How to Elope in Washington, DC

If you’ve been dreaming of an elopement that feels equal parts romantic, meaningful, and uniquely you, Washington, DC might just surprise you. This city isn’t only monuments and politics. It’s historic charm, breathtaking architecture, hidden gardens, and vibrant art. Every corner holds the possibility of turning your wedding day into a story you’ll never forget.

Picture this: exchanging vows beneath marble columns at sunrise, wandering hand in hand through a quiet museum, or sharing cupcakes in a cozy café instead of cutting a traditional cake. DC gives you the freedom to design a day that feels personal, intentional, and completely your own.

As a DC elopement photographer who also self-officiated my own wedding here, I know just how magical this city can be when you slow down, explore, and let the day unfold your way.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to elope in Washington, DC. From the best seasons and locations to how to get your license and ideas for making your celebration unforgettable, you’ll find it all here. 

Best Time to Elope in Washington, DC

One of the best things about Washington, DC is that it’s beautiful in every season. The question isn’t whether you can elope here, it’s simply what kind of atmosphere you want for your story.

Spring
Cherry blossom season is nothing short of magical. The city transforms into a soft, pastel dream with petals drifting through the air and the Tidal Basin lined with blooms. It’s one of the most romantic times of year to say your vows, though it’s also one of the busiest. Planning for a weekday sunrise can help you enjoy the beauty without the crowds.

If you want to learn more about planning for peak cherry blossoms for your engagement or elopement, check out my blog here!

Summer
Summers in DC are lively and full of energy. If you love long days and golden sunsets, this season gives you plenty of time to explore. Imagine early morning portraits at the Lincoln Memorial, an afternoon museum stroll, and rooftop drinks as the city lights start to glow. Yes, it’s warm, and yes, there will be tourists, but if you lean into the vibrant energy, summer can be an unforgettable backdrop.

Fall
When the leaves start to turn, the city shifts into rich, golden tones. Rock Creek Park and the Spanish Steps feel especially cozy in autumn. The crisp air, colorful trees, and softer light make fall one of the most photogenic seasons for elopements. It’s perfect if you want your day to feel intimate, colorful, and timeless.

Winter
Winter brings a quieter, more cinematic vibe. The monuments glow under twinkly holiday lights, and if you’re lucky, you might even get snow. Georgetown feels especially romantic this time of year, with festive storefronts and cobblestone streets that look straight out of a storybook. If you love cozy, candlelit dinners and the magic of the season, winter might be your perfect fit. Here’s more information on how to elope in DC in the Winter!

The truth is, there’s no “wrong” time to elope in DC. Each season offers its own kind of beauty, and it all comes down to what feels right for you.

Best Places to Get Married in DC

The National Gallery of Art 

If timeless elegance speaks to you, the National Gallery of Art is one of the dreamiest spots to elope in DC. Imagine hand-in-hand portraits surrounded by soaring marble columns, light-filled atriums, and quiet corners filled with art that has inspired generations. It’s the kind of space that feels both grand and intimate, like stepping into a story that belongs entirely to you.

One of the best parts? It’s free. You don’t need a permit or tickets to take photos here, which makes it one of the most accessible elopement locations in the city. To avoid crowds, I recommend planning your visit for a weekday morning when the museum is still calm and quiet.

If you’re drawn to the idea of a wedding day surrounded by art and architecture, the National Gallery is a beautiful backdrop to start your next chapter together.

If this location calls your name, check out my guide on How to Elope at the National Gallery of Art with tips, sample photos, and everything you need to know.

The National Mall

The National Mall is as iconic as it gets in DC. If you love history, epic backdrops, and the feeling of being surrounded by some of the most recognizable landmarks in the country, this is your spot. Imagine exchanging vows at sunrise with the Lincoln Memorial glowing behind you, or stealing a quiet moment together near the Reflecting Pool while the city is still waking up.

Some of my favorite places on the Mall for elopements include:

• The Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool
• DC War Memorial
• Constitution Gardens
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Because the Mall is such a popular destination, I recommend sunrise for portraits and ceremonies. You’ll not only avoid the crowds but also get the soft, golden light that makes the monuments feel even more breathtaking. Afterward, you can head to the courthouse when it opens to make it legal, then spend the rest of your day celebrating in your own way.

As of 2025, groups of fewer than eight people no longer need a permit for photography at National Park Service locations like the Mall. If you’re planning an intimate elopement with just the two of you or a small group, you can enjoy the space freely. For larger groups, I’ll guide you through the permit process so everything runs smoothly.

Take a look at this beautiful DC wedding day for inspiration on how your wedding day could look in this beautiful area!

The DC War Memorial

The DC War Memorial is one of my favorite hidden gems. Tucked among the trees on the National Mall, this domed monument feels like a private sanctuary in the middle of the city. It’s quiet, elegant, and incredibly romantic, the kind of space where vows feel deeply personal.

Since it’s considered a wedding venue, couples do need a $90 two-hour wedding permit to hold a ceremony here. That permit also covers portraits at the memorial, so you can relax knowing everything is taken care of. I’ll guide you through the process so it feels simple and stress-free.

If you’re considering getting married here, here’s everything you need to know about how to plan a DC War Memorial wedding!

The Kennedy Center

If you’re looking for a modern and elevated elopement location with epic views and a touch of glam, The Kennedy Center is a total gem. The clean white marble exterior, sleek design lines, and dramatic columns create a striking look for photos. My favorite place is the rooftop terrace, though!

The rooftop overlooks the Potomac River, Roosevelt Island, and the Georgetown waterfront, so you get the most stunning views! Because it’s a performing arts venue, it’s rarely crowded during weekday mornings and early afternoons, so you can get some privacy.

Rock Creek Park

Are you wondering where to elope in DC that feels a million miles away from the city? Definitely Rock Creek Park! It’s ideal for more adventurous couples, with trails and creeks to explore. Think bubbling brooks, cute stone bridges, and lots of cycling and hiking paths. 

I particularly love Rock Creek for fall elopement photography in Washington, DC, because the autumn leaves are so striking there.

The National Cathedral

The Cathedral reminds me of Notre Dame, the famous cathedral in Paris. With gothic architecture, lush gardens, and sweeping views of the city, it’s a jaw-dropping location for couples who love that romantic, fairytale-esque vibe.

There’s a $250 photo permit required to take professional photos at the cathedral. The permit covers anywhere outside on the grounds for photos and a short elopement ceremony with up to 10 people. And while you won’t be able to go inside the cathedral, the whole location is stunning and you definitely won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything.

If you’d like to get married here, check out this guide and learn everything you need to know about eloping at the National Cathedral! 

The Smithsonian Castle

If you want that blend of DC history and romantic architecture, the Smithsonian Castle is such a cool, underrated elopement spot. It’s one of the most unique buildings on the National Mall—with red sandstone walls, dramatic arches, and intricate details that feel like something straight out of a European fairytale. The castle gardens, especially the Enid A. Haupt Garden, are full of seasonal blooms, tree-lined paths, and quiet corners for a private vow exchange or sweet portraits.

Take a look at this beautiful summer micro wedding at the Smithsonian Castle for inspo on what your day could look like!

Union Station

Union Station is such a vibe for elopements—it’s grand, cinematic, and full of vintage elegance. Whether you’re drawn to the massive white columns outside or the soaring archways and chandeliers inside, it has that wow factor that makes your photos feel like they belong in a movie. The architecture here is stunning in every direction, with soft golden light filtering in through tall windows and tons of texture in the stonework.

Sunrise is the best time for photos here, before the hustle of commuters and tourists begins. If you want elegance with a touch of vintage charm, Union Station is a beautiful option.

Check out this Union Station wedding day for inspiration!

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps in DC are a total hidden gem. Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood between Dupont Circle and Kalorama, these stone steps are surrounded by ivy, shaded trees, and historic row homes. It feels like you’ve stumbled into a European side street, right in the middle of the city.

Because it’s not a major tourist destination, you’re likely to have the place to yourself, especially on weekday mornings. There’s a cute little fountain at the bottom of the steps and benches nearby if you want to pause for a moment together or read letters from loved ones.

Get plenty of inspiration and planning tips for your elopement at the Spanish Steps in DC, here!

You can also check out some more unique elopement locations in Washington, DC here!

Elopement Permits

Many of the most popular elopement spots in DC—like the National Mall, monuments, or parks—require a permit for your ceremony, photography, or both. But don’t worry—it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds. I’ve helped lots of couples navigate the process, and I’ll walk you through exactly what you need. 

In general, permits are handled through the National Park Service or the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, depending on the location. Some spots—like the Spanish Steps or Rock Creek Park—have specific requirements, so it’s always best to plan ahead. If you’re working with me, I’ll help you figure out which permits you need, how to apply, and when to submit them so you can focus on the fun stuff—like dreaming up your perfect day.

Getting Your Marriage License

To apply for your D.C. marriage license, you can download a copy of the Marriage License Application or fill out the Application Online.

After completing your application, it can be submitted online or you can take it to the courthouse, which is generally faster. The address is:

DC Marriage Bureau – Moultrie Courthouse
500 Indiana Avenue, N.W.
Room 4485
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 879-4840

Once submitted, a courthouse representative will contact you to verify your information.

Yes, You Can Self-Officiate Your Wedding in DC

Washington, DC is one of the few places you can marry yourselves in the United States. 

DC started offering this in 2014, meaning you don’t need to get married in a church or find a pastor or officiant – you could have a friend or relative marry you, or you can elope with just the two of you sharing your vows. I love that this allows couples to marry in an authentic and special atmosphere, eloping in a way that means the most to them. 

To organize a self-uniting marriage, you just need to select the self-officiating option as you’re applying for your marriage license, and then officiate your wedding within ten days before returning the completed paperwork.

You can learn more about how to self-officiate your own wedding ceremony in my blog here: Self-Officiating in Washington DC: What Is It & How Do You Do It?

Washington, D.C. Elopement Activities

One of the best parts about eloping in DC? There are endless opportunities to turn your day into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re foodies, museum lovers, or spontaneous romantics, this city makes it easy to craft a day that feels 100% you.

Want to keep things relaxed and romantic? Start the morning with breakfast in bed, then wander hand-in-hand through your favorite gallery before saying your vows at a quiet spot in Rock Creek Park. Afterward, celebrate with a luxury picnic or rooftop drinks with a view of the city skyline.

More into spontaneity and fun vibes? Rent scooters and zip around to your favorite monuments. Hit up a retro arcade bar for cocktails and pinball. Grab lunch from a local food truck and eat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The best elopement days are the ones that feel natural and joyful, like the two of you just having the best day ever.

Here are some of my favorite elopement activity ideas in DC:

• A boat cruise on the Potomac
• Bakery date – pick out cupcakes or donuts together, and cheers those in lieu of a wedding cake 
• Schedule matching tattoos – find an artist ahead of time and decide on designs, then schedule your appointment for your elopement day
• Splurge on a fancy hotel to get ready in, lounge by the pool, take photos at the bar, and on the rooftop
• Luxury picnic – set up in a park, along the Tidal Basin, or with a rooftop view
• Rent scooters or bikes
• Go to an Arcade Bar
• Bring your dog along – DC is super pet-friendly, and we’ll make sure your pup gets some love on the big day
• Visit a bookstore – choose a book for each other and swap them with a surprise during photos
• Check out local festivals or events – from the Cherry Blossom Festival to free concerts on the National Mall
• Explore museums – the National Gallery of Art, the Portrait Gallery, or any of the Smithsonian museums (bonus: they’re free!)

DC also has beautiful spots for a private dinner or brunch if you’re inviting a few loved ones. Many restaurants offer private rooms, or we can plan something casual and cozy, like a backyard reception or café hangout.

As you can see, your elopement can be about so much more than just the ceremony. It can be a whole experience with loads of adventure, even in the city. So let’s fill your day with things that make you two light up!

Sample 8-Hour Washington DC Elopement Timeline

So, what could a DC elopement timeline potentially look like? Here’s a sample itinerary of how you could spend the day with family and loved ones:

1:00 PM – Getting Ready + Detail Photos at your home, hotel, or Airbnb

2:30 PM – First Look + Portraits at Location 1 (like Union Station)

3:30 PM – Explore + Portraits at Location 2 (like the National Gallery of Art)

4:30 PM – Vow Exchange at the DC War Memorial

5:00 PM – Post-Ceremony Portraits with Family / Just you

6:30 PM – Picnic Celebration + Champagne Pop

7:30 PM – Scooters around town

8:30 PM – Rooftop Bar Toast + Nighttime Portraits

Every couple’s timeline will look a little different—this is just a starting point! Want a sunrise elopement? A full-day hike? A brunch celebration? Let’s dream it up together and create a timeline that feels right for you and your love!

Want to make it a 12-hour elopement in DC? Check out how to make it happen here!

DC Elopement Packages

There’s no one way to elope in Washington, DC—and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you want something quiet and romantic or vibrant and full of city energy, you get to decide how it looks and feels. As your Washington, DC, elopement photographer, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re eloping just the two of you or sharing an intimate celebration with a few loved ones, we’ll plan an unforgettable day that’s authentically you. 

Every DC Elopement Package Includes:

• Photo Coverage with me, Juliana
• In-depth questionnaires – so I can truly get to know you and help create a day that feels right.
• Sneak peeks within 3 business days – so you have gorgeous photos to share ASAP.
• Personalized planning assistance – helping you with locations, permits, vendors, and timelines.
• A private online gallery – to easily download, share, and order prints of your photos.
• Photographer’s travel costs included 
• A new adventure buddy!

My prices for local elopements start at $5,500. My half-day and full-day elopement options are for those who want a carefree, laidback day with plenty of time for getting ready, a first look, your ceremony and vows, multiple amazing locations and activities, and including a few guests to celebrate with your dinner, first dance, and cake cutting—or however you want to celebrate! 

Learn more about my packages here!  Please contact me if you have any questions or even if you already want to get stuck straight into the fun stuff!