Dreaming of a magical start to your married life? Let’s make it happen with a Local Wedding Photographer in Orange County. As a Licensed Wedding Photographer OC, I’ll help you plan a wedding that’s all about you—relaxed, fun, and unforgettable.
Best Orange County Wedding Photographer 2025: Trusted, Licensed, Affordable
My passion lies in capturing the beauty, candid moments, and all of the details. My love for weddings began when I worked as a wedding planning assistant and coordinator. This role gave me a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a memorable and meaningful wedding. I want you to be able to look back on your photos and relive every moment. I’m excited to work with you and capture your event, with an emphasis on candid moments!
Hey, I’m Nicole!
PHOTOGRAPHER, VIDEOGRAPHER, Playlist curator, Sushi enthusiast, Memory-maker who’s here to hype you up, calm your nerves, and catch the moments you didn’t even know were happening
Your wedding deserves more than posed pictures — it deserves memories that feel alive. I’m Nicole, an experienced Orange County Wedding Photographer who believes in capturing honest emotion and natural connection. My work focuses on real laughter, soft glances, and the beautiful chaos that makes your day uniquely yours.
From the cliffs of Laguna Beach to the charming gardens of San Juan Capistrano, I bring a deep local knowledge to every wedding I photograph. Couples often tell me their photos “feel like them,” and that’s exactly what I strive for — genuine, timeless imagery that reflects your story.
While some photographers chase trends, I focus on what truly lasts: emotion, light, and love. Whether I’m blending in quietly during a ceremony or capturing that perfect sunset at Dana Point Harbor, my goal is to make your experience relaxed and your memories unforgettable.
Editors Choice: Top Orange County Wedding Photographer
- 2 Professional Photographers
- Next-Day Sneak Peeks
- High-Res Images with Natural Editing
- Personalized Online Gallery
- Hand-selected Images
- Select Black and White Images
- Specialization in Candid Photos
- Timeline Consultation Expertise
Every wedding collection includes:
8 hours starting at $4,500
10 hours starting at $5,500
Multi-day coverage starting at $7,000
*custom packages available*
Wedding Photography
- Cinematic wedding highlight film (5+ minutes)
- RAW documentary film with all key moments (ceremony, speeches, first dance) from start to finish
- 4K High-Res Quality
- Drone coverage (weather and venue permitting)
ceremony FILM + highlight film + raw footage
8 Hours starting at $4500
10 hours starting at $5500
*custom packages available*
Wedding Videography
Every wedding collection includes:
Hey there! I’m your go-to licensed wedding photographer in OC, and my mission is simple: to make your wedding photos fun, natural, and totally you. From big celebrations to intimate elopements, I’ll be there, camera in hand, capturing all the laughter, happy tears, and silly dance moves that make your day unforgettable.
Choosing your Wedding Photographer in Orange County
How Early Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer?
What Should You Look for in an Orange County Wedding Photographer?
- Have a portfolio that reflects your style—candid, traditional, or a mix
- Be experienced with Orange County wedding venues
- Capture natural light beautifully
- Make you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera
Every couple is unique, and your photographer should understand and highlight what makes your story special.
- Secure your date at your favorite venue
- Plan your engagement session
- Organize a timeline for the big day so everything runs smoothly
The goal? No stress, just amazing photos.
A Photography Style as Unique as Your Love
- Candid/documentary photography – capturing the laughter, happy tears, spontaneous dance moves, and those little moments you didn’t even realize were happening. These are the shots that truly show the joy and personality of your day.
- Traditional/posed photography – creating elegant, timeless portraits that you’ll treasure forever. These include family portraits, couple shots, and classic wedding moments that make your album complete.
Every wedding is different, and I adapt my approach to match your personalities, your story, and your vision—so your photos feel authentic, natural, and uniquely you.
Why Couples Who Do Engagement Photos Smile More on Their Wedding Day?
- Feel relaxed in front of the camera – If photos make you nervous, this is your chance to get comfortable. We’ll laugh, move around, and capture moments that feel natural and fun. No stiff poses, no forced smiles—just the real you.
- Build a connection with your photographer – The better we know each other before the wedding, the smoother and more relaxed everything feels on the day itself. By the time you walk down the aisle, we’ll already be a team.
- Plan your perfect wedding shots – Engagement sessions let us test lighting, angles, and poses so your wedding day photos feel effortless, natural, and full of emotion.
Most Orange County wedding photographers include engagement sessions in their packages because couples who do them almost always have more joyful, authentic, and stress-free wedding photos. Think of it as your warm-up, your practice run, and your first celebration as a couple—all rolled into one session. By investing in this time together, you’re setting yourself up for photos that truly reflect your personalities, your love, and the happiness of your wedding day.
Stunning Wedding Venues Across Orange County
- Laguna Beach – sunsets, cliffs, and sparkling ocean views
- Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano – historic charm and timeless architecture
- Crystal Cove State Park – natural, elegant scenery perfect for romantic portraits
- Newport Beach wedding venues – classic coastal vibes with luxurious options
- Private estates & luxury gardens – unique, intimate, and customizable settings
No matter where you’re saying “I do,” I know how to use light, angles, and the natural environment to create memorable, gorgeous images.
Elopements & Intimate Weddings
- Capturing the essence of your love, whether it’s just the two of you or a tiny gathering of family and friends
- Ensuring a stress-free, relaxed experience where you feel free to enjoy the day
- Highlighting intimate, personal moments that make your wedding uniquely yours
Even a courthouse ceremony, a secret beach elopement, or a small backyard wedding can be captured in a way that feels magical, meaningful, and deeply personal.
What to Ask During Your Consultation with an Orange County Wedding Photographer
- Have they shot at your venue before?
- From sunset beaches to indoor receptions, can they get stunning shots anywhere?
- Do they have extra cameras and equipment in case of surprises?
- How do they help couples feel relaxed and natural?
- Package details – Engagement sessions, albums, or wedding videography in Orange County—what’s included?
I love helping my couples feel relaxed and excited about their photos. By going through these questions, I can show you how I work, make the process simple, and capture your wedding day in a way that feels natural, fun, and full of real moments.
Key Takeaways: Choosing Your Perfect Orange County Wedding Photographer
- Book early – Top Orange County wedding photographers fill up fast.
- Pick your style – Candid, traditional, or a mix that fits your personality.
- Do an engagement session – Get comfortable and have fun in front of the camera.
- Check experience with lighting & venues – From beaches to indoor receptions, make sure they can handle it all.
- See full galleries – Don’t just rely on portfolio highlights.
- Feel comfortable – Your photographer should make you feel relaxed and confident.
- Know what’s included – Packages can include engagement sessions, albums, or Orange County wedding videography.
- Prioritize quality over price – Experience and consistency matter most.
- Communicate your must-have shots – Clear direction helps capture every special moment.
- Trust your photographer – A professional Orange County wedding photographer knows how to make your day unforgettable.
- 300+ high-res images including the ceremony and romantics after
- Natural editing style, creating timeless images
- A collection of candid, posed, and black & white images, intentionally selected for artistic storytelling
- Next-day sneak peeks
- Timeline consultation to help your day flow smoothly
- A detailed wedding questionnaire to understand your unique vision and priorities
- Option to add extra hours of coverage on the day of, if needed
Every elopement collection includes:
Ceremony at the Courthouse — $750
Need more coverage? Up to 4 Hours — Starting at $2500 (this is great for an elopement followed by dinner)
Elopements
- 50+ high-resolution images in every gallery
- True-to-life editing style for timeless, natural-looking photos
- A collection of black & white images, intentionally selected for artistic storytelling
- Optional outfit change
Every photography session includes:
1 HOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION — $550
COUPLES
- Engagement Guestbook & Wedding Album Options
- 10"x10"
- 11"x8.5"
- 12"x12"
Your story, beautifully preserved.
Heirloom Wedding Albums
All albums include up to 20 spreads (that's 40 pages!). After your wedding, you'll get to choose your favorite images, and I'll help design your custom heirloom album. We'll walk through cover options like linen or leather, engraving, and any extras you'd like—such as more pages or a matching storage box.
These albums are printed through a professional lab to ensure your photos look their absolute best—crisp, true to color, and made to last for generations. The pages lay completely flat for a seamless look, and the quality is something you truly have to feel to appreciate.
We’ll go through everything together after your wedding to make the process simple and enjoyable!
She captured some of the most stunning photos I’ve ever seen, and I still can’t get over how effortlessly beautiful each one is. Nicole made me feel so comfortable in front of the camera, and she somehow made both my husband and me look and feel like our most gorgeous, confident selves.
“Nicole is truly spectacular—an artist through and through.”
She made my whole family feel comfortable. She really got their personalities to shine through. Not only did she get some amazing posed photos where she told us exactly how to pose, focused on details like phones in pockets and hair in the right place, she got the most adorable candid photos too.
“No words to express how amazing our experience was with Nicole.”
I'm from New Zealand and proposed to my fiancé in California. Nicole went above and beyond buying flowers and making sure everything was absolutely perfect - things I couldn't do being from out of town and there for such a short time. The photos were delivered super fast and of such high quality.
“I couldn't recommend Nicole enough!!”
Real words
01. How far in advance should we book our Orange County wedding photographer?
02. Can you help us choose locations?
05. Do you travel outside Orange County?
A: The best Orange County wedding photographers are booked 5–12 months ahead, especially for popular venues.
A: Absolutely! Beaches, gardens, historic landmarks — I’ll suggest spots that make your photos unforgettable.
A: Definitely! Morning or evening light creates stunning, romantic images at any Orange County location.
A: Yes, I can travel throughout Southern California to capture your day beautifully.
Yes! Mini sessions are a great way to capture quick but meaningful moments. I don't advertise mini sessions on my website because they're usually pretty spontaneous, so be sure to follow along on Instagram or join the newsletter to find out when the next one is happening.
Do you ever offer mini sessions?
To secure your date and ensure I can provide you with the best service, I recommend booking as early as possible. Some couples book me up to a year or more in advance, especially for popular wedding dates during peak seasons, so make sure you reach out early to lock in your date!
How far in advance do you book?
Absolutely! I'm not just your elopement photographer; I'm here to assist you in planning and capturing the intimate elopement of your dreams. Whether you're envisioning a romantic seaside escape in California or an adventurous elopement in a distant destination, I'm more than happy to help.
Will you help plan our elopement?
Professional Headshots, Family, Graduation, Couples, Proposals, Weddings, Elopements, Maternity, Baby, Parties, Businesses and Branding.
What kind of shoots are you available to do?
06. Do you offer wedding videography?
06. How do we book you?
07. Do you ever do mini sessions?
A: Reach out via my contact form or give me a call at +1 949-287-8895 with your wedding date and details. I’ll confirm availability and share package options.
A: Yes! I provide wedding videography in Orange County as part of photo + video packages.
A: Yes! I offer mini sessions for couples, engagements, or small portraits. They’re a fun, relaxed way to capture beautiful moments.
A: Yes! From big weddings at Orange County wedding venues to intimate elopements, every celebration gets the same attention.
Yes! Mini sessions are a great way to capture quick but meaningful moments. I don't advertise mini sessions on my website because they're usually pretty spontaneous, so be sure to follow along on Instagram or join the newsletter to find out when the next one is happening.
Do you ever offer mini sessions?
To secure your date and ensure I can provide you with the best service, I recommend booking as early as possible. Some couples book me up to a year or more in advance, especially for popular wedding dates during peak seasons, so make sure you reach out early to lock in your date!
How far in advance do you book?
Absolutely! I'm not just your elopement photographer; I'm here to assist you in planning and capturing the intimate elopement of your dreams. Whether you're envisioning a romantic seaside escape in California or an adventurous elopement in a distant destination, I'm more than happy to help.
Will you help plan our elopement?
Professional Headshots, Family, Graduation, Couples, Proposals, Weddings, Elopements, Maternity, Baby, Parties, Businesses and Branding.
What kind of shoots are you available to do?
Kind Words From Our Wedding Couples
From the first look to the last dance, every moment deserves to be captured in a way that feels true to who you are.
With a focus on raw, unscripted moments, your day will be remembered as the unique, unforgettable story it was meant to be.
your story
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