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.

Lyon wedding photography by Mallory Davies of the Rhone Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes France
France engagement, elopement, and wedding photography by Mehdi Djafer
BW studio portrait of adventure wedding photographer Eliza Slobodzian
BW studio portrait of Toronto wedding photographer Thomas Campean, of Ontario Canada
Marco Angius Photo Studio Portrait - Weddings, Events, Advertising
Lyon Wedding Photography by Elise Julliard of Rhone, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Portrait of Nottinghamshire elopement and wedding photographer Martin Makowski, of United Kingdom England East Midlands
San Antonio wedding photography by Kelly Williams of the Texas WPJA
Wedding Photographer Chanarthip Cheingthong, for Thailand
UK wedding reportage and engagement photography by Damion Mower
Robin Goodlad is a UK based Wedding Reportage and Elopement Photographer
Italy wedding and elopement photography by Alice Franchi
Kitchener, Ontario wedding and elopement photography by Lori-Anne Crewe - Canada WPJA
England engagement, wedding and elopement photography by Hollie Mateer of M and G Wedding Photography
Caterina Errani - WPJA Profile Image of wedding and elopement photographer
Lifestyle portrait of Rheinland-Pfalz wedding photographer Stephanie Schneider-Kieslich of Germany
Colorado wedding photography and intimate elopements by Stacy Gillespie
Bulgaria Wedding Photography by Ognyan Stoynev, of Sofia

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

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 Domaine de Montireau, the bride surprises her husband with a dance during their evening reception
In Nord, a religious ceremony takes place as the priest blesses the wedding rings before the exchange of vows
Paris Reception Venue in Île-de-France: The bride being carried by her friends as they celebrate during the lively party
At Savoie - Colonie de l'Espérance, the daughter of the bride and groom brings laughter as she plays the clown during the ceremony
Mother of the Bride helping her daughter put on jewelry at their home in Maine-et-Loire, France during the wedding preparations
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.
In Jaipur, India, the groom is carried on their shoulders by his loved ones as they celebrate and walk together on his wedding day
At Vista Capital Wedding Venue in Alajuelita, San José, Costa Rica, the bride and groom share an emotional moment as they stand together at the altar for their long-awaited 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 picturesque Seigneurie d’Alleray, Loir-et-Cher, a stunning wedding photo captures the newlyweds sharing a passionate kiss at sunset, beautifully highlighted by warm sunflares and rimlighting.
A creative wedding day portrait captured at the Choue venue, La Seigneurie d'Alleray. The groom is seen finishing his preparations, bathed in a spotlight against a dark background, creating a striking image with high contrast.
Wedding photo showcasing a high angle view of a beautifully set table for 6, capturing the seated wedding party enjoying a delightful dinner in Günzburg, Bavaria, Germany.
A captivating image at Tanzschule Potsdam. The photo showcases a poignant detail during a Jewish wedding signing, accentuated by the darkened room, participants adorned in black hats, their hands poised with a pen to sign.
At Arapahoe Basin, a bride and her parents ride the chair lift to the mid-mountain ceremony. The photographer captures this stunning image, showcasing the unique venue and creating an award-winning image.
In a regal setting at Hodsock Priory in Nottingham, England, this image captures the charming sight of flower girls descending a grand staircase, on their way to the wedding ceremony.
Newlyweds embrace against a majestic sunset backdrop at Domaine de Chaillauroy in Centre-Val de Loire. This stunning portrait captures the beauty and romance of their special day.
In the charming setting of the British Pullman train in London, the newlywed couple share a special meal together, captured from a high angle looking down.

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.

Experience the timeless love of this couple at Ochre Court, Newport, RI. Snuggled by the gates, their monochromatic portrait exudes a vintage charm.
Capturing a couple's pre-wedding session in Cappadocia, Turkey, as they stand in formal attire amidst launching balloons against a dark blue sky.
In Olmsted Park, Brookline, MA, a happy couple shares a minute of joy on a park bench near their home, captured in a sweet engagement portrait.
The sand dunes of Cidreira Beach, RS, set a romantic scene for this stunning couple's engagement portrait session, capturing their love in a breathtaking setting.
The engagement portrait captures a romantic pose as the couple's silhouettes touch noses at sunset in Castello di Gorizia Village, Italy. A relaxed and picturesque setting.
Capturing a scene of intimacy through a glass window in Beijing's Wudaoying Hutong, this portrait shows a couple kissing indoors, surrounded by reflections.
In a charming scene at West End, Atlanta, the bride-to-be playfully covers the groom-to-be's mouth after a whispered secret, amidst red picnic benches.
A romantic portrait of a couple in Portovenere at sunset, silhouetted against the sky, holding hands and facing each other on the rocks above the water.

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 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 brothers' emotional speeches and hugs at the Lobster Factory ceremony in Tournai, Belgium were beautifully captured in the wedding photo
The photographer captured a beautiful moment at Montlouis sur Loire, as the two mothers of the couple tearfully embraced outdoors
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 tears of joy from the groom and ring bearer as the bride walked down the aisle at the Westin Playa Conchal in Guanacaste, Costa Rica were captured beautifully in the wedding photo
The groom's touching encouragement of his witnesses to make a speech at his outdoor ceremony at Les tables de Crespin, the reception venue in Tarn, France, was captured beautifully in this wedding photo
The photographer captured a beautiful and emotional moment as a Bari bride lovingly greeted her ailing grandmother, who was unfortunately unable to join the celebration of her special day
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