Taylor and Chris’ vintage Union Station DC wedding was truly something reminiscent of an old Hollywood glam.

Washington DC is an AMAZING place to get married! Our nation’s capitol is surrounded by gorgeous architecture, fascinating history, and fun events and festivals happening year-round. There’s so much DC wedding inspiration no matter where you look in the city!

Union Station, located in the heart of Washington DC is truly an iconic city feature with its famous arches and intricately designed architecture.

Taylor and Chris took photos under the arches and out front of the building where we could see a clear view of the U.S. Capitol building. Heading indoors, we marveled at the grand entrance of the Union Station lobby and even played around with some flash photography indoors on the stairs.

How to Self-Officiate Your Wedding in Washington DC

Did you know that you can legally marry yourself in Washington DC? It’s called self-uniting marriage and the city began offering this option in 2014 where you don’t need an officient or a pastor to marry you.

You simply need to apply for a marriage license from the Marriage Bureau, select the self-officiating option, and then perform your wedding within ten days before returning the paperwork. 

A self-officiated wedding means that you have the freedom to get married in meaningful locations and plan an elopement adventure that feels like you! You could even have a family member or friend perform the ceremony while you sign the legal paperwork so you can still have a “traditional” wedding element of someone officiating your elopement.

If you still want a traditional pastor or officient, don’t worry! You can find one that best fits your needs and I’d be happy to suggest a few as well as other local vendors.

When is the best time to elope in Washington DC?

DC is a magical city all year round, so really any time of the year is perfect! Spring and Fall will be the best weather options but that also comes with more crowds and school fields trips. Summers in DC can be very hot and humid while the winters can be milder with the occasional snow (which turns the city into a winter wonderland!)

Sunrise is also the best time for a Union Station Wedding as well as most other popular DC locations as you’ll avoid the work and tourist crowds that start forming later in the morning and continue to grow throughout the day. Evening and sunset times can be tough to plan in the city BUT during the week is your best bet if you absolutely can’t do sunrise to avoid the weekend tourist crowds.

Washington DC Wedding Permits

There are SO many wonderful locations to get married and elope in Washington DC and while there are plenty of free options, there will be certain locations that need permits in order to hold your ceremony there and have a professional photographer, such as the National Mall and the monuments.

Union Station, however, does not require a permit! So, it’s the perfect location for a romantic city elopement with its stunning DC architecture and views of the capitol down the street.

Union Station DC Parking

Union Station in DC is a hub for travel as it’s quite literally the convergence of many metro and Amtrak trains. Whether you live in the city or have to travel into the city for your elopement, Union Station is a great access point to DC where it’s even easier to travel to other parts of the city.

There is a 24-hour, multi-level parking garage attached to Union Station with an entrance located off of Massachusetts Avenue that has hourly and day rates so that’s an easy solution for short-term parking for your elopement or engagement photos at Union Station.

However, there is street parking nearby around the city, so using apps like Spot Hero will be a lifesaver trying to find available and lowest priced parking.

Union Station DC Wedding Restaurants and Shops

There is no shortage of restaurant and sopping options in Union Station. As the center of so much travel, Union Station is a popular location for many people passing through the city as well as people returning home.

Starbucks, Chipotle, and Hotel Chocolat are just a few restaurants listed in the Union Station vendor directory.

It’s also important to plan time to eat on your elopement day adventure, so wouldn’t it be so cute to eat at the Union Station food court and grab desserts to celebrate? What about picking up some souvenirs at the various gift shops to commemorate your Union Station DC wedding?

Vendors:

Photography: Juliana Wall Photography

Florals: Florence with Thorns
Dress: Elliatt
Jewelry: Manly Bands, Brilliant Earth ,  Sweet V Jewelry
Couple: Taylor and Chris Flook
Planning & Coordination: Strawberry Moon Collective

I’m so excited to offer Washington DC elopement and small wedding packages! Want to plan your own romantic Washington DC elopement, including maybe a stop at Union Station? Contact me today to get started!