The Best Fine Art Wedding Photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

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189 Wedding Photographers in Santa Cruz, CA

Fine art
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Afrang Media Productions LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (53 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Afrang Media Productions - Wedding Photography Services At Afrang Media Productions, we specialize in capturing the enchanting moments of your wedding day with a unique blend of artistry and professionalism. Our passionate team of photographers is dedicated to telling your love story through stunning imagery that reflects your personality and style. From candid shots to beautifully posed portraits, we create a seamless narrative of your special day. With years of experience and a keen eye for detail, we understand the importance of each fleeting moment. Our approach is both unobtrusive and engaging

Afrang Media Productions LLC provided excellent service for our wedding photography. Their work was truly top-notch! The photographers were very friendly and professional, arriving on time and efficiently setting up without us even noticing they were there. All the special details and moments dear to us were captured in the highest quality, going above and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend Afrang Media Productions LLC for your wedding photography needs.
Bob R., a year ago
De Joy Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Santa Cruz, CA
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $5,800

When I photograph your special day, I not only tell your story, but also document the love and emotions so that you can remember how it felt that day. I believe a photo should enable emotions even for those who couldn’t be there to experience it themselves, and that the style and quality are without match. I will showcase your lifestyle and love. My editing style is colorful, timeless, beautiful, and flattering. I want your heart to swell every time you go through your photos! I am so excited to capture your love in a bold way.

I have had the pleasure to work with Amber on several weddings and events. She is not only easy to work with but is very communicative and exceeds expectations. As a wedding venue/coordinator, there are times where a photographer will take over and slow things down from a timeline standpoint, but not Amber! She gets the "money shots" quickly and gets you back to your wedding to celebrate :) Oh JOY for De Joy Photography!
The Club at Pasadera, 6 years ago
GemHidden gem
Nancy Fuentes Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,400
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Hi there! You’re probably here because you’re engaged (pop the champagne!) or you're looking for someone to capture timeless lifestyle portraits that you'll want to cherish forever & always. I believe having a photographer that’s fun (wait, hold my beer!) and makes the wedding day feel relaxed & stress-free is numero uno. I am the one who fluffs your dress, the one crying behind the camera while you exchange your vows, & the one saying “yasssss!” a little too often. I’ll make sure you two & your family look flawless and do whatever it takes to get your candid moments.

We loved working with Nancy! As a couple not used to photoshoots, we were nervous, but Nancy made our engagement session and wedding day feel natural and comfortable. She knows exactly how to pose you, right down to hand and feet placement, which helped us relax. We got so many compliments on our photos thanks to her incredible eye and skill. I especially appreciated how Nancy and her second photographer took time to photograph our guests. Those candid shots became some of our favorite memories to look back on. We couldn't recommend Nancy more highly!
Jessica C., 7 months ago
Madison Wilson Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA
  • Offer

Hi! My name is Madison, but you can call me Maddi. Raised in Maryland, I've lived in Colorado, South Dakota, and Germany. I now live in San Diego with my husband and our two dogs. I've always had a love for photography and I feel privileged to bring my passion to life. I want my photos to capture the genuine feeling of the moment and to reflect you and your story.

Awarded Best of Zola
Madison is soooo talented!! We first worked with Madison for our engagement shoot. It was our first time doing a professional photoshoot and she was able to make us feel comfortable and calm during the shoot. She shot our engagement shoot on film and it was beautiful. We loved working with Madison so much that we wanted her for our traditional tea ceremony and our wedding day. During our tea ceremony she was familiar with the culture and she offered to help when things were hectic. She was super professional and I loved how the photos turned out! Madison also did our wedding day and from the beginning she was on time, very professional, and kind. I gave her my Pinterest inspiration board and she was fully able to execute all my inspirations and more! During my wedding she was able to keep us on track of time and communicate to everyone. She even helped pin my veil when it was falling off or offered to hold my train. We also got our photo preview back the day after our wedding and WOW we were blown away. The photos really captured such a beautiful day and the raw emotions. I would 1000% recommend Madison to all of our family and friends. She is so professional and her work is beautiful!! Thank you so much Madison!
Julie T., a year ago
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Vanessa Montano Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (30 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA
  • Offer

I'm Vanessa — Bay Area born and raised, obsessed with capturing the moments that matter most. When I'm not behind the camera you'll find me testing new recipes, catching up with friends over a dirty martini, or cruising with country music turned all the way up. What I love most isn't the perfectly posed portraits — it's the in-between moments. The way your person looks at you when they think no one's watching. The grandfather wiping a tear during the first dance. I specialize in wine country weddings throughout Livermore, Napa, and Sonoma — images that feel effortless and completely yours.

We are so happy we had the opportunity to have Vanessa capture our special day! The quality of her work is exceptional, with beautiful colors and candid moments filled with love. Vanessa constantly checked in to make sure we got the shots we wanted, and went above and beyond to focus on capturing the special interactions between our family and friends. We couldn't be happier with the final photos - they truly helped make our special day even more memorable.
Kennedy M., 8 months ago
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Angela Mallett Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (23 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Angela is a Destination wedding photographer capturing timeless memories for over 10 years. She loves providing couples with candid images that they can look back on for a lifetime. Her passion is to connect and tell couples’ love stories through the beauty and emotion of the moments captured.

Awarded Best of Zola
I can't say enough wonderful things about Angela! She was absolutely amazing capturing every special moment with such grace and creativity. Her attention to detail and ability to make everyone feel comfortable was truly impressive. The photos turned out stunning and they perfectly reflect the joy of our special day. I highly recommend her to any bride looking for a talented and passionate photographer. Thank you for making our memories so beautiful!!
Mia B., 2 years ago
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Oury Memories 
Rating: 4.8 (23 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

I have been a photographer for 8 years. Throughout my time as a photographer I’ve captured clothing, models, and memories. I shifted from corporate shootings to families and weddings because it gave me this warm fuzzy feeling when I edited my couples and families photos. Don’t be afraid to reach out to me and ask about my photography style, my editing style, or my favorite restaurant! I highly recommend scheduling a free consulting session!

Awarded Best of Zola
Grace shot our engagement and wedding and was so easy to work with! She was so flexible and worked hard to make sure my husband and I didn’t feel too awkward taking professional photographs for the the first time. Her photo style and editing is beautiful and true and we received so many complements for our engagement shoot. 12/10 would recommend!
Michaela P., 3 years ago
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Apollo Fotografie {Fine Art Wedding Photo & Video} 
Rating: 5.0 (20 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $3,775
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA
  • Offer

We’re Apollo Fotografie. When it comes to visual storytelling, we don’t miss a beat. We prioritize organization, punctuality, and beauty so your wedding day looks better than your dreams. At Apollo, inclusivity is one of our core values, and our couples come from all backgrounds. We know that not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera, and we’re here to help. All of our photographers use prompts and suggestions to encourage natural interactions for a less “scripted” feel.

We absolutely recommend Apollo Fotografie. We had a fantastic experience from start to finish, from our very first call with Liv through our wedding day. Our main photographer, Jess, also photographed our engagement shoot, which gave us the chance to understand her style and build a relationship ahead of the wedding. This made the wedding day feel easy and natural. She made us feel incredibly comfortable, encouraged us to try new poses, and we fully trusted her with both our couples photos and family photos. We had a wonderful time working with Jess and Mikie on our wedding day. They really listened to what mattered most to us, including our photography preferences and emphasis on candid moments, while also bringing thoughtful professional recommendations that made us feel confident throughout the process. Jess absolutely crushed it. She was incredibly organized, struck the perfect balance between calm and guidance, and worked wonderfully with our families. Mikie was also fantastic and worked especially well with the groomsmen, keeping things moving and everyone on track. We are absolutely thrilled with how the photos turned out and truly love our wedding photos. If you are looking for a Bay Area wedding photographer, the Apollo Fotografie team is truly one of the best you can find.
Melissa T., 7 months ago
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Amative Creative | Virginia, Georgia, Colorado, & Destination Wedding Photographer & Videographer 
Rating: 4.9 (19 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,600
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA
  • Offer

Hello there! I'm Andrea, owner of Amative Creative, and every weekend we're so blessed to be able to tell the love stories of so many amazing couples. Like many others in this industry might say, we simply adore weddings. But what makes us a little different is our entire brand is centered around telling love stories specifically curated to reflect your vision and aesthetic. "Amative" means to be prone to love, so as you can see, we want nothing more than to tell your love story! But what makes us truly unique is that we understand every love story looks different. And we personalize every aspect of how we document your wedding day!

Awarded Best of Zola
We had a great experience with Amative Creative for our wedding! One thing that really made them stand out was that they offer so many different editing styles to choose from, so we were able to pick exactly the look we wanted. They also got our photos back to us super quickly—about a week after the wedding—which was such a nice surprise. The photos turned out beautiful and they captured all the big moments and some great candid shots. I especially love how cool the dance floor shots turned out. We received tons of compliments on the pictures! Highly recommend!
Lily A., a year ago
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Jasmine Lee Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $5,700
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Jasmine Lee is a destination wedding and lifestyle photographer residing in San Francisco, California. She is devoted to discerning couples and individuals that value the quality of crafting artistic and timeless imagery they will cherish for a lifetime.

Awarded Best of Zola
If you’re looking for a photographer, stop your search right now — Jasmine is simply the best. She was referred to us by a close friend with impeccable taste, and wow… she exceeded every expectation. Our wedding came together in less than two months (which was chaos in itself) and on top of that, she had to deal with two stressed-out gays — but somehow, Jasmine made the entire process effortless. She is incredibly flexible, knowledgeable, and just brings this calm, confident energy that instantly puts you at ease. I was lucky enough to have her shoot our wedding ceremony and I still can’t get over how amazing the photos turned out. Every shot looks straight out of a movie — I honestly don’t know how she does it. She’s detail-oriented, organized, and has this eye for capturing the little moments that matter most. After seeing how beautiful our wedding photos were (which we’ll cherish forever), I asked her to photograph my post-bachelor party — and of course, she delivered again. Beyond her insane talent, Jasmine is just a joy to be around. So easy to work with, so responsive, and she makes everyone feel comfortable. Hiring her is not just hiring a photographer — it’s an investment in your memories. I’ll be recommending her to all my friends and family. She’s outstanding.
Daniel A., a year ago
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Simple Joie Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Based in the PNW, I'm a seasoned photographer with 17+ years crafting love stories through weddings and portraits. Originally from the Bay Area, I've transplanted my roots here but am still drawn back to California often. Photography is my enduring passion, evolving from a creative background in design. Clients cherish the candid moments I freeze in time and value my patience. What sets me apart is not just technical expertise but a personalized boutique experience, from choosing me as your photographer to saying "I do." Immerse yourself in the art of storytelling through my lens, turning your wedding day dreams into timeless memories.

I booked Joie because of her beautiful images but when we started to see images of her creations with flatlays on her Instagram, we couldn't wait for our wedding day! She asked me to gather the details I would need for the day prior to the wedding day and my bridesmaids and I were so impressed by her when she showed up with her little kit and just got to working. I love love love love (too many loves to count) my wedding photos and I can't help but think that I was so lucky when I snatched her as my photographer! Joie was such a pleasure to work with from our engagements to the helping us with timeline building and giving us ideas for what to plan for and of course our wedding day! I can't express in words how grateful I am to have had her hold my hand through the process.
Lili, 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Cassie Valente Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $9,750
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

My name is Cassie and I am a hybrid film + digital photographer, completely fascinated by the human story and the parts of it that we all share. My aim is to tell the story of your love and laughter through images that are timeless and intentional. I believe in storytelling through details, emotional portraits, and finding those quiet moments in the midst of celebration. I love capturing real moments that help my couples remember how they felt on their wedding day, through the lens of my own airy and dreamy style.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we started working with Cassie, it felt like we were reconnecting with an old friend. Cassie is so thoughtful, patient, and funny- and we got to experience that multiple times when we connected with her for our photography. We truly believe that her vision and personality is what makes her photos feel so authentic and filled with light love. As awkward people anxious about taking photos, we were so relieved how Cassie made us feel comfortable from the beginning of our engagement session. She was able to somehow fade into the background, while also guiding us and capturing genuine moments. We loved that photo session so much that we ended up hiring her for our welcome dinner as well! Cassie was so easy to work with leading up to the wedding, making sure to get a list of our important shots ahead of the wedding while working closely with our planner to make sure there was a clear schedule. This meant that we could be as present as possible on our wedding day. On the big day, Cassie honestly felt more like a part of the wedding rather than simply a vendor. She knew how to make everyone comfortable, made sure the bridesmaids and groomsmen were having fun, and made the day feel natural for us. We got all of the wedding photos we wanted, and managed to even be AHEAD of schedule so we got to spend more time at our cocktail hour!!! Cassie’s photos capture the full range of emotions on the wedding day, because she’s able to connect deeply with her couples and understand what is important to them. Her style was something we gravitated to as we wanted a photographer who would not simply chronicle our event, but also capture the small details and genuine emotions that we might miss during the day. For both the engagement shoot and our wedding weekend, Cassie promptly delivered sneak peek highlights within a couple of days, and the full album within her initial estimate (8 weeks). She managed to capture the full essence of the day. Everytime we look at those photos, they bring us right back to those moments and feelings. We are so lucky and thankful to have had Cassie as our photographer. Hire her for your wedding! You will not regret it!!
Kirsten, 2 years ago
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Val Photo Co 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $7,000
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

My love for photography started as far back as I can remember and has now become an extension of who I am. Serving couples from a place of empathy, hospitality, and deeper understanding of who they are and what’s important to them, while providing them a heartfelt piece of their family legacy.

Awarded Best of Zola
Val was beyond incredible as our wedding photographer! She flew all the way to Florida to capture our special day, and she made us feel so at ease from the get-go. Her energy was infectious, and she had us laughing and enjoying ourselves the whole time. Val was super prepared, knowing exactly where we needed to be and who we needed to be with during the shoot, making it all so seamless and stress-free. She even brought us a locket to add to the bridge where we were capturing photos. Something I so badly wanted but in the midst of everything..I forgot! She pays attention to those details. It was like having a friend there who just happened to be a photo wizard. The photos turned out absolutely stunning, capturing every beautiful moment perfectly. I have been married over a year now and I still look at these photos all the time. If you want a photographer who makes your day fun and captures it beautifully, Val is your girl! PS. She also did my engagement photos and from there on I wanted her to capture every big moment in our lives!
Jordan T., 2 years ago
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Sades Films + Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Hi, it’s Sade! The whole reason I’m a photographer is for the ability to take people on adventures and create experiences you will actually remember—not just poses you performed. Let’s not be fooled: being behind the camera can be… uncomfortable. (Trust me, I just got married myself, so I KNOW that 'what do I do with my hands?' panic!). That’s why it will be all about making your day feel spontaneous and tailoring every second to fit exactly who you two are.

Sadie was a 10/10 find. She does amazing work, her editing is beautiful and soft, she makes you feel comfortable while taking the pictures, helps pose us, she even helped us find where we took our engagements. I was feeling really overwhelmed with where to go and she gave us some options which made it much easier to choose. Sadie is quick to respond, and her turn around time is great! I’m so happy we used her and would highly recommend her to a friend (or a stranger!)
Sydney, 7 months ago
GemHidden gem
Lerina Winter Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,750
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Welcome. Since 2011, Lerina has been photographing weddings of all shape and sizes. She has traveled throughout the country and abroad documenting love stories and the events that surround the most magical day in a couple's life. Today she calls both the desert and the coast home but feels comfortable anywhere a camera is slung around her neck, shooting on her medium of choice – film. Her work has been published and featured by Condé Nast Traveler, SELF Magazine, Green Wedding Shoes, Wedding Chicks, more.

My husband and I absolutely love Lerina and her partner, Danny! The whole process was great - From the first time we talked to Lerina to our engagement photos to our wedding day and after, she has been so wonderful to work with. She and Danny are SO talented and her ability to work with light is fantastic. We truly love all of our photos and were so excited to share them with our friends and family. We are so grateful that Lerina was our photographer and captured our special day. We can't wait to have another special occasion to work with her and Danny again!
Shannon, 4 years ago
Emily Pillon Photography 
Rating: 4.6 (10 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Making Every Image a Movie Since 2013 ••• Fine Art Photography + Cinematography ••• CA • NY • Worldwide ••• Weddings, Destinations + Elopements ••• 24 hour sneak peaks! • Destination + Elopement Planning • Videography • Sunrise Sessions • Full Weekend Coverage • Second Photographers • Personalized Photography Sessions •

Awarded Best of Zola
Emily is the best! From planning to wedding day, Emily was there to help whenever I reached out with a question. On our wedding day, she brought the best energy (especially working in 100 heat during our ceremony), she captured our wedding so beautifully and her style of editing is absolutely gorgeous. I highly recommend her if you're looking for someone to capture your special day.
Deborah A., 2 years ago
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Celestial Waves Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Celestial Waves Photography, based in Wilmington, NC, is led by a paramedic with a passion for capturing life’s most cherished moments. We offer affordable, high-quality, and inclusive photography, specializing in family sessions, portraits, events, and weddings. With over five years of experience, we bring a unique perspective and care to every shoot. Let us help you turn your moments into timeless memories—book your session today!

Awarded Best of Zola
Seth is the best you’re going to get!! He did my high school graduation photos and perfectly captured the idea I had in my head. I reached out a couple months later for a cool feel good idea that he was totally down for! Seth is amazing, he lets your idea come to life, he never pushes, and only corrects when he knows he needs something photography wise. He’s great for those who know what they want and need a collaborative partner for it!!
Ella, 8 months ago
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Tiya Studios 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Welcome couples, We are a team of professional photographers, videographers, and editors capturing weddings with love, artistry, and care. Founded by Tiya, our studio is built on creating a seamless, stress-free experience while documenting your day beautifully and authentically. We’re a women-founded studio and offer all-female teams for those who prefer it. With experience across luxury, cultural, and destination weddings, we show up aligned, prepared, and fully invested in your story. 🤍

Awarded Best of Zola
Tiya and her team were wonderful and very professional.we are so happy to have her as the photographer and videographer for our daughter’s wedding. They did a great job and it was so pleasant to work with her .
Negar, 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Natural Unions 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

We help outdoorsy lovers get married in beautiful outdoor venues provided by Mother Nature herself. Our couples have the wedding of their lifetime doing things that matter to them with their closest family and friends. We create inexpensive intimate ceremonies in expansive settings in the woods, river canyons, mountain ridges, deserts, or beaches. We give couples an opportunity to create their own ceremonies and trail-blaze their own traditions as they begin their Forever Endeavor Together. And we document it all with stunning, bold, crystal clear photographs and 4K cinema films that are a reverie both in nature and love.

Awarded Best of Zola
CANatural Unions was an absolutely amazing experience that we'll never forget! I've never had so much fun and felt so beautiful while surrounded by epic vistas and sunsets! ...My husband and I are more seasoned hikers, so we went on more difficult treks, but Kira will always make sure the journey fits the traveler. And thanks to the combined talent of Forrest's post-editing, everyone who sees our photos is blown away like we were. In one picture, he somehow turned a day shot into a night shot with crazy editing magic. My husband and I don't just recommend, but demand, that if you're thinking about an outdoor photo adventure with Kira, do it! It's not just a photoshoot, it's an adventure with the person you love.
Kendra, 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
Vividly Pictured 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $3,800
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA
  • Offer

Photography that tells a story. Wedding films that bring you back to the moment. We are a California based wedding photography & videography team that passionately tells stories through a camera. We have 7 years of experience but a fresh set of ideas!

Working with Vividly Pictured was a genuine pleasure their communication is refreshingly straightforward and they keep you laughing throughout the planning process. Beyond capturing stunning photos of the event itself, they went above and beyond by shooting incredible images of my bartending work. Their portfolio speaks for itself: the images are gorgeous and feel authentic rather than overly posed, with a boldness that really makes them stand out. They understand how to tell a story through their lens and deliver work that feels both timeless and current. If you're looking for photographers who are professional yet personable, I can't recommend Vividly Pictured highly enough.
Jaiden, 7 days ago
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Kristin Smith Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $7,000
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA
  • Offer

Northern California Elopement Photographer - Lake Tahoe, Mount Shasta, Yosemite National Park & More! Creating stress-free, unforgettable elopements that bring your story to life in the most breathtaking places. I do not photograph traditional weddings, this is for elopements with 20 guests or less.

Awarded Best of Zola
Kristin Smith Photography was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From our very first interaction, Kristin was prompt, friendly, and incredibly helpful in answering all of our questions and guiding us through the photography process. On the day of the wedding, Kristin and her team were professional, detailed, and captured the most beautiful, artistic, and dramatic photos that we will cherish forever. The final images were simply amazing and exceeded all of our expectations. We highly recommend Kristin Smith Photography to anyone who loves creative and dramatic wedding photography. Kristin truly helped make our special day even more unforgettable.
Vanessa McCaslin S., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Phillip Towles Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Discover the artistry of Phillip Towles Photography, your premier wedding photography service in Sacramento. We specialize in capturing the essence of your love story with a unique blend of creativity and professionalism. Our personalized approach ensures every detail, from candid moments to grand celebrations, is beautifully documented. Trust us to tell your story with passion and precision, creating heirlooms you'll cherish forever.

Awarded Best of Zola
We had a wonderful experience working with Phillip Towles Photography for our wedding and engagement photos. Phillip was great to work with - he communicated with us in an informative, timely manner and was always thorough in answering our questions. He has fantastic people skills and made us feel at ease throughout the whole process. He asked us questions to better understand what we wanted and helped us figure out what we needed to know ahead of time. The quality of Phillip's work is truly amazing. He is talented at capturing authentic moments and adapting to any situation. His strong work ethic was evident in the beautiful photos he delivered for our engagement photos. We know our wedding photos will be just as amazing when he delivers them. A real highlight was when Phillip had us laughing during the session - it led to more natural, joyful photos. We took a memorable photo with Phillip that we'll cherish. Overall, I'd highly recommend Phillip Towles Photography for wedding/engagement and videography . His communication, professionalism and stellar photography skills made our wedding photos better than we could have imagined.
Azucena B., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Maricarmen Maffioli 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $10,000
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

I am Mari, an international destination wedding photographer specializing in bespoke, multi-layered visual storytelling for couples who appreciate intentionality. Designed for discerning clientele who demand the extraordinary, my approach blends the editorial sophistication of high-fashion publication with the timeless elegance of fine-art wedding photography. From private estates in Lake Como to secluded luxury resorts in French Polynesia, I curate effortless, organic photographic experiences in the world’s most exclusive locations.

Awarded Best of Zola
We were left in TEARS! Each photograph captured the essence of our day in such a beautiful & authentic way. It was like reliving every moment, every emotion, all over again. Book her now, if looking since she only takes a handful of weddings each year.
Grace & J., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Heech Studio & Co 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $7,000
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Heech Studio & Co is a San Francisco–based wedding photography studio focused on documenting celebrations in a natural, timeless way. The studio emphasizes honest moments, beautiful light, and thoughtful composition to create photographs that feel effortless and enduring. With a calm and attentive presence, Heech approaches weddings in a way that allows couples to fully enjoy their day while meaningful moments unfold naturally. From intimate city hall ceremonies to coastal and estate weddings throughout California, the goal is always the same: to create images that feel genuine, refined, and true to the experience of the day.

From our first conversation, Heech Studio & Co. was responsive and easy to reach whenever we had questions or needed to discuss details. On our wedding day, Heech and his team showed up ready to capture every important moment, and their work turned out even better than we imagined. They had a creative eye for the shots that really mattered to us, finding the small details that made our day feel personal and special. What impressed us most was how available they were to help with timing and logistics beyond just taking pictures. Heech is a genuine person who made us feel comfortable in front of the camera, and working with him was truly an honor. We couldn't have asked for a better team to document our wedding.
Mitch & A., 4 months ago
GemHidden gem
Rafael Garcia Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

As a devoted wedding and portrait photographer, my primary focus is on authentically capturing the genuine emotions that make up your unique story. My goal is to ensure that your special day is not just visually documented, but deeply felt.

Rafael is hands down one of the best photographers I have worked with. I used his services previously for my mothers wedding and when the day came for mine I knew he was the photographer for us. He is detail oriented, patient, creative and kind. When my husband and I decided to elope we only gave ourselves a week and a half to plan. Rafael was very accommodating to our last minute plans and made us feel as if we had planned our special day a year in advance. Rafael took the time to learn the site and plan beautiful photos accordingly. Rafael gave us great directions on how to pose and what angels would make us stand out. My husband and I are not huge on taking photos and when we received the photos we were amazed ! The photos looked natural and captured who we are as a couple. I look at these photos and feel confident and beautiful! I appreciate all the work Rafael put in to our special day ! We are so excited to share these photos with our loved ones for generations to come.
Alexis C., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Valeria Ferrando Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Santa Cruz, CA

Hi, I'm Valeria, a Bay Area wedding photographer creating timeless, editorial imagery with a genuine, heartfelt approach. I believe the most meaningful photographs come from real connection, allowing you to be fully present while I preserve every moment with intention and care. Honored to be named Marin Magazine's Best of the County – Readers' Choice Best Photographer, I bring that same dedication and attention to detail to every celebration. My goal is to create elegant, authentic photographs you'll treasure for a lifetime.

From our first conversation, Valeria made us feel at ease with her clear and respectful approach. She understood what we wanted for our wedding day and delivered excellent work that captured every important moment. Valeria had a gift for making us feel confident in front of the camera, which helped us relax and enjoy ourselves. Her photos arrived on time, and she brought a fun energy that kept our day light and joyful. We loved working with her and would absolutely recommend Valeria Ferrando Photography to any couple looking for a photographer who truly cares about their vision.
Valeria N., 21 days ago