After photographing over 1,000+ surprise proposals over the past 12 years in DC at dozens of locations, we have complied a list of the best places to propose in Washington, DC! Whether you or local to DC or are visiting for a weekend trip, there are many great options: memorials, monuments, art galleries, parks, waterfront locations, and rooftop locations.

Top Surprise Proposal Locations in Washington DC

The Kennedy Center Rooftop Terrace

The Kennedy Center has a rooftop terrace with amazing views of DC! From one side you can see the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, from another side you can get a view of the Potomac River and Georgetown! There are a lot of great locations around the Kennedy Center for photos as well including the reach, indoors, and the ground level facing the water!

Constitution Gardens

This spot is located between The Washington Monument and The Lincoln Memorial on part of The Mall. It’s a small piece of land surrounded by a pond that is accessible by a small wooden bridge. It makes a great proposal location for a perfect unobtrusive view of The Washington Monument in the background. The location is very private and normally has few tourist in the area as many of the tourist spend time at the nearby memorials. This makes for the perfect location that includes the view of the monuments without the large crowds of tourist. This spot also commonly has ducks and lots of greenery surrounding. Click to view a Constitution Gardens Proposal!

Enid Haupt Gardens

The Enid A. Haupt is on the Mall in DC next to the Smithsonian Castle. The Parterre, the centerpiece of the Haupt Garden, is a carefully manicured garden with a changing palette of colors, shapes, and textures. This is a great garden location in DC within walking distance to the National Mall and all the museums.

Tidal Basin / Jefferson Memorial

In front of the Jefferson Memorial you’ll get a great view of The Tidal Basin and Washington Monument! During cherry blossom season this spot is popular for cherry blossom trees as well! Considering proposing during peak bloom of the blossoms for some colorful photos!

Bartholdi Fountain

The Bartholdi Fountain and gardens are apart of the Botanical Gardens and have a great view of the U.S. Capitol in the background! It’s the perfect mix of iconic DC views with flowers and greenery.

The Reflecting Pool

The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument are a great backdrop for a classic DC proposal. If you propose off to one side instead of directly in the center you can also get a view of The Capitol in the distance! The Lincoln Memorial in front of The Reflecting Pool used to be the most popular location for a surprise proposal in DC, however it is currently under renovations!

Georgetown Waterfront

Georgetown is a popular waterfront area with many restaurants and shops! Many options nearby for a nice dinner or cocktail hour after the engagement! Good during any time of the year including winter where the lamppost nearby have festive wreaths and lights. You can view this Georgetown surprise proposal on the waterfront!

Navy Yard / Yards Park

Navy Yard and Yards Park have a lot of great waterfront locations, as well as the bridge at Yards Park! Consider a walk along the waterfront on your way to dinner for a waterfront surprise proposal!

Meridian Hill Park

For a park location consider Meridian Hill Park! A park is a great option for a surprise proposal. You can make plans around a picnic or a walk with your dog!

Bishop Gardens

The Bishop Gardens is on the ground of the National Cathedral and makes for a greast surprise proposal location with greenery and flowers. Consider proposing here at sunset when the light is beautiful!

The Wharf

Similar to Georgetown, The Wharf is another great Waterfront spot with a small dock that goes out into the water and many restaurants nearby. During the winter there is also an ice skating rink which might be another proposal idea! Plan to propose on the water and then go out to a nice dinner within walking distance!

The Capitol Building

For a different view of The Washington Monument considering a surprise proposal on the grounds of The US Capitol Building! If you’re a local and live near Capitol Hill it’s a great spot to take your dog on a walk or if you’re a tourist the grounds of the Capitol or nearby botanical gardens might be a great place to visit!

Library of Congress

A historical location located near the Capitol and The Supreme Court buildings. Be sure to go early right after they open to avoid tourist and crowds of people. There is some great natural light that comes in matched with a beautiful backdrop. Consider this for a great indoor option during the winter or as a plan in case of rain.

The SPanish Steps

The Spanish Steps in Washington, DC is a great location for a surprise proposal that tends to be pretty private! The Spanish Steps are in the Kalorama neighborhood of Washington, D.C., located on 22nd Street NW, connecting Decatur Place NW and S Street NW

View from the Netherlands CARILLON

At the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington, VA there is an amazing view of DC with the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Capitol Building all in the same shot! There is a grassy field that has this iconic view and it tends to not be very busy

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is a great indoor proposal location. The Kogod Courtyard is the best spot in the gallery with its indoor trees and natural light that comes from the roof. An indoor location is a good idea for the winter time or as a backup location in case of rain! The Gallery does close at 5pm.

Roosevelt Island

A great spot for a more private proposal surrounded by scenery especially during the fall! Here are some Roosevelt Island surprise proposals to view! The best way to get there is to drive and park in the lot right near the bridge to the island!

National Arboretum

The highlight of the National Arboretum is the old Capitol Columns! Located in Northeast Washington, DC, with entrances on New York Avenue and R Street. They are open from 8am-5pm. The Arboretum has a photography permit required.

Hillwood Estate

Hillwood Estate is another beatiful garden location in DC! Hillwood Estate has a photography permit required that starts at $300 for 1 hour.

LOOKING FOR A SURPRISE PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN DC?

Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com

The Jon Fleming Photography team has photographed over 1,000 surprise proposals over the past 10 years in Washington, DC, Richmond, Baltimore, Philly, NYC and surrounding areas! Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in less then a week. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!