There’s formal portraits at the venue, and then there are portraits at places like this. Did we miss anything major? Let us know in the comments!
1. Blind Whino
This former church is now a non-profit arts and events space.
2. The steps of Meridian Hill Park
Pretty fountains and cascading steps for days. Added bonus: the nearby Josephine Butler Parks Center is available for ceremonies and receptions!
3. The Senate Fountain at the Capitol Building
There’s also the nearby Neptune Fountain.
4. Glen Echo
We love this amazing, old-timey amusement park so much we set a whole photo shoot there.
5. The Dupont Circle Metro escalator
Sooo many opportunities to get creative with your pictures.
6. Nationals Park
Bonus points if you can get a racing president in on the fun! For more info about weddings at the ball park, head here.
7. The DC Brau Brewery
Wall murals, big vats, and ceiling-high stacks of cans make this a fun idea for beer-lovers.
8. The Jefferson Memorial
Pretty much every angle is a good angle when it comes to this national monument.
9. The “I See Something New Every Day” mural
Located in Adams Morgan at the corner of Champlain Street and Kalorama Road, NW. Learn more about the work over at Washington City Paper.
10. The Metro
Any underground station will do.
11. Ben’s Chili Bowl
Even though there are now outposts in Arlington and Reagan airport, you’ve got to hit the original on U Street.
12. Leo Villareal’s “Multiverse”
The light installation is more commonly know as the walkway between the East and West buildings of the National Gallery of Art.
13. U Street’s “Black Broadway” mural
Located at 1344 U Street, NW. Washington City Paper has the full history.
14. Stairs at the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art
Your photographer will love experimenting with the angles.
15. Chinatown’s Friendship Arch
Another fun idea: ask your photographer to snap you mid-stride in the crosswalk.
16. Anywhere with Cherry Blossoms
When they’re blooming, the Tidal Basin is your best bet.
17. The DC War Memorial
If you’re looking for columns, this open-air Doric structure is a less crowded alternative to the Jefferson Memorial.
18. The Kennedy Center Roof Terrace
Who could say no to sweeping background views of Georgetown and the Potomac River?
19. Union Station
Hanging lights (and unexpected photobombers!) make DC’s Amtrak stop a fun place to pose.
20. The Capitol
Otherwise known as the ultimate DC wedding photo backdrop.
On the hunt for an amazing wedding photographer? We’ve got a list of Washington’s best just for you!
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
