6 Reasons Why Washington DC Is An AWESOME Place To Elope

There’s nowhere better to elope than our nation’s capital! DC is so diverse, inviting, and beautiful, with history, culture, and romance for days. From the charming cobblestoned streets of Georgetown to the iconic architecture of the Washington Monument, I have so many elopement ideas for Washington DC – and I can’t wait to share them with you! 

A small, intimate wedding in DC can be so memorable, but also exciting and fun, with plenty of ways to really customize the day and make it your own. To inspire you, I’ve compiled my top six reasons why Washington DC is an AWESOME place to elope.

1. You can self-officiate your wedding in DC

Can you elope in Washington DC without needing to have a formal wedding ceremony? Yes! One of the best things about DC elopements is that the city allows for self-officiated weddings. 

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 the way that means the most to them. 

To organize a self-uniting marriage, you just need to apply for your marriage license from the Marriage Bureau, select the self-officiating option, and then officiate your wedding within ten days before returning the completed paperwork. 

2. When you elope in Washington DC, you’re surrounded by history and romance 

DC has so much to offer, both from the perspective of American history and culture, and in terms of romance. The city truly has a vibe unlike anywhere else!

So what are some of the best places to elope in Washington D.C? If you love history, I’d definitely recommend places such as the Washington Monument, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the DC War Memorial, or the National Portrait Gallery. Any of the Smithsonian buildings are a great option too.

OK, so how about romantic options? There are plenty of those too! Many people love eloping at the Spanish Steps (but note that you’ll need to arrange your Spanish Steps DC wedding permit ahead of time – this can be done via DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation). Other romantic places include the C&O canal in Georgetown or the National Mall. Or, for couples who met at college, why not elope on the campus of your alma mater?

Whatever type of amazing adventure you’re dreaming up for your elopement, I’m glad to offer elopement packages in Washington DC to capture every beautiful moment of your day. 

3. So many iconic locations for your elopement photos

Speaking of photos (hey, I’m a photographer, it’s what I do!), DC honestly has some of the most iconic locations in the world for wedding photos. No matter where you say your vows, we can plan time to shoot in some of these incredible places.

One of my absolute favorites is the Lincoln Memorial. From the towering marble columns to the famous reflecting pool, this monument lends itself so well to creative photography that just screams DC! Outside the Kennedy Center is another amazing option, along with the Tidal Basin and the Smithsonian Castle. 

A pro tip: when thinking about where you’d like to take your wedding photos, think about places that you have a personal connection with. Did you meet at Union Station? Was your first date in Adams Morgan? If so, incorporating these memories into your DC elopement photos will make them so much more meaningful.

I love to highlight my couple’s love story in their elopement photography – no matter where they’re from! If you’re coming from out of town, finding some kind of personal connection is still a great way to make your elopement special. Are there any activities you enjoy doing together in your home city? Is there a Bucket List that you’ve both dreamt about experiencing in DC? 

4. DC is so vibrant and eclectic that there’s always something awesome going on

Another amazing thing about elopements in DC: there’s always something incredible happening in the city that you can include in your elopement day. 

Free concerts on the National Mall, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the famous Cherry Blossom Festival, and the lighting of the National Christmas tree, just to name a few – DC always has something cool that you can discover! 

5. It couldn’t easier to create your all-day adventure 

Your elopement should be all about adventure, romance, and quality time together. The vision of how that looks to you is yours to create, and I love that DC makes it so easy to piece together your dream adventure!

Start by thinking about how you’d like your day to look – perhaps you wake up, enjoy breakfast in bed, then head out to explore your favorite art gallery before saying your vows outdoors in a beautiful DC park. Then, celebrate with a picnic or a late lunch with your close friends and family at one of DC’s many incredible bars or restaurants. It’s your elopement day, so please feel empowered to enjoy it on your own terms.

I’ll be glad to help you come up with ideas for your DIY DC elopement packages, as I know the city well and love exploring it every chance I get! Even better, there are lots of completely free or low-cost things to do in the city, if you’re on a tighter budget. 

6. Each time of year brings gorgeous natural beauty 

DC elopements are pretty amazing any time of the year, which not many people realize. Yes, 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 most beautiful times for a DC elopement, thanks to the Cherry Blossom Festival. The romantic white and pink blooms really light up the city and are so perfect for wedding photography. 

Winter is a great time too – even though the weather is cooler, DC looks completely beautiful covered in snow, and there are so many cute Christmas decorations all over the city. 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. 

I hope you have a better idea now about some of the best places to elope in DC, but if you have any questions about planning your dream elopement, I’m always here to help! 

I’m thrilled to offer Washington DC elopement and small wedding packages! Contact me today to start planning your very own DC Elopement adventure!