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.

Destination weddings, engagement couple sessions and elopement photography by Angela Nelson
London wedding and elopement photography by Gyula Lovaszi, of England, United Kingdom
United Kingdom wedding reportage-style photography by Tracy Morter
Portrait of Katharine Green from Katie Corinne Wedding Photography Studio
United Kingdom elopement and wedding reportage pictures by Alex Benyon
Studio portrait of Moselle wedding photographer Jonathan Gabel of the Grand Est WPJA in France
England elopement and wedding reportage photography by James Pearce - United Kingdom WPJA Pro
Portrait of Florent Fauqueux, Photographer for marriage ceremonies and engagement sessions
Colorado engagements + wedding and elopement photography by Sean Lara
California wedding and elopement photographer Annie Bang
Germany wedding pictures, elopement couple shoots and elopement photography by Michael Geyer
Studio portrait of wedding and elopement photographer Erica Dietz
Lisbon wedding and elopement photography by Pedro Vilela of Portugal
Studio portrait of New England wedding photographer Blake Thomas
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes wedding photography by Coralie Garavel of the France WPJA
Engagement shoots + wedding photography and elopements by Luan Nguyen of 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

Megan Hannah, of Vermont, is a wedding photographer for
Daniel Monteiro, of , is a wedding photographer for
Eric Corbacho, of São Paulo, 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.

A documentary wedding photographer captured this heartwarming moment at Villa Bonomo in Trieste, Italy. The newlyweds hold hands and gaze lovingly into each other's eyes during the outdoor ceremony on the lawn.
A happy bride and groom smile and raise their hands in celebration after their ceremony at the Dekalb History Center. This image won an award from the WPJA, showcasing the photographer's expertise in wedding photography.
In the garden of the Gites estate, a precious little girl enjoys a playful ride on her father's shoulders on an unforgettable wedding day
At a Lyon Rhône Reception Venue, the girls eagerly compete to catch the bridal bouquet while other guests observe the exciting scene.
A Costa Rican wedding photographer captures an emotional moment as the groom sheds tears while reciting his vows to his bride at the Vista Capital Wedding Venue in San José, Costa Rica. This image won an award from WPJA.
The groom's mother finds her son before the wedding ceremony in Ardeche. This heartfelt moment captured by the award-winning wedding photographer showcases their expertise in capturing meaningful and emotional moments on the big day.
Two brides laughing at Brookfield Barn wedding venue in Horsham, West Sussex, England, after the Registrar mistakenly announces them as husband and wife. A funny and memorable moment captured on their special day.
A wedding photographer in Surrey captured this award-winning image at Richmond Rugby Club. The groom and guests are seen watching the bride give her speech, captured from behind, showing only her legs, shoes, and short dress.

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 their enchanting love story, the couple's passionate kiss takes center stage at Chateau de la Sebrandière, with the veil cascading on either side, inviting us to witness the beauty of their romance.
An award-winning wedding day portrait captured by a professional photographer at The Terrace at Cedar Hill. The image showcases the bride's captivating eyes as she gazes through her elegant white veil.
Wedding photo taken at Dreams and Dragonflies in Windsor, CO, USA. The bride and groom pose with an old barn illuminated by the photographer's lighting.
In Moselle, a close-up shot at the wedding venue, the focus is on the hands of the newlyweds, with the bride's ring highlighted.
In this award-winning wedding day pic at Nandi Hills, Karnataka, India, the groom's mouth opens wide in astonishment during the haldi ceremony. Water is poured on him as he wears sunglasses and decorative flowers around his neck.
At the Cork Factory Hotel in Lancaster, PA, a professional wedding photographer captures the joyful moment as the bride and groom pop champagne at night. The vibrant pink and black background adds a striking touch to this action shot.
Capturing the intimate details before the wedding, the artistically inclined photographer embraced the stunning natural light streaming through the window, highlighting the meticulous details of the bride's preparation at her own humble home.
A stunning black and white photo captures the grace, beauty, and elegance of a bride walking down the stairs at North Cadbury Court, UK. This award-winning pic showcases the artistry of the wedding photographer.

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.

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.
In Baeza, Jaén, Spain, a photo was taken before the wedding, showing a couple standing close together, with the sun setting and old buildings in the background.
At Wellington, Somerset, a couple in love shares a sweet kiss in a sunny meadow beside a wire fence, captured beautifully in black and white.
During their engagement portrait session at Phuket Thailand, the silhouetted couple basked in the warm orange tones of the sunset, capturing their love as they prepared to tie the knot.
In Philadelphia, PA, a silhouette photo of a couple stands out against a beautiful mosaic wall, capturing their excitement before their upcoming wedding.
During their engagement session at Redwood Regional Park in Oakland, CA, the couple joyfully walked their dogs on leashes through the open field, showcasing their love and excitement for their upcoming marriage.
At Gorizia, Italy, a couple stood together, dressed up for their engagement photoshoot. They looked at each other with love, and she had a warm smile on her face.
At Sand Mountain in Fallon Nevada, a couple dressed in all black sprint through the sand dunes.

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 the tender moment of the bride being embraced by her friend during the outdoor patio reception at Le fou Gascon in Prechac, Gers, France
The photographer at Ancenis, France captured a heart-warming moment of the bride holding hands with her father-in-law as he saw her for the first time in her wedding dress before the ceremony
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 tender loving moment of the bride caressing her groom's face during their wedding ceremony at Duino, Trieste, Italy was captured perfectly in the wedding photo
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 bride and her father shared an emotional moment as he kissed her head in the back of the limo just before the ceremony, captured perfectly in their wedding photo from Trieste, Italy
The photographer captured a beautiful moment at Montlouis sur Loire, as the two mothers of the couple tearfully embraced outdoors