20 surprise Proposal Location Ideas in Washington DC
I’ve photographed hundreds surprise proposals at dozens of the most popular locations, I 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 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! I look forward to helping you pull off your surprise proposal and photographing the moment!
Here are 20 surprise proposal location ideas in Washington DC:
1. Lincoln Memorial
For an iconic view of DC propose in between the columns of the Lincoln Memorial! You will get an amazing view of the Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument and Capitol!
2. Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is a great indoor proposal location to avoid the weather. It’s best to go right when they open and it’s not as busy!
3. Jefferson Memorial
From the Jefferson Memorial you can get an amazing view of The Washington Monument! This area is near the Tidal Basin and popular during the cherry blossom peak bloom in March-April!
4. Capitol Building
Propose on the grounds of the Capitol with the iconic dome in the background or with a view of the Washington Monument! During the holidays there is also a Christmas Tree on the grounds!
5. Constitution Gardens
An area that is more private but still with a great view of the Washington Monument!
6. Roosevelt Island
Go for a small hike on Roosevelt Island and propose surrounded by trees! This area looks beautiful during the fall! The park closes at sunset.
7. National Portrait Gallery
The Kogod Courtyard is a great indoor spot with natural light for photos!
8. Enid A Haupt Garden
This garden is located behind the Smithsonian Castle on the mall! After a day at the museums, propose at the gardens!
9. Union Station
The arches outside of Union Station make for a great spot for an outdoor proposal under a covered area incase of rain. During the holidays there is also a Christmas tree inside the lobby!
10. POV Lounge at The W Hotel
Propose over dinner with a view at the POV long at the W hotel!
11. The Reflecting Pool
Right in front of the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool has a clear view of the Washington Monument!
12. DC War Memorial
The DC War Memorial is one of the memorials that tends to be more private! Another great outdoor covered location!
13. The Wharf
The Wharf is a popular waterfront area for restaurants and bars in DC! During the winter there is also an ice skating rink! Propose on one of the docks at the Wharf!
14. Georgetown Waterfront
Georgetown is a popular area for dinning and shopping! Propose along the waterfront before a dinner reservation!
15. The Potomac
You can rent a boat and propose on the Potomac with a unique view of the memorials from the river!
16. A Winery in Virginia
Virginia has an endless amount of beautiful wineries! A few of my favorite wineries for surprise proposals are: Bluemont Vineyards, RDV Vineyards, and Greenhill Winery!
17. The Kennedy Center
There are a few great spots at The Kennedy Center including the rooftop terrace, the back of the Kennedy Center with a view of Georgetown, or at the REACH!
18. Bishop Gardens
The Bishop gardens is next to the National Cathedral and a perfect spot for a garden proposal during the spring/summer!
19. National Arboretum
The old Capitol columns make for a historic background at the National Arboretum! There are also plenty of garden areas!
20. Meridian Hill Park
A public park area in NW DC is perfect for a proposal during a picnic or daily walk with your dog!
Interested in proposing at one of these 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!
DC Surprise Proposal at The Wharf
The Wharf is one of the best DC waterfront locations for a surprise proposal! The end of the recreation pier is ideal for a good view of the waterfront! You can make your proposal plans along with a dinner reservation at one of the many nearby restaurants in walking distance at the Wharf! During the winter there is also an ice skating rink! If you’re planning a winter proposal, consider proposing on the rink!
Looking for other great locations to propose at in DC? Here are 15 DC surprise proposal location ideas!
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!
Where to propose in Washington DC
After photographing 600+ surprise proposals at dozens of locations, I 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 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! I look forward to helping you pull off your surprise proposal and photographing the moment!
Here are location ideas for your Surprise Proposal 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!
2. 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!
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!
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.
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!
11. The Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center has a few great locations include the REACH and the rooftop terrace of the Kennedy Center! You can get a view of Georgetown, or a view of The Lincoln as well.
12. 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!
13. 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
14. A Virginia Winery
If you are willing to venture outside of DC, Virginia has dozens of great wineries! Here are 4 wineries to propose at in Virginia! A winery like Bluemont Vineyards also offers surprise proposal packages!
15. 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!
16. Bartholdi Fountain & Gardens
The Bartholdi Fountain & Gardens has the perfect view of the Capitol with a mix of greenery and colorful plants!
Interested in proposing at one of these 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!
Surprise Proposal at The Georgetown Waterfront
Georgetown waterfront is the perfect location in DC for a waterfront location with a view! For this couple, I photographed their proposal with the view of the Key Bridge and Rosslyn skyline! I have photographed dozens of surprise proposal in Georgetown and 300+ surprise proposals at all the most popular spots in Washington DC! As part of being a proposal photographer, I am also involved in helping you plan the location such as putting a pin on a map to recommend the best spot and coordinate where we will both be positioned for the moment!
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 3 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!
Virginia Winery Surprise Proposal at RDV Vineyards
Wineries are always a great option for a surprise proposal! Virginia has dozens of options for wineries to choose from!
Here's 3 reasons to plan your surprise proposal at a winery:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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1️⃣ Make an event out of it! You can have the perfect excuse to visit a winery for a tasting or tour! This is the perfect cover story for your real plans 😉 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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2️⃣ Wineries can be more private then locations in DC! Plan to propose in between the vines or in a private space at the winery! 🍷 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3️⃣ Celebrate with a bottle of wine! After the proposal you can celebrate with a bottle of wine. This also makes for great photos. 🎉
Here is a surprise proposal at RDV Vineyards in Deleplane, Virginia:
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 Reflecting Pool Surprise Proposal
From the Reflecting Pool you can get the perfect view of The Washington Monument and Capitol Building behind you for your surprise proposal or engagement photos! For this surprise proposal my client used my Marry Me letters and decor setup to make the moment extra special! Get in touch to learn more about planning your proposal at The Reflecting Pool!
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!
Goodstone Inn Surprise Proposal in Middleburg Virginia
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
4 Best Wineries to Propose at in Virginia
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!
Bluemont Vineyards Surprise Proposal
Bluemont Vineyards in Bluemont, Virginia is about a 1 hour drive outside of Washington DC! It has the perfect view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains from the top and in between the vines! When planning a surprise proposal at Bluemont Vineyards, you can rent the row between the vines and have a private picnic complete with a picnic blanket, charcuterie board, four chocolate dipped strawberries, sparkling wine with a custom label and 2 signature wine glasses! You can visit their website to learn more about their engagement packages! For this surprise proposal I coordinate with Bluemont’s event planner to photograph the proposal at the perfect time! After the surprise engagement, the charcuterie board and four chocolate dipped strawberries were brought out and the couple celebrated with some wine!
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 Surprise Proposal Videography
In addition to photography of your proposal we also team up with a videographer to work side by side to document your proposal story in video too! Below is a video from a recent sunflower maze surprise proposal in Maryland at Goldpetal Farms! We provided both photography and video for this proposal! Get in touch to learn more about planning your surprise 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!
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!