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SMALL WEDDINGS + ELOPEMENTS | choose love, not fear

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.

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WPJA Spotlight

Exceptional Wedding Photography Showcase

Explore top-tier imagery captured by WPJA members. With special badges and recognition, these exceptional images from weddings showcase the unparalleled talent of our photographers. Dive into dedicated slider galleries within Member Profiles and Spotlight Galleries to witness the artistry and skill that sets our members apart.

A newly married couple leaves Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Decatur, Georgia, the joy of their union evident as they exit the ceremony.
Cindy Brown
Soft light spills into a doorway at Neera Retreat Hotel in Thailand, where a couple is silhouetted indoors, their outlines creating a striking and intimate portrait.
Chaiyasith Junjuerdee
Small hands are showcased in Virginia, USA, as the flower girl’s manicure displayed for a detail shot, highlighting meaningful details that add to the day’s festive spirit.
Aira Hickman
Tears well in the groom’s eyes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as he catches his first glimpse of the bride, his face reflecting the emotional significance of the day.
John Ryan
During cocktail hour at Domaine de Massoulac, a well-dressed guest enjoys the festivities, mingling amidst the gardens and joining in the cheerful atmosphere.
Cyril Langeard Montauban
In front of Shadwell Tube Station in London, a couple stands close together for a city-inspired portrait that blends modern urban life with classic romance.
Andy Sidders
View Spotlight 2026 Round 26

Intimate Weddings & Elopement Photography

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

Portrait of Wedding Photographer Sarah Priestap - Last Light Studio
Wedding Photography by Mauricio Urena
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Lifestyle Portrait of Tommy Loska, a Destination Wedding Photographer
Timmy Keane Wedding Photography of Timtim Media Weddings
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BW studio portrait of Xiaoqi Li, an artistic wedding and engagement photographer
BW Studio Portrait of Lyon Wedding Photographer Emilie Roy of Rhône, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Kent wedding reportage and elopement photography by David Burke of England United Kingdom
Wedding and elopement photography by Amanda Squier
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Studio portrait of Bozhidar Krastev, wedding photographer of Vonle Art
Caroline Peeters, wedding and elopement photographer by Cfoto
Studio portrait of Loic Nicoloso, a wedding photographer from Saône-et-Loire, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, France
Wedding and elopement photos by Pierrick Roland
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One of the most touching things about wedding photography is how quickly you find yourself thrown into the heart of such an important, intimate occasion. It's a responsibility only a fool would take lightly.- Harry Richards, WPJA Member
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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:

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2026 Lifestyle Engagement Photography - Diamond Awards

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2025 v04 Artistic Guild

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2025 v04 Photography Competition

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2025 Lifestyle Engagement Portraits - Diamond Awards

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2025 v03 Photography Competition

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Intimate, Micro Wedding Planning & Elopement Articles

Kobe Vanderzande, of Limburg, is a wedding photographer for

Wedding Reception Tents: A Creative Photo Palette

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

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A Sunshine Solemnization - Outdoor Weddings in Nature

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...

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View Wedding Articles

The Authenticity of
Wedding Photojournalism

Steven Herrschaft, of Hessen, is a wedding photographer for Heitlinger Hof
Daniele Borghello, of Padova, is a wedding photographer for Santa Sofia - Curch - Padova - Italy
Lori Anne Crewe, of Ontario, is a wedding photographer for

Two people making a commitment of marriage want to remember the day for the rest of their lives. Shouldn’t the wedding photography that commemorates their celebration reflect the personal moments and honest emotions they will remember?

A love for authenticity in wedding photography — finding art in the actualities of a marriage celebration — led to the founding of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) in 2002. Out of respect for our clients, the wedding photographers and photojournalists accepted for WPJA membership have a demonstrated talent for candid originality and a dedication to the documentary approach in wedding photography. To maintain their standing in the WPJA, member photographers must adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards.

  • For Engaged Couples planning a wedding: Hire a WPJA photographer so you can reproduce and retell the beautiful, unique story of how your celebration unfolds — as you will want to remember it and have it told for generations.
  • For Professional Wedding Photographers with a photojournalist’s talent for capturing moments, not stage-directing them: Join the WPJA to have your expertise accredited, to help promote and further our craft, and to let the WPJA introduce you to the ideal clients for your work.

WPJA Contest Photos - January 16th, 2026

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.

On the lively dance floor at Pagu restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the bride joyfully shows off her wedding ring, surrounded by friends in the indoor venue atmosphere.
Seated together outside at Hacienda La Masía in Linares, Jaén, Spain, the groom gently wipes tears from the bride’s face in a peaceful, intimate scene away from the main festivities.
Moments before the ceremony at Chateau de Bourneau, Vendée, the bride and her bridesmaids gather for a cheerful selfie, capturing their excitement and anticipation.
At Domaine de Divonne, La Grand Hotel in Divonne Les Bains, France, the bride and her daughter enjoy a special moment getting their hair and makeup done together in the hotel room.
Inside Litera Restaurant in Istanbul, one guest takes a quiet break at her table, watching as others dance energetically across the floor during the reception.
At Echo Lake Inn in Tyso, Vermont, the bride shares a special dance with her grandmother, who remains in her wheelchair, as the singer performs nearby and guests look on lovingly.
Laughter and puzzled expressions fill St Albans Museum & Gallery as the bride and groom play a humorous game of Mr & Mrs during the wedding speeches, entertaining their guests.
At Urla Sahne in Urla, Izmir, Turkey, the groom’s brother is visibly moved, experiencing deep emotions during the heartfelt wedding ceremony in this scenic Turkish venue.

Artistic Guild - Creative Portraits and Details - January 24th, 2026

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.

At Beijing Kunlun Hotel, the newlyweds make their entrance into the venue as colorful balloons drop from above, signaling the official start of the celebration.
At Tunnels Beaches in Devon, UK, sunlight streams through a window, softly illuminating a floral arrangement and adding natural beauty to the celebration’s decor.
A close-up in Ceparana captures the groom’s final touch, focusing on the thoughtful detail as he prepares for his wedding day in this charming Ligurian town.
The bride and groom are silhouetted between paddleboards at Camp Mataponi in Maine, their figures outlined against the light on their adventurous wedding day.
At San Galgano Abbey and Agriturismo San Galgano in Tuscany, the bride’s veil flows elegantly, adding a sense of depth and sophistication to their portrait within the historic venue.
In Aix les Bains, Savoie, France, the hands of the bride and groom are joined during the ribbon ceremony, capturing a wedding tradition with meaningful color and texture.
At the groom's home in Singapore, the couple sits together on a bench, sharing a lighthearted portrait as the groom laughs with visible joy.
The bride and groom traverse the dramatic cliffs of Acadia National Park in Maine on their wedding day, the sweeping landscape providing a breathtaking backdrop to their walk together.

Diamond Awards - Pre-Wedding Engagement Portraits - March 7th, 2026

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 Cazorla, Jaén, Spain, the couple stands face to face before an old rustic wooden door, their eyes locked and expressions tender as weathered wood and historic woodwork create a timeless backdrop for their pre-wedding photo.
In Grenoble, France, a couple shares a kiss against the city’s urban backdrop, the surrounding architecture and natural light adding to the intimate nature of their engagement portrait.
Within a sand rock cave setting at a unique venue near Göreme, Nevşehir, Turkey, the couple is apart, the ancient Cappadocia landscape shaping their pre-wedding photo session in an atmosphere of adventure and intimacy.
A couple embraces beside a quiet garden fountain at Hunting Hill Mansion in Pennsylvania, their engagement portrait highlighting the lush greenery and peaceful setting surrounding them.
A couple enjoys a quiet pose together in Los Gatos, California, their engagement portrait capturing the picturesque natural setting.
Under the glow of bridge lights and the soft city ambiance in Lisbon, Portugal, a couple shares a tender embrace, their engagement portrait set against the enchanting lights of the city at night.
In Rhinebeck, NY, a couple swings together at sunset, their engagement portrait framed by warm golden light, the open field and glowing sky enhancing the romantic atmosphere.
The couple share a quiet pre-wedding portrait at Iglesia de Santa María in Cazorla, Jaén, Spain, the stone architecture and surrounding greenery adding a timeless, serene touch to their engagement 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 photographer captured a beautiful moment at Montlouis sur Loire, as the two mothers of the couple tearfully embraced outdoors
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 captured the beautiful moment of a wedding guest giving the bride a big hug and a kiss on the cheek at the Private Home in Congham, Norfolk, UK
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
At the stunning Mont La Salle in Napa, CA, the moment a bridesmaid holding flowers ran to hug the bride was truly a beautiful and emotional one that the wedding photographer was able to capture
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
The wedding photographer captured a timeless moment of love and joy as the bride's grandparents danced in an embrace at the Mountain Top Inn in Vermont
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