The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

How do we sort results, including Sponsored Ads and personalized results?


915 Wedding Photographers in Santa Monica, CA

Photojournalistic
TrendlineTrending
Leah Faith Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,750
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Your wedding day is your most significant chapter, and it deserves to be captured with uncompromising care. Based in Los Angeles, I am a photographer dedicated to an authentic, refined aesthetic, acting as both observer and guide. I specialize in a hybrid approach—marrying digital clarity with the romantic nuances of film—to produce images that feel both grounded and elevated. I focus on preserving the raw, unposed beauty of your day, ensuring you remain fully present to enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

“Leah never misses a beat. She is simply amazing! My wedding pictures are FULL of emotion, and she didn’t miss a moment. She shows up on time, completely organized and ready to pleass her customers. 10000/10”
Hailey T., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Indigo West 
Rating: 5.0 (37 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,900
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I took up photography at the ripe age of 11 with a Polaroid I borrowed from an aunt. It quickly became my sketchbook as I worked to capture stills of the world and people around me. Those images have continued to pay emotional dividends throughout my life, helping me better understand what I have now come to see through a new scope. They are grounding, melancholic, funny and beautiful. Some of my most cherished possessions.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We enjoyed the overall experience with Indigo West from the start. He understood our preference for mostly candid photography and he did mostly that, leaving us plenty of time to mingle with guests. The photos he did direct we also loved it was nice he kept that quick, which made it very easy for us! Very happy with this vendor!”
George, 2 years ago
Quick responder
Gabbie Burseth Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
Santa Monica, CA
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $7,200

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

Awarded Best of Zola
“I cannot give high enough praise to Gabbi and her assistant Nick. Our other photographer backed out last minuet and we are SO lucky that Gabbi was available. Communication was super easy and all of the pricing was transparent and easy to understand. On top of all of that, the photos from our wedding are just stunning. I'm so impressed at how Gabbi and Nick always seemed to be exactly in the right place at the right time to capture every single special moment. If you can book Gabbi, you should. You will not be disappointed!”
Kim L., 4 years ago
Cait Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
Santa Monica, CA
  • Photojournalistic style

Caitlin is a wedding photographer based in Southern California, blending photojournalism with editorial storytelling to create images that feel both timeless and true to you. She works with both digital and film to capture natural moments, thoughtful details, and beautiful light, ensuring every photo feels effortless and authentic.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Caitlin was amazing to work with for both our engagement and wedding photos! She captures it all, makes you feel so comfortable and knows how to work efficiently. Our photos came out so dreamy and we received many compliments on them! You’ll be in great hands when you work with Cait!!"”
Alexa P., a year ago
Wrenn Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (74 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I’m Mary, California film wedding photographer. I fell in love with documenting weddings in 2018 and have a deep appreciation for the privilege of capturing one of the most profound moments in peoples’ lives. I'm here to witness your day with love and artistry, and preserve your memories in a way that’s honest, emotive, and true to you.

Awarded Best of Zola
“OMG—where do I even begin?! Mary is truly incredible. The sneak peek alone had us in tears (happy ones!). It was better than anything I could have imagined. She captured every emotion, every little detail, and the overall vibe of our wedding perfectly. My husband and I were absolutely glowing looking through them—we felt the joy from that day all over again. She used both film and digital photographer to capture the magic! Not only is she insanely talented behind the lens, but she’s also the sweetest human ever. It’s so clear how much love she puts into her work. She made us feel so comfortable, natural, and genuinely seen on our big day. If you’re thinking about booking her, do it now. I’m so grateful she was part of our day. Thank you, Mary!!”
Daniella F., a year ago
Quick responder
LOVE by Sergirée 
Rating: 5.0 (46 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

My name is Sergio. My wife Desirée and I run LOVE by Sergirée together out of Los Angeles. I have been behind a camera for 15 years and weddings are where I do my best work. I shoot every wedding personally and edit every gallery myself, so what you see in our portfolio is exactly what you get. Desirée leads everything you cannot see, from the first email to the final album. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony or a celebration with a full guest list, our approach is the same. Be present. Be honest. Let the moment unfold.

“From the initial communication all the way to the delivery of the photos, Sergirée were great to work with. They were super friendly, patient, and flexible with the entire process. During my actual wedding/celebrations, Sergio just had a chill and approachable demeanor about him that I really appreciated. Our wedding wasn't the most structured, so I was worried about getting the "right" shots, but Sergio was great at guiding for poses, and just always at the right place at the right time to catch so many beautiful moments. Also, they work super fast! We received our highlight shots and full gallery very quickly. Book them!!”
Julie, a month ago
Quick responder
Yin Futography 
Rating: 5.0 (46 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hobbyist coffee brewer, professional nap taker, and sucker for raw moments and authentic emotions. Dedicated to documenting the beautiful moments as they unfold. Based in Southern California & available worldwide.

“From start to finish, Yin was so much more than just our photographer, he truly felt like a friend. From our engagement photos to our wedding day and everything in between, he was there every step of the way. He went above and beyond, from venue meetups to thoughtful location scouting, making us feel completely supported and at ease throughout the entire process. His co-shooter, Nika, was equally incredible—professional, kind, and such a calming presence on the day. Together, they made the entire experience feel effortless and fun, while still capturing every meaningful moment so beautifully. Honestly, Yin doesn’t even need reviews (his work speaks for itself) but we feel so grateful to have worked with someone so talented, genuine, and invested in telling our story. We couldn’t have asked for a better team to document such an important chapter of our lives.”
Rosemary K., 9 months ago
Quick responder
Michael Teddy Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (29 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Welcome to Michael Teddy Photography, where artistry meets storytelling and your moments are preserved for a lifetime. I believe exceptional photography is about connection, vision, and capturing the authentic soul of your story. From our first conversation to your final gallery, you can expect a dedicated experience. Blending technical precision with an artistic approach, I frame the moments that matter most while thoughtfully editing every frame to perfection. Let’s create something breathtaking together.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We got more compliments on our photographer than any other vendor at our wedding. Michael Teddy really stood out to all our guests because he was very professional yet kind and funny. He made us all feel comfortable in front of the camera. We really appreciate that he arrived early to scope out the area for the best photo spots and he surprised us by giving us our full gallery with a crazy fast turnaround - without compromising on photo quality/ editing Our family and friends all really liked having him! They said his presence felt more like a guest than just another vendor and that definitely made for more natural and genuine pictures from us and all our guests. We absolutely love our pictures”
Estefany G., 2 years ago
Quick responder
RIVELLE MEDIA 
Rating: 5.0 (28 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,600
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

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

Awarded Best of Zola
“Anna was so great in helping me throughout the process of planning our wedding photos. The first time I met her I could tell that she genuinely loves weddings and understood the editorial concept I was aiming for. We worked together on a mood board and fulfilled the style on the day of. I loved the team she brought and their dynamic together. During the group photos they were very efficient in gathering the groups in a time crunch. The pictures turned out incredible! Thank you guys so much for putting us at ease and the lovely wedding photos that will live on forever!”
Murphy, a year ago
Quick responder
Fatima Elreda Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (27 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $7,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

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

Awarded Best of Zola
“Fatima is such an amazing photographer! We loved working with her for our engagement shoot and wedding. We really appreciated her professionalism and open-mindedness since she hadn’t been to either location before. We received our wedding photos about a month ago and we were so impressed with the quantity and quality of photos! The variety and naturalism is exactly what we had in mind. We will definitely treasure these photos for years to come and we hope to work with Fatima again in the future!”
Fiona B., 2 years ago
Quick responder
LA Digital Photo - Photo - Video - Booth 
Rating: 5.0 (27 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,600
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Tom Keene is a distinguished master portrait photojournalist and the founder of LA Digital Photo, a premier life event photography company based in Pasadena, California. With over 21 years of experience, Tom has been the first-choice wedding photographer for hundreds of couples, capturing moments across California and beyond. Our expertise extends beyond photography, we offer comprehensive services including videography, DJ/MC, and photo booth rentals, ensuring a seamless experience for any event. Tom Keene’s dedication to his craft and his clients has solidified his reputation as a leading portrait photojournalist in Southern California.

Awarded Best of Zola
“I cannot say enough good things about LAdigitalPhoto! When I first contacted them to inquire about videography, I got an instant response. Tom answered my millions of questions & sent me photos & videos they had shot at my venue in the past. I felt like a friend, not a customer so I was not hesitant to book. Tom did a great job of building an instant relationship & trust. We kept contact up until the day about details as they unfolded. Brides you know how planning can get the best of you & everything becomes a blur. I totally forgot about having a videographer the day of because everything was chaos until he showed up right on time, of course! We were blessed to get Christian who is an absolute gem! Him & my photographer instantly started working together & they totally clicked, it was awesome. Christian went above & beyond, not to mention he was such a sweetheart. He was an absolute joy to have around all day! He even buttoned up my dress for me because all my girls had nails on & couldn't do it. I would give 5,000 stars if I could! If I ever need videography again, I will never go to anyone else! Thank you, Tom & Christian!”
Shannon, 2 years ago
Quick responder
The Jaramillos 
Rating: 5.0 (26 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

The Jaramillos, a husband and wife Photography + Videography team. We specialize in capturing the authentic and raw moments with an editorial flair. Whether you want iconic photos to post, or to have for your future grandchildren to gaze upon, or anything in-between we are the photographers for you.

Awarded Best of Zola
“I don’t even know where to begin with The Jaramillos. What started as a casual connection turned into one of the best decisions I made for our wedding. I first met them when I was planning our engagement shoot, and from the very first moment, there was an instant chemistry. They were warm, professional, and so easy to connect with that everything flowed naturally. After that incredible experience, it was a no brainer to have them capture our wedding day. And they did not disappoint. On our big day, they delivered nothing short of excellence. Their attention to detail, their calm presence, and the way they worked together as a team made everything feel effortless. captured not just photos but emotions. Every image was beautifully framed, and every moment was preserved with such care and intention. They even created a short video that moved me to tears. Watching it, I relived every emotion I felt that day: joy, love, nervousness, gratitude. It was absolutely perfect. What makes them even more special is that they are a couple, and you can feel that harmony in the way they work. They are in sync, they support each other, and they bring that energy into every moment they document. They don’t miss a thing, and they do it all with genuine kindness and heart. If you are looking for a team that will not only document your love story but also honor it with artistry and passion, The Jaramillos are the ones. I could not be more grateful for them. Thank you for turning our memories into timeless treasures.”
Katherine R., a year ago
Quick responder
Soda Fountain Photography 
Rating: 4.9 (19 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,800
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

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

Awarded Best of Zola
“Soda Fountain Photo was a fantastic choice for our wedding photographer. From the beginning, their communication was easy and they always responded quickly to any questions we had. On the day of the wedding, Mysi, the lead photographer, was an absolute joy to work with - she had such a sweet and fun energy that put us (and our bridal party) at ease. Most importantly, Soda Fountain Photo captured all the special moments of our wedding day with creativity and care. We are thrilled with how the photos turned out and feel they truly reflected the love and joy of our celebration. We highly highly recommend Soda Fountain Photo and feel so lucky to have had Mysi as a part of our story.”
Tait & W., a year ago
Quick responder
Caz Isaiah 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA
  • Offer

Every wedding has its own rhythm. I’m inspired by the way a great film makes you feel like you’re actually inside the story — the anticipation before something happens, the quiet moments between people, the movement, the atmosphere, and the unexpected frames you could never have planned. I photograph weddings with that same instinct, moving with what’s already unfolding rather than forcing the day into a shot list or manufacturing moments. I’m drawn to interesting light, real connection, imperfect details, dramatic environments, and those fleeting moments that happen between everything you thought you were going to photograph.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We knew we wanted someone who could capture our dreamy, storybook aesthetic, and Caz Isaiah exceeded every expectation. From our first conversation, his communication was refreshingly straightforward and personable, which made the entire planning process feel easy and stress-free. On the wedding day, he brought genuine warmth—literally showing up with a snack for me in the morning—and his creative eye shone through in every shot. Caz doesn't rely on heavy posing; instead, he works from simple prompts to create naturally flattering images that feel authentic to who we are. What really got us was when he sent over prints from his film cameras without us even asking—a detail that perfectly captured the moody, romantic pictures we'd been dreaming about. His work is fantastic, and he genuinely went above and beyond to make our day feel like the vision we'd imagined. Very highy recommend Caz!”
Christa K., 4 days ago
Quick responder
Jordan Ferrer Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,499
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hi! I’m Jordan, a wedding and event photographer and videographer dedicated to capturing love stories with authenticity and artistry. My style focuses on natural moments, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, I document your day with timeless, beautifully edited images. Beyond weddings, I also specialize in capturing milestone moments like graduation portraits and formal events. Let’s work together to create unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for years to come!

Awarded Best of Zola
“We vetted quite a few wedding photographers before deciding on Jordan. We were really impressed from day one. He worked with us on customizing our package to meet what we desired as far as style of pictures, time frame, etc. He was punctual at all our checkpoints and early to the venue. He hadn’t been to our venue before and what was impressive was he did some recon work to get a better vision on where to do a significant portion of our portrait shoot prior to the wedding. The day was seamless, it would’ve been even more perfect if the wind and weather cooperated but he and his second photographer worked through it.”
Sarah Jo M., 4 months ago
GemHidden gem
By Evening Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Hey it’s Marijo (pronounced mary•joe), your film-loving, forever traveling photographer! Capturing your day, the way it felt, in both digital and film formats. My style is bright, vibrant, nostalgic with a mix of candids and cinematic images. I love getting to know my couples before their big day! It helps me create more personal work that reflects your love. I hope you know that your love is special, and that I can see that it is. That’s always how I’ll tell your story.

Awarded Best of Zola
“If you are looking for a photographer and/or a videographer I highly recommend you hire A+M Badillo Images! Marijo is so professional and easily the sweetest human you will ever meet. Her and her husband Andrew are so talented, we had them do our wedding photos and video, as well as our engagement shoot, and my husband and I, could not be happier with how everything came out! We had too many amazing pictures to choose from to post/send out to family members! I highly highly recommend choosing them for your wedding, their communication and professionalism is unmatched and the way they make you feel comfortable in front of a camera is still amazing to me. My husband and I are terrible at taking pictures together but Marijo knew exactly what to say and helped us look like pros! So so happy we chose them to capture our special day :)”
Mikaela T., 5 years ago
GemHidden gem
Carmelisse Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,550
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

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

Awarded Best of Zola
“Carmelisse exceeded our expectations. Working with her was a breeze – easygoing and professional. She has a knack for making clients feel at ease, ensuring a comfortable experience. The engagement photo session and our wedding day was not only productive but also incredibly enjoyable. Impressively quick turnaround time, and we absolutely loved every single photo captured. Highly recommend her services!”
Liane T., 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
Yanira Scalise Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,100
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Yanira is a passionate documentary-style wedding photographer dedicated to capturing the genuine emotions and beautiful moments of each special day. With an artistic eye and a love for storytelling, She creates timeless images that reflect the authentic essence of every couple. Her enthusiasm for the job shines through in every frame, as she believes that each wedding tells a unique story worth preserving. When not behind the camera, Yanira enjoys spending time with her family and teen boys and memorable trips to Erewhon :)

“I loved having her capture the day we got engaged! We are so happy with how the photos turned out, and getting sneak peeks the very next day was such a fun surprise. So grateful to have these memories captured!”
Allyson M., 10 days ago
GemHidden gem
Stephen Tang Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,100
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

While some photographers emphasize their gear or trendy post-processing, I take pride in subject-photographer interaction - the relation I build with clients, picking up on nuances in pose and expression while we shoot, anticipating the viewers' response - because ultimately, that's how photographs that matter to us are created. I'm a native New Yorker who found myself relocating to Los Angeles and making it my home. Wherever you'd like to have your wedding, it would be my pleasure to be your photographer.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Stephen has been a joy to work to with—he's accommodating, generous with his time, professional, punctual, a clear communicator, and we're very happy with the photos we have from both our engagement shoot and wedding.”
Jason P., 4 years ago
Quick responder
Remo Fioroni Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Based in California, I photograph celebrations from the coastlines of San Diego to the vineyards of Napa, and destinations worldwide. I work with couples who value artistry, trust the process, and want their story told with depth and intention.

Awarded Best of Zola
“As the groom, I had the privilege of working with Remo Fioroni for our wedding, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. From the very beginning, Remo’s professionalism and warmth put both of us at ease. He took the time to get to know us as a couple, which was evident in the way he captured the most intimate and special moments of our day. Remo has an incredible ability to blend into the background while still capturing every meaningful detail. He doesn’t just take pictures; he tells a story. Every photo feels natural and candid, yet beautifully composed. Whether it was the laughter shared during the vows, the quiet moments between me and my bride, or the excitement of our guests, Remo captured everything in such a genuine, emotional way. His creativity is unmatched. He brought a fresh perspective to every shot, finding unique angles and using natural light to create stunning imagery. He also made sure to include some classic, timeless shots that we will cherish for a lifetime. On top of his photography talent, Remo’s approach to the entire process was seamless. He communicated clearly with us before, during, and after the event, ensuring we felt comfortable and confident every step of the way. His calm, unobtrusive presence on the day itself allowed us to fully enjoy the moments without feeling like we were being constantly posed. We couldn’t be happier with the final photos. They perfectly capture the essence of our wedding day, and every time we look at them, it brings us right back to that magical day. If you're looking for a wedding photographer who not only delivers exceptional quality but also provides a stress-free, memorable experience, Remo Fioroni is your guy. Thank you, Remo, for being such an important part of our wedding day!”
Andrew G., 2 years ago
Jess Onesto 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

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

Awarded Best of Zola
“Since receiving our wedding photos from Jess, several of my friends and family members (including 2 professional photographers!) have asked me for her contact info because of how amazing her photos are!! When we started looking for a wedding photographer, we knew that we needed to find someone with a great eye for candids, who wouldn't make our pictures feel too staged, who had a fun/funky vibe like us, and who could handle wrangling my extremely large family (full of very opinionated people) for family photos, and Jess handled everything with ease! I feel so lucky that we found Jess, and I cannot recommend her more. Jess made everyone feel comfortable throughout the entire wedding day, and even gave guidance to family members who are normally awkward in photos (e.g. suggesting ways to pose to make them more comfortable). Jess went above and beyond throughout the entire planning process, checking in with us, getting to know us, and even coming to a venue walkthrough so she could get a sense of the space! I am so grateful for all of the work Jess put into our wedding, and the photos turned out better than I could have ever imagined. I rarely even like photos of myself, but I honestly am so in love with the ones that Jess took that I jump on every opportunity to whip out my phone and share them with friends!”
Natalie M., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Karin Busch Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

German-born and LA-based, I got my first camera at eight and never put it down. Now I chase real, unposed love stories for weddings, couples, and families across SoCal, capturing the big feelings and tiny details that make your story yours.

“I got to meet and work with Karin Busch Photography on the morning of a wedding. As I was doing makeup for the bride and bridal party , Karin captured some amazing candid behind the scenes moments and every single frame is a work of art. And the wedding photos are like a curated editorial story. Just Absolutely stunning photography work . Plus she is very kind and super professional.”
Makeup By C., a month ago
GemHidden gem
Kelsey C. Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,900
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

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

Awarded Best of Zola
“We can’t begin without saying how amazing Kelsey and her team are! They are truly good at what they do. I’m normally really shy and awkward in front of a camera, but they made the experience so fun and comfortable. They knew the best angles and helped with our poses and told us where to go. The photos turned out so candid and beautiful! We cannot get over them and we got so many compliments! We are so happy that we chose Kelsey and her team for our engagement shoot and wedding photos. These types of moments are once in a lifetime and you don’t want to miss anything good and that’s why we’re so grateful that they captured everything for us. We trust them so much. We already want Kelsey and her team to shoot for our one year anniversary!”
Jessica Nguyen, 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Captured by Emily C. Petrie 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,600
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

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

“Captured by Emily C. Petrie was the perfect choice for our wedding photography. From our first interaction, Emily's communication was always timely, transparent, and kind. The quality of her work is truly beautiful, with sharp, vibrant images that captured all the special moments of our day. Emily was there for all the important moments, gently guiding us and making us feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, even though we weren't experienced. We highly recommend working with Emily - she helped create beautiful memories that we will cherish forever.”
Marlee G., 2 years ago
Quick responder
The Shalom Imaginative 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,200
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

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

Awarded Best of Zola
“Nate and his team were our favorite vendor we worked with. They have the most calming presence and prevent anything from stressing you out. They are incredibly go with the flow and never push you to do anything you don’t want to. They have great suggestions as well. The photos are so special and genuine. We opted for very few staged photos and yet they were able to capture so many intimate moments that are so much more representative of the weekend. 10/10!!! Would book them over and over again. Thank you Nate, Karen and Karen!!”
Molly S., 4 years ago
GemHidden gem
Makito Umekita Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

I'm a wedding, elopement, and engagement photographer based in Southern California. I'm in love with adventure and the outdoors. I have a passion for capturing the raw, emotional moments as well as the candid, in-between moments of my clients. I want to be able to help YOU tell YOUR story through my photographs, capturing every moment from beginning to end.

“Highly recommend! We hired Makito to take our engagement photos as well as our wedding photos. They turned out amazing (: Will definitely hire him for future events”
Julie and C., 5 years ago
Quick responder
Golden State Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,699
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

Professional wedding photography and videography for couples across California—from Los Angeles to San Francisco, San Diego to Sacramento. Beautiful, cinematic coverage at prices that won't break your budget.

“Golden State Weddings made our wedding day so special. From our first conversation, they were easy to talk to and kept us relaxed throughout the whole process. They gave us clear direction during the ceremony and reception, but also captured the candid moments that felt genuine and unforced. Every photo exceeded what we expected, and honestly, the quality is worth every penny. We can't say enough good things about their work, and we highly recommend them to anyone looking for a photographer who truly cares about telling your story.”
Andrew, 6 months ago
Quick responder
A Shot Of Love Films 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Santa Monica, CA

As wedding photographers and videographers, our philosophy revolves around capturing memories that celebrate the unique personalities of each couple. We strive to showcase the authentic moments, heartfelt emotions, and joyful connections that make each wedding day truly special.

Awarded Best of Zola
“From our first conversation, Caitlin made us feel at ease with her quick responses and friendly approach. She has a gift for capturing the personality in all of us, which made the whole day feel natural and fun instead of stiff or awkward. The photos turned out stunning and captured exactly what we wanted—those real moments between us and our loved ones. She was easy to work with and genuinely seemed to care about making our wedding day special. We couldn't have asked for a better photographer to tell our story. Highly recommend them to any couple looking for someone who will deliver beautiful work and make you feel comfortable the entire time.”
Hannah C., 6 months ago

About wedding photographers in Santa Monica, CA

What other Santa Monica vendors will I need?

What other photographers are nearby?

What other wedding services are nearby?