Elopement in Washington DC
Imagine having your elopement in iconic Washington DC. Eloping has become a popular choice for couples wanting an intimate and special way to celebrate their love. If you’re thinking about eloping, Washington DC offers a fantastic backdrop with its rich history and beautiful settings. Schedule your free call with me today to see how I can help you plan (and of course photograph) your perfect day.
Getting Your Marriage License
First things first, you’ll need a marriage license from Washington, D.C. Here’s what you need to do:
- Residency: You don’t have to live in D.C. to get married there.
- Application: Both of you need to apply in person at the Marriage Bureau of the D.C. Superior Court. You can start the process online but finish it in person.
- ID: Bring valid ID like a driver’s license or passport.
- Cost: As of now, the license costs $45.
Once you have your license, it’s valid right away and stays valid for 6 months, giving you plenty of time to plan your elopement.
Where to Have Your Washington DC Ceremony
D.C. has many beautiful spots where you can say your vows. Here are a few great choices if you’re looking for inspiration.
- Washington National Cathedral
- The Library of Congress
- Meridian Hill Park
- At a Hotel, like The Line DC
- At an Art Gallery, like The Phillips Collection
- At Your Favorite Restaurant
Enjoying Your Elopement in Washington DC
Eloping in D.C. lets you focus on what matters most—celebrating your love in a way that’s meaningful to you. After your ceremony, explore the city’s neighborhoods, enjoy a romantic dinner, or visit some of the famous sights. Washington, D.C. offers endless possibilities for making your elopement day unforgettable.
Working with me allows you to truly enjoy your elopement. My recent elopement client’s said it best in their review:
“YES. Highly recommend Alex and all her greatness. My partner and I really got to enjoy our day without falling into the pressures and stresses of the “photoshoot”. It really was Alex that made us feel comfortable and enjoy the moment, especially in front of the camera. Alex was accommodating to our non-traditional day and we even got to include our pups for a part of our session! Our gallery came back very quickly and we LOVE the photos. The pictures are equally timeless and stylish, definitely not something that will go out of style in five years. My partner and I will have a hard time choosing which photos to print!”
Uber Everywhere
If you dream of having your portraits done at multiple iconic locations on your Elopement day – Uber is a great option. Unless roads are closed for an event, I have always been able to get an Uber within 2-5 minutes of calling for one. If you have a change of clothes or special items to keep, but don’t want to carry, another great option would be to hire a personal driver for the day. This way, you could leave your items in their car between locations.
What to Bring to your Washington DC Elopement
This really depends! Most couples tend to keep things pretty simple. This looks like bringing only a few details (like jewelry, rings, vow books, marriage license). If you want florals (like a bouquet or a boutonniere) consider renting or purchasing faux florals, as some of the DC indoor locations don’t allow real florals.
Self Officiate your Elopement
Self-officiating your ceremony can be a deeply personal and empowering choice, allowing you to craft a ceremony that truly reflects your relationship and values. Whether you choose this path for its simplicity, legal flexibility, or to infuse your ceremony with a unique touch, self-officiating offers a profound opportunity to create a wedding day that is authentically yours.
Washington DC – A City of Rich History and Romance
Eloping in Washington, DC gives you a mix of history, charm, and romance in one of the world’s most iconic cities. With an easy process for getting your marriage license and plenty of stunning locations to choose from, DC is the perfect place for an intimate celebration of your love. Whether you prefer grand monuments or quiet gardens, DC promises a beautiful start to your new chapter together.
I’d love for you to stay connected! Be sure to follow along on social media. Here are a few more blog posts for you to check out:
By the way, if you’re ready to get the planning process started for you and your partner, I’d love to hear from you! Please reach out using the inquiry form on my website.
