3 Unique Surprise Proposal Ideas in Washington DC
1) Propose on a private boat with a view of the monuments!
You can rent a private boat in DC and sail on the Potomac at sunset! Online services like Boat Setter or Get my Boat make it easy to get your private boat and includes an experienced captain! Propose with the perfect view of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument! After the proposal, celebrate by popping a bottle of champagne!
2) Propose at Greenhill Winery in their private barrel room!
You can rent the private barrel room at Greenhill Winery in Middleburg, Virginia for a romantic winery surprise proposal! I can assist you with fresh flowers styled and ready before you arrive! After the proposal enjoy a private wine tasting in the room!
Make a Statement!
3) We offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special! This includes letters that spell out “Marry Me” and rose petals! This setup was at Constitution Gardens, a quiet area with the perfect view of the Washington Monument!
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!
Washington DC Private Boat Surprise Proposal
Looking for a unique surprise proposal ideas in Washington DC with a view of the memorials very few get to see? Considering renting a private boat with your own captain and sailing on the Potomac This private boat proposal had the perfect view of the Lincoln and Washington Monument without the tourist and from the comfort of the boat! You can easily rent a boat using an online service like Boat Setter or Get my Boat!
To photograph this proposal, we had a cover story that I was assisting the captain and part of the crew! After the surprise proposal we got some additional shots as the sun set! Having a bottle of champagne is always a great way to celebrate and makes for some great photo opportunities!
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!
Georgetown Waterfront Sunset Surprise Proposal
Sunset was the perfect time for this surprise proposal along the waterfront in Georgetown. The view of the Key Bridge and water made the perfect backdrop! During a walk through the waterfront park in DC Nick and his girlfriend stumbled upon this setup where he proposed! The family was hiding behind the bushes and popped out to surprise them after the proposal!
We offer pre-designed setups with “Marry Me" letters LED candles and artificial rose petals to make the moment extra special! We can also help you with fresh flowers, videography or a live violinist for your proposal!
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!
Old House Vineyards Surprise Proposal
Old House Vineyards in Culpepper, Virginia has 75 acres of vineyards and event space! The Island is used for wedding ceremonies and made the perfect romantic spot for this surprise proposal! Javier took his girlfriend out to the island during their visit to the winery and played a video clip highlighting different moments in their relationship befogging ending in the surprise proposal. I photographed the moment from across the bridge!
Proposing at a winery has many great perks! There is lots of space to work with for photos and endless locations for photos! After the proposal you can celebrate right away with a bottle of wine! Wine glasses and popping a bottle also make for great photo opportunities!
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!
Washington DC National Arboretum Surprise Proposal
The National Arboretum is in Northeast Washington, DC, with entrances on New York Avenue and R Street consisting of 446 acres of park area! One of the highlight so the grounds are the National Capitol Columns that were originally built as part of the Capitol in 1828 and remained there until 1958. In the 1980’s the old columns were moved to their permanent home at the National Arboretum where they make the perfect backdrop for a surprise proposal, engagement photos or wedding portraits! The Arboretum also has many great garden areas that are in bloom at different times of the year.
“Jon should be your pick if you want beautiful and obsession-inducing pictures of your precious moment. Jon is flexible and up to change plans in the spur of the moment, he's very responsive and very experienced.” - Jorge
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!
The Reach at The Kennedy Center Surprise Proposal
The Reach at The Kennedy Center is one of DC’s newest outdoor spaces that is popular for a weekend hangout with friends but also a great location for surprise proposals and engagement sessions! Great photo spots include, the rooftop terrace at the Kennedy Center, the back of the center with the view of the water and Georgetown, the grass/trees and photos with sculptures! This proposal had a perfect view of The Kennedy Center in the background!
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!
DC Late Night Romantic Surprise Proposal with a Violinist
We helped Hisham pull off this picture perfect surprise proposal near Constitution Gardens right after sunset! During a walk they stumbled upon this setup with light up letters that spelled out “Marry Me” candles, and rose petals! As the proposal happened a violinist approached and played a few songs!
We love helping out clients plan the perfect proposal! From photography to decor to video or music! Whatever you dream of, we are happy too help make it a reality!
“Jon is an excellent choice to fulfill your photography needs. He was very accommodating up until the very last minute. He was in constant communication with me and made last-minute changes. He did an excellent photography job too. He even helped coordinate with a violinist that I ordered. Overall, Jon is the man to trust if you want to pull off the proposal of your dreams".” - Hisham
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!
Meridian Hill Park Surprise Proposal
During an evening trip to Meridian Hill Park in Washington, DC with a picnic, James proposed to his girlfriend at once of the benches! Meridian Hill Park was the site of their first date. During their first date a photographer approached them and asked to take a photo of them. For the proposal, James wanted to recreate that moment and then propose during the photo! Congratulations! Looking for a photographer for your proposal? You deserve to have photos that feel as intimate and unique as your proposal moment!
"Amazing choice for your engagement photography! Jon was incredibly flexible as I asked for his involvement in a slightly unorthodox plan, and had several delays that he was very understanding of and even accommodated a last minute change to the day to avoid weather issues. Everything went perfectly, and my fiancée and I couldn't be happier with the pictures that Jon delivered the very next day."
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!
Washington DC Private Garden Surprise Proposal
This spot in Georgetown is the perfect garden surprise proposal location in Washington DC!
Jon Fleming Photography specializes in capturing couples love stories including surprise proposal, engagement and wedding photography! Ask about planning an engagement session at Meridian Hill Park! All Engagement Sessions include an online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images for downloading. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family! Many couples love to use their engagement images for engagement announcements, wedding invitations, and for personal use in their home or on social media!
Email to schedule your surprise proposal or engagement session - jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Surprise Proposal
Elliott proposed to his girlfriend in DC near the Lincoln Memorial with a view of the Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, and Capitol building! During a trip to D.C. they recreated the walk of one of their first dates.
Considering proposing at The Memorials?
Here are the best locations in DC for a view of The Washington Monument!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. 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!
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!