How to Get Married in Washington DC
A guide to
No matter the type of photography you are looking to capture, from family sessions and engagements, to elopements and wedding portraits, the city has you covered.
Washington, DC is more than just the place that houses the landmarks of U.S. history. It is a destination that showcases the perfect mixture of city life with pockets of nature against the backdrop of the country’s oldest fixtures. While steeped in history, it has also grown with the times now offering all the vibes and locations that your wedding day needs. As a Washington DC wedding photographer, I am happy to be your guide to the best ways to get married in Washington, DC.
Originally hailing from Savannah, Georgia, I knew after one visit that DC would be my new home. I instantly fell in love with the magic of a city that offers so much diversity and fun in a single spot. Washington, DC provides every possibility to personalize your wedding. These options include a variety of locations, venues, and the ability to capture multiple locations in a single day.
There are endless spots to explore both indoor and outdoor, in the city and in nature at any time of year. Every destination has something new to offer as the scenery changes each season and the light falls differently throughout the day. No matter what, your wedding personality is going to shine!
DC instantly won me over and I’m always happy to share it with both locals and first-time visitors. See more of my own DC life with my husband and our two pups! I can’t believe after all these years of capturing the city that I’ve never become tired of it. I am so excited to be your guide to the DC wedding of your dreams!
What DC Offers to Locals & Visitors Alike
it doesn’t require much for the city to pull you in and provide all that you need to make your photo session all that you imagined! DC is large enough to have plenty to explore, varied enough to hold your interest, and small enough to not become overwhelming.
A Sneak Peek at What Your DC Wedding Photos Could Be
Take it from your DC wedding photographer:
Together, we will find which spots are the best fit for the two of you!
The neighborhood of Georgetown is a great example of almost everything you could want for either engagement photo locations or places to get married in Washington, DC. It’s a historic area filled with cobblestone streets and cut by the C&O Canal. As a photographer, I love it any time of year for its fun pops of color and scenery that showcase different textures (I love all of the ivy!).
14. Finding the DC Wedding Vendors To Fit Your Day
1. What it Means to Get Married in Washington, DC
3. DC Wedding Venues: Where to Find The Best Vibes
4. Rooftop Wedding Venues
5. Garden Wedding Venues
6. Historic Sites in the City
7. Unique DC Wedding Venues
8. Wedding Locations in the DC Metro Area
9. Wedding Venues in Maryland
10. Favorite Virginia Wedding Venues
11. How to Elope in Washington, DC
12. The Best Places to Elope in DC
13. Best Elopement Spots to Find Nature in the City
2. Wedding Planning Tips for a Washington, DC Wedding
What it Means to Get Married in Washington, DC
Apart from the obvious draw of being the nation’s capital and home to countless historic sites–DC brings so much more to the table. It provides all of the city vibes with the grandeur of its classic architecture, nature getaways and places both indoor and outdoor for every season.
To locals, it’s a home that we never get tired of continuing to explore. Beloved spots in the city grow with the couple becoming integrated into their story. It’s these memories and stories that add a backdrop of meaning to their day. These couples just know that their wedding has to happen somewhere in the city!
For those traveling to DC as their elopement or wedding destination everything is new. This is super exciting! The many couples I’ve captured who get to enjoy DC for the first time together are literally making new memories on the spot! It’s so beautiful to photograph this as it unfolds.
Molly and Dave are the perfect example of two transplants who chose to get married in Washington, DC. The groom is a New Yorker and the bride a Texan who made a new life together in Adams Morgan. Hotel Washington became the perfect setting for combining forces at their all-inclusive wedding celebration.
The newlyweds have a passion for living in DC and basically wanted their heart for the city to spill over into the entire day. This elegant hotel is a perfect venue for couples who are inspired by or whose story stems from Washington, DC. It has an edginess mixed with DC history in a variety of different spaces that accommodate any wedding size. Their love for the city combined with a venue that matched them well, this DC wedding venue became a perfect event.
Wedding Planning Tips for a Washington, DC Wedding
Planning your wedding day is a process I’m happy to join once you know that DC is your destination! These are the basic questions I ask directing you towards making this city the background to your love story.
Pick a Season
We will always make rain plans for outdoor options and provide multiple options if there is a chance of inclement weather. There are different ways to prepare for each season and all the beauty, challenges, and limitations that they each provide. The type of wedding event you are going for will help us decide what time of the year is best!
What follows are some wedding and engagement examples highlighting what to expect for every season in DC:
Bring Your Pup!
If you haven’t heard me saying this yet then just give us some time together and it’s guaranteed to happen! I deeply believe that pets are family members, so on the most important day of your life–they should be there!
See how we can structure the entire wedding day around making it possible to include your dog in the wedding:
30-125 Guests
Mid-Size Wedding:
0-10 Guests
ELOPEMENTS:
Under 30 Guests
Intimate Wedding:
Wedding Size: Big, Small, or None at All?
The number of people you hope to invite very quickly determines where and what kind of event you will host. All venues will have space limitations so once you have a rough idea of your wedding size this will determine the types of locations you can consider.
I use the following general sizing rules to determine the type of event we are planning:
DC Wedding FAQ’s
Do we need an officiant for our elopement in DC?
FUN FACT: Washington, DC is in addition to only nine states in the U.S. that offer self-uniting marriages. Only one of you needs to sign the marriage certificate and a wedding officiant is not required. Find out more on what is required to get married in Washington, DC.
How far in advance do I need to plan for getting married in DC?
This really depends upon the venue or location! Planning 12-18 months out is recommended for larger or more popular wedding venues or when planning during peak seasons such as May-June or Fall Planning this far in advance gives you your choice of vendors too. It is still very possible to get married in a shorter time frame!
Does my photography location require a permit?
Many spots do require a permit even for elopements or engagement sessions. For example, the National Mall requires a permit since it is part of the National Park Service. Other spots like the National Arboretum also require a permit for any photography session. I will always guide you in this process and point you to spots that do not require one if that’s what you prefer.
DC Wedding Venues:
Where to Find The Best Vibes
The city has an endless supply of urban, historic, and landmark wedding sites to cover every style of wedding imaginable. Due to these options, I’ve captured all kinds of personalities and styles from intimate weddings to luxurious gatherings and everything in between! The following are some of my favorite types of venue locations and the spots that I can’t wait to revisit!
ROOFTOP WEDDING VENUES
HighPoint at 1333 New Hampshire
HighPoint is positioned in the heart of the city and is perfect for weddings and receptions during any time of day. Sunset is so epic here, and the setting was gorgeous for this couple’s wedding even in the rainy fog. You just can’t beat the views!
Carla and Al opted to hold their ceremony on the side of the building that holds a perfect view of the Washington Monument. The venue is so easy to navigate as it seamlessly ties the spaces together. Guests sit inside and the area opens up to the terrace or you can have the ceremony on the terrace itself. I recommend the second option if you have a smaller group because you’re able to see better views in your photos!
The Hay-Adams
The highest floor of The Hay-Adams overlooks the Washington, DC cityscape including the White House and the Washington Monument. Called the “Top of The Hay,” this level of the hotel offers a private celebration space with French doors that open to a wraparound balcony.
Couples can also visit the space for a first look or wedding bridals on the balcony. It is a narrower space so it doesn’t work great for posing the wedding party or capturing group family photos. The site does accommodate any golden hour wedding photography for the couple!
GARDEN WEDDING VENUES
Tudor Place
Meridian House
A third location to fit for any garden party wedding dreams is the elegant Meridian House. The venue provides a perfect blend of a vintage feel with modern taste.
This historic manor sits on three acres of gardens and the indoors include a massive library perfect for a First Look. This location is perfect for couples who want a city wedding with outdoor options tucked away from the busy city streets.
If you’re ready to be transported to Europe for your wedding day, but want to stay in the city, then look no further than Tudor Place in Washington, DC. Hidden away in the Georgetown neighborhood, these elegant gardens provide a perfect backdrop to a garden wedding.
Sitting on over five acres of tree-surrounded property, the grounds have ivy, stone steps, floral paths, and lavender. There are so many different areas for couples to utilize for micro weddings, elopements or wedding day portraits. I would recommend booking the spring, summer, or fall to really get the most out of these beautiful gardens!
The National Arboretum
For those planning to get married in Washington, DC, one of my favorite venues is without a doubt the National Arboretum. It’s a large amount of land that provides a garden getaway for couples who also want to stay in the city. This epic botanical wonder situated in the heart of DC makes it feel like you are miles outside of the city.
The National Arboretum checks off all the boxes on a wedding photography checklist. Some couples go there just for their portraits, or a simple elopement without guests. It is the perfect natural backdrop to an intimate wedding ceremony, first look, portraits, day-before or day-after photos, or even your entire adventurous wedding. The Arboretum is destined for couples who want to intertwine their love of the outdoors with those city vibes!
Historic Sites in the City
Hotel Washington
Hotel Washington is an all-inclusive hotel that has a timeless, classic feel with a variety of different spaces to accommodate your wedding size. Whether you need a large ballroom or a space for 30 guests, this venue has options for you.
The St. Regis Washington DC
When looking for a luxury wedding location, the St. Regis Hotel is the local standard. Located a short distance from the White House, it sits in the centralized hub of downtown close to historic monuments and museums including the National Mall. It’s the spot for a quintessential DC wedding day marked by the elegance of the St. Regis DC hotel.
It is a historic site in the city that boasts the right mix of beautiful settings and amenities for an urban wedding day. Filled with old time charm, the spot is conveniently located near everything which is perfect for out-of-town guests who want to see the sights! Visitors can also stay in the hotel itself while the couple can use rooms for their wedding getting-ready space.
Anderson House
Larz Anderson House is a historic mansion wedding venue near Dupont Circle that was created during the Gilded Age of architecture. Couples note some of their favorite locations are the long hall, the magnolia trees, and the reflecting pool in the winter garden.
This elegant venue ideally placed at the center of the city has a ton of indoor and outdoor options perfect for portraits and sunset couples’ photos. The majestic ballroom serves as the rain plan backup while in good weather the back winter garden is the ceremony space. The spaces accommodate small and intimate to medium-sized weddings.
Unique DC Wedding Venues
Iron Gate Restaurant
The Iron Gate Restaurant is located in Dupont Circle and includes several spaces that can be transformed into whichever style you two wish! The Garden Patio works for shaded ceremonies and receptions, with an indoor Dining Room and Side Courtyard (with tent option) for smaller and more intimate weddings.
Iron Gate provides a secret garden vibe right in the middle of the city that’s great for all seasons (heaters provided in winter). The garden transforms perfectly no matter the time of day with its magical candles and twinkle lights at night. It holds historic charm as DC’s oldest continuously running restaurant (built in 1875).
Maketto is a restaurant with urban and industrial vibes, that gives you the entire place to yourselves! With its urban and industrial vibes, Maketto is an all-inclusive venue that keeps things small and magical. Wedding ceremonies can take place in the garden with the reception being held indoors like this couple did even in the rain!
Maketto Restaurant
Culture House
If you are looking for a unique wedding venue with a little bit of DC history thrown in then Culture House is your wedding spot. This quirky location is an art gallery with constantly changing exhibits so that no two weddings look exactly alike!
Culture House is a wedding venue primed for celebration. Originally a church built in 1886, it received a complete makeover that transformed it into a colorful destination wedding and event center in Southwest DC. It serves as an art gallery and events center perfect for adding a touch of color to any wedding day design.
Wedding Locations in the DC Metro Area
It can be so difficult to decide where to have your wedding. This is often the case not due to your own indecision, but to the fact that your tastes are so varied. It’s hard to find an all-inclusive venue that has everything you’re looking for! As you search for your special spot, here are the locations I recommend that check off many boxes that you may desire. These DC Metro Area venues are such a perfect combination of the best parts of both city life and the beauty of nature.
Wedding Venues in Maryland
The Mt. Washington Mill Dye House
If you’re a couple looking for an industrial wedding venue in Baltimore, Maryland; you’ll be head over heels for this place. The Mt. Washington Mill Dye House is the perfect blend of rustic elements and industrial vibes with its exposed brick, featured beams, and large multi-pane windows. The site blends its industrial feel with a chic intimate atmosphere. I highly recommend starting your love story here just like these two did!
Irvine Nature Center
Irvine Nature Center in Baltimore County (just outside of the city) is an outdoor wedding venue set in nature including beautiful vistas of rolling fields, forests, and green spaces. Irvine Nature Center is a beautiful natural space with tons of areas to choose from so it could fit the size and privacy or intimacy you’re after. I recommend it for weddings (small or large), engagement sessions, elopements, and even family portraits. A tent is available for a rain plan and you can make use of the entire center from all the little gardens and forest trails to the three different fields. See how this couple incorporated their personalities into this outdoor wedding venue.
Citizens Ballroom
Originally a bank built in 1908, Citizens Ballroom was renovated in 2021 transforming it into a ballroom wedding venue in the heart of Downtown Frederick. So many of this historic cornerstone building’s original details were retained: bronze doors, 30-foot paneled ceilings and the bank vaults themselves. It is an intimate space that feels very grand with its marble, vaulted ceilings, and its overall classic and timeless elegance.
Favorite Virginia Wedding Venues
Dover Hall
I know I’m not supposed to have favorites, but some of my most favorite weddings (and even a styled one) have happened at this venue! Think fairytale castle wedding without having to travel across the pond to find it! Instead, simply go to Dover Hall, the English Tudor estate in Richmond, VA (about two hours outside of Washington, DC). It may just be the castle of your wedding dreams! The stonework, vine-covered exterior, backyard terrace, reflection pool, flowering gardens, and vineyard make this location feel like a European castle both inside and out.
There are so many epic rooms with historic decor including grand fireplaces and a large tub fit for a bridal getting-ready space (also perfect for bridal boudoir!). The grand hall has the tallest ceilings with floor to ceiling windows. I just can’t get over how magical this wedding venue is!
Top of the Town
Top of the Town showcases the DC monuments seen from across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia. This rooftop wedding venue with its panoramic views offers an amazing atmosphere for couples to adapt! The rooftop terrace is beautiful for sunset photos but keep in mind that the lighting can be harsh without shade during the day. The exterior of the building also isn’t attractive, so I would recommend limiting on-site photos to indoors and outdoors solely on the rooftop. See what this couple did for their upscale Indian wedding reception!
Cedar Knoll Restaurant
When leaving the city for other weddings, some of my favorites can be found in Virginia. There are small towns and historic cities offering unique ways to spend your wedding day. For example, Cedar Knoll Restaurant can be found in Fort Hunt along the Potomac River waterfront. A couple used this location solely for their wedding reception as a part of their multi-day wedding event. They went for a German-themed event splitting the design between the different rooms that the restaurant supplies. Each room has its own vibe and still comes together to create such a cozy space.
How to Elope in Washington, DC
One of the ways that many of my couples choose to get married in Washington, DC is to elope! While you can elope on an international adventure (see my own vow renewal!), an adventure elopement can be done anywhere, even in the city where you live. If you are local to the DC Metro Area or if it's your destination wedding location, these are my top tips and favorite locations for eloping in Washington, DC!
These two took advantage of so many DC locations during their zero-guest elopement day in the city. The day began with Lauren and Chris getting ready together in their home before friends delivered their wedding cake. From there, the couple was off to Rock Creek Park which had just been touched with snow as a perfect addition to their winter wedding photos. From their they visited other spots meaningful to their love story such as the colorful Blagden Alley where they had shared their first home together.
After capturing some epic moments at the Lincoln Memorial, we returned to their home for a self-uniting candlelit wedding ceremony. This was followed by their first dance, cake-cutting, champagne toasts, and sparklers! There are so many options when you go for a full-day elopement and truly make it your own!
The Best Places to Elope in DC
The LINE DC Hotel
I’ve shot at the LINE DC Hotel in Adams Morgan from many angles and for so many different stages of the wedding day. It’s been used for anything from getting ready to a sunset rooftop elopement. The LINE DC is an all-inclusive wedding venue that truly has an endless supply of indoor and outdoors spaces including a rooftop view of the city as your ceremony backdrop.
You can stay and get ready on site and it’s even dog friendly with no additional pet fee. Fun photos can be taken throughout the property including the epic staircases found in the front lobby and entrance. The hotel holds a classic, simple style that I would recommend for anything from larger weddings, elopements, intimate weddings, bridal sessions, engagements, and boudoir!
The Kennedy Center
In addition to its classic rooftop views, the Kennedy Center offers covered and uncovered grounds that overlook the Potomac River and Georgetown. It can be reserved for a full wedding day or simply used for wedding portraits with no permit required.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery has so many details and spots to feature in this big museum that it’s impossible to see everything! My favorites are the garden area with greenhouse vibes, epic ornate interiors and the library room. No permit is required for portraits but you do have to wait for visitors to clear each area before shooting. This couple took their time enjoying the museum!
Best Elopement Spots to Find Nature in the City
Most of the following outdoor elopement locations are also great wedding portrait ideas when adding elopement features to a regular wedding day! Other favorite outdoor locations with sprinkles of nature in the city are neighborhoods like Georgetown in DC and Old Town Alexandria in Virginia.
The National Cathedral
Even if you get married elsewhere, the National Cathedral is great for bridal portraits, elopements and engagement photography. The front lawn has the cathedral in the background with its iconic ornate towers that are a beautiful contrast to the garden’s many colors. Bishop’s Garden has medieval-style stone structures featuring sculptures, blossoming wisteria, and vibrant tulips with peak blooms mid-April and onwards. There are many other gorgeous spots along the grounds!
The Smithsonian Gardens
The Smithsonian Gardens are public gardens that run over 180 acres including 15 exhibition gardens (no permits required). My favorite is the Enid A. Haupt Garden located between the Smithsonian Castle and Independence Avenue along the National Mall. It features Victorian-styled gardens and is also close to the 9-foot tall pink granite moon gates that surround the pool at the nearby Moongate Garden. These are also great alternatives to the crowds at the Tidal Basin for spring engagement photos during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
rock creek park
There is surprisingly so much green to be found right in the middle of Washington, DC’s urban sprawl. Rock Creek Park is perfect for couples who want to stay in the city for their elopement because they want a mix of both city and nature. There are so many hidden spots within the park including fields, woods, creeks, and stone bridges. Having your adventurous elopement at Rock Creek Park allows you to include city vibes and the beauty of the great outdoors all in one day. See how Rock Creek Park fits your elopement or even wedding day photos in every season.
DC War Memorial
The DC War Memorial is available for hosting your wedding or elopement ceremony at this historic destination. A stunning site with so much character, it works rain or shine if you bring clear umbrellas!
Meridian Hill Park
Located in Adams Morgan, Meridian Hill Park is a super green Italian-style garden that provides glimpses of the city from its Spanish steps and romantic alcoves throughout.
Constitution Gardens
Constitution Gardens is the park surrounding the National Mall within the boundaries of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Constitution Avenue and the Reflecting Pool. See how this couple explored from the park to the shadows of the Washington Monument for their Washington, DC engagement photos.
Finding the DC Wedding Vendors To Fit Your Day
For finding the rest of your wedding vendors you can rely upon online searches, my own favorite local recommendations (like my favorite videographers), or relying upon your DC wedding coordinator to provide the rest. I have so many relationships with amazing local vendors to connect you with including florists, planners, etc.!
Now that you know your venue and wedding photographer in DC, it’s time to fill in any remaining gaps in your wedding vendor lineup. As your wedding vendors, we’re here to walk you through all things wedding and I generally recommend that hiring a DC wedding planner is your next best step.
