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What is not to love about the nation's capitol, Washington DC? There is so much history, culture, parks, and just so much to do! Of course, we can’t forget about the beautiful monuments and landmarks in the area. These are the main reasons why it’s the perfect location to elope!
If you’ve been thinking about eloping in DC, then I’ve got you covered! Countless couples come here to elope in Washington DC, and I have been fortunate enough to photograph quite a few of them. So I want to share my experience and expertise. Here are the top 10 places to elope in Washington DC area. Let’s get to it!
Lincoln Memorial
I mean we have to start off with this most iconic landmark! The Lincoln memorial sits right on the beautiful reflecting pool, and straight ahead, you can view the Washington monument. There are also two beautiful tree lines along the pool and it’s just a beautiful location to take elopement portraits photos all over the grounds.
DC War Memorial
This is one of my favorite small wedding venues in Washington DC. The DC War Memorial is perfect for those intimate elopement ceremonies. It is also surrounded by beautiful pathways and trees which create a more personal atmosphere.
Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial sits right on the tidal basin. After the elopement ceremony, you can take beautiful pictures within the monument under its gorgeous marble structure, and then head down the stairs to the beautiful waters of the tidal basin. If you are eloping in the spring, you can take advantage of the cherry blossoms!
Union Station
Union Station has the most beautiful architecture and it’s a gorgeous location to elope. With its soaring archways and columns and decor, it makes for beautiful elevated backdrops in your photos.
Spanish Steps (Decatur Terrace)
The Spanish Steps are located in the Kalorama (Dupont Circle) neighborhood and has the absolute stunning stairs that come together in front of a fountain. It’s a pretty romantic location if you were looking for that intimate elopement photography with a European feel. Check out Ryan + Katie's elopement here.
Washington National Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral is another iconic place in DC and it’s the perfect location for that regal and luxury elopement feel. It has beautiful, arch ways, stairwells, and passages making it a perfect location for elevated elopement experience and photos.
Bishop Gardens
The Bishops Gardens are a part of the Washington National Cathedral and it’s a perfect place to elope with outdoor gardens, cherry blossoms, and greenery. They also have a little stone gazebo, which is perfect for a private setting to share your vowels in exchange rings. Check out one of my session here.
The Eaton Hotel
The Eaton Hotel is in walking distance of the Smithsonian museums, Black Lives Matter Plaza, The Capital Hill and more, making it a very cultural and unique location to elope in DC. Check out Sara and Julia's nuptials here
The Capitol
The Capitol is perfect for couples who want this landmark's Neoclassical architecture to be the focus backdrop of their photos. Another plus of this location is you can often capture great portraits without people in the background!
Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is just under 30 mins away from Washington DC, and this a to-go favorite location for my DMV and out of state couples. There are so many locations in this area from King Street, the Athenaeum to the Carlyle house to elope, that this makes it a prime location to have an elopement. Check out my elopement with Michelle & Shamik here.
Closing Remarks
All of these locations are unique in their own right and the offer beautiful details, and the perfect setting for your elopement. Although they are all different, they all achieve the same goal, which is to give you the ultimate experience of having the best elopement. And what’s more they are budget friendly, easy to plan, and you are definitely going to have Pinterest-worthy photos that you have dreamed of!
I hope these recommendations have helped you to put your planning at ease on where to elope in Washington DC. Did you look at any of these and think "I want to elope here", but you don't know how and where to start? Then I’m here to help! Let’s get together to help you create your dream elopement! Let’s get started!
Fill out my contact form to get started today!
ANDREA SALAZAR PHOTOGRAPHY | DC ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
