If you&rsquo;re searching for an elegant, timeless location for your engagement session in Washington, DC, the Library of Congress should be at the top of your list. With its grand marble staircases, intricate ceilings, and historic architecture, it&rsquo;s a dream backdrop for couples who want their photos to look like they belong in a magazine.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2 data-end="710" data-start="651">Visiting the Library of Congress for Engagement Photos</h2>
The Library of Congress is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you&rsquo;ll need to reserve a free timed entry ticket to shoot inside.
<ul data-end="1182" data-start="877">
<li data-end="962" data-start="877">
Tickets are required for entry, but there&rsquo;s no fee to take photos inside.
</li>
<li data-end="1182" data-start="963">
For the best experience, book the 10:00 AM time slot&mdash;this is when the doors open and crowds are minimal. By mid-day, the space is packed with tourists, which can make it harder to get clean, uninterrupted shots.
</li>
</ul>
<h2 data-end="1249" data-start="1189">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-end="1249" data-start="1189">What to Wear for an Elegant Library of Congress Session</h2>
For Images By Geneva engagement sessions, you&rsquo;ll have one hour inside the Library of Congress, with the option for two outfits. This location calls for outfits that radiate sophistication&mdash;think:
<ul data-end="1652" data-start="1465">
<li data-end="1507" data-start="1465">
Floor-length gowns or cocktail dresses
</li>
<li data-end="1537" data-start="1508">
Tailored suits or tuxedos
</li>
<li data-end="1570" data-start="1538">
Classic heels or dress shoes
</li>
<li data-end="1652" data-start="1571">
Neutral or jewel-tone color palettes that pop against marble and gold accents
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Since the Library&rsquo;s interiors already feel like a royal palace, choosing attire that &ldquo;screams elegance&rdquo; will make your photos look elevated and editorial.
<h2 data-end="1876" data-start="1817">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-end="1876" data-start="1817">Outdoor Photo Opportunities at the Library of Congress</h2>
Your engagement session doesn&rsquo;t have to stay indoors. The Library of Congress also offers beautiful outdoor backdrops, from its stately front steps to the surrounding historic architecture.
Changing outfits is easy&mdash;you can use the public restrooms inside for a quick wardrobe swap before heading outdoors.
<h2 data-end="2264" data-start="2199">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-end="2264" data-start="2199">Why the Library of Congress is Perfect for Engagement Photos</h2>
If you want engagement photos that combine history, elegance, and architectural beauty, the Library of Congress delivers all of that and more. Every corner offers a new, stunning setting&mdash;perfect for capturing the romance and excitement of your love story.
Whether you&rsquo;re envisioning dramatic, sweeping staircase shots or intimate moments framed by ornate details, the Library of Congress is one of DC&rsquo;s most iconic photography locations.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Ready to book your Library of Congress engagement session?
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Library of Congress Engagement Photos: A Guide to the Most Elegant DC Location

There&rsquo;s just something dreamy about summertime in D.C. &mdash; especially when it involves love, laughter, and a golden hour glow! I recently had the absolute joy of photographing an engagement session at Constitution Gardens, and let me tell you &mdash; it was giving romance, charm, and a little bit of nature&rsquo;s sass. 😅
&nbsp;
The session kicked off on a hot June evening &mdash; the kind where the air is thick and the sunlight is golden but bold. Constitution Gardens was absolutely glowing: the still water shimmered like a mirror, the tall grasses danced in the breeze, and the Washington Monument peeked through the trees like a proud chaperon. If you&rsquo;ve never been, this spot is a hidden gem in the National Mall &mdash; a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle, with picture-perfect views at every turn.
&nbsp;
But here&rsquo;s the catch &mdash; the gnats were out to party too. 😅
 During the first 15 minutes, we were in full-on ninja mode, swatting and laughing as tiny bugs made their debut in just about every direction. Honestly, it became part of the memory &mdash; we were all cracking up, taking breaks to shake them off, and trying our best to keep those picture-perfect poses in between the chaos.
&nbsp;
But once the sun dipped a little lower... the magic began.
&nbsp;
The gnats disappeared (thankfully), and what followed was pure sunset romance. The lighting was soft and warm, wrapping the couple in the dreamiest glow as they danced barefoot in the grass, giggled on the edge of the water, and shared quiet moments that made me feel like I was photographing a scene from a Nicholas Sparks movie. ✨
&nbsp;
There&rsquo;s something so intimate and peaceful about Constitution Gardens in the evening &mdash; the way the sun reflects off the pond, the little pockets of shade under the trees, and the gentle sounds of nature all around. It&rsquo;s not just beautiful &mdash; it&rsquo;s intentionally romantic. I kept thinking how perfect this spot would be for a proposal, too. You&rsquo;ve got the dreamy setting, the iconic D.C. backdrop, and that quiet, tucked-away vibe that makes it feel like it&rsquo;s just the two of you in the world.
&nbsp;
Whether you're planning an engagement session, dreaming up the perfect proposal spot, or just want photos that feel soft, whimsical, and full of love &mdash; Constitution Gardens is the place. Just bring a little bug spray, a lot of love, and prepare for magic. ✨💛
&nbsp;
 Planning your own engagement session? Let&rsquo;s make it unforgettable &mdash; gnats and all. 😉

Sunset Magic & Summer Love at Constitution Gardens

If I could bottle the energy from this engagement session and sprinkle it over every shoot&mdash;I would in a heartbeat. This one was playful, flirty, full of laughter, and totally them. And it all happened on the water&rsquo;s edge at Columbia Island Marina, with a sailboat docked just right and the Washington Monument glimmering in the distance.
&nbsp;
This sweet couple knew from the start they wanted their engagement photos to feel like home. For them, that meant water, sunshine, and being on their beloved boat. So that&rsquo;s exactly what we did&mdash;no setting sail necessary! Every shot on the boat was taken right on the dock, and let me tell you, it felt like we were cruising straight into golden hour joy.
&nbsp;
From the moment we started, they were laughing, teasing, sneaking kisses, and doing the kind of sweet little things that make photos pop with personality. Yes, I&rsquo;m giving direction the whole time (you know I&rsquo;ve got you!), but what really makes the magic is when couples add in their own sparkle. The way he helped her onto the boat with a cheeky grin, or the way she&rsquo;d lean into him mid-laugh&mdash;those moments? That&rsquo;s the good stuff. That&rsquo;s YOU.
&nbsp;
After we got all the boat cuddles and flirty grins we could handle, we wandered over to the walking path nearby. With sweeping willow trees and that iconic Washington Monument view in the background, the scene turned effortlessly romantic. The way they moved together&mdash;hands intertwined, shoulders bumping playfully&mdash;it was like they forgot the camera was even there.
&nbsp;
And then, back to the boat we went for the perfect ending: a champagne toast. The bottle popped, the bubbles flowed, and the giggles definitely got louder. It was celebration, love, and joy all wrapped up in one perfect little dockside moment.
Sessions like this are my favorite kind&mdash;where we blend guided posing with your real, unfiltered personality. It&rsquo;s fun, it&rsquo;s relaxed, and most importantly, it&rsquo;s you two.
&nbsp;
So if you're planning your engagement session, here's your friendly reminder: bring the energy, bring the flirting, and bring all the little quirks that make your love one-of-a-kind. I&rsquo;ll handle the rest. 🥂⛵💛

A Flirty Dockside Romance: Engagement Photos at Columbia Island Marina

Some love stories begin with a swipe&hellip; but this one started with a scroll! 💕
&nbsp;
When this sweet couple stumbled across my TikTok, they had no idea it would lead them all the way to Washington, D.C. for their engagement session! They live just outside of Philly in Pennsylvania and found me through a behind-the-scenes video I posted of an engagement session I shot at the National Gallery of Art. They fell in love with the energy, the posing, the vibe&mdash;all of it&mdash;and reached out about booking me for their wedding. (Spoiler alert: I said YES and I absolutely cannot wait to capture their big day next year!! 🥹)
&nbsp;
Fast forward to Mother&rsquo;s Day weekend, they decided to make a little getaway out of it and headed to DC for some sightseeing, good food, and of course&mdash;photos with me! 📸 We planned a sunrise engagement session, and the city did not disappoint. The light was golden, the streets were quiet, and they showed up looking like a whole editorial spread.
&nbsp;
We started the morning outside the Library of Congress, and wow&mdash;these two brought the romance and the giggles! The architecture, the steps, the symmetry&hellip; this spot is always a dream, and they made it even more magical. Every time they looked at each other, it was like time slowed down (and yes, I was melting behind the camera).
&nbsp;
Now, one of the photos they were most excited about? Getting those dreamy shots in between the columns of the Supreme Court building. But in true DC fashion&hellip; it was under renovation. 🙃 Gotta love this city! So instead, we pivoted and headed over to the Capitol, where the iconic dome and grand steps gave us all the drama we needed. Honestly? It worked out perfectly.
&nbsp;
This session was full of laughter, love, and so many "omg, we're getting married!!" moments. I&rsquo;m beyond honored they found me, trusted me, and made the trip down just to make some magic together.
&nbsp;
Counting down the days until I get to document their wedding day. It&rsquo;s going to be amazing&mdash;I already know it. 💍✨
&nbsp;
Thinking about your own engagement session in DC? Whether you're local or traveling in like these two lovebirds, I&rsquo;d love to be a part of your story. Let&rsquo;s make magic together!

A Capitol Love Story: Engagement Session at the Library of Congress

There's something magical about a summer wedding, especially when it's set at a venue as stunning as The Ospreys at Belmont Bay. Tucked beside the Potomac River, this venue offers breathtaking views, lush greenery, and the most picturesque willow tree that has quickly become one of my favorite spots to photograph couples.
&nbsp;
Despite the scattered showers throughout the morning, the skies cleared just in time for the couple&rsquo;s outdoor ceremony at The Pergola, and let me tell you&mdash;it was so worth the wait!
&nbsp;
This couple kept things chill and focused on what mattered most: each other. I was booked for 6 hours of coverage, and instead of traditional getting ready photos, they opted to start their day with a First Look&mdash;and oh my goodness, it was the sweetest! They were all giggles and wide smiles, radiating pure joy and excitement. It was the perfect way to kick off their wedding day.
&nbsp;
After their First Look, we made our way to the iconic Willow Tree for some dreamy portraits. The way the branches danced in the breeze made everything feel straight out of a fairy tale. From there, we headed to the waterfront for more bride and groom portraits, with the Potomac River creating a serene, romantic backdrop.
&nbsp;
Just as we wrapped up the couple&rsquo;s portraits, the skies opened up again (classic summer rain!), so we took wedding party and family photos inside. Luckily, The Ospreys has lovely indoor space and beautiful natural light, so everything still turned out beautifully!
&nbsp;
Then came the ceremony&mdash;and wow. With the rain gone and love in the air, the couple exchanged vows beneath the Pergola with their closest people gathered around. Immediately after saying &ldquo;I do,&rdquo; they invited everyone to join them for a group photo&mdash;a fun and heartfelt way to remember every guest who shared in their big day.
&nbsp;
From there, it was time to celebrate! During cocktail hour, laughter and hugs flowed freely, and once the reception kicked off, the couple made a hilarious and totally badass entrance&mdash;chugging cans of White Claw as they walked in! Their energy was contagious.
&nbsp;
The dance floor was lit&mdash;especially thanks to the bride, who didn&rsquo;t leave it once the music started. She danced the night away with her friends, her family, and of course, her brand-new spouse.
&nbsp;
This wedding was the perfect blend of relaxed, joyful, and unforgettable. Rain or shine, love always finds a way&mdash;and this couple made the most of every moment. I&rsquo;m so grateful to have captured it all!

A Joy-Filled Summer Wedding at The Ospreys at Belmont Bay

There&rsquo;s just something magical about springtime in Richmond&mdash;especially at Maymont Park! 🌸✨ Everything is bursting with color, the air smells sweet, and it feels like the whole world is waking up again. It&rsquo;s the perfect setting for a dreamy engagement session, and this sweet couple couldn&rsquo;t have picked a better time (or location!) for their photos.
&nbsp;
When I first arrived at Maymont, I was immediately greeted by an explosion of spring blooms&mdash;tulips, cherry blossoms, and lush greenery everywhere you looked. The garden section of the park felt like it was straight out of a fairytale. The couple absolutely nailed their outfit choices too! Their colors blended so beautifully with the backdrop&mdash;soft pastels and neutrals that complemented all the floral tones around them. You could tell they put a lot of thought into making their vision come to life, and it showed in every single frame.
&nbsp;
Maymont is huge, so we definitely got our steps in! We wandered through the gardens, stopping to admire the arches, winding pathways, and those pops of color around every corner. But the real adventure? Making our way down to the pond&mdash;yes, the pond with the rocks that everyone dreams about! It&rsquo;s one of my absolute favorite parts of the park. I could honestly shoot there all day. The way the light dances on the water, the serene reflections, and the soft, romantic vibe&mdash;it&rsquo;s a photographer&rsquo;s dream.
&nbsp;
When we finally reached the pond, the couple climbed carefully onto the rocks (with lots of giggles and helping hands), and wow&mdash;pure magic. There&rsquo;s something so intimate and timeless about that spot. Every photo felt like a still from a love story.
&nbsp;
I walked away from this session with the biggest smile on my face. Between the blooming gardens, the stunning outfits, and the love these two shared, it was an absolute joy from start to finish. Maymont Park in the spring? 10/10 recommend. 💐💕
&nbsp;
Stay tuned for more springtime sessions&mdash;I&rsquo;ll be swooning over this one for a long time. 💖

Spring Engagement Session at Maymont Park in Richmond, Virginia

Such a great experience. Thanks for capturing every moment of my wedding day. Geneva was very easy to work with, from day of initial contact to receiving the wedding photos to fast. The quality of work is top tier and did I mention fast? Thank you for everything. I look forward to using you again for other events.

Mr. and Mrs. Bailey

Geneva was my photographer for my destination wedding! She was fantastic! My photos are beautiful and working with her so easy! Would work with her for all future milestones and would definitely recommend her to all brides and grooms!

Mr. and Mrs. Mena

It was a joy working with Geneva! Our engagement & wedding photos turned out amazing!! If you are looking for a photographer that is professional, patient, and has good energy book Geneva.

Mr. and Mrs. Short

Default

I'm starting to grow my business and do between $500-$1000 a month in bookings.

Core Plan

pink C,B

Real Moments. Genuine Connection. Effortless Photography