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.

Elopements by Top Wedding Photographer Justin Edmonds
Denver adventure wedding elopement photos by Jennifer Garza of Colorado
Lifestyle Portrait of BreeAnna Lasher, a Seattle WA Wedding Photographer
Wedding and elopement photography by Peter Rowen
Bavaria wedding and elopement photography by Andrea Kühl of Germany
Wedding Photographer Roger Kenny, for Ireland - The Portrait Room
Studio portrait of Bozhidar Krastev, wedding photographer of Vonle Art
Wedding elopement and photography by Oliver Saillard of France
BestDayEver elopement and wedding photography by Teun Bakker
Documentary wedding photography by Taber Lacie
UK wedding photography and elopements by Anna Mikulich
Documentary wedding photography by Rebecca Aranda
United Kingdom wedding photography, engagement portraits and elopements by Jenny Rutterford
Portrait of Florent Fauqueux, Photographer for marriage ceremonies and engagement sessions
Wedding photography of real moments by Leah Moyers
California wedding and elopement photographer Annie Bang
BW Studio Portrait of Lyon Wedding Photographer Emilie Roy of Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

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

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...

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...

The Authenticity of
Wedding Photojournalism

Ding Yu, of , is a wedding photographer for
Kevin Kheffache, of Dublin, is a wedding photographer for Dublin
Matouš Bárta, of , is a wedding photographer for Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie, Bučovice

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 Grand Hyatt, Goa: The bride and groom overcome challenges to enjoy their wedding to the fullest, symbolizing the start of their beautiful journey together. A heartfelt moment captured on their special day.
Trofa, Portugal - Beautifully captured by a Portugal wedding photographer, this image shows a bride and groom holding hands in a frame adorned with multiple layers and reflections
A picturesque wedding moment captured at the Duomo di Biella in Italy, as guests shower the happy couple with confetti while they exit the church ceremony
Bride emotionally reads a heartfelt letter to her daughters during the ceremony at Asticou Azalea Garden, capturing an intimate and special wedding moment
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Reception Venue: Bride tasting desserts from the dessert table while the groom playfully takes lactaid pills before joining in
At Domaine de Montireau, the newlyweds are making their exit under a shower of bubbles
At Pelham House Resort in Dennis Port, MA, the bride and her bridesmaids joyfully sing along during the wedding reception, creating unforgettable memories of laughter and celebration.
In this heartwarming wedding day picture captured in Cahors, the bride and groom sit together at the front of the church while the bride's daughter wraps her arms around her in a loving embrace.

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.

Award-winning wedding photographer captures a striking black and white image in Toulouse, France. Through a minimalist approach, the photo showcases a man enjoying a drink behind a wall, with a clean and visually captivating composition.
A stunning scene captured amidst the romantic ambience of Château de Terrides in Tarn-et-Garonne, where the bride and groom express their love joyfully, as they embrace, smile, and share a tender kiss on a vintage solex bike.
Capturing the anticipation of the groom on his big day, this award-winning photo showcases the artistic talent of the photographer at Chateau Dumas, Auty, France. Through clever framing, the multiple doorways add depth and intrigue to the image.
Photographer captures a stunning black and white portrait of the bride, groom, and priest at the Church of Beaulon, Allier, France, as they face towards Christ, creating an award-winning wedding day image.
Capturing every intricate detail, the creative wedding photographer immortalizes the bride's astonishment as she uncovers her name delicately engraved on the groom's suit collar at La Grange 1868 in Seine-Maritime.
At Stanlake Park Vineyard in Berkshire, UK, the groom gently slips the wedding ring onto the bride's finger, symbolizing their eternal love.
The artistic wedding photographer captures an intimate detail pic at Hethfelton House in Dorset, where the couple lovingly adjust their newly exchanged wedding rings. The black and white image emphasizes the beauty of their intertwined hands.
In an award-winning image, a wedding photographer captures a breathtaking bridal portrait at the picturesque Domaine de Belfonds. The stunning bride holds her bouquet, near a window in a room filled with natural light.

Diamond Awards - Pre-Wedding Engagement Portraits - April 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.

A stylish and chic couple from Atlanta's West End neighborhood, sharing a laugh and striking a pose against a vibrant pink and black painted art wall.
In London, England, this couple's engagement portrait captures them in a tender embrace by the gentle rolling rock waterfall in Kyoto Garden, surrounded by nature's beauty.
Experience the timeless love of this couple at Ochre Court, Newport, RI. Snuggled by the gates, their monochromatic portrait exudes a vintage charm.
A romantic engagement portrait captured in Venice, Italy, depicts a couple embraced under the arch of Palazzo Ducale, with repeating arches pattern overhead.
Exploring the intimate connection between a couple in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, this black and white portrait highlights their affection reflected in stillness at their dining room table. Vintage vibes emanate stylishly.
A dreamy, foggy San Mark Square in Venice provides a romantic backdrop for this engagement portrait, with the couple framed elegantly in the scene.
In a serene setting at Castello di Gorizia Village in Italy, a couple joyfully sit on the castle walls, embraced and smiling, exuding playful and relaxed energy.
In Tarvisio, Udine, Italy, a couple shares a kiss bathed in fantastic light. The off-center, minimalistic shot captures their intimacy against a dark background in a romantic portrait session.

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 wedding photojournalist at Fleurance, Gers, France captured a heartwarming moment of the groom embracing his daughter as he prepared for his big day
The photographer at Ashton Creek Vineyard in Richmond, Virginia captured a beautiful moment of the bride and bridesmaids tearfully witnessing the groom's heartfelt vows
The photographer captured a beautiful moment of the bride embracing one of her great friends during the getting ready process at Cote How, The Lake District
The brothers' emotional speeches and hugs at the Lobster Factory ceremony in Tournai, Belgium were beautifully captured in the wedding photo
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 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 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 photographer at the W Hotel in Chicago, IL captured a beautiful moment of the bride kissing her grandma right before walking down the aisle