Top Photo Locations in Washington, DC

Are you looking for the best photo locations in Washington, DC? The good news is there are many beautiful spots to choose from! As a family and couples photographer, I’ve been to many of them over the years. These locations are perfect for family photos, anniversary or engagement photos, or maternity photos!

Here’s a list of my most requested spots for photos in Washington, DC.

1. Lincoln Memorial* (sunrise only)

2. Thomas Jefferson Memorial* (sunrise only)

3. DC War Memorial* (sunrise only)

4. Georgetown (sunrise for the waterfront, early morning for residential areas)

5. Constitution Gardens* (sunrise only)

6. Yards Park (sunrise only)

7. Capitol Hill / Supreme Court (sunrise is best for the Supreme Court, sunset if you want the Capitol Building in the background)

8. National Portrait Gallery (mid-day when they are open, this is an all indoors photo location)

9. Washington National Cathedral* (sunrise, early morning, or sunset)

10. Tudor Place Historic House & Gardens* (sunrise, early morning, or sunset)

11. The DAR (sunrise or early morning)

12. National Arboretum* (early morning at 8 AM based on their permit)

Scroll down to learn more about each location!

*These locations may require a permit! I’ll walk you through the process.

Lincoln Memorial

PLEASE NOTE: THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION THROUGH 2026. FENCING AND ROPED OFF AREAS MAY PREVENT YOU FROM GETTING PHOTOS IN THE MOST POPULAR SPOTS.

The Lincoln Memorial is an iconic spot for good reason. On its own, it offers stunning marble columns and epic views of the entire monument behind you. It also boasts views of the reflecting pool with the Washington Monument in the background, and is within walking distance of two over top spots (DC War Memorial and Constitution Gardens).

This location is best at sunrise to avoid tourists and crowds. It also simply has the best light at this time (trust me, the view of the sun rising behind the Washington Monument and lighting up the reflecting pool is worth it alone). It’s also very easy to find parking this time of day, a huge bonus in the city.

A permit for still photography is required through the National Park Service for all locations on the National Mall. The permit is $50, and they require a $90 filing fee, so you’ll pay $140. It’s easy to file for it, however, and I will walk you through the process.

See more Lincoln Memorial photos here

More Lincoln Memorial photos

 

 

 

 

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

PLEASE NOTE: THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. FENCING AND ROPED OFF AREAS MAY PREVENT YOU FROM GETTING PHOTOS IN THE MOST POPULAR SPOTS.

Another iconic location, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial offers a quieter view of the city. Since it’s located on the other side of the Tidal Basin, it’s less crowded, and it has parking lots just steps away. These sessions also take place at sunrise for the same reasons I mentioned with the Lincoln – it gives us the best light, avoids tourists, and allows us to all easily secure parking.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial features stunning waterfront views of the Tidal Basin, along with the Washington Monument.

A permit for still photography is required through the National Park Service for all locations on the National Mall. The permit is $50, and they require a $90 filing fee, so you’ll pay $140. It’s easy to file for it, however, and I will walk you through the process.

See more Thomas Jefferson Memorial photos here

More Thomas Jefferson Memorial photos

 

DC War Memorial

The DC War Memorial is a hidden gem tucked in the trees near the Lincoln Memorial. It’s much quieter than the other locations, and it still gives you those iconic DC looks. It offers marble columns and plenty of greenery! Some couples and families will start their session at the Lincoln, and then take a stroll together to the DC War Memorial to capture a few more photos there.

A permit for still photography is required through the National Park Service for all locations on the National Mall. The permit is $50, and they require a $90 filing fee, so you’ll pay $140. It’s easy to file for it, however, and I will walk you through the process.

 

Georgetown

I love Georgetown for so many reasons! It’s also a little quieter than the monuments but still gives you classic DC vibes. You have the option of waterfront photos on the river, photos on the canal, or throughout the residential neighborhoods. The charming cobblestone roads, brick walls, and row houses are a beautiful backdrop for photos. The waterfront and canal locations are best right at sunrise for the most beautiful light. If you’re thinking of residential streets, early morning also works well.

See more Georgetown photos here

 

 

Constitution Gardens

The Constitution Gardens are another hidden gem in the heart of the city. Just steps from the Lincoln Memorial, this peaceful location gives you beautiful views of the Washington Monument. It also holds several willow trees and a beautiful pond. It’s particularly stunning in the fall. Due to it’s proximity to the Lincoln, you could easily add this onto a session there! You can also combine it with the DC War Memorial.

A permit for still photography is required through the National Park Service for all locations on the National Mall. The permit is $50, and they require a $90 filing fee, so you’ll pay $140. It’s easy to file for it, however, and I will walk you through the process.

See more Constitution Gardens photos here

 

Yards Park

Yards Park is often described as a scenic, riverfront location. It can be found along the Anacostia River in the Capitol Riverfront community. With beautiful water views, a boardwalk, and plenty of greenery, it’s a great blend of city and nature. I highly recommend it at sunrise so the light comes up behind the boardwalk! It’s also much less crowded at this time of day, and it’s easy to park in the adjacent parking lot.

It also has beautiful flowers in the fall, as you’ll see below!

See more photos from this Yards Park anniversary session here 

 

Capitol Hill / Supreme Court / Library of Congress

Capitol Hill is a popular location for many reasons! We can take photos with the marble columns at the Supreme Court, or near the fountains at the Library of Congress. The Capitol is just steps away, and we can capture more casual, candid photos in the nearby residential neighborhood. It offers a little bit of everything!

Like many DC locations, I recommend it at sunrise due to the crowds and the way the light rises behind the Supreme Court. However, it’s also an option at sunset if you prefer to have the Capitol Building in the background with the sun setting behind it.

See more photos from this Capitol Hill engagement session here

 

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is a wonderful option when you need indoor photos. The beautiful atrium is filled with natural light, and the garden offers a lovely touch of greenery. We can also take a few photos upstairs in one of the hallways.

 

 

Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral is the world’s sixth-largest Gothic cathedral. The grounds are impeccable, from the beautiful Bishop’s Garden to the front steps of the Cathedral itself. It’s beautiful at sunrise, in the early morning, and at sunset. The best part is the easy parking right on-site in their parking garage.

They require a $250 permit which must be requested. See those details here.

See more National Cathedral photos here

 

Tudor Place Historic House & Gardens

Tucked into the heart of Georgetown, the Tudor Place Historic House and Gardens is a magical choice for photos. Featuring 5.5 acres of land, gorgeous architecture, and plenty of blooms, it is always beautiful. I particularly love the house as a backdrop, along with the elegant columns and greenery. The light is best at all times – at sunrise / early morning, or at sunset. It’s completely private, which makes it a wonderful spot for family photos.

A permit is required – you can view the details here!

See more photos Tudor Place Historic House & Gardens here

 

The DAR

The DAR is located in the heart of Washington, DC.  Their beautiful portico features a view of the Washington Monument, along with elegant columns that offer that iconic DC look. A permit is not required for outdoor photos here, however, we have to email their team to get permission. They often hold weddings and events here, so we would need to avoid that! For this reason (and for the direction of the light), I offer these sessions in the early morning either right at sunrise or shortly after.

See more photos from this DAR family session here

 

 

U.S. National Arboretum

The grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum give you the benefit of a beautiful nature park right in the city! When you’re walking around, it often feels like you’ve left the city completely. Considering it includes 446 acres, that’s not surprising! Popular features include the National Capitol Columns. It has twenty-two Corinthian columns which were part of the US Capitol Building at one point.

The property also includes large meadows, beautiful trees, flowers, and more. It’s located in Northeast DC with entrances in New York Avenue and R Street with convenient parking.

A permit is required – you can view the details here! I recommend starting at 8 AM at this location based on the permit and the best light.

See more photos from this U.S. National Arboretum engagement session here

Looking for more photo locations? Check out the top photo locations in Northern Virginia here!

Ready to book your own session? Reach out here!