National Harbor Ferris Wheel Surprise Proposal
Andrew planned to propose to his girlfriend at The National Harbor with a view of the Ferris wheel where he asked her out three years prior! The perfect time for a proposal or engagement photos with the Ferris wheel if right after sunset during the “blue hour”. During this time, the sun is set, but there is still a little light left in the sky. This is the ideal time to capture the lights illuminated on the Ferris wheel but also still have enough light in the sky to photograph without flash. Especially during a surprise proposal flash can be distracting.
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in DC or at The National Harbor by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
3 reasons why you should hire a surprise proposal photographer
Your proposal is the beginning of your new a chapter in your lives together. You deserve to have a professional photograph this important moment. Here are 3 reasons why:
Lasting Memories: A surprise proposal is a quick moment but a memory that can be relived forever through photographs. This intimate moment can be shared with family and friends while also showing off that perfect ring.
Many Uses: Surprise proposal photos are a great way to announce your engagement on social media! When wedding planning, photos can be used for your save the dates, wedding invitations, or incorporated with DIY decor. Some couples use engagement photos in their guestbook.
Experience: A professional photographer who is experienced in photographing surprise proposals will have tips and advice on how to get the best photo possible! In Washington D.C, a professional photographer will know the best spots at the memorials, tips, timing, and tourist-free locations. With a professional, you have peace of mind that the moment will be photographed perfectly!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in DC using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
Lincoln Memorial Sunrise Surprise Proposal
The Lincoln Memorial is a popular option for a surprise proposal in DC, and for good reason! The view from in between the columns is breath taking!
Sunrise is the best time for photography and a proposal at The Lincoln! Here are 3 reasons why:
1) Less Tourist: At sunrise you’ll find the least amount of tourist! Getting a photo without tourist in it can be challenging on an afternoon during a popular weekend in the summer when tourist season is the highest!
2) Avoid the heat: Specifically during the summer months, you can avoid the heat of the afternoon by proposing in the morning when then temperature could be 20 degrees cooler!
3) Best Light: The light is most ideal during the early morning time as the sun rises to the left behind the Washington Monument!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal at The Lincoln Memorial by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
Washington DC Surprise Proposal at The Capitol
Ken proposed to his girlfriend in front of The US Capitol with a perfect view of the National Mall and Washington Monument! This is a great spot for a DC proposal that is not as busy with tourist as other spots such as the Lincoln Memorial. When photographing a proposal, I love to photograph a wide shot to showcase the location as well as some close up shots to photograph the reaction and emotions!
The Capitol is one of my favorites spots for a view of The Washington Monument for proposal and engagement photos. Here are my favorite locations!
After the proposal we walked around the grounds to photograph some more portraits!
After some photos around the Capitol, I stayed to photographed some reactions as Ken and Claire Facetimed their family to share the news! This is a great way to end your photography session to get some exciting reaction photos!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
RdV Vineyards Surprise Proposal in Delaplane, Virginia
Sharing this surprise proposal I photographed at RdV Vineyards in Delaplane, Virginia! RdV is ab out 60 miles outside of DC, one of the many great Virginia wineries! Walking up the hill of the winery was the perfect view of the property for this proposal! After the proposal we walked around the grounds and in between the vines for additional portraits. Consider celebrating with a bottle of wine after the proposal and supporting the winery. Glasses of wine also make a great prop for photos!
View more winery surpirse proposals:
Greenhill Winery Surprise Proposal
Three Fox Vineyards Surprise Proposal
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC or at one of the many local wineries in Virginia by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
Washington, DC Rainy Day Surprise Proposal
A surprise proposal can happen rain or shine! I photographed this proposal in Georgetown, DC during some light rain. In case of rain there are a few things you can consider:
Changing the location: to avoid the rain consider changing to an indoor or a location. Here are my recommendations.
Change the date: if you’re flexible on the date, I’m flexible as well! We can check the weather near your surprise proposal date and adjust if needed to avoid rain.
Propose in the rain: If there is light rain you can still propose! Bring and umbrella to keep you covered!
Get in touch to learn more about planning a proposal in DC!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC or at one of the many local wineries in Virginia by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
Three Fox Vineyards Surprise Proposal in Virginia
A winery in Virginia is always a great option for a surprise proposal! There are dozens of wineries, so you have many options! Three Fox Vineyards is a 50 acre winery just outside of Washington DC in Delaplane, Virginia. The winery has plenty of outdoor space as well as an indoor tasting room. For this surprise proposal, Tyler proposed to his girlfriend right in front of the vines. After the proposal moment we walked around the grounds for additional photos. A perk of proposing at a winery: you can celebrating right away with a nice bottle of wine a use it as a prop for photos!
View more winery surpirse proposals:
Greenhill Winery Surprise Proposal
RdV Vineyards Surprise Proposal
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC or at one of the many local wineries in Virginia by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
Washington, DC Surprise Proposal Ideas
Over the past few years, we have photographed over 200 surprise proposals in Washington, DC and the surrounding areas! We offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
Here’s what is included:
Location planning and advice on how to get the best surprise proposal photos
Stumble upon a romantic setup prepared for you ahead of time
Photography of the proposal
Immediate session afterwards
Highlight photos delivered within 24 hours to immediately share on social media and with friends and family
Full gallery of edited images delivered within 7 days
You will look like a hero for pulling off the perfect romantic surprise proposal that is unique to you!
Washington, DC has dozens of perfect locations to plan a surprise proposal! Here are some popular spots:
Below are two proposal setup ideas: one at Constitution Gardens on the National Mall and Georgetown Waterfront!
The first set up at the Georgetown Waterfront, includes LED candles to set the mood for a sunset proposal. Stumble upon this surprise as you walk through the area and celebrate with dinner at Sequoia, Fiola Mare, or Farmers Fishers Bakers!
This second setup is at Constitution Gardens, a great spot on the National Mall with a view of the Washington Monument but without the tourist. This area is usually more secluded and provides a more intimate proposal!
For surprise proposal after sunset, we have marquee letters!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Oronoco Bay Park Alexandria Waterfront Surprise Proposal
Using a long weekend dog walk is a great way to hide your surprise proposal plans! It’s always a great option to include the surprise proposal with an actively you and your partner normally do as a couple. Gus took his girlfriend and their dog Dobby down to the Alexandria Waterfront to propose at Oroncao Bay Park! Using pins on Google maps and coordinating before the moment we were able to pick the perfect spot with a great view of the water and away from others at the park. Check out the maps below involved in our planning! With each client I go in to detail about the specific proposal location and the best options. After photographing over 200 proposals, I have experience photographing at most of the popular locations in DC, Maryland, Virginia! Here is a video on How to propose at Oronoco Bay Park!
Alexandria has a lot of great waterfront parks to propose, here are some links to more surprise proposals:
Interested in proposing in at Oronoco Bay Park in Alexandria or another location in the Washington DC metro area?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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!
Surprise Proposal at The Lincoln Memorial
During a trip to Philadelphia, Zach made a pit stop with his girlfriend in DC at The Lincoln Memorial and proposed in between the columns! The view from between columns is the perfect shot to photograph the view of The Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, and Capitol Building in the background! After the propose we walked around the back of the memorial and up to the reflecting pool for additional portraits. For surprise proposals I always make sure to photograph some canid photos of the couple and close of photos of the ring. By delivering a few highlights within 24 hours to my clients, there are able to post on social media to share in the excitement with their friends and family! Scroll down to view more from this Lincoln Memorial surprise proposal:
Interested in proposing at The Lincoln Memorial or other locations in the Washington DC metro area?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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!
Alexandria Waterfront Surprise Proposal
I photographed this surprise proposal at a distance at Rivergate City Park along the Alexandria Waterfront! With some detailed planning I coordinated the exact spot for the proposal with the best background to setup for the magical moment! Cole proposed to his girlfriend on an early morning walk. Morning is a great time for a proposal as it’s ideal for light and you can avoid lots of people out. During the summer morning is also ideal to avoid the heat!
When photographing a surprise proposal I love to capture the full moment including everything that followers such as any reactions (hugs, tears) and the ring being place upon the finger for the first time! Within 24 hours I sent the couples images so they can share with friends and family right away!
Interested in proposing in Alexandria or another location in the Washington DC metro area?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
10 best places to propose in Washington DC
After photographing surprise proposals at dozens of locations, I have complied a list of the best places to propose in Washington DC! Weather you live in DC or are visiting for a weekend trip, there are many great options from Memorials, to parks, to waterfront views. if you are interested in planning a proposal at one of these or any other location in DC don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Here are the 10 best places to propose in Washington DC
1) Lincoln Memorial
In between the columns of The Lincoln Memorial with a view of the Washington Monument is one of the most iconic DC shots and very commonly requested! The shot is perfect with the lineup for the Lincoln, Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, and Capitol! Here are some more images of a Lincoln Memorial Surprise Proposal.
2) The Capitol Building
For a different angle of 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!
3) 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! The monument itself also makes for a great backdrop, however it’s currently undergoing renovations.
4) 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. Considering The Library of Congress as a location for your proposal!
5) 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!
6) 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.
7) 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!
8) 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!
9) 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!
10) The Wharf Waterfront
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!
Interested in proposing at one of these 10 locations or another location in Washington DC?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
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!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
Washington DC Surprise Proposal Planning
Ready to plan your surprise proposal? After photographing over 200 surprise proposals the past few years in DC, i’ve gathered a list of tips and thoughts to consider when planning! For more detailed information and to schedule a call to chat about your surprise proposal please get in touch!
Here are some tips and ideas for planning your surprise proposal in Washington DC!
Select a special location to propose:
Considering choosing a location that has meaning to you as a couple: perhaps the place you first met, location of your first kiss, or a place you frequent often. This could be a restaurant, a park area, a coffee shop you go to often etc.
A destination surprise proposal is always fun. Perhaps there is a place you’ve always wanted to visit as a couple. During a weekend trip might be the perfect opportunity to propose and make a memorable trip. Washington DC is a popular location for a weekend trip and a proposal at the monuments would be a great option!
Based on time of you are may consider different options. During the winter perhaps an indoor location, an ice skating rink, or a festive location might be a fun idea! During the spring perhaps a garden or park with blooms might be beautiful. In DC Cherry Blossoms around March & April are popular!
Selecting a Date:
The date of your anniversary for your relationship, a birthday or any date that has personal meaning is a great option!
Weekend dates are most popular to pair with plans for after the proposal. Keep in mind that weekends book up quickly with photographers so it’s recommended to plan ahead!
Be flexible on date - consider having a backup date if you want to avoid bad weather.
Create your Game-plan:
Book a surprise proposal photographer or proposal planner who has worked with many proposals before to offering planning and advice.
Decide how you are going to ask the question and other details. Are you going to include flowers or music? Are you going to invite any family to be there to celebrate and witness? Do you have plans for dinner or celebrating afterwards?
Have a back up plan in case of bad weather
Need additional tips and ideas? Get in touch HERE to schedule a call and book your photography. I look forward to photographing your proposal moment!
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!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Washington DC Lincoln Memorial Surprise Marriage Proposal
The Lincoln Memorial is an iconic spot for a surprise proposal in Washington DC! It’s one of several great spots recommended for a clear view of The Washington Monument and it sets a monumental backdrop. I have photographed dozens of proposals and engagement sessions around the memorials and know this spot like the back of my hand. If you are planning at proposal in Washington DC at The Lincoln i’d be happy to walk you through the best tips for planning this moment! Scroll down below to view more from this proposal:
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!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal at The Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Washington DC Capitol Surprise Proposal
Another great spot in Washington DC to propose with the Washington Monument in the background is right in front of The Capitol Building! Walking around the grounds of The Capitol you have a great view of The Mall and Monuments.
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!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal or engagement session in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Washington DC Cherry Blossom Surprise Proposal
The Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC is a popular time to plan a surprise proposal or engagement session! Every spring Washington DC celebrates The National Cherry Blossom Festival at The Tidal Basin. The annual festival celebrates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to the city of Washington DC and honoring the friendship between The United States and Japan. Today the festival last about four weekends and attracts about 1.5 million tourist. The blossoms can be seen around The Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, and many other areas.
Sharing a surprise proposal at one of the pathways near the MLK memorial! After the proposal we photographed some more shots around the blossoms:
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. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal or engagement session at The Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Arlington National Cemetery Surprise Proposal
Sharing an emotional and very meaningful surprise proposal at Arlington National Cemetery! When choosing a proposal location - consider a spot that has personal meaning to you as a couple! After the proposal there was a second surprised that I coordinated to capture perfectly as Bella saw her mother who surprised her by showing up to witness the proposal! Scroll down to view more and check out an amazing 5 star testimonial
“I hired Jon for a surprise proposal at Arlington National Cemetery. I am so happy that I did! Jon was incredibly kind and friendly throughout the entire process, and was able to capture the genuine emotion of the moment. His photography skills are some of the best I’ve ever seen. Jon was very responsive and flexible, even when we had to change plans the night before, he was able to adjust without issue. Jon takes his work seriously and went to the site a week before to ensure he could capture the right angles/lighting. He also got the full gallery to us the very next day which we were very happy about. I was incredibly impressed with the entire experience and know that if you hire him you’ll be glad you did.”
Washington DC Roosevelt Island Surprise Proposal
Roosevelt Island is an 88.5-acre island in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. The island was given to the government by the Theodore Roosevelt Association in memory of the 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. It also makes a great spot for an intimate surprise proposal especially during the fall when the leaves are turning! Any spot in the pathways surrounded by trees makes for a great spot. Get in touch for tips on planning a surprise proposal on Roosevelt Island or other locations in Washington DC!
Looking for the best surprise proposal in Washington DC?
Surprise Proposal Photography with Jon Fleming 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. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal photography or engagement sessions in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
National Harbor Holiday Surprise Proposal - Washington DC Surprise Proposal Photographer
The National Harbor made the perfect spot for a late night holiday season surprise proposal! There is plenty of Christmas and holiday decor scattered around The National Harbor. This spot just outside The Gaylord Hotel had a sculpture of Christmas ornaments and was bright enough for some great photos! If you are planning a surprise proposal during December and looking for some festive options reach our for some recommendations!
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. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal photography or engagement sessions in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Washington DC Capitol Hill Coffee Shop Surprise Proposal
This surprise proposal in The Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington DC was right outside of the local coffee shop where Homy & Dana had their first date! During a week around Capitol Hill he stopped to propose in front of the coffee shop and I stood at the perfect angle to capture the shot! After the proposal we walked around to get some photos with the fall color and in front of The Library of Congress and Capitol Building! When choosing a surprise proposal location its a great idea to consider locations that have meaning to you as a couple! Think about your first date location, the spot of your first kiss, the spot where you said “I love you” for the first time, or perhaps a spot that you visit often such as a local park. Scroll down to view more!
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. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal photography or engagement sessions in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com