How to Elope in Washington DC in the Winter
Most Washington DC elopements happen during the spring, summer, and fall. But to elope in Washington DC in the winter can be just as beautiful! Here’s how you can blend luxury and adventure to create your unique winter elopement in Washington DC. Here’s what this blog will cover:
The Weather You Can Expect for Your Winter Elopement in DC
It can be difficult to predict the weather in DC, so I suggest embracing whatever happens on your elopement day and you’ll have a blast! In recent years, winter in Washington DC has been mild overall with just a few snow showers here and there. This is why it’s important to hire an elopement photographer who is familiar with the area and can come up with backup plans, so you’re prepared for any weather that you encounter!
What to Consider When Planning Your Wedding Attire
For an all-day elopement adventure with unpredictable weather, you want to make sure you have lots of layers available to stay warm! Especially if you want to spend any time outside. Wear heavier materials, and plan to wear winter coats, gloves, and scarves. I also recommend to my couples to wear fleece leggings under their clothes to keep extra warm if it happens to be a freezing day. Hand warmers are also amazing to have! Consider what you will feel confident in and what will keep you warm so you can be comfortable throughout the day and enjoy your time!
The Best Locations to Elope in Washington DC in the Winter
Washington DC Winter Outdoor Wedding Spaces
DC is beautiful in the winter! Whether you want to walk through a garden, go ice skating, or explore the city, there are so many great outdoor spaces for you to enjoy. With Christmas decorations that go up across the city, it can be so romantic. If you want to celebrate your elopement by spending some time outdoors, these are the outdoor wedding spaces I recommend! Click on the ones that interest you for more details about each location.
Outdoor Wedding Spaces:
- Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden outside of the National Gallery of Art
Washington DC Winter Indoor Wedding Spaces
Due to the unpredictable weather, it’s likely that the majority of your winter Washington DC elopement will be spent indoors! Whether you want an elopement ceremony in a venue that is large enough for family and friends to attend, or you want a cup of coffee to warm up after being outdoors, Washington DC has it all. Listed below are some great indoor wedding spaces you can visit during your elopement day. If you aren’t sure which ones fit the experience you’re looking for, when you work with me as your elopement photographer, I will help you plan out the best locations, vendors, activities, timelines, and more!
Indoor Spaces:
- Art Museums like the National Gallery of Art or the National Portrait Gallery
- Grabbing pizza at the Union Station
- Bookstores and other unique gift shops to pick up souvenirs
- Renting an indoor venue such as the Patterson Mansion
- Stopping by your favorite cafe for warm coffee or hot chocolate
- Booking a table at a restaurant for lunch or dinner to end your elopement day with yummy food (or a private room with your close family & friends)
- Go back to your hotel room, change into comfy robes, and order room service! You could even jump on the bed and have fun or get creative elopement photos in your matching robes
Why Hotels are a Great Indoor Winter Wedding Space in DC
Hotels are great for getting ready spaces, elopement photo backdrops, and taking a break and relaxing between elopement activities. Most hotels have a lot of natural light, and some hotels have great balcony views (like the Line Hotel) that make your day feel even more luxurious! Some hotels, like the Viceroy Hotel, even offer elopement packages you can book.
Hotel Elopement Tips:
- For elopement photos, make sure to get permission to take photos around the hotel!
- Hotels can sometimes have cafes, bars, and restaurants you can spend time sharing a drink before your ceremony or getting dinner afterward
- Weekdays are always best at hotels because they are less busy
- Plan to take elopement photos during off hours when the hotel bar isn’t either to the public or isn’t in peak busy hours (but, of course, you’ll have to coordinate with your hotel for this)
Want to Elope in DC in the Winter?
Yay! Not everyone is as brave as you to consider eloping and I cannot be more thrilled for you! I’m an elopement photographer because I believe that the way you get married matters and every deserves to have an incredible wedding experience – even in the winter! If you are a couple who craves intentional experiences and finding adventure wherever you can, I would love to capture your winter elopement in Washington DC.
And if you prefer to elope in the spring, summer, or fall, that’s great too! You can learn more about me here to see if we’d be a good fit, and you can inquire to work with me here. I look forward to connecting with you!
