Frequently Asked Questions for Surprise Proposal Photography in Washington DC

I love capturing surprise proposals in Washington DC! Not only do I offer photography but a lot of planning is involved as each proposal is different and exciting. If you are planning a proposal I would love to chat with you! Here are some questions I get asked about surprise proposal photography. 

Where should I propose? Think of place that has special meaning to you. Perhaps the location of your first date? Your first kiss? The first time you told each other I love you? Or somewhere that you go often that has meaning? If you are from out of town and traveling to DC perhaps you are looking to propose at one of The Memorials? Here are 5 unique locations for surprise proposals In Washington DC. Need some advice or other suggestions? Feel free to send me an email! 

What time of day should I propose? The most ideal time for photography is the few hours before sunset or a few hours after sunrise for the best light however I have captured at all times of day including at night. If you plan to go to dinner after your proposal this time also works great since you can have an excuse to dress up without having to let the surprise out early. 

How will you photograph my proposal? When photographing surprise proposals I stand back at a short distance to give you privacy for this special moment. I blend in with the crowd and my camera is normally not visible to not draw attention. Depending on each proposal location cirumstances may be differnt. In more public spaces I move around to capture as people are moving to ensure the least amount of people are in the shot. I am always keeping in mind the best angle to capture the reactions and a great background. After you propose I observe to capture more moments: hugging, kissing, smiling etc. It is always in your hands as to when you are ready to move on to do more posed photos. 

What if it rains on the date I plan to propose? If it rains you can either choose to reschedule your proposal if you'd like or choose an indoor location instead. There are some great locations in Washington DC for indoor portraits. Restaurants also work great for a surprise proposal after a nice dinner. Ask about back up options!

Georgetown Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

Captured another surprise proposal along The Georgetown Waterfront with The Key Bridge in the background! One of my favorite spots in DC for proposals. I am starting to lose track of how many proposals I have captured here! I loved capturing shots with the birds out on this session. 

Lincoln Memorial Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

The Lincoln Memorial is one of my favorite monuments and I have captured many surprise proposals here! Between the columns with a view of The Washington Monument is always an amazing shot with iconic views of Washington DC. After this proposal we walked around the front of the memorial and along the reflecting pool and captured more portrais! Congratulations to this newly engaged couple! 

Georgetown Waterfront Park Surprise Proposal

Georgetown & Georgetown Waterfront Park is one of my favorite Washington DC locations for engagement sessions & surprise proposals! I captured Spencer's surprise proposal to his girlfriend Amanda over the winter along the pathway directly next to the water. The surprise reaction was picture perfect! Holiday lights and decorations around Georgetown made for some great portrats after the proposal. I am so excited to share these images.

National Harbor Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

National Harbor is always a great location for a Surprise Proposal! The Ferris Wheel makes a great backdrop for portraits especially at night after the lights are very visible. The National Harbor also has a lot of great sculptures and statues to capture photos with. 

Georgetown Waterfront Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

I captured another surprise proposal in Washington DC along the Georgetown Waterfront! The Georgetown Waterfront Park has a great view of The Key Bridge which connects Georgetown to Rosslyn, Virginia. This is a perfect spot for a surprise proposal with minimal tourist and an amazing view. During the winter Georgetown has it's Georgetown Glow Festival which features many light exhibits scattered around the area which makes for some unique photos. We also stopped by one of my favorite bridges for more portraits. Here are some of my favorite images! I love captureing surprise proposals and the emotional reactions involved! 

5 Unique Surprise Proposal Locations in Washington DC

Looking for a unique location in Washington DC for your surprise proposal? I have captured many surprise proposals all over DC and here are 5 of my favorites! If you need help planning your surprise proposal or are looking to book a surprise proposal photographer i'd be happy to chat with you further! Just send an email by going to the contact form on my website here!

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The Newseum Rooftop Terrace - The 6th floor rooftop terrace at The Newseum in Washington DC has an amazing view of The Capitol making for a great backdrop for any photo! The museum does have an admission fee but the museum and this view it totally worth it! 

The National Zoo - The National Zoo is a fun place to propose! I loved capturing this surprise proposal in front of the African elephants exhibit! 

The National Gallery of Art  - Outside of The National Gallery of Art in DC there are some cool sculptures including the glass pyramids! During the winter the ice skating rink is also a great place to propose! 

Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia was George Washington's home built in 1735. The back of the mansion has a grassy area with a great view of The Potomac River and the mansion. 

Georgetown Waterfront - The Georgetown Waterfront overlooks The Kennedy Center and is a great spot for an afternoon walk along the water. 

Surprise Proposal at Jones Point Park in Alexandria, Virginia

Jones Point Park is one of my favorite parks in Alexandria, Virginia for surprise proposals and engagement sessions! The park is right along The Potomac River with a view of The National Harbor and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Jones Point Park is normally a quiet location with most people there just running or biking through. One of the most popular features of the park is the lighthouse that was built in 1855. It is the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia. There are many great pathways, grassy areas, and the parking lot under the bridge is perfect for portraits as well. The grounds of the park are open from 6am-10pm but the best time for photos is a few hours before sunset. Each surprise proposal and engagement session I capture at Jones Point Park is different and unique as the park changes each season. 

Jefferson Memorial Fall Surprise Proposal

I always love capturing surprise proposals at the memorials. The Jefferson Memorial is a great location to propose as it is normally not as crowded as The Lincoln Memorial. The surrounding Tidal Basin is always great for portraits and their is a perfect view of The Washington Monument! 

Downtown Washington DC Newseum Surprise Proposal

Souvik proposed to his girlfriend on his birthday during a trip to The Newseum in Washington DC on the 6th floor terrace which overlooks Pennsylvania Avenue with an amazing view of The Capitol! The Newseum is a popular museum in DC that opened in 2008. After the surprise proposal we captured some portraits in front of the museum and across the street in front of The National Gallery of Art. 

Mount Vernon Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

Mount Vernon was George Washington's mansion built in 1735 by his father near Alexandria, Virginia. The plantation is right on the edge of The Potomac River and has a lot of trails and trees making it a great location for engagement sessions or surprise proposals. I loved capturing this proposal when Robbie proposed to his girlfriend with a view of the mansion behind them! We walked around and got some greta portraits with the fall colors until we made out way out and were surprise by friends and family there to congratulate the newly engaged couple! 

Dulles Airport Surprise Proposal

I captured this unique surprise proposal at Dulles Airport after Todd arrived on an international flight to come home to his girlfriend who met him inside the airport just outside the arrivals gate! Todd was surprise with flowers from his girlfriend and he returned the surprise with a ring and a surprise visit from her dad. 

Lincoln Memorial Surprise Proposal & National Mall Engagement Session

Dan proposed to his girlfriend during a trip to Washington DC at the top of The Lincoln Memorial! My favorite part of capturing surprise proposals is capturing the reaction to the surprise! As we walked down along The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool towards The World War II Memorial they made a phone call to their close family members to announce the news and I was able to capture some more great exciting emotion! 

So many tourist in the summer!

The Inn at Little Washington Surprise Proposal

Josh proposed to his girlfriend with The Blue Ridge Mountains in the background during a weekend stay at The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia. The gardens and views made for some really awesome portraits! 

Thank you Josh for this great testimonial! 

"Working with Jon to capture my proposal was a truly great experience. Despite a late inquiry - I initially contacted him about a week before the date - Jon was extremely flexible and accommodating. There were some proposal aspects that I had not decided on with certainty and he set aside more than enough time to ensure that the moment was captured professionally and beautifully. All contractual and payment details were upfront and straightforward - no unexpected costs, no muss, no fuss. As far as the pictures go, I love what Jon produced for us. He was able to frame our photos impeccably with our surroundings - we have received countless compliments from everyone that we've shared them with. His initial estimate was that all our photos would be available after 1-2 weeks, but we received them all in a nicely-presented online album in after 2 days. Highly recommended!"

Jones Point Lighthouse Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

Recently I captured another surprise proposal at Jones Point Park in Alexandria, Virginia. This time the proposal happen in front of Jones Point Lighthouse which was built in 1855! Jones Point Park is located right next to Old Town Alexandria. The park area goes under the Capitol Beltway. 

Old Town Alexandria Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session

Old Town Alexandria is always a great place for a surprise proposal! Christian proposed to his girlfriend along the waterfront at Founders Park. On the day of the proposal it started to rain so we went to The Wilkes Street Tunnel in Old Town for more portraits. I have always wanted to shoot at this tunnel and it was finally my chance! I hope to do more sessions at Wilkes Street Tunnel soon. 

Jones Point Park Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session in Alexandria, Virginia

Jones Point Park in Alexandria, Virginia is located right under the capitol beltway bride. The park is the perfect place for a surprise proposal! The park is normally quite and private with a lot of great options for portraits. I captured this surprise moment when Brock proposed to his girlfriend after their picnic along the water. Under the bridge makes for some awesome urban portraits. 

National Harbor Ferris Wheel Surprise Proposal

I captured this surprise proposal just before sunset at The National Harbor! The National Harbor features many great restaurants, shops and the iconic ferris wheel making it a perfect location for a night out. After the proposal the sun was setting quickly and we were able to capture some awesome night portraits! 

Georgetown Waterfront Surprise Proposal Washington DC

I love capturing surprise proposals and engagement sessions in Georgetown! There is so much variety to work with. Urban areas, cool brick walls, bridges, the canal, the waterfront with views of The Key Bridge, The Kennedy Center and The Rosslyn Skyline. There are so many options for great portraits all within walking distance. Each time I capture a session in Georgetown there are always endless possibilities! 

Lincoln Memorial Surprise Proposal & Cherry Blossom Engagement Session

Nic proposed to his girlfriend surrounded my many tourist in DC for The Cherry Blossom Festival in front of The Lincoln Memorial! After waling down the steps of the monument he got on his knee and presented the ring as I was there to capture the moment! I love working with couples to plan their proposal and then capture the moment as it unfolds! After the proposal we walked near the the water by the memorial to capture some Cherry Blossom images with the iconic trees. Ending the session we captured some beautiful shots with the sunset! Congratulations!