{"id":66859,"date":"2020-01-14T19:56:46","date_gmt":"2020-01-14T19:56:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/?p=66859"},"modified":"2024-04-08T09:46:10","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T16:46:10","slug":"engagement-photos-dc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/withjoy.com\/blog\/engagement-photos-dc\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Top Spots for Engagement Photos in Washington, DC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of the best things about a DC engagement\u00a0photo<\/a> session is the opportunity to capture some of the most iconic imagery in the United States. The US Capitol is home to a plethora of symbolic backdrops, from the Library of Congress and the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial. Just imagine using an elegant portrait of you and your partner at national landmark \u2014 or two \u2014 to announce your engagement<\/a>. Or, lean into the theme and feature a new monument on your save the dates<\/a>, invitations, and wedding website<\/a>, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are also plenty of alternatives for couples seeking a more personal reflection of their\u00a0love story\u00a0in their\u00a0DC\u00a0engagement photos. Looking for a lush, natural backdrop for your\u00a0engagement session? Or, maybe you’re hoping for a hip, urban\u00a0vibe? We reached out to top local wedding photographers Kanayo Adibe,<\/a> Casey Crowe Taylor<\/a>, Brittany Diliberto and Johnny Shryock of Bee Two Sweet<\/a>, and Mantas Kubilinskas of Mantas Photo<\/a> for their takes on the best locations for engagement photos in DC . Here are their picks, from stately national monuments to charming parks\u00a0in and around the DC area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Blagden Alley<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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“Blagden Alley<\/a> introduces a splash of color to the rather historic feel of Washington, DC,” says Adibe. “If you are looking for a vibrant scene for some creative photos, this is a great place to go.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shryock and Diliberto add: <\/strong>“Blagden Alley is found within DC\u2019s Shaw neighborhood and offers distinctive brick and stone features as well as interesting outdoor murals. The \u2018LOVE\u2019 mural by Lisa Marie Thalhammer is not to be missed!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.\u00a0Cherry Blossom\u00a0Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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“Every spring, the cherry blossoms<\/a> alongside Washington, DC\u2019s Tidal Basin light up the city with their colorful display of delicate blooms,” say Shryock and Diliberto. “Day or night, the cherry blossoms offer the perfect amount of quintessential spring in DC.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“[It’s a] DC classic,” adds Taylor. “If you can brave the crowds, it\u2019s so worth shooting during peak bloom. The color of the petals is incredible, and it\u2019s the most romantic. Photography permit applies.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. County Fairs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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“Couples seeking innovative and quirky engagement photos will love shooting at one of the DC region\u2019s fairs,” suggest Shryock and Diliberto. “These summertime sessions are incredibly fun for everyone involved, and we enjoy strolling through the fairgrounds and creating pictures of the experience.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Crystal City<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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“Located in Arlington,\u00a0Virginia, Crystal City<\/a> features a wide variety of backgrounds including outdoor murals, innovative architecture, cute shops, and stylish restaurants,” say Shryock and Diliberto. “While it might not be the most obvious location at first glance, we enjoy working with couples who want\u00a0engagement photos\u00a0where they live and work.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Dumbarton Oaks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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“Dumbarton Oaks<\/a> provides a great balance of architecture, greenery, textures, structures, and the occasional art exhibition to spice up your photos,” says Adibe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taylor adds:\u00a0“I just recently photographed a vow renewal here, and I love it because it\u2019s super different. It feels very old-world and is nestled right above\u00a0Georgetown. It\u2019s got major Secret Garden<\/em>\u00a0vibes\u00a0and so many hidden corners. Guaranteed for lots of variety in a session here.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Great Falls National Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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“Just a short drive outside of DC, Great Falls National Park<\/a> offers a taste of the great outdoors,” says Shryock and Diliberto. “With access from both\u00a0Virginia\u00a0and\u00a0Maryland, Great Falls offers impressive waterfalls, a variety of boulder features, and a diverse array of foliage. [It’s] perfect for couples who enjoy being immersed in nature.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Larz Anderson House Museum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\u00a0“Anderson House<\/a> gives off an extremely regal\u00a0vibe,” Adibe says. “If you are looking for that gilded-age feeling in a location, this is one for you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8.\u00a0Lincoln Memorial<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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“You definitely need to be a morning person for the\u00a0Lincoln Memorial<\/a>\u00a0so you don\u2019t have tons of tourists in the background, but it’s worth it even just for the calm and serene environment it provides that early,” says Taylor. “It\u2019s magical. Photography permit fees apply.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shryock and Diliberto add:\u00a0<\/strong>“The monuments of DC inspire us with their rich history and impressive architectural features. For couples seeking the most iconic and quintessential DC photos, the monuments along the\u00a0National Mall\u00a0are a must.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9.\u00a0Meridian Hill Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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“When couples tell me they want a mix of nature and<\/em> city, I always recommend [Meridian Hill Park<\/a>],” says Taylor. “It\u2019s got DC architecture in the stairs and fountain but a ton of green space, as well. It\u2019s a win-win.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Mount Vernon Trail<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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“Mount Vernon Trail<\/a> offers a blend of backgrounds, showcasing the Potomac River, impressive trees, and glimpses of DC architecture,” say Shryock and Diliberto. “The trail is a paved bicycle and pedestrian path along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Northern\u00a0Virginia.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. National Arboretum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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“One of the greatest things about the Arboretum<\/a> is its minimalist aesthetic,” says Adibe. “Lots of open space, greenery, and those amazing columns that support the sky. There is nothing else like it in the DC area.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n