When Maddy & Nick told me their vision of the day, they said they wanted “monuments, cherry blossoms and water views”, and that is exactly what we made happen. Their spring cherry blossom wedding elopement in DC was nothing short of amazing! With the blossoms in full bloom and the city’s iconic monuments as their backdrop, they embraced an intimate day that was uniquely theirs.
From getting ready at home with their beloved dogs to exchanging vows beneath a beautiful willow tree by the river, every moment was intentional, personal, and filled with love. Walk through their spring elopement day below to envision what your day could look like in Washington, DC, during this beautiful season!
Getting Ready and First Look Photos at Home
After moving from Arizona to DC, Maddy & Nick bought and began renovating a fixer-upper together. Their home is a labor of love, so it only made sense to start their elopement day there. As they got ready, I captured a few sentimental details they had put together.
Nick finished putting on his tie and jacket on the porch, the morning light filtering through the trees, before heading to the park across the street for their first look. Meanwhile, Maddy slipped into her dress upstairs, and the anticipation grew with every moment.
Nick finished putting on his tie and jacket on the porch, the morning light filtering through the trees, before heading to the park across the street for their first look. Meanwhile, Maddy slipped into her dress upstairs, the anticipation building. After soaking in the moment, we grabbed their dogs for a quick family photo in front of their house!
Maddy & Nick’s April Cherry Blossom Wedding Inspiration
Maddy & Nick chose to elope in early April, which is one of the best times for cherry blossoms in DC. The city is famous for these delicate pink blooms, people come from all over the world to see them! If you want Cherry Blossoms to be a part of your elopement, aim for a date in mid to late March or the first week of April.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that peak bloom varies each year depending on the weather, so check the National Park Service Cherry Blossom Bloom Watch for updates!
For the best experience, an early morning start is key. Crowds flock to the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season, but sunrise offers the best chance for peaceful, breathtaking photos. Even then, expect to see *some* people around.
A Private Ceremony at East Potomac Park
We hopped in an Uber and made our way to the ceremony location. Instead of battling the Tidal Basin crowds, Maddy & Nick opted for a quiet ceremony at East Potomac Park. With cherry blossom trees and serene water views, it was the perfect alternative. They exchanged private vows beneath a stunning willow tree, choosing to self-officiate—a unique feature of getting married in DC! (If you’re considering self-officiating, check out my guide here.)
Maddy and Nick chose to elope, just the two of them, for deeply personal reasons. They wanted to keep their vows intimate, away from an audience. And if you’re wondering how that works when you have a photographer present—don’t worry! I always step back, use a long lens, and give you space so your vows stay private.
They really wanted to include a few Jewish details in their ceremony, so they stepped on a glass at the end of their vows to seal them. I always love it when my couples include meaningful and personal touches to their day!
Exploring DC’s Iconic Landmarks for Their Elopement Photos
After their ceremony, we set off for a morning of exploring DC’s most breathtaking locations. First stop: the George Mason Memorial, a quiet, underrated spot with a beautiful fountain backdrop. Then, we made our way to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, where the soft morning light and grand columns created the perfect setting for portraits.
If you’re planning a DC elopement, know that you can actually get married at both of these spots with a $90 permit from the National Park Service. Another great ceremony location option is the DC War Memorial—you can read more about it here.
DC’s cherry blossom season is breathtaking but also busy. Even with a permit, you’ll be sharing the space with the public, so it is important to be patient! That’s why hiring a local DC elopement photographer (like me!) is so important—I know the best spots, the best times, and all the backup plans to make your day smooth and stress-free.
We even stopped to take photos with Stumpy, the famous cherry blossom tree that had become a beloved part of the DC community. Sadly, the National Park Service recently removed Stumpy as part of its Tidal Basin seawall reconstruction project ahead of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. (You can read more about that here.)
Library of Congress & Capitol Building Elopement Photos
Next up on our itinerary was the Library of Congress! The steps, the grand columns, and the architecture are a dream for wedding photos. It’s free to take pictures outside, but if you want photos inside, make sure to reserve a free, timed ticket in advance! Right next door is the Supreme Court, another fantastic photo location, though elopement ceremonies can’t be held there. (Just be aware that DC police occasionally block off the area for events.)
I honestly love this section of DC because right across the street is the East side of the U.S. Capitol Building! It’s a stunning, up close and personal view of the nation’s capitol, and if you have a talented photographer (like me) we can take photos at certain angles that make it look like you have the whole place to yourself!
In spring, the Capitol’s gardens burst into color with bright red and yellow tulips, adding even more beauty to the scene. Overall, springtime in DC is filled with lots of different kinds of flowers, so I highly recommend visiting in March and April!
Kind Words from the Couple
“Juliana was AMAZING and so supportive as we took a leap into eloping. Not only is she an excellent photographer, but she’s also nice and easy to talk with, making your day super fun. She was so organized and helped us pick the most picturesque places. Couldn’t be happier we chose Juliana. In her own words, OBSESSED!!”
Meaningful Ending to their Cherry Blossom Wedding Elopement at Home
After the city adventures, we made our way back to their home. Maddy & Nick wanted to relax on their front porch and read letters from their family and friends. I always like to suggest a unique activity to couples who won’t have guests present but still want some of their loved ones “involved and present” on their elopement day.
It was such a sweet moment for Maddy & Nick to open and read letters and even artwork from their loved ones on the front porch of their new home. Their pups even watched them through the living room window! It was a wonderful way to end their DC elopement.
Planning Your Own Cherry Blossom Wedding in DC?
Do you see yourself getting married amongst cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, like Maddy & Nick? I would love to photograph your wedding and assist you in planning out the details. From location scouting to planning logistics, I’m here to make sure your elopement is seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. You deserve to remember your wedding day exactly as it was! You can learn more about my photography services here. If you want to work together, fill out your inquiry form here, and I will be in touch with you soon!
Juliana Wall Photography | Washington DC Elopement & Intimate Wedding Photographer
View more of Maddy & Nick’s cherry blossom wedding day photos and save your favorites to Pinterest as you plan your Washington, DC, elopement!
