If you’ve been dreaming of an elopement that blends historic charm, stunning architecture, city vibes, and romantic gardens, Washington, DC might just be your perfect match. This city is full of hidden gems, quiet corners, vibrant art, and endless opportunities to turn your elopement day into something truly unforgettable.
Whether you picture exchanging vows beneath marble columns, wandering through a museum hand-in-hand, or sharing cupcakes in a cozy café instead of cutting a traditional cake, DC gives you the freedom to do things your way. And I’m here to help you craft a day that feels like you from beginning to end.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to elope in Washington, DC!
Best Time to Elope in Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is a stunning place to elope all year round. Summer is a popular time to visit, and the city comes alive with energy in the warmer months, especially on the 4th of July.
However, I think spring is one of the best times to elope in DC, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The whole city turns into a soft, romantic dream with those delicate pink and white petals lining the streets and reflecting in the water. It’s no wonder it’s a favorite for couples wanting those effortlessly beautiful, floral-filled photos.
If you want to learn more about planning for peak cherry blossoms for your engagement or elopement, check out my blog here!
Winter here is amazing too! The city gets dressed up in twinkly lights, festive decor, and if you’re lucky, a layer of snow that makes everything feel like a Hallmark movie. Here’s more information on how to elope in DC in the Winter!
And fall, of course, brings beautiful foliage and lots of fun photo opportunities with the gorgeous changing colors of the leaves. Whatever time of year you’re thinking about eloping, you can’t go wrong with DC.
Best Places to Get Married in DC
National Gallery of Art
If you love timeless elegance and arts, the National Gallery of Art is such a dreamy spot for your DC elopement. Between the beautiful architecture, light-filled atriums, and all the gorgeous art, it is the ideal place for an art museum elopement.
Plus, it’s a free location to take photos – no permits or tickets are required! Just keep in mind it’s best to go on a weekday morning for fewer crowds.
If this location calls your name, check out my guide on How to Elope at the National Gallery of Art!
The National Mall
The National Mall is such an iconic place and is definitely one of the best places in DC to elope if you love history. You can find all of the famous monuments here, including:
- The Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool
- DC War Memorial
- Constitution Gardens
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Due to crowds, sunrise is the best time for popular tourist locations like the Lincoln Memorial. Why not take portraits at sunrise, go to the courthouse when it opens to make it legal, then kick off your celebrations? Note that you’ll need a permit for filming and photography here.
Take a look at this beautiful DC wedding day for inspiration on how your wedding day could look in this beautiful area!
DC War Memorial
While this location is tucked away on the National Mall, I wanted to highlight the DC War Memorial as one of the most beautiful places to elope. It’s intimate, surrounded by trees, and has a beautiful domed structure that feels like your own little private escape in the heart of the city.
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 to elope or visit here to avoid the work and tourist crowds forming later in the morning and throughout the day.
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 stumbled into a European side street—but it’s 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
- An exclusive Elopement Planning Guide
- 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!
