Washington DC Proposal Ideas:
Best Places for an Epic
Engagement
Washington DC is a romantic and grand place to propose. There are so many beautiful iconic places full of color and beautiful backdrops. Coming up with great Washington DC proposal ideas and planning the details may feel like a challenge… there are just so many beautiful places to choose from! But don't let all the details overwhelm you. The most important thing is that your proposal reflects you both as a couple, no matter how casual or grandeur it is.
Whether your style is uber-romantic, unique and eccentric, or private and intimate, we have some great suggestions to help you pick the perfect (and most photogenic!) proposal spot. Below we list some of our favorite marriage proposal ideas, the best places to propose in Washington DC, as well as our tips on hiring a proposal photographer to capture it all.
What’s on this page?
Meet Our Proposal Photographers in Washington DC
We capture tons of proposals, so we've collaborated with our very own Washington DC proposal photographers to curate a list of the most romantic and picturesque locations for popping the question. Take a look at the recommended spots below and book your shoot to capture the moment before the date gets booked up!
Best Places To
Propose in Washington DC
Choosing a gorgeous destination is a great way to start, so you are already on the right track! We see a lot of engagements every week and know the best places to propose in Washington DC. Check out our list below to start getting some Washington DC proposal ideas.
Places To Propose In Washington DC / 01
Library of Congress
Make your love story legendary with a proposal at the Library of Congress! With its grand architecture, historic charm, and endless shelves of stories, this iconic spot is perfect for a romance worth writing about.
Propose and Capture here!
Places To Propose In Washington DC / 02
National Mall
Ask your big question in the heart of history at the National Mall! With iconic monuments, stunning views, and a touch of D.C. magic, it’s the perfect spot for a proposal that’s as grand and unforgettable as your love!
Propose and Capture here!
Places To Propose In Washington DC / 03
Tidal Basin
Pop the question at the Tidal Basin, where romance blooms! With stunning cherry blossoms in spring, dreamy waterfront views, and iconic D.C. monuments as your backdrop, it’s the perfect spot for a picture-perfect “Yes!” moment!
Propose and Capture here!
Places To Propose In Washington DC / 04
Smithsonian Castle
Whisk your love away to a fairytale moment at the Smithsonian Castle! With its grand towers, charming gardens, and timeless elegance, this iconic landmark is the perfect backdrop for your proposal.
Propose and Capture here!
Places To Propose In Washington DC / 05
Georgetown Waterfront Park
This park sets the scene for a dreamy proposal with its stunning Potomac River views, golden sunsets, and peaceful charm. A perfect spot to ask the big question and start your forever!
Propose and Capture here!
Places To Propose In Washington DC / 06
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Set the stage for a show-stopping proposal at the Kennedy Center! With its grand architecture, dazzling performances, and stunning Potomac views, this iconic venue is the perfect place for a love story worthy of a standing ovation!
Propose and Capture here!
Places To Propose In Washington DC / 07
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Make history with a proposal at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial! With its grand architecture, sweeping city views, and timeless elegance, this iconic landmark sets the stage for a proposal as legendary as your love!
Propose and Capture here!
Our Clients' Proposal Photography Stories
Alina was an amazing photographer and helped plan our engagement shoot very well. She's professional and very nice. Highly recommend!
– Lety
Hired for Washington DC Photoshoot
Washington DC Proposal Photoshoot Packages
Timeless Souvenir
The moment and the yes!
325
USD60 Minute Photoshoot
of the big moment & post-engagement
30 Digital Photos of Your Choice
Beautifully Edited & High-Res
One-on-one Planning
Collaborate with a Local
Private Online Gallery
Active for 6 months
Storyteller
Most Popular!
425
USD90 Minute Photoshoot
of the big moment & post-engagement
45 Digital Photos of Your Choice
Beautifully Edited & High-Res
One-on-one Planning
Collaborate with a Local
Private Online Gallery
Active for 6 months
Sightseer
Get the MOST photos
545
USD2 Hour Photoshoot
of the big moment & post-engagement
60 Digital Photos of Your Choice
Beautifully Edited & High-Res
One-on-one Planning
Collaborate with a Local
Private Online Gallery
Active for 6 months
The above proposal photoshoot pricing is for Washington DC.
What's included in my photoshoot package?
Peace of Mind
Choose from vetted and highly rated personal photographers. Hassle-free booking and a travel-friendly refund policy.
Expert Photo Editing
All photography is edited for light, color, & composition to make your proposal photos gorgeous.
Local Tips
Your personal photographer also acts as an informal tour guide with all the best photography spots and local secrets for what to see, eat, & do in town.
How To Hire A Washington DC Proposal Photographer
The moment you reach for the ring, adrenaline and emotions start to kick in and you might not even remember the moment! Hiring a secret Washington DC proposal photographer for your surprise engagement will allow you to capture and relive that moment again and again.
Your marriage proposal is a story you will never tire of telling, so it definitely deserves better than selfies! Capture it with Washington DC proposal photography that you'll look back on for years to come.
How does a proposal photoshoot work?
Before choosing a photographer, we recommend having some Washington DC proposal ideas in mind first! There are two ways a proposal photoshoot usually happens:
- Hire the photographer for a “normal” photoshoot with your partner, but let the photographer in on your secret proposal plan! This is the best way to ensure the photographer captures the moment perfectly, usually at a closer distance and better positioned.
- The photographer can be waiting at the designated spot to secretly capture the moment, paparazzi-style. After the big moment, the photographer can introduce themselves and proceed to capture that post-engagement glow.
After your photo shoot is booked, you will be able to plan and coordinate with your photographer directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a photoshoot cost?
Choose between 3 different packages that range from 60 minutes up to 2 hours. All Local Lens photographers are professionals that were handpicked for quality, style, and skill. There are no separate fees for marriage proposals, but we do require a 1 hour minimum.
How do they capture it? Are they hidden?
Depends on what you want! 1. The photographer can be hidden and ready to capture the moment, paparazzi-style. Afterwards, the photographer will introduce themselves and you both can enjoy a fun engagement photoshoot to capture the post-engagement glow. You might re-create the proposal again just to make sure you get a variety of proposal moment shots. 2. Another option is to book a normal photoshoot (you can say that a family member gifted you a shoot, or ask your SO if they would would want a local tour guide that takes photos) and then during the shoot propose and just the oportune moment in your chosen spot. This method usually results in the best photos. These photos will be perfect for your official engagement announcement, wedding website, save-the-date cards, and wedding invitations!
Can the photographer get flowers, champagne, or displays?
Usually. However, this depends on the photographer’s capacity to handle these details, and those extras will always incur an extra cost that is either paid to another provider or to the photographer directly. Those extras are usually worth it! Ask your photographer if they are able to help with those details and what the extra cost would be.
Can I get all the RAW photos?
How long does it take to get the photos?
Photos are edited for light, color, and composition and delivered in high-resolution JPEG format to you by email in a private online gallery within 5 business days. Your photographer will upload more than the amount of photos included in your photo package so you can pick all your favorites to keep. If you feel there is a certain photo or pose that is missing, we’ll be happy to look into it for you!
Can I purchase more photos or prints?
Yes! From your gallery, you can opt to purchase more digital photos, prints, canvas prints and more all from your gallery. We partnered with Bay Photo, some of the best in the business for professional art quality photography prints.
Can I buy a proposal shoot for someone else?
Yes! Purchasing a gift card is an easy way. You can also make the inquiry and book the photographer and then once you are ready to pass communication off, just change the contact preferences in your Local Lens account and then the photographer will switch over to communicating to the person you select.
Is getting a photographer really worth it?
The moment comes and goes in an instant. The better you capture it, the better you will be able to look back on the memory as the years go by.
