How to Plan a Last-Minute Elopement in DC (Without the Stress)

Planning a last-minute elopement doesn’t mean you need to settle for going to the courthouse (unless you actually want to!). Just because you’re not planning a year in advance doesn’t mean your day can’t be intentional and absolutely gorgeous.

Maybe you just decided that the big wedding thing isn’t for you. Or maybe you’re moving soon, your schedules are finally aligned, or you simply can’t wait another second to marry your favorite person. Whatever your reason, you get to celebrate your perfect day any way you want! 

Between the charming architecture, hidden gardens, and sunrise monuments, Washington, DC is one of those rare cities where romance and history meet around every corner. So, whether you’ve got a few days or a few weeks to plan, here’s how to plan an unforgettable DC elopement, even on short notice!

What Does a “Last Minute Elopement” Look Like For You?

Before we dive into logistics, it helps to define what “last-minute” actually looks like for you. For some couples, it’s booking a few weeks out. For others, it’s saying, “Hey, let’s get married next Thursday.” Both are totally doable, but the main difference is just how flexible you’re willing to be.

Ask yourselves:

• Do we want it to feel adventurous or relaxed?
  
• Do we want it to be completely private, or include a few loved ones?
  
• Would we rather keep things super simple or add in special moments like a picnic, private vows, or a dinner celebration?

Answering these questions helps shape the kind of experience we’ll build together. Because even if we’re planning quickly, your elopement should still reflect you.

We couldn’t be happier with our experience with Juliana! From the very beginning, she was amazing with helping plan and made sure to accommodate all of our requests. She was so flexible and patient with all of my (many!) indecisive changes leading up to the big day. On the wedding day itself, she was organized, helpful, and calm — exactly what we needed. She captured everything beautifully while keeping the whole process stress-free. We received our sneak peeks quickly and on time, and they are absolutely stunning. We’re so grateful and can’t recommend her enough! – Tricia & Matthew

Step 1: Pick a Date (or Stay Flexible!)

If you’ve got a specific date in mind, cool, we can roll with it. If you’re more flexible, even better, as that opens up even more possibilities (and avoids the stress of last-minute crowds or permit restrictions).

One of the best things about Washington, DC, is that it’s beautiful in every season. During spring, cherry blossoms steal the show, while summer brings lush gardens and long days. In the fall, you’ll see the colorful leaves and get a nice crisp breeze, while winter is peaceful, quiet, and often underrated!

Pro tip: Weekday mornings are your best friend in DC. Fewer crowds, easier permits, and soft, glowy light at sunrise? Yes please. This is especially true during peak seasons like the National Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to early April) or the fall color season in October.

Once you have a date (or a range of possible ones), it’s time to book your first and most important vendor — me, your elopement photographer.

Step 2: Hire an Elopement Photographer (This Is Where I Come In)

A last-minute elopement doesn’t have to mean chaos. A traditional wedding photographer might have a 2-hour elopement package to capture parts of your elopement day, but you’ll likely have to do all of the elopement research and planning yourself. 

However, the majority of us, elopement photographers, offer planning assistance for your elopement experience! That means when you book me, you’re getting more than just photos. You’re getting a guide who knows how to navigate permits, timelines, locations, lighting, crowds, and backup plans.

I’ve helped couples pull together their DC elopements in just a few weeks (shoutout to Vonya & Jahkeal!) and still create a day that felt relaxed, intentional, and totally stress-free.

There’s such a big difference between a wedding photographer who offers elopement packages and an elopement photographer who specializes in elopements. As your Washington, DC, elopement photographer, I’ll help you find the perfect spot, handle logistics, and make sure your day flows effortlessly. You can learn more about my elopement offerings here!

We absolutely loved our experience with Juliana! She was able to accommodate our last-minute elopement and truly felt like an extension of our family. What stood out the most was how much time she spent helping us plan the day and making sure she understood every detail that we wanted included. Thank you so much Juliana! – Tristen & John

Step 3: Choose Your Location (and Check Permits Fast)

There are so many iconic and romantic elopement locations in Washington, DC! You can’t go wrong with The National Mall & Tidal Basin, the National Gallery of Art, Rock Creek Park, and the Library of Congress. And if you’re after a more “hidden gem”, then I’d recommend taking a look at the Spanish Steps in Georgetown & the Kennedy Center terrace. You can check out my full Washington, DC elopement location guide here!

Certain National Parks or DC elopement venues might have a minimum time frame to submit permit applications. Others can be secured in just a few days. And if your dream spot isn’t available? It might be worth shifting your date by a few days or weeks to make it happen.

I already know which spots are easy and gorgeous, so you don’t have to spend hours stressing about this and researching it all yourself.

Step 4: Choose Your Vendors

You don’t need a bunch of vendors to make your last-minute elopement incredible. Focus on what feels essential and skip or DIY the rest!

• Officiant: You can hire a professional, ask a friend who is ordained, or even self-officate in DC! 
  
• Hair & Makeup: Look for artists who are comfortable with early mornings and short-notice bookings.
  
• Florals: Consider options like Trader Joe’s, faux bouquets, or small local florists, as they can all work beautifully. 

There are other vendors you can consider too, like a private chef, videographer, someone to set up a styled picnic, and more. 

As part of my elopement planning process, I also share my curated list of trusted DC vendors with you, so you don’t need to spend hours researching and going back-and-forth!

Sample Last Minute Elopement Timeline in Washington, DC

Vonya & Jahkeal reached out to me just two weeks before their date. They had originally planned a simple courthouse ceremony… but once they found me on Google, they realized they wanted something more personal, more them. They had the vision, they just needed someone to guide them through the logistics, and I was all in!

Here’s what their last-minute DC elopement looked like:

• We started the day at Hotel Zena, where they got ready and shared a sweet, private first look on the rooftop.
  
• From there, we headed to the National Gallery of Art for quiet portraits among the art and sculptures.
  
• Then we headed to the DC War Memorial for their ceremony with their loved ones.
  
• After they said their vows, we moved on to family photos (I always bring a printed name list so we can move through this part efficiently and ensure no one gets left out!).
  
• Once we wrapped group photos, we explored a few more nearby spots: the Reflecting Pool with the Lincoln Memorial in the background, and then a quick Uber ride to the Kennedy Center rooftop for some final portraits with skyline views.
  
• They took a short break back at the hotel to freshen up, then rejoined family for a private dinner at Lyle’s Restaurant & Bar, where they had reserved a beautiful private dining room.

It came together quickly, but it felt like it had been planned for months! That’s what a last-minute elopement can feel like when you have the right support. And that’s exactly what I offer.

Working with Juliana was one of the very best decisions we made for our elopement. As someone who works in event planning, the last thing I wanted to do after work was plan another event—and Juliana took that weight completely off my shoulders. She helped map out the flow of the day, recommended wonderful vendors, and made the process simple and stress-free. Honestly, hiring her was worth every penny.

Even though we reached out less than two months before our wedding with absolutely no plans in place other than the date we wanted, she never once made us feel rushed or behind. She was always quick to respond whenever I had a question or needed guidance. – Jessica & Justin

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Planning Your Last-Minute Elopement

Just a few quick ones I see most often:

• Forgetting to check if your location needs a permit.
  
• Overplanning or trying to replicate a big wedding in a small format
  
• Choosing a high-traffic location at peak time (for example, 5 PM on the National Mall, when people get off work and the area is crowded with pedestrians)
  
• Hiring vendors who don’t specialize in elopements

Each of these mistakes can be avoided with a little guidance! I’m here to help you avoid the stress and focus on what actually matters.

You Can Absolutely Plan a Beautiful Last-Minute Elopement in DC

It’s totally okay if this decision feels spontaneous! You don’t need a year of planning to have a meaningful, beautiful wedding day. Imagine looking back 50 years from now, proud that you trusted your gut and created something just for the two of you.

You deserve to have an extraordinary elopement experience! I would love to help you plan your Washington, DC, elopement and capture your special day. 

This is all that I need from you to book with me: a general location and vision of what you want for your elopement or intimate wedding, and a date. After you’re officially booked, we can dive deep into the planning to narrow down exact details, obtain any necessary permits, and create your timeline. I can’t wait to connect with you! To inquire about working with me, fill out this form and schedule a FREE phone call.