Top 7 Engagement Photo Locations in Washington DC

From the most popular destinations in Washington DC to the lesser-known spots, this city will never disappoint when you are looking for engagement session inspiration. The entire city of Washington is brimming with scenic backgrounds for enchanting engagement photography and there is no doubt that this is one of our photographers’ favorite cities. We have curated a list of engagement session locations near Washington DC that is sure to charm you and your love and bring forth lovely and heartwarming engagement photographs. We understand that your ‘I do’ moment will be a once-in-a-lifetime moment in which you will want to freeze in time and celebrate again and again and likewise, we are here to do the same.

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area

Located on the River Road of Western Montgomery County, Mckee-Beshers is an amalgamation of woodlands, green fields, and green-tree reservoirs which is a sprawled over a 2,000-acre tract. McKee-Beshers engagement session can be a perfect respite for you to escape with your love away from the city hum and bask in love amidst nature while creating scintillating Washington DC engagement photography. Adjacent to the Potomac River, this misty forest land is a sheer delight to one’s vision. The endless trails go on for miles while enabling you to enjoy various backdrops along the way. The cherry on the cake is the expansive fields of sunflowers, which is however season-sensitive, and hence planning accordingly is highly recommended. The engagement session amidst the extensive sunflower field makes it one of the most photogenic locations around DC. However, there is a disclaimer that says that the fields are filled with insects and poison ivy. Hence, long pants and boots are highly recommended before going out to the sunflower fields and the nearby areas. You can wear bright and vibrant colored clothes to celebrate a springy mood as the sun dawdles by the brightly hued fields and forest lands. Embrace these priceless moments and indulge in a kiss or two, as the bright sunny day kisses the flora and foliage around you.

Website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/central/mckeebeshers.aspx

Address: River Road, Poolesville, MD 20837

Fees or Permits: Admission is free. There is no need for a photography permit.

Stone Tower Winery

Your love for vintage portraits that take you back in time has a destination in Washington DC. Stone Tower Winery is a 300-acre vineyard, which is located atop the Hog Mountain, which produces some of the best wines in the world. This expansive land filled with rows of green vines and endless field lanes is the perfect spot for photographs when you step into a new beginning with the love of your life. The two-story barn on the backdrop with unlimited picnic spots in the space, the photography opportunities are endless. Our Stone Tower Winery engagement photographer loves this place for its unmatched natural landscape to celebrate togetherness with your love. The rustic background of the barn with the bouldered walls looks amazing in engagement portraits as it paints a vintage vibe into the pictures. The pristine and landscaped ground reflects a warm golden glow when the sun shines, and you can take the opportunity of kissing your BAE against this breathtaking background. You can also pose on the balcony with railings that look up to the blue skies with clouds that look hand-painted. You can wear a completely formal wardrobe as it suits the aura of the place or you can even flaunt your pretty pastels. One of the best things to do when you plan for an engagement session at this destination is to indulge in a wine tasting event. Our photographer can capture the precious moments when you indulge in the wine tasting spree with your partner. 

Website: https://www.stonetowerwinery.com/

Address: 19925 Hogback Mountain Rd, Leesburg, VA 20175, United States

Fees or Permits: Admission is free. The photography permit is $75 and it gives you access to all of the grounds, vines, and buildings with little to no restriction.

Old Town Alexandria

Just minutes away from Washington on the waterfront of Potomac River, lies one of the most versatile engagement photography locations with backgrounds that look unique and stunning. Alexandria is one of the top hotspots for tourists from around the world as this historically charming place has a lot to offer you. Founded in 1749, this designated district was George Washington’s home, which is now adorned with over 200 restaurants, boutiques, and historic museums. The vintage hum of this place takes you back in time with its old-world charm, and it very well reflects in the Old Town Alexandria engagement sessions. Starting from the cobblestone streets to the red brick walls and sidewalks, every corner of this place looks like it just got teleported from the 18th century. There are over 9 historic sites along with the world-famous ‘King Street’, that comes with numerous Insta-worthy photo-ops. The couple can pose against the colorful and abstract walls or walk hand-in-hand amidst the architectural stunners and towering trees in the pavements. If you want to stir-up your engagement session photography ideas, then you can take out your best of vintage clothes and match with the vibe of this destination. You can also bring in interesting props like a rainbow glare or a bubble wand to spice up the session and make it colorful and exciting.

Website: https://www.visitalexandriava.com/old-town-alexandria/

Address: Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Fees or Permits: Admission is free. No photography permit is required here.

Westfields Golf Club

Nestled in the heart of Washington DC, this is the place for you if you are looking for the best places for engagement sessions near me in order to have a picturesque engagement session. This secluded and sprawling golf course with unending greenery is sure to melt your heart when you visit it to celebrate your love. Westfields Golf Club features pristine wetlands, rolling hills, and towering oak trees, that can give you the feel of visual meditation. As you meander across the greenery, lost in love, it creates magical portraits to cherish for a lifetime. The anchor to your shots can be the perfect elements and can be the white-colonial clubhouse that looks timeless in all the Westfields Golf Club engagement photography sessions. The majestic beech and oak trees give your pictures a very rustic and glorious touch with a dash of a vintage feel. If you are planning your engagement session during spring, then this location can be the perfect destination you have been looking for. This undisturbed land looks like a dream during the springtime with the tree leaves bursting into magical hues. As the spring sun slowly dawdles in the golf fields, you can spread out your spreadsheet, and rest arm-in-arm with your love and look into the grounds, as you get photographed candidly. 

Website: https://www.westfieldsgolf.com/

Address: 13940 Balmoral Greens Ave, Clifton, VA 20124

Fees or Permits: Admission fee is $69 Monday to Thursday ($49 after 2:00 p.m.); $89 Friday to Sundays + Holidays ($69 after 2:00 p.m.). Contact them in advance to get your photography permit.

National Building Museum

Nestled right at the heart of DC, close to the Mall stands the National Building Museum, an architectural brilliance, and a breathtaking engagement destination. This place holds historic significance as Meigs was inspired by the monumental Palazzo Farnese and the church of Santa Maria Degli Angeli built by Michelangelo while designing the entire place. The aesthetically pleasing 16th century-inspired textures and structures of this place perfectly blend in with the urban planning that went under the construction. This place can be an escape to a little Rome right in the center of Washington for the love-struck couple if they are planning to declare their love for each other here. One of the most scintillating highlights of this place is the sheer brilliance of the ‘Grand Hall’ that features a central fountain and is divided into three courts by two screens of the colossal Corinthian columns, that are some of the tallest Corinthian columns in the entire world. The intricately carved marble pillars with the surrounding arcaded floors bring every picture to life which is taken here as it overlooks the courtyard. The unique red brick walls give the entire place a very rustic look with the large French windows that let the natural light in, making National Building Museum engagement photos naturally photogenic.

Website: https://www.nbm.org/

Address: 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Fees or Permits: There is an admission fee of $16. Photography is allowed only in some exhibition galleries due to copyright restrictions, and signage will indicate where it is permitted.

Rock Creek Park

Another marvelous place to begin your together forever is Rock Creek Park in Washington DC. It is a 1,754-acre large urban park decked with beautiful trees and wildlife, away from the bustle of the city life in DC. This oasis nestled right in the heart of the city is the perfect place to connect and disconnect with DC’s everyday life as it reminisces the beauty of a secluded forest but also reminds you of the bustling city life surrounding it. During fall, this place looks straight out of a postcard as the changing hues of the leaves illuminate a heavenly kaleidoscope, which makes it perfect for numerous engagement session inspirations. Numerous unique backgrounds like the long trail with forestlands on both sides and the wooden country fences are known to work like magic on engagement photography. The uneven boulder walls and bridges all over the place give the perfect finishing touches to this place. The unending green lands and the towering trees, with the stream silently flowing by under the rocky bridge, can be your perfect summer retreat. You can dress up in vibrant floral attire or even pastel formals to resonate with the tranquil vibe around this place. You can also indulge in activities like horseback riding, concerts, picnicking, golfing, tennis, hiking, biking, and boating, while giving enough opportunities to our Rock Creek Park photographers to capture the best of this special day.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm

Address: 5200 Glover Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20015

Fees or Permits: There is no admission fee. For a photography permit, you should apply to the NCR Park Programs Office. Application and location fees apply.

National Harbor

Located in the south of Washington DC, is the National Harbor in Maryland, this waterfront of the Potomac River features some of the most stunning engagement photography destinations in DC. Along the water, you can find destinations filled with shops, dining, and entertainment, to capture picture-perfect moments with your love. The picturesque relaxing beach chairs and the marvelous architecture of the bridge along with classic backdrops like glass storefronts and red brick walls, synonyms the tranquil vibe of DC. The deep blue water and the weathered wood brings forth some of the most candid love stories on frames. Take a ride in your own private gondola to take the perfect Venetian feel while it rides with the Capital Wheel, the giant Ferris wheel in the background during sunset. Or you and your partner can indulge in a tour of the Americana-themed carousel featuring whimsical creatures and create dreamy candid photographs. The unmatched art collection on-site features some of the most art collections in the world which can be perfect in a ‘not so serious’ quirky engagement session in National Harbor. You can also indulge in a painting session with your partner in the Muse Paintbar, where you can hold the same paintbrush and pose for artistic portrait photography. To match with the colorful and dynamic backgrounds of this place, you can opt for your colorful wardrobe or color-coordinate in peppy and happy shades with your partner for the engagement session. 

Website: https://www.nationalharbor.com/

Address: National Harbor, 168 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Fees or Permits: There is no admission fee. There is no permit required for photography. 

Please note that permits and fees are subject to change. Please confirm the policies with the location before planning your session.