The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

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731 Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

Photojournalistic
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TheTheodors Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi friends! We are Vlad and Aida, husband and wife team photographers living in SoCal. We are USA and Europe destination photographers, seekers of that natural light that makes our souls kind. For 13 years already we’ve felt truly honored to have people’s trust for considering us to photograph one of the most important days of their life! We have dedication and passion for what we do and for the people around us! We love how we are able to connect with couples who have the same approach to love and values that we share. Our couples are kind, creative, unique, love adventuring, treat other with respect and throw a wedding that feels like them!

Awarded Best of Zola
They did a seriously amazing job from planning to the day of and the photos came out beautifully!! Hire them!
Maria F., a month ago
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Gabbie Burseth Photo 

5.0

Santa Monica, CA
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $7,000

Gabbie Burseth grew up documenting everything and saving mementos in empty Christmas boxes. After studying at the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, she discovered an affinity for weddings and their accompanying treasures. Her philosophy as a wedding photographer is to observe with as little interference as possible — no faking it, no do-overs, no “for the camera”. Her biggest desire is for couples to be present at their wedding, not stuck in a photoshoot. Her work is punctuated by rich and vibrant color, the timeless quality of analog film, and a sense of humor found in fleeting moments.

Awarded Best of Zola
Gabbie is the best of the best! I have been working with her for several years on brand projects and because she has always been such a pleasure to work with, it was a no-brainer to hire her for my wedding. I am all about the details, so I really appreciated her being willing to meet beforehand to understand exactly what I was looking for. She brought all of my editorial/Pinterest-worthy dreams to life! She arrived early, was highly professional, and made my wedding party feel totally comfortable. She perfectly captured moments I will cherish forever, and I could not recommend her enough!
Erica W., 3 years ago
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Holly Castillo Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I'm a CA based and travel wedding photographer. I've photographed almost 200 weddings, and every single one goes by so quickly. I love my job because even though the day goes by fast, I get to find and capture those small moments, sometimes just a fraction of a second long, so they can be relived over and over in photographs. I have a photojournalistic and editorial style, plus 9 years of wedding experience under my belt, so trust me that I've got it while you are able to fully enjoy your day and be present.

Awarded Best of Zola
This has taken me a little while to get to writing as after wedding day life has been a little chaotic but wanted to express praise where it was well deserved. Holly exceeded my husband and I's expectations as our photographer on our wedding day. Not only was she extremely professional, but she was kind, personable and very helpful. The photos ended up coming out GORGEOUS! We just could not be happier with her and are definitely going to be recommending her to anyone seeking a photographer.
Chelsea H., a month ago
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RIVELLE MEDIA 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Rivelle Media is a photography and videography company based in Los Angeles. Every couple, with their distinctive love story, transforms into a canvas where we paint with the play of light and shadow. It extends beyond the grandeur of photographing pivotal moments like vows, rings, and the first dance; it encompasses the art of capturing nuanced glances, shared laughter, and the silent connection that elevates an ordinary day into an extraordinary celebration of love. Published in Vogue, Vanity Fair, Tatler.

Awarded Best of Zola
Our experience with Xenia and Mark (videographer) was truly amazing. Xenia is truly a dedicated professional and her camera work is truly phenomenal. We booked Xenia for both our engagement and wedding photos and she completely exceeded my expectations! We originally booked Xenia and Mark for our wedding in May but unfortunately our wedding venue closed last minute and we were left to scramble in finding a new venue and once we did Xenia was so accommodating and made the new wedding date work. Xenia and Mark are super easy to work with; truly genuine individuals! I scoured through hundreds of photographers before I came across Xenia and honestly, none of them compared to her work and eye for photography. Stop your search and book her; I promise you won't regret it. Thank you, Xenia and Mark!
Vanessa R., 3 months ago
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Carmelisse Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,550
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi I'm Carmelisse. I'm an intimate wedding & elopement photographer based in Los Angeles. I have a gift for making people comfortable and seeing the beauty in all diverse people. I want nothing more than to tell your love story right.

Awarded Best of Zola
Wedding Veterans will tell you that your photographer really sets the tone of your wedding. They are much more than just the person that takes pictures. They take the time to understand who you are as a couple and the story you want to tell and really how you'll look back on your wedding day for years to come. Carmelisse was that and more for us. From the moment we saw her photos from mutuals' weddings we knew we wanted her to shoot our wedding. In our first meeting, it felt like talking to a long-time friend and it was an easy decision for us to put all our trust in her and her team. She was the first person we hired after our wedding planner. We actually contacted her the month after we got engaged in 2021 but her 2023 book wasn't open yet. After conversing via text and email for months, we met her for the first time during our engagement shoot and she captured us and our dogs perfectly (YES, she capture our anxiety-ridden GSD mixes with smiles and they stood still, and the doggos absolutely fell in love with her husband, THANKS REX!!) She helped us pick the area and with putting together comfortable poses. Her turnaround time was so reasonable, the photos are just plain awesome. I have a hard time putting into words how great they are but I literally tear up with happiness every time I look through my album (which I still do ALOT). For the wedding day, Carmelisse and John kept us hyped and on schedule. A lot of things happen on the wedding day and Carmelisse was already ready to help us adjust and adapt. She captured all of our memories so beautifully. I can't stop singing her praises for her work and her as a person. She truly cares and it is seen through her work and her actions on the wedding day. AND Carmelisse is so stinking great - I went through a health scare the morning of my engagement shoot, I was trying to power through because I was afraid of canceling late but all Carmelisse cared about was that I was ok and she immediately rescheduled without additional thought. Carmelisse will be our forever photographer and we want her to shoot all of our future milestones. After our wedding, so many of our friends and family have already added her on Instagram for the future when she can shoot their wedding or life event.
Cindy K., 2 years ago
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Soda Fountain Photo 

4.9

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I’m Mysi (pronounced, boringly, “Missy”)! I’ve been at this thing for 12 years and I keep falling more and more in love with it all. Give me intimate micro-weddings, quirky dive bar weddings, raucous South Asian weddings... my team and I absolutely thrive in chaos and emotion. My specialty is catching the moments and those tiny moments in between. ✨✨✨

Awarded Best of Zola
I have had the pleasure of working with Mysi on several projects, most recently my engagement and wedding photos. I cannot make any grand statement that would cover how much I loved working with Mysi. Her talent is unquestionably amazing, but the thing I loved most about her was her ability to emotionally connect. Her personality is calming, open, and loving and that is so important for a photographer capturing some of the biggest moments in our lives! Highly recommend, 10/10, would book again and again and again.
Brooke and T., 2 years ago
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Love by Justina 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

HOME STATES: California & Massachusetts | Hey, I'm Justina! in the dead of winter I'll be that person walking around with my iced coffee in one hand and airpods blasting underground hiphop or melodic punk all while thrifting for vintage treasures at your local savers. you'll also find me at creative meetups in boston, playing apex legends or catching up on reality when I'm able to find free time.

Awarded Best of Zola
We had the absolute pleasure of working with Justina as our wedding photographer, and she exceeded all of our expectations! Just looking at her work, we knew she was the one. From our first meeting, it was clear that Justina possesses incredible talent and a true passion for her craft. Her ability to capture the essence of every moment is unmatched. Throughout the planning process, Justina was exceptional in her communication. She took the time to understand our vision, preferences, and any specific shots we wanted. Her responsiveness and professionalism made us feel confident and relaxed, knowing we were in great hands. On our wedding day, Justina went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. Her attention to detail and creative approach were evident in every shot. She managed to capture not just the big moments but also the candid, heartfelt interactions that made our day so special (and were a huge priority to us). Her warm and friendly demeanor made it easy for us and our guests to feel comfortable in front of the camera. When we received the final photos, we were blown away by the quality and artistry. Each image was a masterpiece, reflecting the joy, love, and excitement of our celebration - my husband and I both got emotional going through them together. I truly never expected to see such joy captured in every moment of our day, and I am so grateful. Justina has a remarkable ability to tell a story through her lens, and we will cherish these memories forever. How lucky are we to have found her! If you're looking for a photographer who is not only incredibly talented but also genuinely cares about making your day unforgettable, Justina is the one. We cannot recommend her highly enough!
Kelley M., 4 months ago
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Fatima Elreda Photo 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,600
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I'm a digital and film Wedding Photographer in Los Angeles, CA. I'm trilingual and multicultural -- and it's my favorite thing about me. I will travel Southern California for your love story, from San Diego to LA, to Santa Barbara. My style is documentary and photojournalistic with a bit of an editorial and creative charm. I do not bend and sway with the trends of the current day, instead I focus on your unique wedding day to capture timeless imagery. As the moments unfold before me, I will help tell your story. I want you to look back on your images and be able to still feel the emotions within them for decades to come, truly.

Awarded Best of Zola
We were originally drawn to Fatima's work because of how honestly and naturally she captured her clients' love—and we were absolutely blown away when we worked with her! It was clear from our engagement shoot and throughout our whole wedding day that Fatima puts so much care into making her subjects feel comfortable and completely themselves. Fatima made the entire planning process easy and stress-free, and she brought so many glimmers of wisdom to her support as we were planning. She was such a welcome energy on our wedding day—our guests still talk about how sweet she is! Fatima's photography style is stunning, from digital to film to polaroids. She was able to capture our love and our community's love so fully. Fatima's photos are like heirlooms - we now have endless photos that we are absolutely in love with!
Yuki D., 25 days ago
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Jess Onesto (formerly Cheers Babe Photo) 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Jess is a wedding photographer serving couples from Los Angeles to New York City. She specializes in documenting moments with honesty and optimism to showcase her couples’ love for each other, love for their people and their love for a damn good time. “My work is bold, enduring, and honest.” With more than a decade of experience as a photographer and a background in fine art and film photography, Jess approaches each wedding with intention and a sense of novelty. She works in both digital and film mediums and her work has been featured in publications including Martha Stewart Weddings, Destination I Do and Brides.

Awarded Best of Zola
Since receiving our wedding photos from Jess, several of my friends and family members (including 2 professional photographers!) have asked me for her contact info because of how amazing her photos are!! When we started looking for a wedding photographer, we knew that we needed to find someone with a great eye for candids, who wouldn't make our pictures feel too staged, who had a fun/funky vibe like us, and who could handle wrangling my extremely large family (full of very opinionated people) for family photos, and Jess handled everything with ease! I feel so lucky that we found Jess, and I cannot recommend her more. Jess made everyone feel comfortable throughout the entire wedding day, and even gave guidance to family members who are normally awkward in photos (e.g. suggesting ways to pose to make them more comfortable). Jess went above and beyond throughout the entire planning process, checking in with us, getting to know us, and even coming to a venue walkthrough so she could get a sense of the space! I am so grateful for all of the work Jess put into our wedding, and the photos turned out better than I could have ever imagined. I rarely even like photos of myself, but I honestly am so in love with the ones that Jess took that I jump on every opportunity to whip out my phone and share them with friends!
Natalie M., 5 months ago
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Kelsey C. Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,900
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I'm Kelsey! Fun-loving, boba-obsessed, dog-mom living in sunny SoCal. I have a very natural and candid style of photography where clients don't look or feel "posed" but are simply being in the moment! I'm passionate about capturing the essence of your relationship, whether intimate, goofy, quirky, affectionate, and everything in between. I'm known for my friendliness and light-hearted personality! I help make shoots feel very comfortable, candid, fun, and genuine to each relationship.

Awarded Best of Zola
We can’t begin without saying how amazing Kelsey and her team are! They are truly good at what they do. I’m normally really shy and awkward in front of a camera, but they made the experience so fun and comfortable. They knew the best angles and helped with our poses and told us where to go. The photos turned out so candid and beautiful! We cannot get over them and we got so many compliments! We are so happy that we chose Kelsey and her team for our engagement shoot and wedding photos. These types of moments are once in a lifetime and you don’t want to miss anything good and that’s why we’re so grateful that they captured everything for us. We trust them so much. We already want Kelsey and her team to shoot for our one year anniversary!
Jessica Nguyen, 6 months ago
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Jordan Ferrer Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,499
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

As a wedding photographer, I'm driven by a profound love for capturing the essence of each wedding in a photojournalistic style. Preserving these moments for eternity is my mission, ensuring my clients can relive their special day throughout their lives. Let us capture your cherished moments in time beautifully.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Jordan was a dream! We hired him to do our engagement photoshoot at the LA arboretum, and the photos are GORGEOUS! We ended up using some of the selects for our save the dates and for our wedding website. Jordan has a keen eye for detail both as a photographer and as an editor. He really leveraged the natural flora (and the peacocks, haha!!) at the arboretum to create gorgeous images for us. We hired Jordan again to edit our wedding photos, and they bring us so much joy every day when we look at them. 10/10 would recommend hiring Jordan!
Trenise F., a month ago
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Bedrosian Photo 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,250
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

At Bedrosian Photo, we provide both photography and videography for your wedding day, focusing on capturing real moments and genuine emotions rather than stiff poses. Our style blends photojournalism with fine art, letting you relax and enjoy your day while we document it naturally.

Bedrosian Photo was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. Their communication was excellent and kind - Peter and his team were always responsive, professional, and made us feel at ease throughout the entire process. The quality of their work was fantastic, with a natural yet artsy style that was not overly edited. They truly cared about our special day and made sure to capture what was most important to us. Peter and his team also ensured we had fun at our wedding and that it didn't feel like a 6 hour photoshoot. We couldn't be happier with the beautiful photos that will allow us to cherish our wedding day forever.
Keith & L., a month ago
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Magaly Barajas Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,400
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I'm Magaly and I am a wedding photographer based in Southern California. I love candid intimate moments. My approach is photojournalistic. I love capturing candid moments that tell the story of your special day. The laughter between friends, the tears in a mother's eyes, the stolen glances between the my couples - these are the moments that you'll want to remember forever. I am so happy you're here and can't wait to meet you!

Awarded Best of Zola
I couldn't be happier that we had Magaly there to capture our day. I feel like she got the real "us" - our wedding was super fun and nontraditional and the photos reflect that! She caught every moment I could have hoped for plus so much more. I'll treasure these photos forever :)
Natalie, a year ago
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Photos By Victoria Smith 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Authentic and Artistic Photography Hey there! My name is Victoria Smith, your Los Angeles wedding and couples photographer. I went from being an instructional coach to traveling the world capturing the love stories of my clients. My passion for education and people fuel my love of documenting authentic moments that showcase your personalities and connection for years to come. With candid moments and true to color editing, your images will preserve your legacy for generations. I enjoy traveling, hiking, and am always available to chat over coffee! Send me a message to share about your story, and let's plan how to document every second.

Awarded Best of Zola
I loved Victoria she is very professional! Everything went smooth and I was happy with my results!
Gulnaz Graves, 2 years ago
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Cherishmyshots Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

My name is Edwin and welcome to visit my page. I am a wedding photographer in Los Angeles. I also photograph other projects such as fashion photography, family photos, and real estate photography. I have experience shooting a variety of different type of wedding theme and style. I am based in Southern California, but I do travel to shoot for clients and other projects. I love natural light and spontaneity creates images that transcend time and capture the true essence of each moment. I can travel to regions like Ventura County, Temecula, Central and Northern California.

We hired Edwin as our photographer for our traditional Chinese wedding this year and he was so easy to work with. He is kind, friendly, professional, and very responsive via email and text. We went over all the important details for our big day about 2 weeks out. I provided him with a shot list that was important to us and he delivered. Thank you Edwin for capturing our special day!
Beckii M., a year ago
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WipeTheLenz 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Photography has been my passion for over 10 years, and each wedding I shoot tells a unique story. I care about connecting with my couples, understanding their love stories, and creating images that reflect their personalities and emotions. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and I’m dedicated to capturing every precious moment. As a proud father and recently engaged, my family inspires me daily, reinforcing the importance of capturing cherished moments. I bring this same love and dedication to every wedding I photograph.

I was told about Wipe the Lenz thru family members who have worked with him before and they spoke really well about him! we decided to hire him for our engagement and wedding photos and let me tell you it was the most easiest and comfortable thing we have done. We had a fun idea/vision for our engagement photos and he definitely brought that to life! For our wedding day, Things got a bit hectic and he remained so professional and helped us get thru pictures with family as smooth as possible, The pictures came out so good and natural! We are definitely using him for our future piks!
Katie V., 4 months ago
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Sarahi Photo 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,200
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

My name is Sarahi. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Since a child, I loved photographing with old polaroids and disposable cameras.. My family used to complain about the 100's of pictures I captured and how many rolls of film I used. Now, I look back at pictures from 10+ years ago, and see the beauty of "stopping time" in photos and keeping them forever. I see how it brings happiness to the people around me and myself. Nothing makes me happier than people looking back at precious memories. I can't wait to extend this experience to you and create an everlasting memory that you can carry for years to follow.

Awarded Best of Zola
I recently had the pleasure of a portrait session with Sarahi, and the experience was phenomenal. Right from the start, her professionalism and welcoming demeanor created a comfortable environment for both me and my fiance. Sarahi took the time to understand our vision and provided guidance to enhance the overall result. Communication with Sarahi was seamless, and deadlines were met with precision, reinforcing the positive overall experience. I 100% recommend SarahiPhoto for those seeking a portrait session that combines skillful craftsmanship with a thoughtful and collaborative approach.
Johnathan C., a year ago
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Luna Bella Photo 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

We want you to have the absolute best wedding photography and video at an affordable price. Most photographers give you a few sample photographs, but Luna Bella Photos will show you complete wedding coverage from start to finish. On our website there are currently 70 weddings to browse through. No matter the situation, rest assured that with Luna Bella Photos we will capture your wedding in a complete, artistic and natural way. We include photo editing with a clean and crisp feel that you and your family will love.

I hired him for my wedding in Santa Barbara. Everything was very easy and the photos came out nice. I loved all my photos. I recommend him 100% for any wedding. He is very nice, professional and good customer service
Viana A., 4 months ago
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Gui Bittencourt Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi! My name is Gui Bittencourt, and I’m a multicultural wedding photographer based in Los Angeles, CA. Since 2017, I’ve had the honor of working with couples from around the world, documenting their love stories in different shapes and colors. My photography style focuses on telling your story through candid shots and gentle prompts to truly capture the feeling of your special day. Over the past five years, my business has consistently received 5-star ratings across every platform. Please take a moment to explore my portfolio and reviews. If you feel I might be the right fit for your wedding, I’d love to chat with you.

Awarded Best of Zola
GUI very pleasant and charismatic his professionalism captured all the special moments of our wedding day 8-8 We look back on all the pictures and can feel the Love shared that day grateful for GUI we will choose him for all our future special occasions not only because of the quality but for his passion and dedication , beyond happy!
Aaron & P., 3 months ago
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Quehue 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

QueHue is the photography work of Joey Jones. With over 15 years of professional photography experience, Joey Jones comes from the world of film and advertising with clients such as Disney, Microsoft, Sony Playstation, Facebook, and Mattel just to name a few. Joey’s photography style is photojournalistic, candid, romantic, spontaneous, and warm. Raised in Ohio, Joey moved to California twenty-five years ago with his wife whom he married six months earlier. A graduate of the Art Center College of Design, Joey brings his love of design, composition, and attention to detail to each and every photo.

My husband and I worked alongside Joey at a wedding a few years back. We were the videography team for the day so we were able to have an in-depth view of Joey's work as a photographer. He was very thorough, professional, and personable throughout the entire day. He ran his ideas for the overall plan for the day by not only us, but the clients and other vendors to make sure all of our expectations were met. The ceremony took place in a church and Joey was very respectful of the rules in place. The wedding day was unseasonably hot, even for July in the South, but Joey kept a smile on his face and a good attitude throughout the entire day.
The Greenes Photo + Film, 7 months ago
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Brenda Millan Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hello! My name is Brenda and I've resided in SoCal all of my life. Living in Los Angeles has given me the opportunity to explore many beautiful places right here in my backyard, I enjoy hiking and backpacking as well as eating all of the diverse food we can find here! How did I get into Photography? A Middle School project that required us to document our everyday lives sparked that interest and I've had a camera with me since then! Having been a bride myself a few years ago, I know how important photos are. I put myself in your shoes and make sure to document all of the small details and moments as well as the can't miss big moments!

Awarded Best of Zola
I love photos and photography was one of my must have, high quality items for our wedding. Our original photographer had to back out (with plenty of time and notice) so we found ourselves back at the drawing board several months before the wedding. I found Brenda and loved that her images showed a diverse clientele - as a plus size bride with a SO over 6’ tall, that was something that really mattered to me. By the end of our Zoom meeting I wanted to hug her! I felt confident she was the right fit. When the big day came around, not only was her presence instantly calming (things had already been going wrong that morning) but she was incredibly helpful every step of the way, including trying to find a dropped earring, closing my necklace because everyone’s nails were too long, making sure I had space to take a break when my nerves overwhelmed me. We just got some of our sneak peeks in and wow…I’m crying all over again. She captured moments between my SO and I so beautifully, you can feel the love we have for each other. It sounds cliche, but it’s true! Not only were we pleased with Brenda, our guests and wedding party all had such kind things to say about her - how many weddings have you gone to and complimented the photographer, as a guest?! If her style is one that you like, don’t hesitate to hire Brenda. I can’t wait to take more photos with her as we grow old. She was an important part of our day and, for me, the best person to have by my side throughout the chaotic day. I was so happy to have her as part of our adventurers club.
Amanda C., 2 years ago
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The Narrative Weddings (Photo + Video) 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $8,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I'm Jarrod. I'm a wedding photographer based in the US. Originally from Florida and now traveling full-time in a Sprinter van shooting love stories. ​I like to describe my approach to wedding photography as documentary with an editorial flare. About 80% of the day I am capturing your day as it naturally unfolds in a beautiful way. The other 20% I love to prompt you or direct you to create romantic images that have intention and FEELING. Sometimes portraits will feel romantic and editorial and other times they will feel playful and fun. It fully depends on your personal relationship. I love to tell your story as authentically as I can.

Awarded Best of Zola
Jarrod was so professional and made it so easy and fun to take photos that captured our essence and our love. The photos of our special day are now displayed in our home and continue to be a priceless reminder of one of the best days of our lives. Can’t recommend Jarrod enough - thanks for everything 11/10 !!!
Rachel C., a year ago
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Hugo & Kat Photo & Film 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,399
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

We're Hugo & Kat, wedding photographers & filmmakers based in Los Angeles. We're a married duo & we genuinely love that we get to pursue this passion together. Our goal is to create a space where you can be completely yourselves. To capture the real essence that makes you, you. Both individually & as a couple.

We couldn’t have asked for better photographers for our wedding! Hugo and Kat were incredibly professional, creative, and made us feel so comfortable throughout the day. Their attention to detail and ability to capture the most precious moments was truly remarkable. Every photo tells a story, and we are thrilled with how beautifully they documented our special day. We highly recommend Hugo and Kat to anyone looking for talented and passionate photographers!
Erik P., a month ago
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VERANOV [Photo & Video] 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Welcome to VERANOV With a decade of experience, we specialize in capturing the magic of your special moments through both photography and videography. Our team is dedicated to providing a seamless and stress-free experience, tailored to your unique vision and preferences. From weddings to engagements and beyond, we're here to immortalize your cherished memories with creativity, passion, and precision. VERANOV, your moments are in expert hands—because when it comes to capturing memories, it's always a sure thing.

We recently had the pleasure of working with VERANOV as our wedding photographer, and we couldn't be happier with our choice. From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. First and foremost, the team at VERANOV is incredibly professional and talented. They captured every precious moment of our special day with such artistry and attention to detail. The photos are absolutely stunning, each one perfectly encapsulating the emotions and beauty of the day. The candid shots are especially breathtaking, as they truly reflect the joy and love that filled the air. In addition to their impressive skills behind the camera, the VERANOV team was a joy to work with. They were punctual, organized, and always had a positive, friendly attitude. They made us feel comfortable and at ease, which is so important on a day that can be as stressful as it is exciting. Their calm and reassuring presence allowed us to relax and enjoy ourselves, knowing that we were in great hands. The turnaround time for receiving our photos was remarkably quick, and the quality of the final images exceeded our expectations. VERANOV has an incredible eye for detail and a unique ability to capture the essence of each moment. The editing was tasteful and enhanced the natural beauty of the shots without being overdone. Overall, we highly recommend VERANOV to anyone in need of a wedding photographer. Their talent, professionalism, and dedication to their craft are truly unmatched. Thanks to VERANOV, we have a beautiful collection of photos that we will cherish forever. Thank you, VERANOV, for making our wedding day unforgettable!
Emily J., 5 months ago
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The Shalom Imaginative 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

We are The Shalom Imaginative, a Los Angeles based team of artists offering wedding photography on a mix of analog film & digital. We have over ten years of experience capturing weddings with a photojournalistic approach. Our style is candid, relaxed, and real. We love to collaborate with our couples to capture what is the most meaningful to them. All of our packages are customizable and adding some rolls of 35mm film onto digital coverage is our most popular package. We also offer video add-ons to all of our packages.

Awarded Best of Zola
We hired Nate, Vanessa & Keren to shoot our welcome party and wedding and HOLY COW they blew us away! From our first meetings over Zoom, we knew we'd made the right choice. Aside from their obviously gorgeous work, we chose them because their vibe is so down to earth, comforting, and fun. During the two parties, they were efficient and blended right in with our guests so all of our pictures felt organic, which was important to us. We opted to do half on film, half on digital and were completely speechless at how it all turned out. The cherry on top was how quickly we got our pictures back: we got the email one month after our wedding while we were on our honeymoon! So special to relive that day in that setting, and we were so impressed with that turnaround. We already know we'll be hiring this team down the road once we start a family. Their work is so, so special. We truly can't recommend them strongly enough! We wish we could give 10 stars!!
Isabel & J., 2 years ago
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Kenzie Kate Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I'm admittedly wary when it comes to the Wedding Industry and all of it's bells/whistles/expectations, and at the same time, I believe wholeheartedly in the power of community, love, commitment, and collective joy. I think that weddings-- in all of their forms and reclamations-- ultimately serve a great purpose in reminding us of these gifts. I come from a long line of meticulous documenters and hold a degree in Sociology, all of which informs the way I approach photography. I am curious about people, am in awe of the display of emotion, and am passionate about the ways in which we construct family and community.

My husband and I worked with Kenzie for our engagement session in the summer of 2021 and our wedding in the spring of 2022. As you can tell from the timeline both sessions were at the peak of the Pandemic. This season was filled with excitement but also stress as we balanced our family's health, our deepest desires for the wedding, and the weight of the global pandemic. Kenzie gave us the peace that we so desperately needed. All in all, she was our favorite wedding vendor. After our initial onboarding Zoom call, my husband and I turned to each other and screamed did we just make a new best friend?! She is not only professional but personal. She has a great artistic vision but also respected the direction we gave. Kenzie takes a photojournalistic approach to her work and because of that, we feel like these moments are enshrined in history! My favorite Kenzie touch was the pre-wedding survey she provided us that helped her understand what emotions we had going into "the most important day of our lives". She prompted us with questions about the relationship dynamics between our family and friends, and the quirky details of our love, and our answers allowed her to capture more than just a single snapshot in time. Kenzie's photos capture FEELINGS. Thank you thank you thank you and we cannot wait to work with you for our next life event!!
Sarah-Wynne A., 5 months ago
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Hannah Madison Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Hi! I'm Hannah, your So Cal (but traveling) elopement and intimate wedding photographer! I'm so glad you're here. My photography style is a documentary/natural photographer. This means I'm more about documenting your moments and helping you create genuine smiles/moments in photos, opposed to just posing you, i want you to dance and have fun, snuggle into your partner and get those intimate moments. (I'll of course help you figure out what to do with your hands, because lets me honest, even I don't know what to do with my hands in photos. Haha) I love traveling, I love adventure, and I love making friends out of my clients.

Hannah was a wonderful choice for our wedding photography. From the very beginning, she was quick to respond, pleasant, and inviting in her communication. Her work was above and beyond our expectations - the photos are absolutely beautiful and showcase her skillful eye. She catered to what we wanted, picking out amazing photo spots in various stunning locations. Hannah was so open to our ideas and prioritized our wants and needs throughout the entire process. She captured all the shots we requested, and even some we didn't think of, creating a truly beautiful set of memories from our special day. We are thrilled with the results and highly recommend Hannah Madison Photography.
Kyle B., a month ago
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Danielle Bennink Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

A true artist at heart, Danielle has spent over twenty-five years behind a camera. For over a decade she has specialized in recording couples and families in some of their most joyous moments. Utilizing both digital and film, she documents not only the major moments, but the minor moments, too, that sometimes go amiss: the grandmother gazing fondly at the new generation. The proud tearful eyes of a parent watching as their child embarks on an exciting new chapter. Big or small, with her trained eye Danielle captures every brushstroke to fully realize the memory of your special day.

Danielle did an amazing job with our engagement photos. She created a memorable, comfortable, & fun experience that we will never forget. not only did she deliver photos that went beyond our expectations, but the experience & quality of photos and service was 10/10. perfect for any occasion & we will definitely be using her again for future photos!
Lauren Herzog, 7 months ago
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Emily Joy Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Welcome to Emily Joy Photography// Bright, bold, and colorful. Southern California based photography capturing weddings, family, and individuals. My mission is to capture great photos of you and help you feel confident while doing so! What I love most about photography is watching how it can boost confidence. I love working with people and watching them let loose and have fun during our shoots. I am prepared to guide and equip you with confidence and plenty of prompts/poses! I relate providing a gallery of beautiful photos to making an amazing home cooked meal. I put my heart and soul into it and love watching others enjoy it!

Emily was absolutely wonderful to work with! She offered a free engagement shoot with the 8 hour wedding day package and we jumped at it. We had a meeting with her ahead of the engagement shoot which helped the day go smoothly. We felt very at ease with her which allowed us to get some really cute photos. She had a very calming and easy-going presence that made it a fun time to get our photos. Ahead of the wedding day itself, she again met with us to discuss photo options. I gave her a shot list of everything I wanted to get as well as a Pinterest board full of ideas, and she made sure to get all of them and more! I would highly recommend her if you're looking for a photographer.
Tian K., a year ago
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Manuel Espino Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Finding an insanely talented wedding photographer that you can trust & afford...impossible? Nope! Contact Manuel Espino Photography who can soothe your fears, and your budget. I am Manuel Espino a Los Angeles and Orange County storyteller wedding photographer who serves clients that value art and service. My style is a blend of artistic, documentary and portrait wedding photography.

Awarded Best of Zola
Plans changed because of covid, and Manny and his wife were extremely flexible with everything, even when dates were changing. They were warm, friendly and listened to what we wanted, and as a result we have some amazing photos. I 100% recommend Manny & Patty Espino. They certainly go the extra mile for you. Brilliant!
Ruby S., 2 years ago
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Sorellina | Elopements & Micro-Weddings 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

We plan unique elopements and micro-wedding experiences to make your day intimate and one of a kind in Los Angeles! You will work directly with our Planning Prima Donna to plan the day that reflects you as a couple and everything you are dreaming of for your big day. If you dream it, we can do it! With years of experience, we will bring our expertise and guidance to make sure your day goes smoothly and suggest star quality, LA hidden gems. We offer photography, videography, officiants, exclusive venues, planning and classic car, Jeep and Luxury SUV rentals.

Thank you so much to Ashley and the team at Sorelina LA for making our vow renewal ceremony so special. We originally eloped in Long Beach in 2021, and now that we've welcomed a baby into the mix, we thought it was time to renew those promises. Jeremiah was a gracious and lovely officiant, and Kaitlin's photos are genuinely breathtaking. The day couldn't have been better. Thank you to all of you for making our time and commitment so special.
Nikki M., 2 months ago
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Rebecca y Las Otras 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I am a documentary wedding photographer -- I'm all about capturing real moments. In my photographs, I’m always shooting with an eye for color, light, and dynamic shadows. I integrate these technical aspects with my background in film, literature and storytelling so with every wedding, I create a series of documentary photos that recreates the authentic narrative of a day. I’m always chasing the candid, the emotional, even the un-noticed everyday details; things that make you do a double take, little moments that make your heart swell.

Awarded Best of Zola
We approached Rebecca for her photojournalistic photography, something we explicitly wanted in our wedding because we wanted those natural moments captured without looking awkward, and she astonished us by capturing so many sentimental and hilarious parts throughout our wedding. From framing to editing, the photos turned out fantastic and we love them so much! You can see raw emotion, joy, and amazement throughout them. She truly captured the feelings of the day without making us feel overly posed and orchestrated; she made it all feel natural and sometimes even seemed to disappear out of sight (although the photos prove she was there all along). She truly is an artist! We also appreciated Rebecca and Stephanie getting onto the dance floor and grooving with us while capturing hilarious moments. We highly recommend Rebecca if you want authentic, beautiful photos from someone who understands how to include cultural and personal values in your special event!
Phi & A., 2 years ago
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Tida Svy Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Ayyy it’s ya girl Tida (like pita)! I’m not just another photographer – I’m your hype girl, your ally, your eyes and your ears on your wedding day. I’ll be there freaking out shouting “YASSS OMG HOT FIRE ALERT” hyping you up during portraits because holy-shit you look amazing AF! I’ll be dancing circles around your guests while I shove my camera in their faces, fixing your hair when the wind gets too cray, and confidently (and loudly) directing your family portrait time. I’m a tiny ball of giant energy and gurl, it shows on your wedding day – TRUST.

I've been a wedding planner for over 10 years and let me just tell you- coming across someone as genuine, kind and talented as Tida doesn't come around everyday. She is a pure joy to work with. She is organized and on top of everything before the wedding and on the day of. And her work! Pure magic. I always look forward to getting galleries back from Tida. You will not regret hiring her!
Emilee Sutherland, 5 years ago
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Jonathan Moore Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

My name is Jonathan Moore. I am a Los Angeles based wedding photographer and available worldwide. I'll get right to it: The very last thing I want is for you to think of your experience with me as a "photoshoot." I think that posed "prom" photos are totally lame and reflect absolutely nothing unique about you or your partner. After all, you are not actors pretending to be "in love," so why should your images reflect that? At the core, your images should ultimately remind you of why you fell in love in the first place. This is what we're celebrating!

Awarded Best of Zola
Jonathan was the photographer for our wedding and absolutely blew us away with his work. His photos are so gorgeous and perfectly captured the best weekend of our lives. We did a two-night wedding party on the Oregon coast, and Jonathan covered both days and both nights to make sure we had the perfect documentation of our weekend. He picked out the perfect spots for shots after the ceremony, and worked hard to get us in the best light filtering through the trees as we did a little post-ceremony hike in the rainforest. Jonathan also fit right in with our friends when he wasn't busy photographing, and our guests thought he was just one of our friends they hadn't met yet who happened to be a photographer. I would rate him 10/10 on technical photography skills and professionalism, and 11/10 as a person. Our cousin Levi, who has Down's Syndrome, attended and wanted to help photograph the wedding day. Not only was Jonathan fine with having another person photographing near him, he was giving Levi tips on how to position the subjects (us: bride and groom) in the best light and how to compose the shot, at the same time as he was doing his own shooting!! Those specific photos turned out to be magnificent and I will always remember what was going on behind the camera when I see them too. That was a really memorable moment for me and really illustrates what you can expect to get from Jonathan.
Robert & K., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
The Hendrys 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,700
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

We're a Scottish duo living our best lives in Los Angeles! We appreciate unpopular TV shows, all the vegan food, and a good old road trip. But our most favorite thing is our two fur-kids (bunnies!). We are not typical wedding photographers, that is for certain. We go against the usual grain, and that's exactly how we like it to roll. Normal is boring. Well, for us, at least. Not just for the 'wild at heart' and 'free-spirited'. For e v e r y o n e. And we mean it. We don't discriminate. Ever.

We're actually rating The Hendrys one trillion stars out of five because they are "out of this world" amazing photographers and you should stop reading this review and book them ASAP! If you're still reading though, let us break down our perfect experience with them: They were recommended to us by our venue (Valentine DTLA) and we fell in LOVE with them as soon as we saw their website! Their portfolio and "about me" won us over because we were looking for wedding photographers who could capture the in-between moments, do some fun stylized shots, and be just as fun and goofy as we are! We reached out over the website and heard back from them immediately over email. Their super funny, yet professional personality came through and that got us so excited to work with them! They were also open to us asking as many questions as we wanted (especially when it came to the contract), which made us feel even more comfortable! We then got to meet them over ZOOM where we broke down how the day would go, they asked us what kind of pictures we were looking for, and we just got to know each other. We honestly may have become best friends with them as we couldn't stop talking to them about everything and anything for 2 hours. After that, we knew we were gonna be in the best hands, but we could never have ever imagined how perfect they really would be! When it finally came to the wedding day, The Hendrys went above and beyond! They were extremely professional as they kept us on schedule while experimenting with different types of photos (using a Fish Eye Lens, prisms, neon lights, etc.). They knew how to make everything feel super relaxed and fun and just let us do whatever was natural to us no matter what kind of photo it was. While we were losing it over the fact we just got married, The Hendrys just let us take everything in while politely directing us for photos. When we weren't doing staged photos, they were out of sight, but taking stunning photographs of everything that was happening in between. They were like ninjas as they would disappear and then reappear and grab us for the next shoot! It really was so cool! A few weeks after the wedding, we received our photos in record time and they were the COOLEST PHOTOS EVER (which you can see attached to this review)! We cannot thank The Hendrys enough for their hilarious stories, non-stop professionalism, unwavering kindness & selflessness, and being true magicians with their cameras and artistic vision. We couldn't be more grateful for everything that they did and we feel like the luckiest married couple in the world thanks to them! Now quit reading this review and go be the next luckiest married couple in the world and book The Hendrys! They're worth every single penny! - The D'Elia's
Keara G., 5 months ago
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Fitz Carlile Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

The kind of work I do within the wedding photography genre is very distinct - every image stands on its own as a thoughtful composition as if from a cinematic art house film or high-end commercial/editorial shoot. My color grading is immediately identifiable and unique - developed through years of studying color theory - uncommon today in a sea of 'presets' that other photographers purchase on the internet for they have no knowledge of how to build their own. My compositions are often quirky, surprising, different. I always attempt to show a point of view that's uncommon and fascinating to the viewer.

Awarded Best of Zola
Fitz Carlile is a master of light, and can make virtually any setting look like the most romantic place in the world. He immediately puts you at ease. We had to scrap our original wedding plans due to COVID-19, but Fitz remained a willing and enthusiastic participant through it all. Our recommendation to couples trying to plan weddings in this crazy time we've all found ourselves in? Go small. Don't cancel. And your photographer should be your number 1 priority. Photographs are the only concrete thing you'll own to remember your special day, and you will not be disappointed with Fitz. He's a true storyteller and his photos are magic.
Alana & S., 4 years ago
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Siera Harbin Photography 

1.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,900
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

My superpower is the way I connect with your vision. I see you guys on the best day of your lives. I see how well you two fit together, how in love you are, how perfect it all looks. And then I use my camera to make sure that’s exactly how you look in your photos. As someone who grew up *hating* all photos of me, I'm ultra aware of that for others. I still cringe a little when I think about having my photo taken, but I’ve found that it’s always easier when a friend is there to keep me laughing. My sense of humor (and obsession with bad puns) is the perfect way to break the ice for effortless, fun photos that help you feel your best!

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Sienna Plus Josh 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

We are Sienna plus Josh, adventure elopement photographers [who also eloped!] in 2011 and we have been shooting weddings and adventuring ever since. We are here to help you navigate the path of forging your OWN path. Going the adventure elopement route is intimate, authentic, and empowering...with a day that is truly reflective of your relationship and defines the two of you! One of the best things about eloping is that you get to throw away the rule book and write your own. Whether that is spending your wedding day on a mountaintop in Oregon, among the waterfalls in Iceland, or the warm desert of California.

I have been lucky to style a few elopements Sienna Plus Josh have photographed. They are so kind and professional, always putting their nervous clients at ease- in the end creating an incredible gallery. Their work speaks for itself, but as someone who has met them personally they are a joy to hang out with as well.
Anne Timss, 3 years ago
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Captured by Emily C. Petrie 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,600
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I am passionate about the humanity and compassion I infuse into my work and making genuine connections with the people who choose me as a Photographer, Coordinator, or Officiant. I am inspired to create images that break down societal norms and show that all kinds of people and love are valid and beautiful. My style is modern, natural, romantic, whimsical, candid, and bold.

Captured by Emily C. Petrie was the perfect choice for our wedding photography. From our first interaction, Emily's communication was always timely, transparent, and kind. The quality of her work is truly beautiful, with sharp, vibrant images that captured all the special moments of our day. Emily was there for all the important moments, gently guiding us and making us feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, even though we weren't experienced. We highly recommend working with Emily - she helped create beautiful memories that we will cherish forever.
Marlee G., 2 months ago
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Millay and Young Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I'm a photographer with twenty years of experience. I started as a photojournalist and ground my wedding photography in authentic moments. I love natural portraits that don't feel staged and craft a true narrative of the wedding day that shows it in all its beauty.

Awarded Best of Zola
Jonathan has clearly been doing wedding photography for years. He is punctual, organized, and extremely professional. As a solo photographer, Jonathan was still able to get every shot I wanted of the ceremony and reception. He also pays great attention to detail, making sure everyone in the shot is positioned just right. He even had a small pair of scissors in his pocket to help with any flower, thread, etc. mishaps! With so many options out there, we were so happy that we decided to work with Millay and Young Photography.
Petra and A., 4 years ago

Location flexible? Discover photographers near Santa Monica, CA

About wedding photographers in Santa Monica, CA

How much does a wedding photographer typically cost in Santa Monica, CA?

A Santa Monica, CA wedding photographer ranges from $185 to $20,000 and averages at $3,000. The cost reflects the number of hours included, if there is a second photographer, any prints or albums, and, most importantly, the experience of the photographer. But every snapshot they take is a priceless memory of your big day — way better than your bestie's blurry smartphone pics, right?

Do most photographers include a second photographer?

93% of photographers in Santa Monica, CA offer a second photographer, although it typically depends on the package you book! Second photographers are helpful because one person can’t be everywhere at once, and the second photographer ensures all the details are covered.

Which are the most popular photographers in Santa Monica, CA?

Some of the most popular photographers in this area include ozan ulucan photography, SweetEmms Photography and Ashley Cynthia Photography.

What else should I keep in mind when booking a wedding photographer?

Are you interested in an engagement shoot as a test run? Drone photography? Wedding albums? All helpful things to ask about when you’re considering which wedding photographer to book!

What types of photographers are in Santa Monica, CA?

What other Santa Monica vendors will I need?

What other photographers are nearby?

What other wedding services are nearby?