A Photographer’s Guide to Planning Your Washington, DC Engagement Session
If you’re planning a DC engagement session, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from the best time of day for soft, romantic light to what to wear and which monuments photograph best, including the Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, and Jefferson Memorial. Drawing from Aurora and Foster’s sunrise session that began at the Lincoln and ended at the Jefferson, I’ll share real-world tips to help you plan beautifully lit, cinematic portraits that capture both the elegance and energy of Washington, DC.
What Are the Best Locations for a DC Engagement Session
Few cities offer as iconic a setting as Washington, DC. The monuments, marble columns, and reflecting waters make for a timeless canvas — and each location offers its own atmosphere.
Aurora and Foster’s engagement session began at the Lincoln Memorial, where we caught the first light over the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument. With Lincoln currently under construction, we planned carefully around the scaffolding and used tighter framing to preserve its classic lines in the background. The real magic came as the sun rose — vibrant streaks of orange and fuchsia reflecting off the pool.
From there, we walked toward the Ash Wood Memorial, a beautiful domed pavilion tucked in the trees — quiet, intimate, and a perfect midway stop before reaching the Jefferson Memorial. Ending the session at Jefferson allowed for grand architectural portraits within the columns and softer, romantic images along the Tidal Basin.
When choosing your own DC engagement session route, consider whether you want one primary location (Lincoln or Jefferson) or prefer a longer walk between monuments to create variety and a full storytelling arc.
When Is the Best Time of Day for Engagement Photos in DC?
The short answer: sunrise.
The early morning light in DC is soft, glowy, and flattering — and perhaps most importantly, the monuments are quiet. By beginning Aurora and Foster’s session before dawn, we had the Reflecting Pool nearly to ourselves. The pre-sunrise moments allowed us to create a few motion blur images as the city woke up, capturing movement and anticipation before the first warm rays hit the marble.
Yes, sunrise sounds early — but trust me when I say it’s absolutely worth it. By 9 a.m., the first tour groups and school field trips start arriving, and those beautiful empty stairs quickly fill with people. Once that happens, even the most skilled Photoshop work can’t restore that peaceful, cinematic atmosphere. It’s one of the main reasons I recommend sunrise sessions every time.
Do You Need a Permit for a DC Engagement Session?
Until recently, permits were required for all professional photography at the National Mall and monuments. However, as of spring 2025, the National Park Service no longer requires permits for small-scale sessions like engagements or family portraits.
That said, this update does not apply to the Capitol Building or Supreme Court areas, which remain under the jurisdiction of the Capitol Police.
I stay up to date on where and when permits are required — and if one is ever needed for your session, I’m happy to handle the process for you. All you have to do is ask.
What to Wear for Your DC Monument Engagement Session
Your outfit sets the tone for your portraits — and in DC’s formal, architectural spaces, elevated styling always photographs best.
Aurora wore a fitted white dress with embroidered flowers and a dramatic crisscross back detail that balanced bridal elegance with DC sophistication. While her gown didn’t have movement, that back detail brought instant visual interest. Engagement sessions are a perfect opportunity to play with unique details — think architectural silhouettes, large bows, textured fabrics, or playful trends that stand out beautifully against the timeless marble.
Foster’s tailored suit was equally timeless. A classic look like this always pairs beautifully with the city’s clean lines and neutral stone — and a suit adds just enough formality to match the gravitas of the monuments.
If you’re planning your own session, think about:
- Outfits with distinctive details or fabric texture
- Soft or neutral tones that complement sunrise light and marble tones
- Comfortable shoes for walking between locations, with dress shoes for portraits
The monuments act as a blank canvas — giving you freedom to express personal style while still achieving that timeless, editorial balance.
How to Plan a Route Between DC Monuments
You can build your session around one primary monument, or — like Aurora and Foster — make the most of your morning by walking between several.
Their route began at the Lincoln Memorial, continued past the Reflecting Pool to the Ash Wood Memorial, and finished at the Jefferson Memorial. This sequence allowed us to capture the sunrise progression — from warm, glowing reflections to soft diffused light under Jefferson’s columns.
Each transition offered a fresh backdrop: the still water of the Tidal Basin, the canopy of trees, the grandeur of the Jefferson steps. If you’re unsure which combination to choose, I’m always happy to design a customized route based on the type of images you love, the season, and how far you’d like to walk.
Should You Include Creative or Motion Blur Shots?
Motion blur has become a popular trend in engagement photography — but my goal is to use it thoughtfully, as a storytelling technique that still feels timeless years from now.
One of my favorite moments from Aurora and Foster’s session was when they passed each other with their arms just brushing, their figures blurred while the monuments stood sharply in focus. The result felt cinematic and wistful — filled with that sense of longing and connection that defines their relationship.
We created these frames during that soft, in-between light just before sunrise — a transition that lends itself perfectly to this kind of artistry. When used intentionally, motion blur adds emotion and depth to your images, enhancing the story rather than distracting from it.
Who Is a Good DC Engagement Photographer?
If you’ve found this post while searching for the best DC engagement photographer, welcome — you’re in the right place.
I’m Christine Baumgarten, the owner and lead photographer of Silver Orchard Creative. I’ve spent more than 11 years photographing couples across the DMV, and Washington, DC will always have my heart. I grew up here, and over the years, I’ve photographed dozens of engagement sessions along the National Mall — from the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial and everywhere in between.
Because I know the area so well — the light, the crowds, the seasonal nuances — I can guide couples through exactly how to plan a seamless, beautiful session. Whether you’re local or planning a destination engagement in DC, I’ll help you create images that feel cinematic, effortless, and true to you.
How Much Does a DC Engagement Session Cost?
As of 2025, my individual engagement sessions are priced at $850, which includes planning guidance, styling consultation, and full access to your online gallery.
However, for couples who have booked me as their wedding photographer, your engagement session is already included in every wedding collection — always has been, and always will be. I consider it an essential part of the experience. Engagement sessions help us get comfortable working together long before your wedding day, ensuring your portraits feel natural and connected.
Making the Most of Your DC Engagement Session
DC’s monuments are some of the most photogenic locations in the world. With a little planning — early start times, thoughtful styling, and a well-chosen route — your engagement session can feel both timeless and deeply personal.
From the Reflecting Pool’s morning stillness to the sweeping columns of Jefferson, every backdrop tells part of your story. And when you work with me, I’ll guide you through every detail — from permits and timing to styling and location flow — so you can simply enjoy being together as the city wakes up around you.
About the Author
Christine Baumgarten is a wedding photographer and the owner of Silver Orchard Creative. Based in Maryland, she specializes in weddings, engagements and families. With over a decade of experience, Christine is known for blending fine art styling with natural storytelling to create timeless images for couples across the DC and Northern Virginia area, Greater East Coast and beyond.
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