Washington D.C. Engagement Session Locations
Yay!! So you’re in engaged and you’re excited to start planning your Engagement Session in the beautiful city of Washington D.C. Here some of my favorite places to shoot in Washington D.C.
NATIONAL MALL VIBES
Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin is located near the National Mall and is very popular during Cherry Blossom season. If you would like to shoot here during the Cherry Blossom season, I’ll only be shooting here at SUNRISE.
American Pharmacist Association
This location is the most slept on engagement session location in Washington D.C. This location has beautiful architecture and it has the iconic steps and doors that most of these historic D.C. building have.
This location is also a wedding venue at times. I will only shoot here at Sunrise on Saturdays but on Sundays, I will shoot here at sunset as well.
DAR Constitution Hall
This beautiful building is located near the White House and has the classic marble steps, arch windows, and columns. Since this space is also a space for Weddings and Events; I will only shoot here at SUNRISE.
Union Station
Another D.C. classic location that has beautiful archways. This location is heavily populated so I will only shoot here at SUNRISE.
mONUMENT VIBES
Lincoln Memorial
This location is one of the most popular engagement session locations in Washington D.C. because it’s a monument and screams D.C.
I prefer to shoot here at SUNRISE.
DC War Memorial
This location screams “Washington D.C.” and is walking distance from the MLK Memorial. These two locations pair well together in your gallery.
I prefer to shoot here at SUNRISE.
MLK Memorial
This location screams “Washington D.C.” and has a peak of the Washington Monument and the Thomas Jefferson in the back. This location is walking distance from the DC War Memorial and pairs well in your gallery.
I prefer to shoot here at SUNRISE.
Supreme Court Building
If you’re looking for Presidential Vibes then this would be the location for you. This building has the classic marble steps and the classic columns.
I prefer to shoot here at SUNRISE so that we can access the steps and columns.
Capitol Building
Nothing screams D.C. more than having the Capitol as your backdrop.
I prefer to shoot here at SUNRISE.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
This location is one of the most popular engagement session locations in Washington D.C. because it’s a monument and screams D.C.
I prefer to shoot here at SUNRISE.
Library of Congress
If you’re looking for Presidential Vibes then this would be the location for you. The interior and exterior of the building is iconic.
If you would like to shoot both indoors and outdoors then this would have to be a weekday session or on a Saturday.
If you’re just looking to shoot on the outside of the building then I prefer to shoot at SUNRISE. If you’re looking to shoot indoors too, then the session will start at 10:00 AM.
MUST SIGNUP for a pass via their website to gain indoor access.
GARDENS VIBES
The Bishop's Garden
This beautiful garden is located at the Washington D.C. National Cathedral.
Permit Cost: $250
To Request A Permit: Please submit the information below to eventrentals@cathedral.org. Permits must be requested at least two (2) weeks in advance of the desired photoshoot date.
Your name
Photographer name/company
Reason for the photography session
Desired date (must be two weeks in the future)
Expected shoot start and end time.
Enid A. Haupt Garden
This garden is located right on the National Mall behind the Smithsonian Castle.
Tudor Place
Located in Georgetown D.C; The gardens at Tudor Place are the perfect location for a romantic D.C. engagement session. This mansion not only has perfectly manicured gardens but it also has those iconic columns.
Permit Cost: $200 per hour for a photo permit from the venue
Obtain A Permit: Email events@tudorplace.org or call 202-580-7331.
Hillwood Estate
This is another property that has “dream” gardens. The property is pretty big and there are so many gardens to choose from. They even have a Japanese Garden.
Permit Cost: $300/hr.
Obtain A Permit: Contact visitor services at info@HillwoodMuseum.org or 202.686.5807.
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
If you’re looking for a DREAM garden then this is the spot for you. You must pre purchase tickets because no tickets are sold at the door.
On the website, it does say “NO PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY” but I do still see people shooting their engagement session photos here.
Permit Cost: $11.00 + Fees
Franciscan Monastery Gardens
Gardens are open daily to the public: 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
PARK VIBES
National Arboretum
This is the perfect location for a couple who love the columns and the feel of this location.
Permit Schedule : Photography permits are only issued for Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays during normal business hours, between 8:00am and 4:30pm. The National Herb Garden is only available after 3:00pm on weekdays. All other photography sessions reserved for after normal business hours, incur an additional security fee. Videography permits that may/may not include photography, are only issued for after-hours sessions that starts after 5:00pm, and incur an additional security fee. No permits are issued for Saturdays.
Permit Cost: $105 for an hour session
Meridian Hill Park
This park in Washington D.C. is great for a mixture of greenery and the classic D.C. architecture.
Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center Reach is not only a perfect spot to watch the sunrise and sunset BUT it’s also a great place to shoot your engagement photos.
Yards Park
The iconic Bridge at Yards Park is the staple of this location. This is also located on the Potomac River so you’re able to get some waterfront photos as well.
Rock Creek Park
If you’re an outdoorsy couple then Rock Creek Park will be a great spot for your engagement session. The park is pretty big and there are a lot of great outdoorsy spots.
CITY VIBES
Union Market
If you love graffiti then this is the location for you. There is also a record store that is located in Union Market that will let you take photos inside for music lovers.
There is also a rooftop vibes at Hi- Lawn, which is located, on top of Union Market.
The Wharf
The Wharf is a very versatile location since it’s located near so many bars and restaurants. You’re able to take photos outdoors along the water or inside a restaurant at the bar.
City Center
This location is known for it’s iconic artwork located in the alleyway. This is also walking distance to Chinatown.
Georgetown
I love the Georgetown Waterfront and just the feel of Historic Georgetown in general. They have the classic D.C. row houses and the brick sidewalks.
Blagden Alley
If you want D.C. street vibes then this may be the location for you.
MUSEUM VIBES
National Gallery of Art
This is my favorite museum to shoot in because it’s located on the National Mall and the exterior of this museum is just as picturesque at the inside of the museum.
This location is great year around and doesn’t require a permit. I will only shoot here at 10:00 AM.
National Portrait Gallery
I love shoot at this museum because it gives you that classic museum look.
This location is great year around and doesn’t require a permit. I will only shoot here at 11:00 AM.
BAR VIBES
Puttery DC
The aesthetic indoors is very moody but great for those bar “date night” photos. You’re also able to take photos while partaking in miniature golf.
Duck Duck Goose
Trendy Bar in Georgetown D.C.
La Vie D.C.
I love the colors inside of this restaurant and the rooftop has amazing views of The Wharf.
Permit Cost: Must call restaurant to coordinate
MANISON VIBES
Anderson House
This location screams “elegance” but its super pricey to shoot inside/outside of this venue.
Permit Cost: Email events@societyofthecincinnati.org for the pricing
Patterson Mansion
This mansion is located in Dupont Circle and is truly a vibe. I love the sophisticated artwork inside of the mansion and the balcony.
Permit Cost: Go to “Event Space” on the website and fill out a contact form. They will notify you the pricing. It’s an hourly rate.
elegant Vibes
National Cathedral D.C.
The grounds of the National Cathedral D.C. is beautiful and the perfect backdrop for an elegant engagement session.
Permit Cost: $250
To Request Permit: Please submit the information below to eventrentals@cathedral.org. Permits must be requested at least two (2) weeks in advance of the desired photoshoot date.
Your name
Photographer name/company
Reason for the photography session
Desired date (must be two weeks in the future)
Expected shoot start and end time.
Once approved, you will receive instructions via email to complete your permit purchase.
Andrew Mellon Auditorium
Located in Downtown D.C; this location gives you the classic D.C. architecture.
Permit Cost: If you would like to shoot inside, you would have to contact them directly via their website.
HOTEL VIBES
Kimpton Hotel Monaco
This place gives European vibes and the stairwell inside of the hotel is iconic. There is also the restaurant Dirty Habits that’s attached to the hotel as well.
MUST call the hotel to let them know you’re planning on shooting your engagement session inside so that you can get the permit information.
The St. Regis D.C.
If you’re looking for French vibes then this is a great location. They also have an amazing courtyard.
MUST call the hotel to let them know you’re planning on shooting your engagement session inside so that you can get the permit information.
Riggs Hotel D.C.
The bar use to be an old bank vault!!
MUST call the hotel to let them know you’re planning on shooting your engagement session inside so that you can get the permit information.
Conrad Hotel
Super modern and has great vibes on the rooftop.
MUST call the hotel to let them know you’re planning on shooting your engagement session inside so that you can get the permit information.
The Willard
Screams “Upscale Couple”.
MUST call the hotel to let them know you’re planning on shooting your engagement session inside so that you can get the permit information.
Waldorf Astoria
Old Post Office vibes.
MUST call the hotel to let them know you’re planning on shooting your engagement session inside so that you can get the permit information.
Line Hotel
Giving West Coast vibes and the rooftop is a great place to shoot on.
MUST call the hotel to let them know you’re planning on shooting your engagement session inside so that you can get the permit information.
Yours Truly
This hotel has a 70s feel and also has an area where you can listen to vinyl records.
MUST call the hotel to let them know you’re planning on shooting your engagement session inside so that you can get the permit information.
Hotel Hive
This is a little cute boutique hotel and has a bar inside and outside on the rooftop. This is located on GW campus so you can also get some great photos to show off the city.
MUST call the hotel to let them know you’re planning on shooting your engagement session inside so that you can get the permit information.
Intercontinental Wharf
Located at the Wharf so you’re able to shoot inside the hotel and then outside near the water on the Wharf.
MUST call the hotel to let them know you’re planning on shooting your engagement session inside so that you can get the permit information.
Eaton
Very vibey and has amazing bars inside.
MUST call the hotel to let them know you’re planning on shooting your engagement session inside so that you can get the permit information.