Washington D.C. is an excellent location for your engagement session. There are so many known (and hidden) locations we can go to. However, it can get tricky doing sessions in Washington D.C. because of the number of people who come every year to visit the monuments and explore the city. Don’t worry, though. I have a great plan for all of these locations below, so you don’t have many people in the background, and we can have a relaxing and fun time.
The Reflecting Pool is the largest of the many reflecting pools in Washington, D.C. The pool is directly east of the Lincoln Memorial. The Washington Monument is directly opposite. The Washington Monument is an obelisk within the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington.
Constitution Gardens is a park area in Washington, D.C., United States, located within the boundaries of the National Mall with the Veterans Memorial to the east. The park is 50 acres in total and is gorgeous in the spring.
The Tudor Place is a Federal-style mansion in Washington, D.C., initially the home of Thomas Peter and his wife. His wife Martha was the granddaughter of Martha Washinton and step-grandaughter of George Washington, who left her money in his will, and she was able to purchase this property. The house today is a museum with beautiful gardens that I love taking you to.
The Line Hotel Inspired by the District and housed inside a 110-year old historic church, the LINE DC is the product of a community effort. This modern-style hotel has fantastic views of the city and is perfect for a couples session in the lounge with cocktails or outside the building.
The Washington National Cathedral is an American cathedral of the Episcopal Church. Is it the world’s sixth-largest Gothic cathedral and is placed on acres and acres of land. The cathedral has beautiful stand glass windows and perfect arches for pictures. This is an excellent location for engagement sessions and your wedding photos as a group.
The Kennedy Center is a vibrant cultural hub that connects thousands of artists with millions of people each year. It is a beautiful memorial for President John F. Kennedy. The center overlooks the water and is a modern and robust structure. I love shooting here in the fall when all the trees surrounding the water have turned brown, yellow, and orange.
All three monuments are the perfect backdrop during sunrise. With the clouds low and the sun popping through, the monuments are presented best during this time. There are also not many people around during this time to have more of an intimate session.
The National Gallery of Art and its attached Sculpture Garden is one of the gorgeous locations in Washington, D.C. The steps of the museum are perfect for sessions at sunrise and sunset.
Washington Union Station is a central train station, transportation hub, and leisure destination. Union stations motto is THEN.NOW.AlWAYS which is so fitting for a couple who are starting their lives together. Union Station is adorned with white and gold accents and marble floors on the inside.
Georgetown is a charming area with Federal-style architecture, cobblestone streets with shops and dining. There is a waterfront area with taverns and bars, and they have fun live music daily. The opportunities are endless when taking your engagement sessions here.
The Jefferson Memorial is a presidential memorial that was once under the sponsorship of President Franklin D. Rosevelt. The monument sits in front of the Tidal Basin, which covers over 107 acres. I love suggesting this area during the spring because of the cherry blossom trees surrounding the Tidal Basin.
The Spanish Steps area is a quiet, shaded stone stairway in the neighborhood of Kalorama. At the top of the steps, you will find a fountain, a panda statue & a panoramic terrace at the top.
Meridian Hill Park, also known as Malcolm X Park, is a structured urban park in the neighborhood of Adams Morgan. This park has a beautiful waterfall and greenery.
These locations are popular spots in the D.C area, and I love shooting at all of them. Let’s talk more about your engagement session, and let’s customize it to your style!
If you are a photographer, check out this past blog post on how to shoot a successful session in Washington, D.C.