With its esteemed monuments and gardens galore, the nation’s capital is a picture-perfect place for your engagement photography or wedding photography session. Sure, there’s the National Mall where the Smithsonian Gardens thrive in all their glory. But we also recommend looking beyond the most prominent focal points of Washington, D.C. Venture to Meridian Hill Park for an epic, urban escape. Or explore the lively waterfront setting of National Harbor, just across the Potomac River in Maryland. Geography is part of the reason Washington, D.C. has some of the best engagement locations around. It’s centrally located at the apex of several states, so your options are wide open. Case in point: the charming town of Old Alexandria, Virginia. For a setting that’s as historic as it is scenic, take to the rolling hills of Manassas Battlefield Park. Book your session today and make history.

 

05. MERIDIAN HILL PARK
 

You could say this 12-acre structured urban park is revolutionary. In 1819, John Porter erected a mansion here on Meridian Hill, which later became home to departing President John Quincy Adams. Its location marked the exact longitude of the original District of Columbia milestone marker, set down on April 15, 1791—just eight years after the Revolutionary War ended. Unlike any other urban park, the elaborate design was inspired by an Italian aristocrat’s private residence. It sets a sophisticated scene for your engagement photography or wedding photography session, gracing every frame with notable statues, a presidential memorial and the largest cascading fountain in North America. Residing just north of the White House, Meridian Hill Park is treasured part of Washington D.C. history and one of the best engagement locations.

 

04. MANASSAS BATTLEFIELD PARK
 

With its sweeping, open-air fields beneath an infinite sky, you can feel the enduring history embedded in the soil of Manassas Battlefield Park. Located in Prince County, Virginia, it’s a picturesque location for engagement photography and wedding photography that’s deeply steeped in civil war history. Several historic buildings and fences still stand around the park—authentic elements preserved from a turning point in American history. Get a true Americana feel by roaming the expansive land where tall golden grass and sky-high bales of hay converge with cozy wooded paths. Manassas Battlefield Park is one for the history books as one of the best engagement locations in Washington, D.C.

03. SMITHSONIAN GARDENS
 

Talk about garden variety. The Smithsonian Gardens bloom on the National Mall in the cultural heart of Washington, D.C. The 13 gardens are specifically designed to complement each of the surrounding museums with distinctive beauty. Plant yourself here for a lush and lovely engagement photography or wedding photography session. Venture outside of the Smithsonian Institution to the formal gardens of the castle—revered for its Romanesque and Gothic red sandstone architecture. Take in the ivy-covered walls, flowering trees and intriguing artwork of the Hirshhorn sculpture garden. Or pause for a romantic interlude in the formal rose garden, with its flowing fountains and antique, Victorian benches. The diverse landscaping and architecture, as well as its iconic status in American culture, make the Smithsonian Gardens one of the best engagement locations in Washington, D.C.

 

02. NATIONAL HARBOR
 

Reflecting the vibrancy of Washington, D.C., the National Harbor glimmers just across the Potomac River as a hotspot for your engagement photography or wedding photography. Buzzing with shopping, dining and entertainment venues, it’s a highly photogenic destination. Picture-perfect moments unfold naturally here, framed by the rustic beauty of the weathered dock against the deep blue water. Peer through binoculars on the dock and relax in beach chairs. Take a ride on the famed Ferris wheel as you gaze out over the river. Admire captivating architectural backdrops along the waterfront, from towering bridges to glass storefronts and red brick buildings. At sunset, you’ll enjoy a lovely show of color in the sky that reflects on the river Head to the National Harbor to take in one of the best engagement locations in Washington, D.C.
 

 

01. OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA
 

Founded in 1749, George Washington once called Old Town Alexandria home. This historic town delights visitors just minutes from Washington, D.C. on the banks of the Potomac River—a prime location for your engagement photography or wedding photography session. This impeccably preserved neighborhood features centuries-old buildings and a beautiful waterfront view. Walk hand-in-hand along the cobblestone streets and red brick sidewalks as your engagement photographer captures every historic moment. At the heart of it all is bustling King Street, recognized as one of the “Great Streets” of America. Hop on the free trolley for some playful shots along this notable mile. The classic New England charm of Old Town Alexandria makes this historic American city one of our best engagement locations.