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2024

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Best Wedding Photographers in Santa Cruz

Our Recommended Top 13

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Santa Cruz Wedding Photographers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

32Reviewed

24Curated

13Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Why choose this provider?

Hayley Anne Photography specializes in wedding and engagement shoots and is based in Santa Cruz, serving much of the California area as well as Hawaii, Washington, and Oregon. Hayley’s work is rooted in simplicity, naturalness, and elegance. She’s been committed to professional photography for the past decade and has international photography experience after backpacking through over 10 countries in Europe. As a photographer Hayley likes to focus on the reactions and interactions between people and let personalities guide the portraits. Her work has been showcased in more than a dozen bridal blogs and magazines and past clients speak highly of her thoughtfulness and talent for taking quality pictures.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (30)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (12)

Website
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Why choose this provider?

Susan Helgeson Photography is a visual storyteller in Santa Cruz that documents weddings in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company captures moments of bliss and hope in the most “naturally romantic” way, and it has the technical resources to make heirloom pieces of these. The establishment owner and namesake, Ms. Susan Helgeson, is a Professional Photographers of America member and has more than two decades of industry experience, and she is a recipient of several WeddingWire awards. Susan Helgeson Photography also crafts portraits of individuals, families, and groups of like-minded people, and it offers different packages to suit the needs of each client. The shop welcomes requests for shoots outside of the county, and its website contains the current rates, payment information, digital archiving policy, and Susan’s claim to copyright of the images.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (19)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)

Website
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Why choose this provider?

Carlie Statsky Photography is devoted to telling people's stories in an honest and creative way. This studio specializes in wedding and portrait photography. They are based in Santa Cruz, California and are willing to travel long distances to accommodate their clients. Carlie Statsky has a BA in photojournalism, and her photography style is inspired by the storytelling techniques of both fine art and photojournalism. Carlie works in a team alongside her husband, Gabe, a fellow photographer and artist. They have been shooting weddings together for well over a decade now, and they have a passion for documenting the story of each of wedding from a range of perspectives. Clients have been impressed by Carlie's reliability, friendliness, and her joyful passion for her work.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (47)

Website
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Why choose this provider?

Adriane White Photography started in 2012 in Santa Cruz, CA. The owner and photographer, Adriane White, specializes in wedding photography. She also accepts requests for engagement and portrait photography. She serves clients in Santa Cruz, Bay Area, Monterey, Carmel, and beyond. Ms. White earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004 from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) with a focus on Photography. She worked as a second shooter for seven years before putting up her private studio. Her signature style is quiet and fun, combining both the classic and candid moments to capture the authenticity of the images on the couples’ most important day. Adriane’s prices range from $3,000-$4,999 for weddings and $375 for engagement sessions. Wedding albums that start at $575 and videography packages are also available. Adriane White Photography is featured in several online and print publications about weddings and was named best photographer in the Best of Santa Cruz Pros in the Good Times newspaper.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (23)

Website
Aptos, CA 95003

Why choose this provider?

Founded in Santa Cruz in 2011, Blue Lace Photography specializes in classic, clean, natural wedding photography for the modern couple who desires a photojournalistic approach. Engagement packages start at $600 while wedding packages start at $3,500 and include a complimentary engagement session, USB drive of edited high-resolution images, online gallery, and a second photographer. Albums and print products can be purchased separately. Photos are delivered within six to eight weeks of the wedding date. Blue Lace Photography has earned five-star overall customer ratings on both Facebook and Yelp. Clients say this photographer has an amazing vision and is easy and professional to work with.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Website
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Why choose this provider?

Rebecca Stark Photography is a photography business in Santa Cruz, California. Photographer Rebecca Stark became passionate about photography when she was a child because her father was a photographer and her mother was an art teacher. Rebecca Stark Photography specializes in headshot photography, wedding photography, and portrait photography. Their wedding photography services include engagement, elope, indoor and church weddings, outdoor and beach weddings, ranch weddings, winery weddings, and destination weddings. The portrait photography services they offer include senior portraits, headshots, and family portrait. Rebecca Stark Photography is a recipient of the 2015 “People Love Us On Yelp” award and has been recognized as the 2015 Good Times Best of Santa Cruz Runner-Up. Rebecca Stark Photography also won the Wedding Wire Couples’ Choice Awards in 2015.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (37)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (22)
Google
4.8 / 5 (8)

Website
Santa Cruz, CA

Why choose this provider?

GoodEye Photography offers wedding photography services to clients throughout the Santa Cruz, California, metro area. Coverage is available for engagements, elopements, and wedding ceremonies, and photographers provide detailed direction to help clients take the best possible photos. Clients can purchase customized physical albums as keepsakes at a range of prices with various included materials. Photographs are also delivered in high-resolution digital albums, allowing clients to produce their own prints or distribute the pictures using online mediums.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (169)
Google
5.0 / 5 (35)

Website
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Why choose this provider?

New Perspective Photography is a renowned, full-service studio that offers an extensive range of services and capabilities for almost any customer’s personal or professional needs. The studio’s owner is a world-class photographer and has the latest equipment and endless talent to make any wedding look like a star-studded gala from beginning to end, whether customers are planning a luxurious celebration at their favorite vineyard or a quiet and intimate wedding at the beach. Proposals, engagements, and weddings are some of life’s most exciting and dramatic events, so the photographer takes extra care to help make each session as comfortable and fun as possible so customers can relax and enjoy the moment. New Perspective Photography also specializes in real estate, landscape, and drone photography, all with a stunning, colorful, and editorial style.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Website
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Why choose this provider?

Covello & Covello Photography is a premier portrait studio located in Santa Cruz, California. Having begun over 75 years ago, the studio is a longstanding establishment well known in the area for a variety of photography including modern weddings to historical images, which are featured in Santa Cruz Sentinel every week. The team of professional photographers is available for multiple types of occasions like weddings, families, professional head shots, conferences, camps, engagements, pets, holidays, and more. Images from all sessions are retouched and finished by a team of qualified technicians and artists to create high-quality images and can be printed on site. The many past clients speak highly of their experience, patience, flexibility, and attention to details.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (9)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Why choose this provider?

Terry Way Photography is a Santa Cruz wedding photographer working throughout the Bay Area and Central Coast. Worldwide travel is available upon request. Terry Way emphasizes customer service and works to produce top-tier images that display emotion while looking natural. Clients find him accommodating and punctual. Specialties include weddings, engagements, portraits, and commercial photography. Terry Way Photography is highly qualified with over 20 years of experience. Full Service Wedding Packages begin at $2800 and feature customizable options. Complete packaging details are available by email or phone. Terry Way Photography offers weekday and weekend appointments to meet clients. Skype and phone consultations are available for those living out of the area.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (26)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Soquel, CA 95073

Why choose this provider?

Blake Weber Photography is a photography company in Santa Cruz, California, established in 2013. They specialize in fine art wedding photography and also offers engagement photography. Blake Weber will turn his client’s love story into a work of art through his camera. Whether people are looking back at their albums 1 year after or even 50 years later, these photos will make them feel what it is like reliving those moments. Blake Weber Photography is featured on Offbeat Bride and has been a Wedding Wire rated business. Blake Weber Photography has also been a recipient of the award recognition from the Wedding Wire Couples’ Choice Awards 2016 and 2017.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (19)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
1804 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Why choose this provider?

Mike Danen Photography + Cinema serves the Santa Cruz, California, metro area, providing photography and videography services to clients participating in wedding ceremonies. Service is available both for actual wedding ceremonies as well as engagements, and its photographers are experienced with a variety of settings. Clients can purchase photo albums consisting of candid and staged moments, as well as edited wedding videos consisting of highlights of the ceremony. Mike Danen Photography + Cinema also offers portraiture and commercial photography.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (20)

Website
Aptos, CA 95003

Why choose this provider?

The Art of Emotion studio is owned and operated by Bucky, Erica, and Joshua Burgin who have been working together for nearly two decades in the San Francisco area. They are award-winning photographers who offer wedding and portrait photography. The Art of Emotion was listed on 2014 Photography Masters of Wedding and Portrait Photography International. While they specialize in weddings, they also offer engagements sessions, maternity shoots, baby portraits, family photos, and other special event photography. They also received The Knot’s Best Of Wedding Photography Award in 2012. Their services also include a password-protected gallery for viewing images and a CD with high-resolution images.

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FAQs

  • Introduction

    Because of the sheer number of weddings that happen each year, wedding photography is a booming industry. Couples engaged to be married should take great care in finding a wedding photographer before their big day that suits their style.

    Many people think all wedding photographers are virtually the same, but this is incorrect. Some photographers prefer unusual arrangements, angles, and uses of light in their images. They may also have unique styles and filters when editing wedding photos. This makes it very important if you're planning on getting married and looking for a photographer to take the time to find one whose style aligns with what you're looking for.

  • What does a wedding photographer do?

    Wedding photographers take pictures of the wedding ceremony, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the families of the bride and groom. They also often photograph the major events of the reception and the guests to help preserve memories of the entire affair.

  • What makes a good wedding photographer?

    A good wedding photographer can faithfully recreate special memories, taking care to capture the most important moments of the wedding and reception. They're able to fulfill the requests of the couple getting married and help them choose the best images from the event.

  • How do I pick a wedding photographer?

    Couples can find their wedding photographer by asking friends and family for recommendations or checking out local listings. It's important to review portfolios, pricing, and availability. When you've picked a few that pique your interest, speak to them in person to make sure they're a good fit.

  • What should I ask a wedding photographer?

    Before you make a final decision about your wedding photographer, you'll want to ask several important questions, such as:

    • Can we see your portfolio?
    • How many weddings have you shot?
    • How much do require for a deposit?
    • What packages are available in our price range?
    • What is your editing style?

  • How much does a wedding photographer cost?

    The cost of a wedding photographer depends on various factors, including their experience, photo packages, and the length of time you need them. According to Brides.com, a wedding photographer can charge anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000 for their services.

  • Why are wedding photographers so expensive?

    A wedding photographer's fee reflects their experience, training, and ability to fulfill your vision and requests. The time needed to complete the process for a single wedding makes a difference as well. For a standard eight to 10 hour wedding, a photographer may spend as much as double that culling and editing photos.

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