Washington, DC Elopement at War Memorial & Art Gallery
If you’re dreaming of a romantic, intimate wedding in the heart of the nation’s capital, a Washington, DC elopement at the DC War Memorial followed by portraits at the National Gallery of Art is one of the most magical ways to celebrate your love.
Nestled quietly on the National Mall, the DC War Memorial is a hidden gem. Surrounded by towering marble columns and lush greenery, it feels like a secret escape—while still being just steps from DC’s most iconic landmarks. This quiet monument is one of the most underrated locations for elopements in DC, offering couples a peaceful, elegant backdrop for their vows. Whether you’re planning something simple and spontaneous or an intimate celebration with just your closest people (and maybe your pups!), this spot offers the kind of timeless charm that feels both sacred and serene.
After the ceremony, the National Gallery of Art becomes the perfect place for those “just married” portraits. From neoclassical architecture to soft, dreamy light, the West Building of the gallery brings such a graceful, editorial feel to your photos. It’s romantic, it’s artistic, and it gives your elopement that extra wow factor without needing to stage a thing. If you’re the kind of couple who values emotion, intention, and meaningful locations, this DC elopement route might just be your dream come true.
The Lovely Couple: Omar & Calie
Oh boy, where do I even begin with these two?! Omar and Calie road tripped in from Florida and reached out to me about a month before their DC adventure elopement. We hopped on a call and ended up talking for a while—about their love, the state of the world, and why they decided to move up their wedding. Life has felt heavy lately, and their hearts just knew: love like this deserved to be celebrated now. I can't truly put into words how honored I felt being chosen to document these two and this special day, getting to know them just a little throughout this process touched my heart in a special way and I hope to see them again on my next trip to Florida! They planned everything with so much care and intention. Of course, DC threw us a few curveballs (as it always does, especially during cherry blossom season!), but Omar and Calie rolled with it all. They self-officiated their ceremony, surrounded by their parents and their sweet dogs, and it was honestly one of the most heartfelt, meaningful elopements I’ve ever photographed. They described their relationship in three words: patience, understanding, unconditional. And you could feel that in every quiet glance, every tear, every laugh.
DC War Memorial: A Hidden Gem for DC Elopements
If you’re considering eloping in Washington, DC, the DC War Memorial should absolutely be on your radar. Tucked between the Reflecting Pool and the MLK Memorial, this white marble rotunda honors DC residents who served in WWI—and makes for the most peaceful, beautiful ceremony location. What I love most is how quiet it feels here. Unlike the Lincoln or Jefferson Memorials, the War Memorial isn’t swarmed with tourists. It gives you this perfect little bubble to slow down, breathe, and just focus on each other.
Planning tips for your DC War Memorial elopement:
You’ll need a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service (NPS).
The application fee is $90, and it’s best to apply at least 4–6 weeks ahead of your date.
The permit allows for one hour, which is perfect for a vow exchange and a few portraits.
No chairs, decor, or amplified music is allowed since it’s a federal monument—but honestly, it doesn’t need any extras. The setting speaks for itself. After the ceremony, many couples choose to take portraits at nearby spots like the Lincoln Memorial, Constitution Gardens, or, like Omar and Calie did—the breathtaking National Gallery of Art.
National Gallery of Art: Editorial Wedding Portraits in DC
After their ceremony and some quick cherry blossom photos, we headed to the National Gallery of Art for portraits—and wow, this place never disappoints. The West Building feels like something out of a romance film. There’s something about the marble staircases, neoclassical columns, and quiet halls filled with art that brings such a beautiful contrast to the outdoor setting at the War Memorial. Whether you’re posing under the rotunda or tucked into a hallway where the light hits just right, the gallery adds such a polished, elegant feel to your wedding gallery. It's timeless and editorial without ever feeling posed.
Things to know before photographing at the National Gallery of Art:
No photo permit is needed, as long as you follow their rules—no flash, no tripods, and be respectful of art and visitors.
Weekdays or early mornings are ideal to avoid crowds.
You can also step into the Sculpture Garden or the walkway between buildings for more architectural, modern backdrops. This combo of natural beauty + refined art makes for the dreamiest gallery. And for couples who want a mix of soft romance and bold, creative storytelling, it’s truly the best of both worlds.
Planning Your Own DC Elopement
What I love most about Washington, DC elopements is how customizable they are. No strict timelines. No huge guest lists. Just the two of you (or your closest people) celebrating your love in places that feel like you. The DC War Memorial and the National Gallery of Art offer the perfect blend of intimacy, beauty, and storytelling potential—and as your photographer, I’m here to help make it all come to life.
From helping you with permits and timing to creating a calm, supportive photo experience (with both digital and 35mm film, if you’d like), I’ve got you. Whether you’re a DC local or planning your destination elopement from out of state, I’ll walk you through every step.