Wedding Planning : California : Photographers

CALIFORNIA'S BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

The best wedding photographers in California - available for your local or destination wedding

We know how much your wedding photography will mean to you in the years to come.
That's why we bring you our trusted list of the best wedding photographers in California
and around the world so you can choose your wedding photographer with confidence!

48 photographers

Madeline Barr

As a photographer, Madeline Barr considers her role on your wedding day to be much more than simply standing behind her lens. As your professional third wheel, your right hand gal, and most importantly, your friend, her job is to ensure that you feel 100% comfortable in front of her camera throughout your day. She understands that the best moments happen when you are able to enjoy them in the present, giving you peace of mind that she will capture every single one. Based in San Diego, Madeline would love to make magic with you anywhere!

Julie Pepin Photography

Your senses come alive when viewing the work of Julie Pepin, as if you can smell, hear, taste and feel the elements of the environment inside the image. She will go into your wedding knowing just what to capture, providing peace of mind to you and a calming presence to everyone around. Her modern take on the art of photography allows you to view photographs in a way that is different from what you are used to. Each shot has artistic vibrancy, electrified colors, and an overflow of thoughtfulness. A past bride claimed that photography is Julie's sixth sense -- which is quite clear as she creatively guides her camera and subjects into authentic compositions, creating images for a lifetime. Available worldwide.

Meaghan Brianne Photo

Meaghan is all about getting her couples to embrace their inner-selves and capturing the organic magic that ensues. This might include some goofy faces, quirky habits, or maybe some moments of unfiltered passion; whatever is natural to you is what she wants to transfer on to her photographs. With her documentary style, Meaghan captures all of the pieces that make your day unique and personal. And with the use of natural, earthy tones, her work produces a feeling of cozy warmth and a lovely, familiar simplicity. She’s way more than an additional vendor - she’s an instantaneous friend with a really incredible talent.

The Times We Have

Kary and Tae are individually passionate and curious artists who share a love for both adventure and connection. Together as the photography team The Times We Have, they bring these attributes together to create imagery that exemplifies wanderlust and the authenticity of real moments. Years ago, Kary and Tae had an unexpected journey to photography - which has now given them a more fulfilled life and partnership. They get so much joy in witnessing the intimacy of weddings, capturing both the beauty of happiness and vulnerability within their exquisitely vivid and artistic wedding photography. Available worldwide.

Kami Olavarria Photography

Combining her strong sense of creativity, her leadership, and her drive to serve others, Kamrin Dishman Olavarria dove headfirst into the only path that made sense -- photography. The unique style she embodies in Kami Olavarria Photography is a perfect fit for couples head-over-heels in love with a streak of adventure. Whether in a tiny chapel or on a peak in the midst of rolling hills, Kamrin values the love between her clients above the location or atmosphere of the day. She will come alongside you and provide a sense of direction and peace, making your wedding day all you hoped it would be and more.

Joshua Rose Photography

Natural light and nature-filled compositions are the backbones to Joshua Rose’s photography. He is a photographer with a humble, grounded perspective that only grows stronger with time, who creates images full of tenderness, emotion, and authenticity. Born in Oregon, he has nurtured a love for the outdoors since childhood that has now expanded into a passion for people. First and foremost he values connection; his couples mean more to him than the photographs he creates. But it’s from the combination of a joyous environment and a personal love story needing to be told that Joshua is able to work his magic. Based in Big Sur and available worldwide.

Roberto Valenzuela Photography

Simple, real, and oh so romantic, Roberto Valenzula’s images expose his passionate heart and your most memorable moments. Balancing an intuitive photojournalistic approach with an ability to create breathtaking portraiture, Roberto creates timeless award-winning images without getting in the way of your celebration. Relax, rejoice and rest assured he’ll capture the shots you and your family will treasure most, while you’re enjoying your wedding day. Fluent in both English and Spanish, based out of Beverly Hills, and available for destination weddings worldwide.

Ashley White Photos

Ashley White approaches a wedding day not only as a photographer, but as a friend. She pours her heart and soul into her work, beginning with the connection she builds with her couples from day one. In the midst of the beautiful chaos on your wedding day, Ashley will provide a sense of calm and warmth, allowing you to feel completely comfortable, relaxed and free to be yourself in front of her camera. The images she creates are full of love, light, and magic, taking you back to the moments you’ll want to relive again and again. Based in San Francisco and Atlanta, Ashley would love to be a part of your story anywhere.

Amy and Stuart Photography

Amy and Stuart strive to make your wedding photography experience simple, fun and stress free, and those same qualities are beautifully reflected in their images. With an approach that’s all about a fresh and comfortable California style, they create a serene and balanced feeling in each lovely photo they take. Through their lens and with an artist’s eye they show us a simple, stylish and uncomplicated look at the beauty and wonder that a wedding day brings. Simply. Beautiful. Photography.

Imani Photo Co.

Nadiya Nacorda gathers inspiration from every ounce of life around her, from her multicultural upbringing, which ignited a passion for cultural diversity in her art, to an affinity for all things vintage, which lends to her beautifully charming photographic style. Nadiya combines documentary style photography with a fine art attention to detail, emotion and authenticity. Her passion for diversity drives her to focus on capturing the love stories of all backgrounds and influences, acting not only as a vendor, but a collaborator, storyteller and friend during some of life's most important moments. Nadiya is based in both San Francisco and Washington DC, but she is available to travel wherever your dream destination may be.

Vivian Chen Photography

Vivian Chen is a photographer with a passion for the adventure of travel, nature, and intimate weddings that embrace and celebrate the two. Shooting weddings since 2006, her relaxed demeanor and wedding know-how are the perfect gifts for any stressed bride or groom. Not to mention, her timeless imagery full of clean lines, crisp hues, and classic compositions are just as exceptional. Vivian focuses on catching those multiple fleeting, candid moments scattered throughout your day, putting her innate sense of observation to good use. She also magically captures the beauty of natural light and the warmth it provides to any space. Vivian and her undeniable talent are more than prepared to deliver the wedding photos of your dreams, be that in the Bay Area or anywhere across the globe.

Lukas Piatek Photography

More than a photographer, Lukas Piatek is a narrator, and he wants to tell your story. Lukas is highly respected in the photography industry and genuinely considers it his dream job. His passion and raw talent produce images filled with emotion and sincerity, allowing couples to relive their most important day for years to come. He truly loves nothing more than making his clients happy, and his photography does just that. Camera in hand, Lukas Piatek Photography is available for travel worldwide!

Gabriel Conover Photography

If you want a photographer who not only captures stunning images, but also provides a sense of trust, friendliness, and fun throughout every step of the way, look no further than Gabe Conover. As a creative, Gabe thrives on meeting new people and learning about their unique backgrounds and stories. What makes him stand out is how much he sincerely cares, and he will go above and beyond to make sure that you are comfortable in front of his camera. Gabe’s energy and enthusiasm is contagious, and as a result, your images will be a true reflection of who you are.

Amy Winningham Photography

Combining an adventurous cinematic style with her ability to harness natural light, Amy Winningham makes magic for couples with her incredible documentary-style photography. Her images have a consistent charm and glowing warmth that can make anyone smile, and her gift for making anyone feel comfortable in front of the camera will leave you feeling like you've known her for years. Amy works hard to connect with you on a personal level to achieve a candid intimacy in her photos that tell a story and not only capture what you looked like on your special day, but also how you felt. While she divides much of her work between Portland and San Francisco, Amy is happily available for travel worldwide.

Joe+Kathrina

Joe+Kathrina started their business together, got married, and now capture weddings near and far with one main priority in mind - to make the process personal. Continually inspired by each individual couple, Joe+Kathrina take photos that showcase your unique qualities and quirks. No stiff, cheesy posing or forced moments - just you being you. Once a friendship is formed and a connection built, they can work their photography magic by observing and moving along with you. With lush earth tones and glowing natural light, their photos feel natural and alive, perfectly complimenting the organic essence of their process. This duo is perfect for couples who prioritize intimate moments, and they're ready to adventure anywhere across the globe for your big, or small, day.

Love Tribe Weddings

Alexander Richardson gets lost in his work, consistently striving to capture all those nuanced moments that occur throughout your wedding day. His approach is thoughtful and precise. Not only does he love his craft, but he wants to ensure you love and cherish your wedding photos for a lifetime. His aim is to tell your story from start to finish, which means every photo he takes is important- from first to last. The care he takes and the attention he brings to every project is evidenced in his superb photography, reflecting authentic emotion and captivating elegance. Love Tribe Weddings is based in Northern California but ready to travel the world to tell your story.

Callaway Gable

A former working actor and the face of L'Oreal respectively, Brian and Allie Callaway combine their extensive experience in front of the camera with their brilliant ability to capture images behind it, and together they make one of the most talented photography teams on the planet. If you are looking for dynamic imagery that breaks the status quo of wedding photography, look no further. Allie uses her experience as a model to ensure you look your best, while Brian draws upon his fine artist's eye, technical mastery and photojournalist's gift for timing. Seasoned travelers who are down to earth and delightful work with, Brian and Allie adore exotic locales and cultures and they're highly sought after in California and for destination weddings all over the world.

Lauren Cate

With experience in fashion, commercial, portrait and wedding photography, Lauren Cate has discovered that her greatest passion lies in the ability to freeze a moment in time in a photograph. Now focusing on primarily weddings, her main goal is to capture more than just a moment, but the feeling behind it as well. She considers it an honor to be part of a wedding day, and she strives to make it a fun, stress-free, and seamless process, allowing you to relax and simply be yourself in front of her camera. Based in Southern California, Lauren is available worldwide.

Jessie Schultz Photography

Jessie and her husband Dylan are constantly filling their lives with joy from photography and then re-giving that joy right back to their couples. It’s a process that has awarded them lifelong friends and imagery that truly speaks from the heart. With warm tones and a classic-yet-contemporary style, it’s the combination of skill and spirit that make this duo perfect wedding photographers. They bring a lightness and fun wherever they go while also putting dedication and professionalism into every shot. Going beyond the standard definition of ‘vendor’, Jessie and Dylan become an integral part of your day and your invaluable wedding story.

Brandi Potter Photography

Brandi isn’t your stereotypical wedding photographer and her photographs reflect the same sentiment. She believes you deserve museum-worthy shots of the real you; actual art made from the unplanned and candid moments that define your relationship. Brandi is dedicated to her craft and to her couples, pushing herself artistically to always create something sincere and unconventional while never leaving you behind in the process. And as a traveler, she’s always ready to hop on a plane and bring her inventive style to a new place and new experience - using a couple’s unique love as the main subject and inspiration.

Ryan Chard Smith Photography

Ryan Chard Smith shoots weddings with one main goal in mind -- to ensure that you feel completely comfortable and confident in choosing him as your photographer. Instead of approaching a wedding day with preconceived ideas about the photographs he will take, Ryan simply allows your day to proceed naturally as he captures every moment with his creative and authentic perspective. Beyond his friendly demeanor, Ryan has established himself as a talented artist with imagery that radiates with natural light, romantic hues, and quiet intimacy. Based in Pacific Grove, California, Ryan would be honored to travel wherever your love takes you.

Maya Lora Photo

Focusing on intimate weddings and elopements, Maya Lora is a talented photographer based in San Clemente, California who loves nothing more than traveling the world to do what she loves. Beyond creating meaningful images full of emotion, she makes it a goal to give her clients a fun, memorable, and stress-free experience along the way. Maya’s laid-back personality, love of travel, and passion for telling authentic stories makes her the perfect fit for adventurous couples anywhere. She looks forward to creating magic with you!

Haley Rynn Ringo Photography

As a “photographer of people”, creating a relationship with her clients and getting to know them on a deep and personal level is at the heart of Haley Ringo’s business. By knowing their stories, their quirks, and what makes them unique, she is able to authentically capture each personality from behind her lens. Her images are emotional and genuine, stirring feelings again and again as you come back to them for years to come. Beyond her drive, her passion and her natural talent, Haley’s infectious personality will make your experience enjoyable and stress-free, allowing you to focus on the things that matter most.

Matt + Jess

This married couple’s signature photographs and videography begins with connection. From the relationships Matt and Jess foster with their couples comes imagery that is incredibly vivid, emotionally charged, and identifiably honest. They utilize natural light in all its glory, enabling warmth to radiate from the photographs and act as a consistent, cozy backdrop from image to image. They know your uniqueness is revealed within the details; which is why Matt and Jess document your love through an intimate perspective, true to you and vibrant with feeling. Based on California’s golden central coast.

Nicole Balsamo Photography

Nicole is a treasure that every bride deserves to have by her side. With her love for fashion and an intuitive, creative perspective, she is an expert at bringing personal visions to life. But it’s her spirited enthusiasm and sincere passion that makes shooting with her so effortless and fun. Nicole captures every interaction and each detail beautifully, even the bits you don’t have time to fully appreciate on the day of. Her work is filled with golden light and a warm goodness that really awakens the love within any moment. For those madly in love in LA, or anywhere across the globe, Nicole Balsamo is a stylish photographer with one undeniable talent.

Nicole Kirshner Photography

It’s evident from the first glimpse that Nicole Kirshner’s couples have the utmost fun while working with her. From the joyous smiles to the uncontrollable laughter, Nicole facilitates and captures moments full of happiness and heartfelt emotion. Her exuberant personality pairs perfectly with her photography style, too; lots of sunshine, natural movement, and candid moments. Based in OC, Nicole’s passion for photography and the documentation of love is built into her process. She’s there to make every couple feel comfortable and at ease while shooting those incredibly special sparks of love in between.

Greg Petersen

Calling California's Central Valley home, Greg Petersen consistently finds inspiration through nature and the adventures it offers. As a photographer, Greg is drawn to shooting weddings that break the mold and stray from tradition. His love for storytelling allows him to act as an observer, giving you space and freedom to enjoy the time with those you love on that incredibly special day. His imagery is full of gorgeous woodland and oceanfront locations, utilizing natural light and the shadows it creates. His romantic compositions and deep, contrasting hues bring an artistry to the images that will forever encapsulate those precious moments. Available across California and worldwide.

Hannah Posey

Hannah’s mission is pretty simple: to create a story told honestly, authentically, made for no one else but you. Hannah works with enthusiasm and passion, and a personable demeanor, which in turn makes it easy to relax and be yourself in front of the camera. She’s drawn to couples putting on a non-traditional wedding, full of originality and celebrating their love without boundaries. Her wedding coverage is ethereal but bright, while her engagement sessions take on an adventurous and intimate perspective. Every photo holds the emotion present in the atmosphere, always heartfelt and never unnatural. Based in Sacramento, but available for travel anywhere your love might take you.

Catalina Jean Photography

A traveling wedding photographer calling Portland, Oregon home, Catalina Jean is a true storyteller. Her approach to photography is artistic and creative, resulting in emotional images that perfectly reflect the most intimate moments on your wedding day. She believes that there is so much beauty to be found in the ordinary, which is exactly what she strives to capture. Most importantly, Catalina understands that love is an adventure, and she is honored to be a part of it. Catalina Jean is available across the U.S. and worldwide.

Sebastien Bicard Photography

What a ray of sunshine this guy is. Sebastien Bicard is a Frenchman with quite the charming accent - and if that isn’t enough to book him, we suppose it’s worth mentioning that he’s also a super talented, artistically-inclined photographer. He’s got enough energy and enthusiasm to lift anyone’s spirits or to lower their barriers of insecurity, as he naturally beckons trust and comfort. And the clarity his images possess is truly one-of-a-kind; Sebastien is dynamic in his abilities and creative with his perspective. Sebastien loves a quiet, intimate elopement, complete with a beautiful scenery and the love between two people. These are the only ingredients he needs to create astounding, moving photographs.

Dani Purington Photography

Dani Purington is an adventurous soul, and nothing makes her heart beat faster than traveling the world, meeting new people, and capturing messy, wild and intimate love stories. Rather than showing up with a list of traditional poses, Dani wants to make you feel comfortable enough to be completely yourselves in front of her camera. The laughter, tears, and emotion that the two of you share is something to be celebrated and cherished for a lifetime, which is exactly what her photos will accomplish. Based in Southern California, Dani can’t wait to be a part of your story, anywhere in the world.

Will Khoury Photography

Will Khoury is a creative, adventurous wedding and elopement photographer based in Northern California. His desire to create has found its most rewarding outlet in photography, and Will is never more satisfied than when he is doing just that. He consistently strives to know and understand his clients deeply in order to capture them in a real and honest way. By taking a photojournalistic approach to his photography, the resulting images are full of emotion, intimacy, and true storytelling. Will is available for hire wherever your love exists.

Clarkie Photography

If you're hoping to find a photographer who can capture more than individual moments and, instead, weave a narrative through breathtaking images, please meet our friend Rich Clarke. This professional yet kind, knowledgeable but friendly, humble gentleman is committed to delivering his personal best with every click of his camera. Rich, aka Clarkie, is able to creatively use natural light and composition to make each of his photos fresh and new. With the emotional connection he forms with his couples, intimately raw, dream-like photographs are plentiful. Powerful, non-traditional images that can remain invaluable throughout your life together is his specialty. Available worldwide.

Heather Elizabeth Photography

Highly sought-after wedding photographer Heather Elizabeth creates photos with a dramatic, cinematic feel, perfect for your big day. She treasures every couple she works with and her passion revolves around exceeding their expectations at every turn. Accepting a limited number of weddings each year so she can spend quality time getting to know each couple she works with, her art is a true reflection of her love for them and their unique styles and personalities. Heather cares much about more what’s real and compelling than about what’s popular, as she shoots from the heart while using her extensive experience and talent to create extraordinary images that truly stand out from the crowd.

Priscilla Banuelos Photography

Priscilla wants to be more than just another vendor at your wedding. Her sweet demeanor and dedication to her craft help her to become the ultimate friend; by your side from start to finish, she allows you to feel completely comfortable in front of the camera with no walls or barriers standing in the way. Priscilla’s own love for adventure and the outdoors go hand-in-hand with her photography style, full of natural hues and breathtaking backdrops. No matter where your love may take you, Priscilla is willing to jump off the beaten path to document the moments that you feel and not just the details that are seen.

Mandee Johnson Photography

From national brand campaigns, to editorial work, to weddings around the world, Mandee Johnson is a multifaceted photographer with a grounded documentary style. With over a decade of experience, Mandee truly knows how to make her clients happy. She is both a listener and a storyteller, and her ability to put her clients completely at ease allows her to step in and create photos that reflect each unique taste, personality, and background. Mandee’s candid, relaxed approach to photography coupled with her friendly and fun demeanor will provide you with not only stunning photos, but a memorable experience throughout every step of the way. Available in Los Angeles, California and worldwide.

Ryan Sin Photography

Capturing connection through imagery, Ryan Sin is passionate about telling stories. Specializing in wedding photography throughout California and around the world, he strives to capture the beauty, soul, and uniqueness found in each and every one. Rather than approaching a wedding day with a shot list or template to follow, he simply allows the day to unfold naturally, finding inspiration in the love and connections he witnesses between both the couple and the family and friends surrounding them. He would be honored to be a part of your day anywhere in the world.

Teri B Photography

A creative soul and lifelong traveler, Teri B. is a Los Angeles based photographer telling stories of love, life, and travel. Throughout her childhood, Teri lived across the United States and had the opportunity to travel overseas often, camera always in hand. Her desire to create eventually led her to pursue acting on the West Coast, opening the door to a career in photography along the way. Her main goal as a photographer is to preserve the essence of your wedding day through moody, yet joyous images, allowing you to relive the memories she captures for years and years to come. She looks forward to telling your story anywhere.

Kayci Decker Photography

For Kayci Decker, photography is more than taking a pretty picture; it’s about telling the story of the person in front of the camera. From quiet, intimate glances, to heartfelt laughter and tears, to naturally posed portraits, she captures a collection of images that tell the narrative of your wedding day. A lover of travel, the outdoors, and adventure, she’s up for anything when it comes to connecting with her clients, creating amazing images, and making magic happen. Kayci is based in Southern California and would love to tell your story wherever it takes you!

Rachel Wakefield Photography

Residing in Orange County with her husband and two children, Rachel Wakefield has had an eye for beautiful photography since she was young. After pursuing an education in photography and launching a business shortly after, Rachel’s passion continued to grow as she found joy through the art of wedding photography. With camera in hand and family by her side, Rachel has traveled near and far to document and preserve a couple’s most valuable memories. Trust Rachel to capture the most special moments of your day with her authentic, detailed, natural style.

Brocoff Photography

Chris and Jess are the husband-and-wife photographer duo behind Brocoff Photography, specializing in wedding photography throughout Southern California and beyond. As dreamers, explorers, and romantics, there is nothing they love more than adventuring around the world to capture the connection between two people. Their main goal is to document your wedding day in a way that is timeless, authentic, and most importantly, serves as a reminder of how you felt on your wedding day, even ten years down the road. Available worldwide.

Nat Kontraktewicz

Curious, passionate, and emotionally connected, Natalia Kontraktewicz has been all around the world documenting people in love. She has dedicated her life to capturing those tiny, intimate moments filled with electric emotion as well as the big memories that define your love story - and there’s nothing she enjoys more. When photographing couples, Nat focuses on making sure you feel free, safe, and unrestricted in front of her camera. Her imagery is romantic and artistic, with a cinematic feel that gives every detail beauty. Nat is always ready for the next adventure, to follow your lead and capture the magic as you go.

You+We Photography

Wildly creative and extraordinarily talented, Sasha Leahovcenco of You + We Photography delights his clients with his beautifully exposed and brilliantly captured images. He has an innate sense for anticipating emotions that he uses to capture the decisive moment, and an fine-artist’s eye for beauty and fashion that makes couples and their guests look stunning. Originally from Moldova, he’s traveled the world with his camera where he has learned to bring out the best in people and places. Call on him for your wedding in San Francisco, California or wherever the two of you choose to revel in your celebration.

Tayler Ashley Photography

Tayler Ashley is all about capturing the raw, messy, and honest moments that make up the connection between two people. Her images are filled with the in-between glances, spontaneous laughter, and heartfelt tears -- the memories that encompass how you felt in the midst of the whirlwind of your wedding day. Most importantly, she wants to remind you of the quirks that made you fall in love with each other in the first place, leaving you with a keepsake to take you back to that place for years to come. Based in Southern California, she would love to be a part of your day anywhere!

AshGabes Photography

Full of color and exuberance, Ashley Gabrielson’s imagery brings the joyfulness of a wedding day to life. Her photographs possess the same sincerity and charm that she herself does - never overly-posed or stiff, and always centered around the honest moments and people that make up a wedding day. The couples Ashley attracts don’t take themselves too seriously, seen in the silly faces, moments of laughter, and unique wedding details that reflect their personality and style. She is a professional who has found her passion and realized her fate, as she effortlessly builds real friendships with her couples and delivers beautiful, vibrant wedding photos. Based in Carlsbad, and available worldwide to capture your story.

Sun + Life Photography

Husband and wife team, Jeff and Dori, are sure to brighten up your day with their fun loving personalities and downright breathtaking photography. With a heavy emphasis on the beauty of nature, Jeff and Dori truly complement their couples with romantic lighting and lush scenery. Taking advantage of the pure ecstasy shared on your big day, this dynamic duo are sure to capture every last tear jerking moment as well as the laughs and festivities. While they are based in Santa Cruz, they are willing to travel abroad to capture your happily ever after.

Brooke Shannon Photography

Dreamer, feeler, and free-spirited soul, Brooke Shannon is an intimate wedding and destination photographer based in Northern California. After discovering photography as a creative outlet at a young age, she turned her hobby into a lifelong career when she fell in love with the ability to experience raw connection and capture it in a photograph. Brooke’s number one goal is to show your love in its most natural, raw, unfiltered state; the messy, in-between, spontaneous moments that make your story unique. Brooke would be honored to play a part in your wedding day, anywhere in the world.

Tida Svy

Tida Svy is all about connection and emotion. As a wedding photographer and makeup artist, she knows how to make you feel beautiful on your wedding day! However, her goal is not only to capture how amazing you look on your special day, but to document how you feel in those in-between moments full of overwhelming emotion. Tida remains discreetly behind the scenes throughout your day, offering guidance when necessary, so that you can be completely yourself in front of her camera. Her friendly, easy going personality will allow you to enjoy every step along the way! Available in Los Angeles and worldwide.

FIND OTHER WEDDING PROFESSIONALS

We’ve searched high and low for the best wedding vendors and inspiration for your California wedding. Discover California's best wedding photographers, California's best wedding planners and California's best wedding venues all right here in our California wedding planning guide. Looking for more California wedding inspiration? Search through our fabulous California real weddings to inspire your big day!

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