Winners of the 2017 International Wedding Photographer of the Year

Winners of International Wedding Photography Contest Capture the Art of Love

Grand Prize winner & Solo Portrait winner, Erika Mann (Canada)

The winners of the inaugural International Wedding Photographer of the Year (IWPOTY) contest demonstrate the incredible variety of ways that wedding photographers capture these celebrations of love. IWPOTY honors the art of wedding photography around the world, and its winners exemplify the artistry of this special type of photography.

Grand prize winner, Erika Mann took home the title of International Wedding Photographer of the Year for her striking photograph of a bride framed by stormy skies, with a rainbow touching down perfectly at her side. “After a short, and unpredictable storm, we were treated to the most amazing double rainbow,” the Canadian photographer shares. “I got low into the creek bed so we could remove the houses, and simplify the frame to the rainbow, mountain and Paige, with her dress billowing in the wind.”

Photographers submitted their work across nine categories that capture the full range of these couples' special day, including Solo Portrait and Bridal Party, as well as Epic Location and Dancefloor. From emotional moments to silly setups with friends, the photographers show that the best wedding photography is a mix of artistry, sentiment, and the willingness to take risks.

Over $25,000 in cash prizes and merchandise were handed out to the grand prize winner, runner-up, and category winners. Let's explore more of the winning and finalist entries to get some inspiration on how to capture the romance and excitement of weddings.