A Sweet & Simple Elopement in Washington, DC

Elopements

When most people think of a “simple elopement,” they imagine a quick hour at the courthouse, a few photos on the steps, and that’s it. But the truth is, that simple doesn’t mean rushed. In fact, the secret to a truly simple elopement is MORE time!

Olivia and Jarod reached out just a month before their elopement day. They were coming in from Louisiana and felt overwhelmed by the idea of planning a DC elopement from another state. In their words, they were ready to “just settle for a courthouse wedding back home.”

And then we hopped on a Zoom call.

One hour later, we had a game plan, a vision, and their dream day was officially in motion. They wanted a day that felt sweet, calm, and beautifully easy. And with a little guidance and intentional planning, their day turned out to be everything they dreamed of and more!

romantic, simple elopement inspiration at union station in washington dc

sweet elopement couple almost kissing on the stairs in front of the library of congress

sweet elopement couple holding hands on the stairs in front of the library of congress

Planning a Simple Elopement From Out of State

When Olivia first reached out, she admitted she was overwhelmed and thought a courthouse wedding was her only option. But during our first one-hour Zoom call, everything shifted. We brainstormed ideas, walked through what was possible in DC, and I started drafting a game plan for their day. That one call gave her so much clarity and hope (her own words!) and set the stage for what became a sweet, stress-free elopement.

Living in Louisiana, Olivia and Jarod needed someone local to help with logistics, timelines, and locations. That’s where I step in! I’m not just your elopement photographer, but also your elopement planning assistant and guide!

Simple doesn’t have to mean rushed or bare-minimum. Olivia & Jarod booked me for a full 8 hours, which actually gave us the time and space to slow down, breathe, and enjoy each moment. A one-hour courthouse ceremony could never have given them the same experience.

Simple, to me, means intentional. It means focusing only on what matters most to you and letting go of all the rest. And with the extra time, we could weave in little surprises, adventure through iconic DC landmarks, and still pause for snacks and special little moments.

romantic, simple elopement inspiration in washington dc

Getting Ready & A Rooftop Surprise at the Line Hotel

The day began at The Line Hotel in DC, one of my absolute favorite spots for getting ready photos. This historic hotel is full of character and even has elopement packages if you want to host your ceremony there. (The Monument Master Suite is a room with a stunning outdoor patio for an intimate ceremony and a dining table for dinner, too.)

Olivia and Jarod wanted to have their ceremony out in the city, so this time we focused on their getting ready moments and details first. I always like to include a few flatlay details that showcase important and personal items for my couples. Things like rings, vow books, jewelry, and family heirlooms CAN still be included in your elopement or micro wedding! Olivia included both her and her grandmother’s rosaries in her flatlay detail, which was so, so special.

Fun fact: Olivia and Jarod had talked about getting married for years, but weren’t officially engaged just yet. They found out they are expecting they decided it was time, and started planning!

So when Jarod said he actually DID have a ring to do a surprise proposal with on the rooftop of the hotel during their first look, I was so excited for them! That was such a hard secret to keep, you can’t even imagine, but it really was such a special moment!

They had their first look, hugged, and then Jarod got down on one knee and totally surprised Olivia! The running joke of the day was “We got engaged and married in the same day!”

Honestly, it was such a powerful reminder that you don’t have to follow anyone else’s timeline. You can write your story in whatever order makes sense for you.

elegant elopement detail flatlay for a simple elopement in washington dc

room getting ready in a hotel room at line hotel dc

wedding dress hanging from the window at the hotel room

bride and groom first look on the rooftop at the line hotel dc

bride and groom surprise proposal during the elopement first look on the rooftop at the line hotel dc

First Stop: Union Station

From the hotel, we headed to Union Station, one of DC’s most iconic backdrops. Between the grand archways outside and the stunning open lobby inside, it’s a dream location for photos. It’s also a very public place, which means patience is key. I always reassure couples that I’ll guide them through crowds, find the best angles, and make them feel comfortable even in busy spaces.

While we were taking photos out front, a bus full of tourists broke into cheers and waves to congratulate Olivia & Jarod. That’s very common here, too! People on the street and in museums are always so happy to see wedding couples and congratulate them! DC really is a warm and welcoming city!

Vows at the Library of Congress

Next, we made our way to the Library of Congress. This was the highlight of Olivia & Jarod’s day. They’d been most excited about this location, and it was the perfect place for their self-officiated ceremony.

Fun fact: you can take wedding photos inside the Library, but you need a free timed-entry ticket. I always help couples secure those ahead of time so the process feels seamless. Even though there are usually people around, I know how to work with angles, timing, and creativity to make sure you feel like the only ones there.

Olivia & Jarod exchanged vows on the front steps of the Library with their best friends and Jarod’s parents by their side. It was heartfelt, personal, and truly simple in the most meaningful way. We captured a few quick group photos before soaking in the moment with just the two of them.

Learn more about how you can self officiate for your Washington DC elopement here!

romantic elopement couple moments inside the Library of Congress in DC

romantic elopement ceremony outside of the Library of Congress in DC

Lunch + Exploring the National Gallery of Art

After their ceremony, it was time for a break. I always build food into elopement timelines, because a stress-free day is one where you’re never hungry! The National Gallery of Art has a café that makes for the perfect mid-day stop. The National Mall itself doesn’t have many food options, so museum cafés or local pizza spots are a great way to refuel.

Once we ate, we explored the museum itself. Real flowers aren’t allowed inside, but Olivia had silk florals that looked beautiful in photos. I love the way couples blend into the art around them here! It’s almost like they become part of the gallery itself.

Especially for out-of-town couples, I want you to really soak in DC’s museums. The different galleries, atriums, and light-filled spaces make this stop both meaningful and visually stunning.

P.S. If you’d like to elope in the National Gallery of Art, you can! And here’s how!

sweet elopement couple at the national gallery of art

romantic elopement couple looking at the art inside the national gallery of art

Ending the Day at the Smithsonian Castle Garden

Our final stop was the Smithsonian Castle Garden (Enid A. Haupt Garden). As the rain started to fall, I pulled out my clear umbrellas, which is something I always keep handy for elopements! As an elopement photographer, I also keep a close eye on the weather and always have backup plans in place, depending on what happens with the weather. I love to use my clear umbrellas for light showers because they’re cute for photos, and the rain can make things a little more romantic!

After enjoying their time and dancing in the rain a bit, we went back to the hotel for the final snacks and drinks from the hotel bar. It was a great way to end the day, hanging out together with their friends and family.

sweet bride and groom under clear umbrellas during rainy moments at the smithsonian castle garden

Why They Chose a Simple DC Elopement

Olivia and Jarod’s story is about focusing on what mattered most to them. They met during Covid as next-door neighbors, when Olivia invited him over to celebrate her cat’s first birthday. And early on, they realized that they simply loved being together. Whether on vacation, grabbing sweet treats, or just sitting side by side doing their own thing, they valued togetherness over tradition.

That’s why they eloped. They felt that weddings often feel like they’re for the guests and not the couple. Olivia and Jarod wanted to get married, but not host a wedding!

Kind Words from the Couple

“I cannot recommend Juliana enough!! My husband and I have been talking about eloping in D.C. for years, but never did any research or made any plans to begin the process. Personal circumstances came up which resulted in us being on a very limited schedule to get married. I was overwhelmed and convinced we would have to settle and just do a courthouse wedding at home. Then we found Juliana.

I sent an inquiry and we scheduled a zoom call for two days later. I went from being completely defeated to having a wedding date and game plan scheduled after a one hour zoom call with her. We gave her a list of places we wanted to visit on the wedding day and she came up with the whole itinerary. She took all of the stress away and made it so easy.

And the photos. Y’all, I have no words. Speechless. If I had to pick a few adjectives, they’d be: stunning, gorgeous, exquisite, etc. The day and the photos were everything we hoped for and more than we could have imagined. I am so thankful to have found her website. She was so accommodating with our limited time frame. The day was perfect and we now have hundreds of photos that captured our day perfectly. Can’t wait to get them printed! Now I just need to narrow it down, but it’s impossible to pick favorites!! Do yourself a favor and schedule a call with her ASAP!” – Olivia & Jarod

If you’d like to see more reviews from other couples, check them out here!

romantic elopement couple kissing in front of the art inside the national gallery of art

Ready to Plan Your Own Simple DC Elopement?

Olivia & Jarod’s story proves that you don’t need a year of planning or a big wedding to celebrate your love. With the right guidance, your day can be intentional, stress-free, and unforgettable. Whether you’re local to DC or traveling from out of state, I’ll help you create a day that feels simple, meaningful, and completely yours.

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!

See a bit more from Olivia and Jarod’s simple elopement in Washington, DC, and save your favorites to Pinterest as you plan your big day!