Top West Coast Photographers

Elizabeth Messina Photography
If you're tying the knot anywhere in the West, these are some of our favorite photographers to consider hiring.
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Delbarr Moradi

Delbarr Moradi

Location: Mountain View, California

What We love: The first wedding she shot that we featured also landed on our cover.

More info: delbarrmoradi.com

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Edyta Szyszlo

Edyta Szyszlo

Location: San Francisco, California

What We love: This documentary-style photog puts an editorial twist on things.

More info: edytaszyszlo.com

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The De Jaureguis

The De Jaureguis

Location: Napa, California

Bio Bit: This husband-and-wife team has a background in fine arts.

More info: thedejaureguis.com

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Location: San Francisco, California

Pro tip: “Don’t worry about what cameras your photographers use. Base your decision on how their work makes you feel, and whether you enjoy being with them.”

More info: lisalefkowitz.com

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Meg Smith

Meg Smith

Location: Napa, California

What she loves: “I adore the light in Northern California and feel very lucky to get to shoot in this area.”

More info: megsmith.com

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Sabine Scherer

Sabine Scherer Photography

Location: San Francisco, California

Her Style: “I nerd out calculating when and where the sun will be at its best for a particular setting.”

More info: sabinescherer.com

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Sylvie Gil

Sylvie Gil

Location: San Francisco, California

What We Love: This French-born photog spends a lot of time prepping the shooting schedule so the day runs as smoothly as possible.

More info: sylviegilphotography.com

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Tanja Lippert

Tanja Lippert Photography

Location: Los Gatos, California

What We Love: Although she shoots many outdoor weddings, she can really navigate an indoor venue to get great pics.

More info: tanjalippertphotography.com

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Thayer Photography

Location: San Francisco, California

What We Love: Thayer Allyson Gowdy (refreshingly) charges for the entire event—not for a set number of hours, as with most packages.

More info: thayerheartsweddings.com

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Aaron Delesie

Aaron Delesie

Location: Los Angeles, California

What We Love: We've featured weddings he's shot all over the globe, including Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's.

More info: aarondelesie.com

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Annie McElwain

Annie McElwain

Location: Los Angeles, California

What She loves: "I enjoy traveling for weddings. Seeing something for the first time brings a fresh perspective.”

More info: anniemcelwain.com

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Elizabeth Messina

Elizabeth Messina Photography

Location: Santa Barbara, California

What She Loves: “Weddings have everything I adore: inspiration, style, and lots of beautiful kisses.”

More info: elizabethmessina.com

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Feather Love

Location: San Diego, California

Pro tip: Noa Azoulay says, “You should be able to see the style and personality of a photographer immediately by going on his or her website.”

More info: featherlove.com

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Gia Canali

Gia Canali Photography

Location: Los Angeles,California

What We love: Along with custom prints and albums, she specializes in handmade and alternative developing processes to create various effects.

More info: giacanali.com

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Jose Villa

Jose Villa

Location: Solvang, California

Pro tip: “Experience is key. Knowing when to anticipate the special moments comes from shooting for a long time.”

More info: josevilla.com

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Lane Dittoe Fine Wedding Photographs

Location: Santa Barbara, California

What We love: Dittoe’s mellow energy helps keep couples calm.

More info: lanedittoe.com

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Max & Friends

Katherine Rose & Luke Griffin of Max and Friends

Location: Los Angeles, California

Their Style: “My work is whimsical, romantic, and nontraditional,” says Max Wanger, who shoots with his wife.

More info: maxandfriends.com

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Megan Sorel

Location: Santa Barbara, California

Her style: “A client once called me a ‘photo-ninja,’ which describes me perfectly. I am everywhere and anywhere to capture a moment.”

More info: megansorel.com

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Mr. Haack

Mr. Haack

Location: Costa Mesa, California

His style: “My approach is to find unique backgrounds and open spaces, and let the emotions of the couple do the rest,” says Ryan Haack.

More info: mrhaack.com

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Steve Steinhardt

Steve Steinhardt

Location: Los Angeles, California

Bio bit: Though he’s based in SoCal, 90 percent of the weddings he photographs take place outside the U.S., often in Western Europe and Indonesia.

More info: stevesteinhardt.com

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Laura Murray

Laura Murray

Location: Denver

Her style: “I give couples a 30-minute ‘break’ from photos before the ceremony so they can relax. During that time, I get guest arrivals, details, and candids.”

More info: lauramurrayphotography.com

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Jonathan Canlas

Location: Hauula, Hawaii

His style: "I storyboard a wedding the same way a director would a movie to give a sense of time and place.”

More info: jonathancanlasphotography.com

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Erich McVey

Erich McVey

Location: Salem, Oregon

Pro tip: “When considering photographers, ask to see full weddings, not just the highlights, to get a good feel for how they capture an entire event.”

More info: erichmcvey.com

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Michèle M. Waite

Michèle M. Waite Photography

Location: Seattle, Washington

Her style: “Some of my favorite images have been shot in challenging situations—downpours, poor lighting, crowded spaces—and in a big hurry! Sometimes the constraints are the most inspiring.”

More info: michelemwaite.com

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Carrie Patterson

Carrie Patterson

Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Her style: “I let my clients be present at their event,” says Patterson, who also works in Arizona. “The less I interject, the better everyone feels.”

More info: carriepattersonphotography.com

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