The National Gallery of Art is a great place to elope in Washington DC. So, let’s walk through these frequently asked questions and essential information you need to know to start planning the art museum elopement of your dreams! You deserve to have an incredible wedding experience.
Why Couples Love to Elope at the National Gallery of Art
Couples tend to love the National Gallery of Art for a timeless art museum look. It’s THE kind of museum you picture in your head when you say art museum photos. Historic art, unique architecture with the black marble columns, water foundations, stunning white marble staircases, painted rooms, and atriums and that’s just the West building!
The East building houses more contemporary and abstract art and it has a beautiful skylight in the main foyer, access to the rooftop with a view of DC, and glass pyramids outside the East building that mirror the look of the Louvre in Paris. It is the ideal place for an art museum elopement.
3 Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping at the National Gallery of Art
During the elopement planning process, these are the questions that are often asked about this art museum. As a DC elopement photographer who often photographs at the National Gallery of Art, if you have a question about eloping here that you don’t see below, please ask it in your inquiry form or during your free consultation call! I would love to answer any questions you may have and help you plan your dream elopement.
How long should I expect to be there?
An hour minimum is required to enjoy the museum but I typically spend 1.5-2.5 hours with my couples. This will allow you to explore the majority of the museum, including both the East and West buildings, while stopping occasionally for photos. It can depend on what else we have planned during the rest of your elopement day, but I aim to schedule about 1.5 -2 hours for elopement couples at the museum.
Is there an entry fee, or do I need a permit?
It’s a free location to take photos! No permit or tickets are required. The museum is part of the Smithsonian museums in DC which are all federally funded and are free! We are truly spoiled here in DC.
Is it possible to have my elopement ceremony at the National Gallery of Art?
If you plan to do your elopement with just the two of you, it is possible do exchange your vows and do a short & simple ceremony in the museum. However, I would only recommend weekday mornings for this to avoid crowds! If you hire an officiant, they can meet you in the museum, or you can self-officiate your ceremony.
If you want guests to attend your elopement ceremony, this museum would not be a good location for that. In this case, I would recommend exploring the art museum after your elopement ceremony as a fun elopement day activity as a newly married couple! If having guests is really important to you, check out more information about this alternative art museum at the end of this post!
Essential Information You’ll Need for Your National Gallery of Art Elopement
I’ve captured many elopements and engagement sessions at the National Gallery of Art. This is all essential information about the museum that you’ll want to keep in mind!
Real flowers are not allowed inside of this art museum.
But fake flowers are allowed (like silk or wooden flowers)! So, if you’re planning to have a real floral bouquet and boutonniere during your elopement or intimate wedding, make plans to leave your flowers somewhere else before heading the museum. Don’t stress about this, though, because I can help with these logistics if you work with me!
Bags and backpacks are allowed in the museum, but bags must be worn on one shoulder.
Prepare to have your bag checked as you’ll go through security, but it’s super easy. They always have to check my camera bag, too! Then, whether you have a backpack or a bag, it must be worn on one shoulder. If you don’t want to deal with your bag or want to give them your umbrella during a rainy day, they do have a free bag check!
There are several cafes and gift shops in the museum.
If you need a snack or a coffee, you can always plan for a pick me up at the museum! This is perfect for after a sunrise ceremony in the city or in the afternoon to keep you going until your celebratory dinner.
Weekdays are best to avoid the crowds at the National Gallery of Art.
As incredible as this art museum is, a lot of people want to experience exploring it!
Avoid these weekend crowds by visiting during the week. If you can schedule your session or museum adventure as close to 10am as possible for museum opening, that also can help to not have crowds! The National Gallery of Art hours are 10AM-5PM every day of the week except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
However, before your visit, make sure to check out the museum’s website to see the latest art exhibits! The majority of the art stays the same, but they have many rotating art exhibits you might want to know about beforehand.
But with a trusted elopement photographer (like myself) I know how to work around the crowds and make it look like you had the museum all to yourselves!! Patience is key, though. Sometimes, we might have to wait to use a specific spot because of other visitors or wait for someone to pass behind you in the background.
The Best Time of Year to Elope at the National Gallery of Art
One of the best aspects about eloping at the National Gallery of Art is that its a beautiful DC elopement location year round! Plus, it is a great indoor location to get away from the outdoor elements. Whether it’s during the hot summer, the colder winter months or even a rain plan, the museum provides the perfect Plan A and Plan B option in case of weather.
In the summer, there’s a sculpture garden outside that’s great for outdoor photos with the water foundation. Then, in the winter they create an ice skating rink on the water fountain so that could be a fun activity during your elopement or engagement session to ice skate and drink hot coco. No matter what season you decide to elope in, the National Gallery of Art is a great place to visit.
An Alternative Art Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
If you’d like 10 or less guests to attend your art museum elopement or feel like you’d prefer a small art museum filled with history, the National Portrait Gallery would be the perfect art museum for your elopement. This art museum is where the Presidential portraits are housed. You can do a short and sweet ceremony in this art museum if you have 10 or less guests. The atrium at the National Portrait Gallery is a great location for your ceremony!
As always, though, make sure to check the museum website so you’re aware of any events or festivals. The hours at this art museum are typically 11:30AM-7PM and also has free admission.
Capturing Your Washington DC Elopement
For your art museum elopement, you need an elopement photographer who gets you and understands your elopement vision. Because it’s not just about beautiful photos – it’s about planning and capturing an experience that’s uniquely you. When you work with me, I will document every moment! The feelings, emotions, what you did – everything. You can learn more about me here, and if you think I’d be a good fit to capture your DC elopement, you can inquire with me here.
Juliana Wall Photography | Virginia & Washington DC Elopement Photographer
Can you see yourself eloping at the National Gallery of Art?
