The Best Wedding Photographers in Ottawa, IL

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437 Wedding Photographers in Ottawa, IL

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Van Horn Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hi! I'm an editorial wedding and portrait photographer based in Illinois, but I'm willing to travel anywhere with you. I've been in the industry for 5 years and have really found a love for weddings. Van Horn photography is owned and run by me, Melissa Van Horn. My fiancé does videography as an add on option and we are getting married this Fall 2026!! So we can relate to the stress of weddings. We are here to help out anyway we can. I can't wait to hear about your wedding and how I can help bring your vision to life.

As someone who has known Melissa for over 10 years, she is the real deal! Melissa exceeded all of my expectations for our wedding day. She perfectly executed my vision of an editorial style photoshoot with me and my husband. These photos are certainly cherished, and it’s all thanks to her work. Melissa’s attention to detail, communication and care truly shines through in her work. 10/10 experience!
Olivia T., 2 months ago
Alexis C Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Ottawa, IL
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,600

I specialize in heartfelt, timeless wedding photography for couples who want to remember their day not just for how it looked, but for how it felt. I capture your day with both a love for editorial imagery as well as a documentary approach, capturing your wedding as it naturally unfolds —focusing on the real moments and all the in-betweens that make your story uniquely yours while also taking your portraits to the next level.

Alexis was so sweet while planning our wedding! She was on time and got right to the point with the pictures! Can’t wait to get our pics back!
Tabitha K., a month ago
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Andreoni Photography & Videography 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

We're Dom & Nelena, a husband-and-wife documentary wedding photography and film team based in Illinois. 8 years. 200+ weddings. And we still get excited for every single one. We photograph with intention. Not to document every detail, but to preserve what matters most your relationships, your energy, your presence within it all. We're drawn to the emotional undercurrent of a wedding day: the subtle, unscripted moments that hold the most meaning.

Awarded Best of Zola
Andreoni photography was the best to work with for engagement and wedding photos. They made us feel so comfortable and had great ideas. All questions were answered and in a timely matter. The turnaround time for getting the pictures was quick, and the quality of the pictures was amazing. If you are looking for a reliable photographer..these are your people! Highly recommend.
Sarah G., 3 years ago
McConville Studio 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Phil and Andrea were married in May of 2007 and have two crazy fun and brilliant kiddos named Owen and Gwenna, (affectionately referred to as “crumsnatchers.”) When they aren’t hanging out with their awesome clients, taking photos or editing them, you can find them involved as a family at their church, sharing the holistic nutrition they love, going to a yoga class, grilling out, fixing up their 100 year old home, (there’s ALWAYS a project to complete), spending time outside with their kids or dreaming about the next camping trip they’ll take!

Phil and Andrea were amazing! They helped us feel so calm and collected on our wedding day. Photos from our engagement session turned out beautiful, can’t wait to see our wedding photos!
Rachel D., 10 months ago
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Once Like a Spark Wedding Co. 
Rating: 4.9 (97 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,845
  • Serves Ottawa, 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
From the moment we booked Once Like a Spark Wedding Co., we knew we were in good hands. Rhi, our photographer, was professional, prompt, and concise in all of her communication leading up to the wedding. On the day of, she was fully present and engaged, capturing all the special moments without being overbearing. Rhi's creativity, personable nature, and great insight allowed her to get beautiful, natural shots that truly reflect the personality of our wedding. We are so happy we chose Once Like a Spark Wedding Co. - Rhi made us feel comfortable and we trusted her ideas and suggestions, which resulted in photos we will cherish forever.
Lisa F., a year ago
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The Talented Photographer - Award Winning Photography. 
Rating: 5.0 (81 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

Hello! We are Christian and Ana. We have put together the best wedding photo & video team in America. 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., 2 years ago
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Complete Weddings + Events Central IL (Photo) 
Rating: 4.9 (81 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Classic style
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hi there! We're Jordan and Libbi Sweet. We’re a recently married couple, so COMPLETEly understand how stressful the wedding planning process can be. We're honored that you're considering Complete for your Big Day! While we've been in the wedding industry for 9 years, Complete has been around as a company offering DJ, Photography, Videography, Photobooth, Lighting and Coordination services for an AMAZING 40 years! As a full service wedding company, our greatest joy is being able to make your event effortless and magical. Let's work together to make your big day EASY. SIMPLE. COMPLETE.

Our photographer, Joey, was so pleasant to work with. It was clear he really cared and wanted to do a good job. He made accommodations for mobility issues and captured some great portraits and candid shots. The company was easy to use and helpful in planning the event. Our DJ, Omo, was fun and worked so hard to make sure everyone was having a good time - even though most of the family apparently isn’t much into dancing.
Julie B., a year ago
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Anchor Studios Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (71 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

I’m Edgar, an HTX-raised native with Salvadorian roots. I am the owner, creative director, and lead photographer at Anchor Studios Photography. I'm a wedding and elopement photographer based out of Pittsburgh, PA! However, the stories I capture don't start and end there. I love to travel to capture stories all around the world.

Awarded Best of Zola
We had a really great and fun time doing these pictures! Even with how awkward we are behind the camera, we are more than happy with the results. Edgar is very personable and fun to work with. He picked a very nice destination for our shoot and so much we got in the water with us to get the best shots!
Rachel E., 2 years ago
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Feli photography 
Rating: 5.0 (65 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hello, and welcome, I’m a wedding photographer with over 9 years of experience, originally from Moldova. My journey began with a simple but powerful dream- to create something beautiful, something meaningful, something that lasts far beyond a single moment. Now based in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, I’m also available for travel to capture your story wherever it unfolds. Over the years, photography has become more than just a profession for me- it’s an art of connection. I’m drawn to genuine emotions, refined details, and the quiet, in-between moments that often go unnoticed.

Very professional and talented, would definitely recommend her
Cristina G., 5 months ago
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VIDART 
Rating: 5.0 (60 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves Ottawa, 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.

Awarded Best of Zola
We got married in a barn and the lighting was a little tricky, but VIDART made it look like a dream. Seriously, I didn’t think it was possible. They even stayed late to get extra shots of us under the string lights. That’s above and beyond.
Brandon M., 5 months ago
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Jovan Kiah & Co Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (56 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,900
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

Hi, I’m Jovan Kiah — a wedding and portrait photographer based just outside Indianapolis. I’m your personal hype woman, passionate about capturing vibrant, true-to-color moments that feel like you. From big milestones to everyday magic, I’m here to freeze time in a way that’s real, timeless, and joy-filled. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m soaking up motherhood, planning game nights, or enjoying something sweet—because life’s too short not to.

Awarded Best of Zola
Jovan was absolutely amazing to work with. On our calls before the big day, she was always so happy and excited and answered all of our questions and it gave us such a sense of ease. I never once had to worry or stress about photos. Day of the wedding she completely killed it. She was still her happy self but was able to organize us and snap some amazing photos. She did a fantastic job of even catching the perfect small moments, some of which I didn’t even know she was capturing. The photos are all so naturally beautiful and I can’t even begin to describe how much we love them. They are clean and bright and show us, our personalities, and our people perfectly. 100% the best decision we made.
Brooklyn H., 2 years ago
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Gordino Photo and Video 
Rating: 5.0 (55 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

I started off only wanting to take photos and videos of my friends. Now it seems like my passion has gone full circle and my clients have become my friends. Whether photographing parties or shooting short films, it is my goal as a professional artist, to capture those emotions, and present beautiful memories that will last forever. My ultimate reward will come years later—when you look at your photographs , videos and those memories once again come to life.

Awarded Best of Zola
Godfred and his team have been and will always be amazing! the way they captured the beauty of our day I can’t thank him enough truly I can’t believe how beautiful their work is!
Angelica Q., 3 months ago
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Developing Diamonds Photography LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (49 reviews)
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Ottawa, 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
Elliot, our photographer for our wedding, was incredible to work with, fast and took amazing photos for us to remember our special day. We did not have much of a “plan” so his help was instrumental in organizing and initiating photo opportunities. We would %100 recommend him to anyone needing a photographer for an event. He has a drone that he uses to take stunning cinematic quality video
Patrick A., 2 years ago
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Portraits By Sean 
Rating: 5.0 (47 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL



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
Sean was so great to work with, both before and during the wedding. He captured our day so beautifully! I can't stop looking at the pictures he got, and I can't believe how quickly he got them back to us. Would absolutely recommend Sean to anyone!!
Kelsey A., a year ago
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Kate Scott Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (45 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

My name is Kate Scott Daly, and I can't wait to meet you! I'm a Chicago native and have been a professional photographer for nearly a decade. I am obsessed with capturing the perfect moment that will make you gasp and say "Oh my god, this is amazing!" Being a queer woman, it is so important to me that you feel safe, loved, and beautiful every step of the way. If you're looking for someone you can relax with and just be yourself, you've found me! Let's face it: it can be awkward being in front of a camera. Even I feel nervous sometimes! I understand that anxiety and will do everything I can to make you feel fabulous!

We cannot recommend Kate enough! From the moment we met her, she made us feel completely comfortable and celebrated our love with so much enthusiasm. As a queer couple, it was important for us to work with someone who not only respected but truly celebrated queer weddings, and Kate went above and beyond. She took the time to help us clarify our vision for our wedding photos, which was especially helpful since we only had 6 weeks to plan our wedding and felt a little overwhelmed by the process. She was a great guide and we immediately knew we were in good hands! Kate’s associate Ryan shot the photos on our wedding day and they captured every special moment—from the big emotional vows to the smallest, most intimate glances—with such artistry and care. The photos are breathtaking, full of life, and truly reflect the joy of our day. Right when Ryan arrived, they jumped in with capturing photos of small details and worked to capture everything we wanted for our special day. Kate and Ryan were both an absolute delight to work with—professional, fun, and incredibly talented. If you're looking for a photographer who will make you feel seen, respected, and celebrated while delivering stunning photos, look no further. We are beyond grateful for Kate and Ryan and will cherish these photos forever! Thank you for making our wedding memories so magical!
Darcy & R., 2 years ago
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PictureMeThisByLacie 
Rating: 5.0 (45 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

My husband and I come as a photo team! We feel your day should be captured your way! So we tailor our style and editing to each unique couple! It’s not about us, it’s about you. We will help you document what is most important to you, the way you envision! Just like you, we have felt awkward in front of the camera. We’ve had photos taken of us that we didn’t like. We will make sure you not only feel comfortable, but that you look good! We give you prompts to keep you moving so you look and feel natural and comfortable.

Awarded Best of Zola
PictureMeThisByLacie was one of the best decisions we made throughout the wedding process. Lacie was amazing to work with the entire time. She was easy to communicate with and kept us updated on our photo timelines, not to mention all of our photos turned about AMAZING. Our package included an engagement session and Lacie worked out a weekend she was already in Chicago to accommodate us. Leading up to our session, we had issues with controlled fires and protests in our preferred location, but Lacie found us a spot that blew my expectations for photos out of the water. She gave us a sneak peak and also got our pictures back to us super quick. On our big day, Lacie and Tim(her husband/second photographer) were the best to work with. They made us feel comfortable and captured our day better than we could have imagined. As soon as they got there, they got straight to work. Lacie got all the details and getting ready photos that I will cherish forever. Things were running behind the day of and they let us add on an hour to our contract the day of and pay at a later date. This ensured that we got dance floor photos and it was so worth it! Specifically getting pictures of my husband's grandmother in her 80s dancing with all her grandkids. We received a sneak peak very quickly and our whole (massive) gallery less than 2 months after the wedding. For as many photos as we got, this was a crazy quick turn around. Overall, PictureMeThisByLacie captured our day better than we could have ever imagined, we could not recommend them more!
Kaelin W., 2 years ago
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Ledd Lens LLC, Photo and Film 
Rating: 5.0 (44 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,399
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

The company has done over 400 weddings for the last 5 years, so we use these experiences to provide quality services. We also provide discount for Military/Veterans and teachers. We have serviced 42 states so far. We offer both photo and video services. Quicker turnaround time compare to most companies. Our shooting style of is photojournalistic, natural & CINEMATIC. Our editing style is very easygoing & flexible. Our biggest markets are the following: FL, New England area, PA, IL, DMV area, Tri-State area, Southern CA, MI, OH, CO.

Awarded Best of Zola
I have always felt uncomfortable in front of a camera and because of this I was so nervous of how they would come out. Well let me tell you….they came out STUNNING. Mike and Joseph from Ledd made both of us feel so comfortable and actually made it enjoyable. They were so creative with ideas to get amazing shots, including a really cool long exposure to capture the nighttime sky. I couldn’t have asked for a better team or more beautiful photos.
Erin T., 8 months ago
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Brittany Qualls-Molleda Photography 
Rating: 4.5 (43 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,159
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Brittany Qualls-Molleda Photography creates lasting memories using a candid and documentary-style photography. We offer an in-home studio where photography services can be provided using a backdrop, props, posing, and styling to enhance your session and exceed your expectations. I am ready to show this side of humanity and display the love - the support - the silliness of our loved ones, families, and friends alike. Let me take you on a photo journey to show you how you make others feel through my eyes. I promise it'll be worth it.

Awarded Best of Zola
Brittany is so much fun to work with!!! My fiancé and I don’t usually like having our pictures taken but she made the experience so fun and comfortable. She took my vision and made it a reality. I’m obsessed with our engagement photos, and I can’t wait for the wedding!
Sydney W., 10 months ago
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Latek Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (41 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $4,100
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hi, I’m Connie—congratulations on your engagement. Thank you for being here and for considering me as your photographer. I take a thoughtful, hands-on approach and believe the experience matters just as much as the final images. I’m involved well before the wedding day—collaborating on vision, timelines, and details to ensure everything feels intentional and effortless. I love curated Pinterest boards, open communication, and creating imagery that feels elevated, timeless, and personal. This is your day, and it should reflect you. Let’s talk!

Awarded Best of Zola
All I can say is Connie is hands down so much more than a photographer. She was so patient, kind, and positive when we had our elopement. We got down pour rain and she was quick to have plans to take us to get beautiful pictures. She was so thoughtful with doing things she didn’t have to do, like helping hold my wet dress, and so much more. Connie is extremely calming presence in a stressful and hectic day. We absolutely loved our pictures and all the special moments she captured without us realizing and was truly so special working with her!
Jackie T., 2 years ago
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Timeless Imagery & Media 
Rating: 4.9 (41 reviews)
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Lover of all things photography. I have been a photographer for over 10 years and love what we do. I have an amazing team that helps me out. My husband also second shoots with me. I like to say you get two professionals for the price of one. I try to offer quality at a reasonable cost. I know photography can be daunting for some people and my goal is always to put people at ease.

Awarded Best of Zola
Best decision we could have made. Communication was wonderful from the start and the photos are amazing. I felt Hdi has a gift of photography and what will look great. From the little details they were on it. She made me feel like family. Mostly, her images are what we have left of our day and I’m so glad we went with Timeless Imagery. Don’t cut your hours short - so you don’t feel rushed. Best advice I could give.
Logan M., 2 years ago
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Heather Christine Photo + Film 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hiii! I'm Heather Schoolcraft - owner & CEO! I'm a small town gal from WV who LOVES traveling and pops of color. I've designed my entire company around creating authentic + magical love stories. On your wedding day, our goal is to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and to focus on the raw + real moments on your day. Don't settle for less because you have to; let ME help you get the photos + video that you've always dreamed of.

Awarded Best of Zola
You know when you meet someone and it feels like you've been friends forever? That's Heather for you! Heather is fun, kind, warm, and will be your ultimate hype girl! Aside from being an awesome human, Heather is a talented photographer. Don't know how to pose and feel super awkward in front of a camera like me? No worries, Heather's got you! She'll direct you on how to stand, how to put your hands, how your face should look, give you hot tips... all of it! She also has a sharp eye for beautiful landscapes. You're in good hands and will have cute photos, I promise. In addition to Heather, we were lucky enough to work with her videographer, Andrew, and another shooter from her team. The entire HCP team was so fun to work with you and will put you right at ease. I've gotten to do 3 shoots with Heather to date and am incredibly pleased with how our photos have come out. In fact, I haven't even gotten the final album for our wedding yet (just previews) and i'm STILL impressed! If you have the opportunity to work with this team, take it. I couldn't recommend them enough.
Phi B., 2 years ago
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Ali Cushing Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hey, hey my name is Ali. NY-based, but working nation-wide, I'm a wedding photographer who captures experiences, genuine love, authentic characters, and immortalizes precious memories. I focus on visualizing how it felt to live your wedding day, while also crafting editorializations simply for the sake of intentional, living art. I am adamant that everyone, of all genders and orientations, any ethnicity, culture, or faith, all shapes, ages, and abilities, are welcome and I’d be delighted to work with you.

Awarded Best of Zola
My husband and I LOVED working with Ali for our wedding at the Picnic House in Prospect Park! She was responsive to all of our questions and quick to answer calls and emails. On the day, she put everyone at ease and corralled everyone to get through the family portraits quickly. She totally captured our vision for the day and we're so happy with how our photos came out! We absolutely recommend working with Ali for your special day.
Lisa K., 2 years ago
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Debra Aslanidis Photography 
Rating: 4.9 (34 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

We’re Debra & Jeremy, a husband-and-wife wedding photography duo capturing love stories with heart, intention, and a whole lot of soul. Our approach blends documentary moments with gentle guidance, so your photos feel natural, emotional, and unmistakably you. From quiet, intimate glances to joyful, unscripted laughter, we focus on the moments you’ll feel just as much years from now. If you value connection, authenticity, and images that tell a story—not just pose for one—we might be the perfect fit.

Awarded Best of Zola
Debra and her husband were the absolute best!!! They were communicative through the entire process leading up to the wedding, and truly captured our day better than we could have ever imagined. Not many photographers are open to having horses and dogs romping around but they never wavered! Any and all ideas we brought to the table they were open to trying and our pictures truly turned out amazing. We can’t thank you all enough, 1000% recommend them for your special day.
Hannah M., a year ago
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KMauck Photography LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (32 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,700
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hi, I’m Kelsey! I am a wedding photographer! I am obsessed with dogs. I will never not acknowledge a dog near me by saying “puppers”. It is what it is. I would 100% rather be on the beach somewhere with palm trees. I am constantly daydreaming about being in the tropics. I love the color black. If we work together, there is a high chance that will be my outfit color of choice.

Awarded Best of Zola
Kelsey is amazing!!! We got married in January and did photos outside. Everyone was freezing and Kelsey made the experience fun, and didn’t complain about the cold once! She was so easy to work with and got along with our wedding party so well. Everyone loved her! Our photos are absolutely stunning and I am still obsessing over them a year later! I highly recommend Kelsey for all of your big life events that you want beautifully captured!
Jacob & E., 2 years ago
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Sheena Anne photography 
Rating: 5.0 (32 reviews)
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hey there! I’m Sheena! Your go-to wedding photographer, hype girl, professional chaos wrangler, timeline planner, dress fluffer, & so much more! I have been capturing love stories for a little over 10 years now and I wouldnt have it any other way. Being alongside couples during one of the most meaningful seasons of their lives is my passion. You’re not just a client. You’re someone I’m genuinely cheering for. My couples often tell me I feel more like a longtime friend, and that’s exactly how I like it. I’m big on communication, making you feel comfortable, & helping your day run smoothly so you can actually be present without the stress.

Awarded Best of Zola
Sheena was EXTREMELY easy to work with and she delivered beautiful photos! I love looking back on my wedding day and smiling every time I look at my photos because of how she captured every moment. She is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a photographer for any occasion!
Beth & M., 2 years ago
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Focused On Life Photography LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (30 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

Hi! I'm Brayley, owner of Focused On Life Photography LLC, a Full-Time, Published, Destination Wedding + Lifestyle Photography business, & I would LOVE to be your wedding photographer! Since 2023, we at FLP LLC have been focused on capturing all of life's precious milestones in a natural, earthy, classic & candid style. From your first inquiry, to your wedding day, & to hopefully many more milestones in the future, we are here to make your photography dream a reality in a way that feels authentic to you. With us, you don't need to worry about things like how to pose -- all you need to do on your day is smile & relax! We'll take it from there.

Awarded Best of Zola
Working with Focused On Life Photography LLC was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. Brayley and her team were a breeze to work with from start to finish, and they always got back to us right away when we had questions. She has an incredible eye for capturing those special moments that matter most, and somehow knew exactly which angles made us look our best. The photos turned out jaw-dropping and we couldn't be happier with how everything came out. If you're looking for a photographer, Brayley is honestly the best choice and we'd give her a 10/10 without hesitation.
Mckenzie K., 4 months ago
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Svyat Bogdanov 
Rating: 5.0 (30 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Named one of Zola’s Best Wedding Photographers of 2024 and a proud Zola Brand Ambassador, Svyat Bogdanov is recognized as a trusted expert in the wedding industry. Based in Chicago and originally from Crimea, he has photographed over 600 weddings across the U.S. and abroad. His style blends candid emotion with timeless elegance, creating personalized galleries filled with heartfelt moments and genuine connection.

Awarded Best of Zola
Bogdanov Photography was an excellent choice for our wedding photographer. He communicated very well with my large family, ensuring that everyone was in the right place at the right time for photos. He takes such clean, beautifully edited photos that we will treasure forever. Bogdanov took the time to walk us through different photo positions and locations around our venue, helping us get creative shots that captured the essence of our special day. We are thrilled with the final results and would highly recommend Bogdanov Photography to any couple looking for an experienced, professional photographer who goes above and beyond.
Cora G., 2 years ago
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Kato Photo - Milwaukee Wedding & Elopement Photographer 
Rating: 5.0 (30 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

If you’re looking for natural, candid photos that feel relaxed and true to your day, you’re in the right place. I’m Kate, a Milwaukee-based photographer with a documentary approach and a cinematic touch. I focus on real moments as they naturally unfold - the in-between glances, laughter, quiet emotions, and all the little details that tell your story. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, present, and able to actually enjoy your wedding day. The result? Photos that feel natural, emotional, and timeless - images that reflect how your day truly looked and felt.

Katophotoo was the perfect wedding photographer for our special day. Her communication was super quick, and she always answered any questions we had. She was extremely professional and ensured we had precious memories captured, including catching the perfect in-the-moment shots and even more. Katophotoo is very skilled at using the golden hour to take breathtaking images, and we loved all the pictures she took! Her work was truly invaluable in helping make our wedding day so special!
Amanda S., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Chicago Wedding Photographer - Joe Nowak Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (30 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hi, I’m Joe! I’ve been photographing weddings for over 20 years because I love capturing authentic, heartfelt, and timeless moments while keeping the day fun and stress-free. I gently guide couples and families when needed, making sure the moments that matter most are captured beautifully. Featured in Modern Luxury Chicago Bride, and award-winning online and print magazines, I become couples’ go-to person on the day, building trust and creating images they’ll treasure forever. — Joe

Working with Joe was hands down the best decision we made for our wedding day. From start to finish, he made everything feel effortless. He’s calm, fun, and somehow everywhere and nowhere at the same time, capturing every moment without ever feeling intrusive. He went above and beyond — from stepping into traffic to help us get the perfect shot to catering to every need we had. Our photos at the Peninsula Hotel, North Avenue Beach, Millennium Park, the Rookery, and Board of Trade are absolutely stunning, and we get to relive the day every time we look at them. Joe isn’t just a photographer — he’s like family now, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience or the pictures.
James R., 6 months ago
Quick responder
24 Frames 
Rating: 5.0 (29 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

At 24 Frames, we capture weddings as they truly unfold — full of beauty, emotion, and unforgettable moments. Specializing in both photography and cinematic films, we preserve your day frame by frame, blending artistry with storytelling. From the smallest details to the grandest celebrations, our goal is to create timeless images and films that let you relive the magic for a lifetime.

I keep returning to the gallery because each time I see something new and sweet. The little candid moments are my favorite my dad’s goofy face mid-toast, kids sneaking cake, a whispered joke between cousins. The video brings all those moments together and gives the day emotional context. They were great with capturing moving parts and navigating unexpected schedule shifts. The album design they proposed felt curated and emotional. The prints feel archival and well-made. They were patient with extra requests and delivered everything as promised. My partner is usually stoic but even he got emotional seeing the film. I am so grateful to have this slice of life stored beautifully.
Arielle F., a year ago