timtim Media Weddings

Authentic Photography

The WPJA organizes various wedding photography rounds annually, recognizing and honoring exceptionally captivating images.

Take a look at the previous victors by clicking on the links below:

Intimate, Micro Wedding Planning & Elopement Articles

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...

Kobe Vanderzande, of Limburg, is a wedding photographer for

There’s nothing quite like an intimate wedding reception in a tent, with its uniquely informal atmosphere, customized decor and proximity to the elements...

The Authenticity of
Wedding Photojournalism

Nick Despres, of Guernsey, is a wedding photographer for
Brittany Diliberto, of Virginia, is a wedding photographer for

WPJA Contest Photos - January 19th, 2024

Any wedding photographer is going to want to please their clients — but they also want their work to be appreciated on a broader scale. This is one of the reasons why the Wedding Photojournalist Association members love our regular photography competitions. These popular contests give our photographers the opportunity to submit their best images in hopes of being selected as a winner and being recognized for their creativity and effort. Our contests are judged by a panel of notable and respected working photojournalists and picture editors in the news industry, which adds an element of prestige to our awards.

At Nanping, Fujian, home, the groom tackles an exciting game segment during the wedding, as he navigates a ladder to reach the bride's home, with the groomsmen eagerly anticipating below
Charente-Maritime domaine de Puyrigaud: A heartwarming moment captured during the outdoor marriage certificate signing ceremony, as the couple embraces witnesses.
At Trident hotel in Mumbai, the bride's mom becomes emotional as she prepares for the big day, adding an extra layer of love and emotion to the wedding.
In Switzerland, a child walks past the camera during the groom's bouquet toss at the reception party on the grass lawn
At Hotel Worms in Rheinland-Pfalz, the bride and groom can't contain their joy as they indulge in the delicious wedding cake. Their blissful expressions and gestures suggest that they are in cake heaven.
Snake Dance with smoke and warm DJ lighting on the dance floor at lujo hotel-bodrum. A stunning photo capturing women dancing, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of this wedding day.
At Halton Grove in Northumberland, England, UK, a bride is captured in this enchanting wedding day picture, as she reads her vows while being watched over by Star Wars characters, including a storm trooper, an imperial guard, and a jawa.
Kids being kids, hanging out by the window at Crown Casino Hotel in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, while a woman gets her dress ready for the wedding. A playful and heartwarming moment captured before the ceremony.

Artistic Guild - Creative Portraits and Details - January 31st, 2024

The Artistic Guild competitions are distinctly different from our other WPJA contests because this category is specifically for photographers who use their talent to create digitally-enhanced images, staged portraits and dramatic detail images. This competition attracts documentary wedding photographers who also view themselves as artists who are constantly looking to create their next masterpiece.

In the heart of Viterbo's historic old town, this captivating wedding shot captures the pure joy and love shared between the newlyweds, framed against the picturesque backdrop of an ivy-covered well.
Award-winning wedding image captures the bride's joyful surprise as she is cheerfully tossed into the air by a group of men at the exquisite Chateau de Morgenex in Haute Savoie.
In this acclaimed photo, a professional wedding photographer captured a breathtaking scene at Mar de Eucaliptos venue. The black and white image displays a romantic couple surrounded by ethereal clouds.
Award-winning wedding image captures the groom in reflection, donning his shirt at a stunning Chateauroux location in Indre. This artistic shot beautifully showcases the anticipation and preparation on the wedding day.
A stunning wedding photo capturing the love of the couple in the magical caves of Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca. A beautiful and captivating portrait.
A wedding photographer captured the bride and groom sharing a romantic kiss in front of the symmetrical windows at Feriye Palace Istanbul. The venue provided the wonderful backdrop for this award-winning artistic portrait.
In this award-winning wedding day detail picture captured in Nanping, Fujian, at the bride's home, the artistic photographer beautifully showcases the emotional tears of a bridesmaid in a breathtaking black and white image.
Hershey, Pennsylvania: At The Hotel Hershey, a skilled wedding photographer captures a striking image where the couple is beautifully silhouetted and framed within an archway, brought to life by vibrant gel lighting.

Diamond Awards - Pre-Wedding Engagement Portraits - May 8th, 2024

Couples who are searching for a wedding photographer often want a pre-wedding engagement portrait session as well as wedding day photography services. Engagement photographers need to rely on their skill and expertise in order to help their couples select a meaningful location for their portrait session. These awards allow engagement photographers to submit their most moving engagement images in hopes of being recognized for their creativity and skill.

At Dowsers' Beach in Osterville, Massachusetts, a couple walks together in a field of tall grass, basking in the warm light of the setting sun, encapsulating their love.
In Bourne, MA, a couple about to wed share a special photo shoot, filled with smiles and love, on a peaceful beached boat by the quiet dunes.
At Ephesus, Izmir, Turkiye, the couple dances and plays during their pre-wedding photo shoot against the ancient-looking walls and stone pillars, capturing their love before marriage.
At Cenote Complex Dos Ojos in Tulum, Mexico, a couple preparing for marriage poses for photos in a cave, the light creating a silhouette of them in a doorway.
In Richmond Park, London, the couple playfully tease each other while hugging closely, sharing smiles and showing their love for each other.
In Goreme, Nevsehir, Turkey, a couple took pictures before their wedding on ancient stone carved walls and pillars in Cappadocia for their pre-wedding photo shoot.
In Boston, a couple had their portraits taken while standing in the afternoon light, casting shadows on the red brick wall behind them.
In Basque Country, France, a couple wrapped in love and anticipation sits on the steps of a staircase, as the man envelops the woman in a warm embrace against a large stone wall of an old house, capturing the essence of their upcoming marriage.

TLC - True Love Captured - March 3rd, 2023

This WPJA photography competition is focused on the emotions that are on display throughout any wedding event. The images showcase the powerful emotions that the couple are experiencing, and any of the feelings that any wedding guests may go through. The TLC contests follow a long-standing WPJA category tradition of capturing raw emotions.

The photographer captured a beautiful moment of a hug between the bride and groom at Palacio de los Cordova, Granada, Spain, after receiving and giving comfort through the Chinese tea ceremony gifts from the parents, full of emotion and true love
The wedding photojournalist captured a beautiful moment as the bride embraced her friends in a group hug at the reception of Hardy Farm in Fryeburg, Maine
The photograph captured a beautiful and emotional moment as the bride held back tears while saying her vows outdoors at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, WI
The bride's tearful joy and the groom's humorous charm were beautifully captured in a wedding photo at Snowmass, Aspen Colorado with a backdrop of fall colored trees during their outdoor ceremony
The photographer captured the beautiful, emotional moment between the bride and groom after they exchanged their rings in Trieste, Italy
The happy couple leaving their civil ceremony in Biarritz, France with their little boy beaming with joy at his parents' marriage, is captured wonderfully in this wedding photo, showing the love from his mother
The beautiful moment of a bride wiping away her mother's tears of joy at Help Beach, Fethiye, Mugla was captured by the wedding photographer
The wedding photo taken at West Haven, Connecticut captured a touching moment of a groom shedding tears as his mother lovingly does his hair for the big day