A Historic DC Wedding Venue for Intimate Garden Portraits
If you’re planning a wedding in Washington, DC and considering portraits at a historic DC wedding venue, Tudor Place offers a balance of romance, architecture, and privacy that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere. As a wedding photographer, I guide my couples through timeline planning, permitting, and light considerations so their portraits feel effortless — even on the warmest spring afternoons.
There are some wedding days that feel loud and exuberant. And then there are days like Stephanie and Philip’s — quiet, deeply intentional, and almost reverent in their joy. When they looked at one another throughout the afternoon, the phrase repeated itself softly between them: Can you believe this day actually came?
Though their ceremony took place at Washington Hebrew Congregation, their vision for wedding portraits centered around something softer. They wanted romance. Garden paths. Shade and stillness. A setting that felt timeless without feeling overwhelming. And so we chose Tudor Place — a historic DC wedding venue tucked into Georgetown’s layered gardens and architectural charm — for their wedding portraits.
An Intimate Ceremony at Washington Hebrew Congregation
Stephanie and Philip were married in the small chapel at Washington Hebrew Congregation on Macomb Street NW. With roughly forty guests in attendance, the ceremony felt deeply personal — not grand in scale, but rich in meaning.
Stephanie wore a gown that seemed almost designed for what would come later in the gardens. The dress was soft and romantic, embroidered with delicate florals, and finished with a structured horsehair hem that gave the silhouette subtle definition. The sleeves tied at the shoulders, trailing ribbons down her arms in a way that felt effortless and feminine. It was garden-inspired, but refined — perfectly balanced between softness and structure.
After the ceremony, with no bridal party to coordinate, we slipped away quietly for portraits. Just the two of them, one bridesmaid assisting with Stephanie’s dress, and me.
Wedding Portraits at Tudor Place
Early May in Washington, DC can surprise you with heat, and this day was no exception. The gardens at Tudor Place offered exactly what we needed — layered shade, textured greenery, and a sense of seclusion despite being in the heart of Georgetown.
We began along the main garden path, where the symmetry and gentle incline create a natural sense of grandeur. The architecture of the historic estate in the distance paired beautifully with the structured hem of Stephanie’s gown. There’s something about that central path — formal but not stiff — that frames a couple in a way that feels cinematic without trying too hard.
From there, we moved into the Boxwood Circle, where the intimacy of the space allowed for quieter portraits. The hedges soften the world around you. Sound feels muted. It’s one of my favorite locations for couples who want that tucked-away feeling while still being within a historic DC wedding venue.
As the afternoon heat intensified, we followed the garden path into the wooded areas. The shade created a reprieve — physically and emotionally. It gave Stephanie and Philip space to slow down. To breathe. To take in the fact that they had just been married.
We paused briefly to cool down, adjusted timelines thoughtfully, and then ended our portraits on the South Lawn, where the openness contrasts beautifully with the enclosed garden paths. That final stretch gave us light, air, and a sense of completion.
What I love about Tudor Place for wedding portraits is its versatility. Within a single visit, you can create both grand architectural imagery and soft, romantic garden portraits — without ever leaving the property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Portraits at Tudor Place
Can you take wedding portraits at Tudor Place even if your ceremony is elsewhere?
Yes. Tudor Place allows portrait sessions with a reserved photography permit. It’s an excellent option for couples hosting ceremonies at nearby churches, synagogues, or hotels who want garden portraits at a historic DC wedding venue.
Do you need a photography permit?
Yes. Photography permits are required and currently priced at $200 per hour, plus a refundable $100 security deposit. I handle all permitting logistics for my couples — it’s a seamless part of the planning process, with the cost simply passed through.
When is the best time for portraits?
For wedding days, timing is built around your ceremony and reception schedule. For family or portrait sessions, I typically recommend the earliest morning option available to avoid crowds and maximize soft light.
An Intimate Reception at L’Ardente
That evening, Stephanie and Philip hosted their reception at L’Ardente on Massachusetts Avenue NW. The private back room was layered in red velvet, gold accents, and moody lighting — a dramatic contrast to the softness of the garden portraits earlier in the day.
Dinner was served family-style. There was no DJ, no formal dancing, no pressure for spectacle. Just conversation, shared plates of Italian food, and the relaxed energy of guests who felt fully present.
It was intimate. Modern. Unrushed.
A Wedding That Felt Earned
There was a quiet gratitude threaded throughout the day. Stephanie and Philip are at a season of life where marriage doesn’t feel rushed — it feels chosen. Intentional. Long-awaited.
Their decision to carve out time for portraits at Tudor Place wasn’t about aesthetics alone. It was about creating space in the day to pause and absorb what had just happened.
And in the stillness of those gardens — under shaded trees and along historic paths — they did exactly that.
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, Maryland, Greater East Coast and beyond.
You May Also Like
The Hay-Adams Wedding Venue: A Celebration in the Heart of Washington, DC
Does it matter if my photographer has worked at my venue before?
