Looking for the best DC locations for photos? Fortunately, there are numerous stunning spots to choose from! As a photographer specializing in family and couples’ photography, I’ve had the privilege of visiting many of them throughout the years. These locations are ideal for capturing family portraits, engagement or anniversary shots, and even maternity photos! A few months back I released my Top 10 Favorite Locations in Washington DC, and since then I have found even more great places, so many that I had to share a second list with you.
10 More DC Locations for Photo Shoots
1. Georgetown / C&O Canal
2. Washington National Cathedral
3. Supreme Court Gardens
4. Union Station
5. Meridian Hill Park
6. American Pharmacists Association
7. Adams Morgan
8. Tudor Place Historic House & Gardens
9. National Arboretum
10. Rock Creek Park
Georgetown / C&O Canal
There are countless reasons why I adore Georgetown! Besides offering a quintessentially D.C. atmosphere, it’s a bit more peaceful compared to the bustling monuments. You can choose from various locations to capture your moments, such as waterfront snaps on the river, canal-side photos, or in the cozy residential neighborhoods. With a little walking, we can visit all three spots! The delightful cobblestone streets, brick walls, and row houses make for an exquisite backdrop for your pictures.
Washington National Cathedral
Ranked as the sixth-largest Gothic cathedral globally, the Washington National Cathedral boasts immaculate grounds, including the stunning Bishop’s Garden and the front steps of the Cathedral. For optimal photo opportunities, it is advisable to visit just before sunset, and convenient on-site parking is available.
They require a $250 permit which must be requested. See those details here.
Supreme Court
The majestic DC Supreme Court edifice serves as a magnificent setting for capturing timeless Washington engagement portraits. Its expansive area and striking marble columns exude a contemporary and immaculate ambiance, making it an ideal location for modern couples seeking clean and elegant engagement photos. To avoid crowds, we highly recommend scheduling a sunrise engagement session as it tends to get busier in the afternoons.
In recent years the Capitol Police have elected to close access to the steps of the Supreme Court with little to no notice, so when planning for a session at the Supreme Court discuss a backup location with your photographer just in case.
Union Station
Union Station makes for a distinctive engagement session location that offers both indoor and outdoor options, making it an ideal spot for photoshoots regardless of the weather. Despite being a popular DC photography spot, with some patience and time, you can capture breathtaking images here, even with crowds around.
Meridian Hill Park
Meridian Hill Park, situated in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC, is in close proximity to Adams Morgan. The park boasts several distinctive architectural elements, a reflecting pool, and one of the largest cascading fountains in North America. Additionally, the park is abundant with lush greenery.
American Pharmacists Association
The building showcases a Neoclassical design, characterized by a limestone facade adorned with majestic columns and a pedimented entryway. A picturesque view of verdant greens enveloping a lengthy, sweeping staircase serves as a stunning natural backdrop for any photography session.
Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan can be an excellent choice for a DC engagement session if you prefer a location with a bit of edge and character. The Line Hotel steps offer a unique and unmistakably DC atmosphere, which feels more urban-focused than the typical monument session. It’s our preferred spot to capture your engagement photos.
Tudor Place Historic House & Gardens
The Tudor Place Historic House and Gardens, nestled in Georgetown, offers a captivating setting for photographs. Boasting 5.5 acres of land, stunning architecture, and abundant blooms, it exudes timeless beauty. The house, adorned with graceful columns and verdant foliage, serves as a particularly enchanting backdrop that I adore.
A permit is required – you can view the details here!
National Arboretum
By strolling through the U.S. National Arboretum grounds, you can relish in the wonders of a magnificent nature park that’s right in the heart of the city. In fact, you might even forget that you’re in an urban area altogether due to its expansive size of 446 acres. The National Capitol Columns, a highlight of the property, features 22 Corinthian columns that were once a part of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Aside from the columns, the Arboretum boasts vast meadows, stunning trees, and beautiful flowers. You can find entrances to the park located on New York Avenue and R Street in Northeast DC, along with accessible parking facilities.
Please note that a permit is required to enter the premises, and you can find further details on this matter by referring to the information in this link.
Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is Washington DC’s most extensive park, spanning over 2,000 acres and offering a variety of streams, hiking trails, and roads to explore. Notable attractions within the park include Peirce Mill, Miller Cabin, Rapids Bridge, and Boulder Bridge. With so much to discover, visitors to Rock Creek Park will not be disappointed for a bit of nature still in the heart of the Nation’s Capitol City.
Looking for more photo locations? Check out the top photo locations in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia here!
Ready to book your own session? Reach out here!
