Washington Dc Wedding Photo Ideas

Part of capturing those memorable moments from your wedding day involves picking the right locations to photograph. Without a doubt, in the Washington D.C. area, there are a great number of ideal places to pick from. We've compiled a list of some of the top spots where you can best capture those cherished memories.

1. United States National Arboretum

Where it's located: Enter at 3501 New York Ave. NE or at 24th and R Streets NE, off of Bladensburg Road
Contact: (202) 245-4543
About this photo locale: Located just ten minutes from the Capitol Building, the United States National Arboretum is a center for the study of numerous collections of trees and plant life. Within the 446-acre grounds, there are 400-year-old bonsai trees that have received worldwide acclaim.
What you should know: Parking and entrance to the arboretum are completely free. The arboretum is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Christmas. However, wedding photography for couples who aren't planning to have their wedding at the arboretum requires an application and $30 fee. You must send your application in at least two weeks prior to your event date. Wedding photography will take place amongst the 22 Corinthian columns called the National Capitol Columns.

2. Washington National Cathedral

Where it's located: 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20016-5098
Contact: (202) 537-6200
About this photo locale: It took 83 years to build the Washington National Cathedral into the impressive Gothic building that it is today. Featuring architecture true to construction during the Middle Ages, the cathedral has a cross-shaped floor plan, flying buttresses, and is made entirely of stone. Outdoors, photo opportunities include the Bishop's garden at the south of the cathedral, as well as the visually delightful herb garden.
What you should know: It's always a good idea to check ahead of time to find out if the site is accessible. Events do occur throughout the year that may prevent you from fully accessing the areas you'd like to get to. Free underground parking is available to visitors on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. On Saturdays, you have to pay a $4 fee to park in the garage.

3. Smithsonian Castle

Where it's located: 1000 Jefferson Drive SW
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
Contact: (202) 633-1000
About this photo locale: A mix of old world architecture and elegant garden grounds, the Smithsonian Institution Building, commonly referred to as the Castle, contains plenty of details to make for enchanting wedding photos. The Castle is a red sandstone, Norman-style building fronted by the vibrant Enid A. Haupt Garden. The Haupt Garden, which is actually the roof of three of the Smithsonian museums, is a four-acre public garden comprised of brick paths, fountains, and cast-iron carriage gates.
What you should know: Springtime is by far the best time to capture the flowers in full bloom, though every season offers something beautiful for the photographic lens to capture. Parking is difficult, as expected. You can try to find parking around Independence Avenue or Constitution Avenue.

4. Tidal Basin

Where it's located: Enter 1500 Maine Ave. SW. As you approach the Tidal Basin area, look for signs that direct you to lots on the north side of the basin.
Contact: (Festival Hotline) (202) 547-1500
About this photo locale: Built late in the 19th century, the Tidal Basin is an artificial inlet connected to the Potomac River. From this location, you can capture shots of Japanese pagodas amongst cherry blossom trees and find visitors in paddleboats taking an idyllic ride through the water. You can also capture a view of the magnificent Jefferson Memorial here.
What you should know: The cherry blossoms bloom in the spring from mid-March to mid-April. The area tends to be busy with tourists as well as locales, so just keep that in mind. You may want to avoid the area during the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Parking close to the blossoms can be a challenge. Peak visiting times tend to be weekends and during the middle of the day.

5. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Where it's located: Georgetown Visitor Center
1057 Thomas Jefferson Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
Contact: (202) 653-5190
About this photo locale: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, often called the C & O Canal, runs 184 1/2 miles from Georgetown into Maryland. Once intended as a commerce gateway from Washington D.C. to Ohio, today, the national historical park offers ample opportunities for nostalgic photos along its path. Row houses, mule-drawn boats, and rustic surroundings give the canal a character that would do any wedding photo justice.
What you should know: You can get to the canal by walking about a block south from M Street on Thomas Jefferson Street. If you want to catch some photos on an actual boat, you can do so at Georgetown. The canal is open during daylight hours. Check ahead of time with the visitor's center to see if there is a seasonal schedule.