Photographs for couples who would rather live their day than perform it.
Lancaster, PA Wedding Photographer
Savor your wedding day.
You want photographs that feel like you: honest, unscripted, full of life. But you are worried that working with a photographer means you will spend the whole day posing and missing what actually matters.
That is where I come in. My approach is story-driven and built around presence, so that you can stop thinking about the camera and fully live in the moment. No generic Pinterest re-creations. Just you, your people, and the real emotions unfolding naturally.
SMJ Photography is fully inclusive and celebrates all love, races, genders, and sexualities. All are welcome and accepted here.
Based in Lancaster, PA but available for travel wherever you go.
You’ve found your photographer.
About ScottHonored to be named one of the top wedding photographers in the world.
Hall of FameThe Knot Best of Weddings
#2 in PennsylvaniaFearless Photographers
Top 10 worldwide, twiceWedAward30 Rising Stars, twiceRangefinderStunning images that will make you gasp, laugh and cry(sorry, not sorry)
A few favorite moments from more than 500 weddings, from getting-ready tears to a grandfather’s hug on the dance floor. The full portfolio has many more, from the first look to the last dance.
View the full portfolio
How it works
Three steps between hello and the best day of your life. I keep it simple on purpose, so that you can spend your energy on the parts that matter.
Let’s get this party started
Fill out the contact form and I will get back to you as soon as I can. We will hop on a quick call so I can hear what you are dreaming up, then meet in person or virtually if it feels like a fit.
Before the wedding
Your engagement session gives you a feel for how I work, and you get a mix of epic portraits and candid, fun photos. Then we go through your wedding day minute by minute, so we all know exactly what to expect.
The big day
My second photographer and I show up and make the magic all day long. The day will be a blur, so we work hand in hand with you to keep it stress-free while you enjoy every bit of it.
I’ve shot over 500 weddings at these Lancaster, PA wedding venues
Each one has its own guide, with real weddings, the best spots for portraits, and what to know before you book.
01Cork Factory HotelLancaster, Pennsylvania02ExcelsiorLancaster, Pennsylvania
03The Barn at SilverstoneLancaster, Pennsylvania04The Inn at Leola VillageLeola, Pennsylvania05The Star BarnElizabethtown, Pennsylvania06Drumore EstatePequea, PennsylvaniaEvery venue, one honest guideBrowse all 70+ venue guidesReal weddings at each one, the best spots for portraits, and what to know before you book, from Lancaster to Baltimore.Open the venue directoryPlanning guides
The Blog10 Engagement Photo Locations in Lancaster, PATen spots I keep coming back to, each with a real session so you can see the light.Read the guideNo. 02How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in Lancaster?Straight answers on what drives the price and what my collections include.Read the guideNo. 03Lancaster, PA Wedding Vendors I TrustThe planners, florists, caterers and DJs I recommend, with their work.Read the guide Hiring Scott as our photographer was the best decision we made in planning our wedding.Zoe and Nick
It’s all about you. Your wedding, your way.
Let’s save the cookie-cutters for the cookies. Every collection includes a second photographer, at least eight hours of coverage, a handcrafted album made in the USA, and high-resolution files, so that you have your first family heirloom to grow old with.
See every collectionMost couples add parent albums or wall art.
Check your dateWhat are you worried about?
Stressed about your timeline?
I will work alongside you and your planner to make sure we have all the time we need. You will have a minute-by-minute schedule of the day, so you know exactly what to expect.
Nervous about posing?
I do as much, or as little, posing as the two of you are comfortable with. Mostly I use prompts that get you moving and laughing, so the photos look like your day and not a photo shoot.
What does it cost?
Wedding collections start at $5,400 and include a second photographer, at least eight hours of coverage, a handcrafted album, and high-resolution files. Small weddings and elopements start at $2,400.
Do you travel?
Yes. Most of my weddings are within an hour of Lancaster, and I photograph across Pennsylvania, Maryland and wherever you are headed.
Let’s connect
I would love to hear more about your story and see if we are a good fit. Fill out the form and I will get back to you as soon as I can. No, seriously. Just try me!
scott@smjphotography.net 717-850-3544