The Best Wedding Photographers in Apple River, IL

The Best Wedding Photographers in Apple River, IL

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413 Wedding Photographers in Apple River, IL

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Hooke Photo 

5.0

  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,950
  • Serves Apple River, IL

As a small boy, I would sit for hours watching my mother hand-color portraits for a local photographer, during the cold winter months, by a fire in our family room. From there I began taking my own pictures with my first box camera. Fast forward to a restless twenty-something working as a microbiologist, taking weddings and portraits on weekends. Eventually I graduated college with an M.A. in Photography and started out in Chicago, assisting numerous photographers, shooting everything from oranges to weddings. I have been fortunate to have worked all over the world. Photography is more than a job, it’s an avocation, a passion, it's what I do.

Awarded Best of Zola
On such an important day, Thom makes everything easy. No stress at all to work with. Very professional. The pictures were great. Thom shows true passion with the photos. Its more then just another day at the office. 11/10 would recommend to everyone.
Matthew K., 3 years ago
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Candace Sims Photography 

5.0

  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Apple River, IL

Candace Sims is an award-winning luxury wedding photographer based in Chicago with over twelve years of experience serving couples who appreciate refined, timeless imagery. Renowned for her elegant style and intentional storytelling, Candace and her team thoughtfully capture each wedding day with artistry and care.

Candace was truly the perfect photographer for our wedding! From the very beginning, her warmth, kindness, and professionalism made us feel completely at ease. On the day itself, she brought such positive energy and creativity that it felt like we had known her forever. Her talent is unmatched—she has an incredible eye and a genuine passion for her work that shines through in everything she does. We couldn’t have imagined our wedding day without her! Candace captured every moment so beautifully and made our day feel even more special. The final gallery was nothing short of amazing. If you’re looking for someone who is not only exceptionally skilled but also a joy to be around, Candace is the one. We truly love her and will be forever grateful for the magic she brought to our wedding day!
Nzuzi M., 4 months ago
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Forest City Photographs 

5.0

  • Fine art style
  • Serves Apple River, IL

Extroverted and passionate about creating images for couples. I've been taking photos since I was old enough to hold a camera. Starting in 2015, I've photographed weddings couples in the midwest. in 2018 we started to travel across the united states for weddings. No matter where your ceremony will take place, we'll be there for you.

Awarded Best of Zola
We loved working with Joel and Forest City Photographs. So much energy! If you want photos that are just a little bit different, a photographer who makes you laugh, and give meaningful images, book them!
Daria P., a year ago
Quick responder
Photography By Jill Emmer 

5.0

  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves Apple River, IL

I’m Jill, a Wisconsin wedding photographer with 13+ years of experience capturing real, emotional, story-driven moments. My work blends candid documentary style with artistic, magazine-inspired creativity. I’ve photographed weddings across Wisconsin and beyond, and have partnered with brands like Nikon, Verizon, and Leinenkugel’s. I approach every wedding with warmth, curiosity, and intention—focusing on genuine connection, beautiful light, and the moments that matter most.

Jill is absolutely amazing - would recommend her to anyone looking for a wedding photographer! She is extremely responsive leading up to the event. We were able to have several video chats prior to our wedding with Jill, which took lots of stress out of the planning process. Her photos are clean, crisp, and truly captured every special moment of our wedding. Look no further for your wedding photographer- Jill is your girl!
Claire L., a month ago
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Erik Anderson - Photography, LLC. 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Apple River, IL

I'm a 35-year-old husband to Samantha, our son Silas, daughter Fiona, and our wiggler companion Moxie. I've been a wedding photographer for 11 years, having photographed over 300 weddings and countless other sessions! My hobby is also my job, and you bet my wife loves that, haha. I am also a stay-at-home dad, a philatelist, a Lego freak, and a craft beer nerd, and we have an orange fridge, haha.

Awarded Best of Zola
We are not from the area so the first time we officially met Erik was the day of our wedding. From the moment we met, Erik’s energy was calm and confident. I can’t think about my perfect day without thinking about how incredible he was. As soon as he arrived, the energy in the room lifted. He was funny, cracking jokes and also very focused in the details. Without even realizing it—or maybe he did—he helped me carry the mental load of the day. It felt like he knew his role was more than just capturing beautiful photos. He reminded me to be present and to truly live in each moment. He also went with the flow and made any and all of my requests happen like taking photos yards away or running up flights of stairs for that perfect picture. And let me just say—it was 100 degrees outside. Yet there he was, juggling multiple cameras and bags, fanning my dress, offering me his personal fan, and handling all the little things that only someone who is a true master of their craft would even think to do. Choosing Erik as our photographer was, hands down, one of the best decisions we made. He is truly one of a kind. My husband and I are incredibly grateful for his time and are honored to have had him photograph our day.
Brittany P., 6 months ago
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Leif & Christine Photography 

5.0

  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,950
  • Serves Apple River, IL

Hi! I’m Christine, a wedding and engagement photographer based in Rockford, Illinois, serving couples across the Midwest. I specialize in blending creative, candid and romantic styles to create timeless, elegant images that beautifully tell the story of your wedding day. My goal is to help you relive your wedding day through timeless photographs that you’ll cherish forever.

Christine is a wonderful photographer! She responded immediately when we initially contacted her, and she continued to respond quickly through all of our conversations leading up to our wedding. She is both friendly and professional in person, and her photographs of our wedding were creative and well done. I would highly recommend Christine!
Seth F., 2 months ago
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Erin Henze Media 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Apple River, IL

Hi, I’m Erin! In my free time you might find me reading a good book, going for a quick run, planning a trip or spending time with my friends and family. And, most of all, I love using my camera to capture the beauty of people and the world that we live in. I am deeply devoted to documenting all of the memories, moments and feelings that you deserve to have stored forever. There is so much power in visual storytelling, and I would love for the opportunity to help you tell yours! Whatever the occasion- from wedding celebrations & family photos to senior portraits and birthday parties- I’m here to capture it all.

Awarded Best of Zola
Erin is my go to 2nd shooter and would be my main shooter if I needed her to be! She is easy to work with, always has a smile on her face, and produces beautiful and quality work!! Definitely hire her as your photographer (vendor or couple) you will not regret it! She is amazing at light & airy and will deliver a gorgeous and affordable wedding album!
Brittany M., a year ago
GemHidden gem
Meg Dunn Photography 

5.0

  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Apple River, IL

Timeless | Romantic | Classic Wedding photographer - I believe in the idea that "great photos are created from personal connection." I put my heart and soul into making sure the couples I work with have the best possible experience and end up with images that we can both be proud of. My favorite part of taking photos is being able to find the special moments within your big milestones. It's those candid times, along with the significance of the occasion, that come together to create your favorite memories and it's my job to capture those through my visual storytelling.

Meg Dunn Photography is wonderful to work with. Her personality and enthusiasm are infectious, and her attention to detail is phenomenal. Love seeing the amazing photos!
Erin, 5 years ago
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Holly Johns Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,250
  • Serves Apple River, IL
  • Offer

Located in Northern Illinois, couples who choose me are looking for clean, natural, and timeless wedding photography. My style is very candid and photojournalistic, but also artistic and professional. My editing style is very clean, keeping your images timeless.

I never expected her to capture so much in our pictures! You can see all the love and happiness in our pictures. She really was my right hand girl, I couldn’t have gotten through the day without her! She has done our engagement, wedding, my daughter’s senior pictures and we still have a session to use for family pictures!! I’ll never look for a different photographer!
Ashley B., 5 months ago
Expedition Joy 

5.0

  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,500
  • Serves Apple River, IL

I'm Courtney! I care not only about providing you with sharp, authentic and colorful images on your wedding day, but helping you to be fully present on your wedding day so you remember all the big and little moments.

Courtney was AMAZING! I found Expedition Joy on instagram when she was doing a giveaway contest for a free Engagement session. To our suprise and BIGGEST BLESSING— we won! When my husband and I met Courtney, we instantly clicked! She was so easy to talk to and made us feel so comfortable so quickly! She was very intentional about building trust with her and having a friendship as well! We had great conversations during our shoot and got to learn about her aswell! After our session, my husband and I both agreed that we NEEDED Courtney to be a part of our big day. We expressed our excitement with Courtney just as much as she expressed hers with us! During the planning months, she was so easy to reach and made us feel confident that she would go above and beyond for us on our special day and she DID. Courtney showed up camera in hand and started shooting the second she walked in the door! She was ON IT. She continued to encourage the bridal party and family so they felt comfortable as she was taking photos. She was so intentional with everyone! Courtney and her second shooter were the life of the party on the dance floor! They had a blast with us and it was so much fun for all of our guests to cheer them on when they went to bust a move in the center circle! Courtney continued her 5-star reputation throughout the night and even went above and beyond to stay past our contracted time for our grand exit! She took the most memorable photos of our day, we will always remeber her when we reminisce on our beautiful photos! She truly is Expedition Joy
Kalea W., 7 months ago
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Tyler Yomantas Photography 

5.0

  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves Apple River, IL

My love for photography began in Rockford, IL, where I discovered storytelling through a lens. Over the years, I’ve captured Midwest landscapes, national parks, and life’s meaningful moments. What started with local events and concerts grew into a passion for weddings and portraiture. I believe the best photos come from genuine connections, so I prioritize building relationships to understand your story and vision. Whether celebrating love, connection, or a fleeting moment, I’m here to calm nerves, share laughter, and capture memories you’ll cherish forever. Let’s create something timeless and yours.

Working with Tyler Yomantas Photography was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. His communication style was easy, efficient, and comfortable, putting us at ease throughout the entire process. The quality of his work was truly exceptional - creative, informed, and worth every penny. Tyler is our go-to for everything photography related, as his portfolio speaks for itself. He has an eye for the smallest detail and made every step of the way a comfortable one. With his extensive background and experience, Tyler truly captured all the special moments of our wedding day with care and expertise.
Cassy H., a year ago
GemHidden gem
Mitch And Rachel Visuals 

5.0

  • Classic style
  • Starts at $3,750
  • Serves Apple River, IL

Hey there! We are a husband and wife photo & video team who LOVE capturing love!! We are based in Rockford IL but are always up for travel too! We got married in 2016, started our business shortly after that and have had a blast getting to where we are today! Some of our favorite things are Thai food, coffee, pop punk music and most of all, our pup, Snickers!

Mitch and Rachel Visuals were the perfect photographers for our wedding day. From the very beginning, their communication style was easy, clear, and extremely helpful. They listened intently to what we wanted and didn't want in terms of photos, making the entire process stress-free and fun. On the day of the wedding, they moved quickly and efficiently to capture all the big group shots, easing any anxiety we had about sticking to the timeline. The final photos have turned out even better than we could have imagined - the quality of their work and the value they provided is truly top-notch. We highly recommend Mitch and Rachel Visuals to any couple looking for a positive, enjoyable photography experience on their special day.
Gia C., a month ago
GemHidden gem
Timeless Trinity Company 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Apple River, IL

I devote my craft to capturing authentic personalities, genuine happiness, and pure love during my photography services. I am dedicated to capture your love story through wedding photography, portraits and family photos!

We had a great time working with Trinity. She was so fun and very prepared! She even helped us get to our family dinner after everyone left and we discovered we locked our keys in our car. She went above and beyond with our small wedding and we got some amazing pictures.
Brad and J., 3 years ago
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Chrissy Deming Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Apple River, IL

I'm Chrissy and I'm a documentary wedding photographer with 10+ years of experience who fully believes that your life deserves to be documented truthfully. My focus at your wedding isn't to steal you away from your family and friends for hours to make "art," but to empathically capture the moments and relationships present at your wedding. Your wedding photos are the single most important wedding investment you'll make. After the day is done and over, they will be what tethers you to your memories of your day. They will be the heirlooms you'll pass down to your grandchildren to hang on walls and sit on bedsides for generations to come.

We loved Chrissy! She was fun and easy to work with, and I loved that she provided color and black/white photos. She did everything on our list, and listened to our ideas as well. Nothing felt forced or over-posed, but she was great at guiding next moves when needed. Will definitely use again for future photos.
Eline O., 3 years ago
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Alyssa Good Photography 
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,950
  • Serves Apple River, IL

I'm Alyssa. A lover of photographing weddings. With over eight years of experience and so lucky to have my husband by my side being my second shooter. I live for the dreamy and colorful photos of documenting your day.

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Jenna Darcy Photography 
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves Apple River, IL

I am a wedding and fine art photographer and I love what I do! My drive for finding opportunities to create outstanding images is contagious and I make sure it's a fun day for all involved. I've discovered that my favorite weddings are comprised of great music, a high energy wedding party, real flowers, and some sort of inclusion of the couple's pets. If you have a dog walking down your aisle, I want to be there!

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Original Weddings Photo & Video 

4.9

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Apple River, IL

Original Weddings Photo & Video is a team of EMMY award winning storytellers. Our photography and videography packages are tailored to you, customizable and perfect for every wedding. We offer engagement photography, wedding photos, highlight films, wedding coverage and more.

Awarded Best of Zola
Sound Originals was beyond incredible for my wedding. I communicated to them that I wanted to add video a few months out from my wedding and it was a stress free process. My husband and I are a bit awkward when taking photos and my photographer and videographer were so great in helping us get comfortable and trying different poses that made us less awkward in front of the camera. They both helped keep the energy high all throughout the night and my only regret was not hiring them for longer to capture things that had happened after they left. My bridal party and guests were telling me how great my photographer and videographer were. I just got my photos back and they are exactly what I wanted; Moody, slightly editorial with some candid moments. I can’t recommend Sound Originals enough and I will be recommending them to friends and family that are in need of a photographer/videographer
Hannah R., a year ago
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Once Like a Spark Wedding Co. 

4.9

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,845
  • Serves Apple River, IL

More than a decade ago, two sisters - knew there had to be a better way to allow talented photographers and videographers to focus on what they do best -- create gorgeous art -- while providing couples with better support in the planning process. Together, they created an all-inclusive, stress-free environment where couples can choose from talented local photographers and videographers and work with a small team of planning experts equipped and eager to make everything a success. With the pressure gone, you can truly enjoy your big day. Relax and rest assured that all the emotional and moments will be documented with unmatched quality.

Once Like a Spark Wedding Co. was a fantastic choice for our wedding photography and DJ. I had first reached out to Darcy before I had even booked a venue - I just loved the editing style of the photos. Our lead Denida and and second shooter Will were friendly, communicative, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire wedding day. They kept us on schedule, if not ahead of it, and Denida even showed us some incredible photos as she was taking them. Will captured great shots of the groom and groomsmen, and also provided excellent second angles. I am so thankful we got to work with them. We also bundled our photography with the DJ, who was also wonderful - DJ Floyd kept the energy up all night, mixed the music perfectly, and checked in to make sure everything was going well. With OLAS, we were able to capture so many great memories and beautiful photos that we'll cherish forever.
Ally S., 3 months ago
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The Talented Photographer - Award Winning Photography. 

5.0

  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Apple River, IL
  • Offer

Hello! We are Christian and Ana. We have put together the best wedding photo & video team in America. Don't take our word for it, see it for yourself on our website. Whether you are camera shy or not, you will get beautiful photos with us. That's why couples are raving about us: we get beautiful photos out of EVERY SINGLE WEDDING!

Awarded Best of Zola
The Talented Photographer was an absolute dream to work with for our wedding. From the very first interaction, Alec's communication style was fun, professional, and incredibly personable. He had a true passion for his craft that shone through in every interaction. The quality of Alec's work was absolutely stunning - we got a wonderful variety of candids, formal shots, and editorial-style pictures that captured all the special moments of our day. Alec has an incredible eye for the right shots, and the final photos are absolutely gorgeous. Despite a complicated location schedule that I was worried about, Alec made the whole day seamless, traveling to over 4 different spots to ensure we got all the groupings and special shots we wanted. Alec truly went above and beyond, and we had such a great time working with him. I'm obsessed with the pictures and would give him an 11/10 rating!
Michelle M., a year ago
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Albany Capture Film & Photography Studios 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Apple River, IL

You're not just hiring a photographer—you're gaining a creative partner who’s with you from “yes” to “I do.” I’m Pedro, Creative Director of Albany Capture, and for over 12 years I’ve been documenting love stories through a style that blends photojournalism with fine art. Weddings are more than just events—they're a celebration of connection, and I’m passionate about preserving the real, fleeting moments that make your day unforgettable. To ensure we provide dedicated time and personalized recommendations for your wedding photography and videography needs, we now offer in-depth consultations for a nominal fee of $50.

Awarded Best of Zola
We absolutely LOVED how Albany Capture treated us through the whole process of our engagement shoot. Our photographer Josh was very patient with our ideas and plan, and the turnaround time for the photos was so quick with excellent quality. We will be using them again in the future!
Aileen G., a year ago
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Portraits By Sean 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,550
  • Serves Apple River, IL
  • Offer



I present fun, elegant, and exciting Wedding Photography for my clients. My style is photojournalistic; I feel it's the most effective way to tell a story. After all, there is so much happening on a wedding day. Between the ceremony, dancing, and endless extravaganzas, the most memorable moments will naturally occur.  My goal is to capture the emotions and memories of your day through my lens. These recollections are your forever keepsakes, a chapter of your life's story. Every image accounts for those who were by your side, delighted for you, and the next step in your journey. I appreciate you for giving me a few moments of your time.t

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Portraits By Sean was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Their communication style was professional, efficient, and genuinely kind throughout the entire process. The quality of their work was truly one-of-a-kind - their photos are gorgeous, superb, innovative, and incredibly detail-oriented and precise. The team of two photographers and a videographer was amazing, capturing so many special moments that will forever stay with us from our wedding day. We were especially grateful that they were able to capture our private final dance, which means the world to us. After our wedding, when our oldest son was leaving for bootcamp, Sean thoughtfully sent us additional photos that had been taken during the celebration, which are now cherished keepsakes for our family. I honestly can't say enough good things about our experience with Portraits By Sean - they exceeded our expectations in every way and we are thrilled with the beautiful memories they've preserved for us.
Brittany S., 3 months ago
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VIDART 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $500
  • Serves Apple River, IL

VIDART's chief photographer studied at Columbia for film and U of I for foreign languages and philosophy, and went to Loyola for graduate studies. He worked at Lyric Opera of Chicago filming operas before joining VIDART. He is the author of the college textbook Cinematography 101, and has worked with John de Lancie (Q in Star Trek: TNG) on the science documentary The Reality of Time. Michael has also worked on the sets of over a dozen other feature films. He has handled the photography and videography for several thousand weddings and events, including work for clients such as Microsoft, Amazon, Macy’s, Sysco and more.

We did our engagement photos downtown Chicago and the riverwalk was PACKED. I was worried we’d have strangers photobombing everything. He managed to angle us just right so the crowds look like intentional motion blur. A couple shots are a bit soft because we were moving fast, but we love them anyway. Super friendly and made us feel comfortable right away.
Jacob M., a month ago

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