The Best Wedding Photographers in Galena, IL

The Best Wedding Photographers in Galena, IL

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417 Wedding Photographers in Galena, IL

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Forest City Photographs 

5.0

  • Fine art style
  • Serves Galena, 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
From the moment we first contacted Forest City Photographs, we were impressed by their attentive, warm, and professional communication. Joel and his team have an incredible eye for capturing precious, genuine, and timeless moments. On our wedding day, Joel (and Tyler!) managed to beautifully document the most vulnerable and special moments, transporting us back to the best day of our lives every time we look at the photos. The value they provided is truly priceless, and we couldn't be happier with the incredible work they delivered. We are absolutely blown away. You can clearly tell from their work as well as a single conversation with them, that they LOVE what they do and they pour their passion into these photographs. The amount of gratitude we have for Forest City Photographs is immeasurable!! ️ We would choose them a million times over and over again!
Allison S., a year ago
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Hooke Photo 

5.0

  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,950
  • Serves Galena, 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
We had Hooke Photography for our wedding and he was amazing! He was so kind and down to earth! And you could tell he just really loved his job!
Chloe S., 3 years ago
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Candace Sims Photography 

5.0

  • Classic style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves Galena, IL

Weddings are more than a single day—they are a feeling, a rhythm, a gathering of moments meant to be remembered. Candace Sims documents wedding weekends with intention, focusing on the beauty found in meaningful details, natural surroundings, and the quiet moments in between. An award-winning luxury wedding photographer with over twelve years of experience, Candace is known for her refined aesthetic and thoughtful storytelling. Her calm, attentive presence allows celebrations to unfold effortlessly, preserving imagery that feels timeless, elegant, and deeply personal.

Awarded Best of Zola
Candace Sims Photography was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From the moment we first connected, Candace was thorough, accommodating, and professional in her communication style. Her work is simply stunning - the photos she captured are high quality and worth every penny of our investment. Candace was such a positive presence throughout our engagement and wedding day, serving as the best hype woman and executing our vision to perfection. She heard every request and made sure our day was documented beautifully. We would hire Candace 100 times over and cannot recommend her highly enough.
Meghan P., 6 months ago
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Photography By Jill Emmer 

5.0

  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,900
  • Serves Galena, IL

I’m Jill — a Wisconsin wedding photographer with over 13 years of experience and a serious love for honest, emotional moments. I’m drawn to real connection, great light, and the kind of photos that feel alive, not overly posed or polished.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we first connected with Jill Emmer, we knew we were in good hands. Her attentive and informative communication style instantly put us at ease, and her relaxing presence on the day of the wedding was exactly what we needed. The quality of Jill's work is nothing short of amazing - her picturesque photos captured every special moment beautifully, and she truly went above and beyond for us as clients. Jill helped us find the perfect spots on the cliffs of Lake Michigan for our intimate ceremony, and she expertly organized our family and friends photo list, which significantly reduced my stress levels. It felt like we were working with a lifelong friend who knew exactly how to make our day run smoothly. Jill's talent and warmth made her an absolute joy to have as our wedding photographer, and we are over the moon with the stunning results.
Jessica F., 7 months ago
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Erik Anderson - Photography, LLC. 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Galena, 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
From the moment we first spoke with Erik, we knew he was the perfect photographer for our wedding. His friendly and passionate personality immediately put us at ease, and his professionalism shone through every step of the way. Erik's work is truly exceptional - the photos he captured are authentic, beautiful, expressive, emotive, and elegant. He had amazing ideas for poses and shots that resulted in stunning, one-of-a-kind images that we will cherish forever. Erik made our wedding day incredibly fun and joyful, keeping us laughing and smiling the entire time. His efficient and organized approach ensured the photo portion of the day went seamlessly. We are beyond thrilled with the work Erik did and cannot recommend him highly enough for any couple looking for a truly talented and wonderful wedding photographer. Erik was so great to work with right from the start. I could tell right off the bat just through email that he was so passionate about the work that he does. He also showed so much excitement to get the opportunity to capture our special day. He was very professional and thorough when communicating with us. Our engagement photo session was SO fun, and my husband and I both immediately felt comfortable with Erik. He is so friendly and so easy to work with. Getting pictures taken like that with a significant other can feel awkward, but Erik made it anything but that! It felt very natural and enjoyable, and it felt the exact same way on our wedding day. He took the time to get to know us and our vibe, and rolled with that when taking our pictures. All of our pictures capture our relationship and our love so well, and I’m so thankful we chose Erik! If you want beautiful pictures and some super fun photo sessions, book Erik as your photographer!
Hannah and J., 7 months ago
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Leif & Christine Photography 

5.0

  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,950
  • Serves Galena, 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.

We highly recommend going with Leif and Christine photography for all your photo needs! Christine was amazing at getting everyone excited to take pictures and coordinate the picture set ups throughout the day. We honestly couldn’t be happier with our wedding photos! You did such an amazing job capturing every little detail and all the big moments in a way that feels so true to us. You made the whole day feel effortless, and we were so comfortable in front of the camera because of you. Looking back through our photos feels like reliving the best day ever, and we’re so thankful to have these memories to hold onto forever! Thank you Christine, hope to work with you again in the future!!
Natalie L., 4 months ago
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Erin Henze Media 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Galena, 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 Galena, 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 was an absolute pleasure to work with! From engagement pictures to our actual wedding day, Meg felt more like a good friend than just another vendor. She and her assistant, Vic, took the time to understand our priorities and ensure that each and every moment we wanted to capture was covered. In addition to this, they were also insanely creative creating images we didn’t even think about or consider. You’d be silly not to consider her.
Elizabeth M., 2 years ago
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Holly Johns Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,250
  • Serves Galena, 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.

Awarded Best of Zola
Holly’s photographs speak for themselves! She is an amazing talented photographer that captures the photos that put you right back in that moment! She doesn’t mimic others. Her style is absolutely stunning and beautiful!
Kelly F., 5 months ago
GemHidden gem
Expedition Joy 

5.0

  • Classic style
  • Starts at $5,500
  • Serves Galena, 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., 8 months ago
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Tyler Yomantas Photography 

5.0

  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves Galena, 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 Galena, 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., 2 months ago
GemHidden gem
Timeless Trinity Company 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Galena, 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 Galena, 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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Meesh Photography 
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,400
  • Serves Galena, IL

My name is Michelle, but my friends call me Meesh, so you can too! Most days you can find me editing pictures at Starbucks, working on home projects with my husband, and probably drinking absurd amounts of sparkling water. I've lived in Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Iowa, and currently live in Northern Illinois so you could basically say my heart belongs to the Midwest. I take weddings and sessions all around the Midwest and really all over the country! I’ve been told I’m the “mom” of the friend group and I LIVE to be over prepared!

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DIAMOND PHOTO CO 
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Galena, IL

I've been photographing weddings for 7 years now and pride myself on my work! Here at Diamond Photo Co, we really are a girl's best friend. I'm a stickler for details and definitely want you to not only feel amazing, but look back on these photos and feel as though you LOOK amazing, too!

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Alyssa Good Photography 
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,950
  • Serves Galena, 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 Galena, 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 Galena, 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
Original Weddings truly outdid themselves when it came to capturing our day — both in photo and video form! We opted for two photographers and one videographer, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. We were initially told to expect our photos and videos within 4–6 months, but to our surprise, we received everything in less than two weeks after the wedding! Our lead photographer, Steve (or Steven), was wonderful — full of energy, creative, and so intentional with every shot he took. Aspen, our second photographer, perfectly captured all the little details and candid moments we might have missed. It was such a gift to see the empty room and venue shots that we didn’t get to take in during the day. Our videographer, Win (apologies if I’ve spelled that incorrectly), was equally amazing. He captured the joy, the laughter, and all the meaningful speeches that we’ll cherish forever. Original Weddings exceeded every expectation, and we highly recommend them. After researching and comparing multiple vendors, we found their pricing and quality to be unmatched. We loved working with them — and if we could re-hire them, we absolutely would!
Kaila M., 3 months ago
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Once Like a Spark Wedding Co. 

4.9

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,845
  • Serves Galena, 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.

Awarded Best of Zola
We definitely recommend OLAS. Our favorite photos from the day were our fun wedding party pictures! Everything was explained clearly during the planning process and we wouldn’t change anything from the day. We received our wedding day photo gallery promptly at the time we were expected and it was a good surprise on our honeymoon.
Brian D., a year ago
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The Talented Photographer - Award Winning Photography. 

5.0

  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Galena, 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 Galena, 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
Pedro was awesome! We were looking for a local (in Chicago) photographer, and found the perfect one. He was super easy to work with, and took amazing pictures. Our initial meeting was via Zoom, which made working it around our schedule super easy. He was extremely responsive to all of my emails, and even was workable with our budget and what we wanted to accomplish with photography. I love his ability to take un-staged, in the moment photos as well as great family photos. He went above and beyond for us, and we are grateful for so many amazing photos to choose from. I would definitely hire him again in a heartbeat.
Stephanie D., a year ago
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Developing Diamonds Photography LLC 

4.9

  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Galena, IL

My name is Elliot Stokes and I am a photographer located in the Madison, WI area, but I work all across Wisconsin and Illinois. I have been drawn to the camera since I was young, but becoming a father has really shown me the magic behind capturing the most candid and beautiful moments of our lives. I started my journey into professional photography officially in the summer of 2019 and received my Bachelors of Fine Arts degree with honors in Digital Photography in the spring of 2022. I absolutely love what I do and look forward to every new experience and opportunity this journey takes me on!

Awarded Best of Zola
We couldn’t be happier with our experience with Elliot! From start to finish, he was attentive, professional, and such a pleasure to work with. The photos turned out absolutely beautiful—capturing not only the big moments but also the candid, heartfelt ones we’ll treasure forever. We were thrilled to receive some wonderful surprises, such as a stunning drone video that gave such a unique perspective of our day. Elliot truly went above and beyond, and the value we received for the price was incredible. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for a talented photographer who genuinely cares about his clients and their memories!
Becca M., 5 months ago
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Portraits By Sean 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,550
  • Serves Galena, 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
We couldn’t be happier with the incredible work Portraits by Sean did on our wedding day! From start to finish, he was professional, creative, and so easy to work with. Sean stayed until the very end of the night, capturing every special moment without ever making us feel rushed. One of the things we really appreciated was how he worked with the kids—getting them to smile and be comfortable without any stress. Their ability to blend in while also capturing candid, beautiful moments was outstanding. We were blown away by the quality of the photos, and they truly exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend Portraits by Sean to anyone looking for a talented and reliable photographer to capture the magic of their day!
Kurt, 10 months ago

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