Tips for Engagement Photos at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC
Here are tips for planning an engagement photos at the Lincoln Memorial!
Time of Day: The best time to take engagement photos at the Lincoln Memorial is early morning! This is when the lighting is best and the crowds are usually smaller. The earlier you can go the better!
Use the surroundings: The Lincoln Memorial offers a stunning backdrop for your photos, so make sure to use it to your advantage. We can get photos with lot’s of options in the immediate area!
Hire a professional photographer: Consider hiring a professional photographer who is experienced in taking photos at the Lincoln Memorial. They will know the best angles, lighting, and poses to make your photos look stunning.
Dress comfortably: It's important to dress comfortably for your photoshoot, especially if you plan to take photos. Bring comfortable shoes if you plan to walk around the monument.
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. 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!
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Washington DC Surprise Proposal at Night
A winter surprise proposal at Georgetown Waterfront in Washington, DC! Georgetown warfront makes a great spot for a late night surprise proposal as you can get the skyline of Rosslyn in the background at night! Scroll below to view more photos from the surprise proposal moment:
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. 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!
Philadelphia Rocky Steps Surprise Proposal
The Rocky Steps is a nickname given to the set of stairs in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The nickname comes from the famous scene in the movie "Rocky" where the titular character, played by Sylvester Stallone, runs up the stairs as part of his training.
The iconic stairs consist of 72 steps and are a popular tourist attraction, particularly for fans of the "Rocky" movies. Visitors can run up the stairs like Rocky, take photos at the top, and visit the nearby Rocky statue, which was originally created for "Rocky III" and now stands at the bottom of the stairs.
In addition to their pop culture significance, the stairs and the surrounding area are also significant from a historical and cultural perspective. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the country and houses an extensive collection of art from around the world. The area around the museum is also home to a number of other notable attractions, including the Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum, and Fairmount Park.
With the city view and its location, this spot is a great option for a surprise proposal in Philadelphia! Here is a list of other popular locations for a surprise proposal in Philly.
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Philadelphia 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 3 days. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. 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 Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a beautiful city with plenty of romantic and picturesque spots to propose to your significant other. Here are some great Philadelphia surprise proposal locations:
Rittenhouse Square: This is a beautiful public park in the heart of Philadelphia. The park features a fountain, lush greenery, and city views. it's a perfect spot to pop the question.
Addison Street is a lovely cobblestone street in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia, and it could make for a great proposal location as well. The street is lined with beautiful 19th-century townhouses and is a charming and picturesque spot that is perfect for a romantic proposal.
Philadelphia Museum of Art: The iconic "Rocky Steps" leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a popular spot for proposals. The steps offer a breathtaking view of the city and make for a memorable backdrop for your special moment.
Penn's Landing: This waterfront location is perfect for a proposal. Take a walk along the riverfront and pop the question with the Ben Franklin Bridge in the background.
Boathouse Row: This picturesque row of boathouses along the Schuylkill River is a serene and romantic location for a proposal. With stunning views of the water and the city skyline, it's an ideal place to capture the moment.
Love Park: As its name suggests, Love Park is a popular spot for couples. With its famous LOVE statue, it's a quintessential Philadelphia proposal location.
Fairmount Park: This expansive park offers plenty of quiet and secluded spots to propose, including the Japanese Tea Garden, the Horticulture Center, and the Fairmount Water Works.
The Philadelphia Zoo: The Philadelphia Zoo offers a unique proposal location, with opportunities to pop the question in front of your partner's favorite animal exhibit or in a peaceful garden setting.
Spruce Street Harbor Park: This seasonal waterfront park provides a fun and lively atmosphere. Propose near the colorful hammocks or under the colorful LED lights strung overhead.
Magic Gardens: The Magic Gardens is an outdoor art installation made of mosaics and is a unique proposal location. Propose in the enchanting courtyard, surrounded by the vibrant artwork.
Longwood Gardens: This world-renowned botanical garden offers a variety of stunning locations for a proposal, including the Italian Water Garden and the Conservatory.
Philadelphia City Hall: This historic building provides a grand and picturesque backdrop for a proposal. Propose on the steps of the building or in the courtyard.
Cira Green: This elevated park provides a unique and beautiful view of Philadelphia's skyline. Propose with the cityscape in the background.
Independence National Historical Park: Propose in this historic park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where you can learn about the nation's founding and create your own new beginning.
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Philadelphia 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 3 days. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. 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!
5 tips for planning a surprise proposal
Here are 5 tips for planning a surprise proposal!
Consider the location. Choose a location that is special and meaningful to both of you. It could be a place you first met, had your first date, or a place that holds sentimental value.
Plan for any contingencies. Think about potential problems that could arise and come up with a plan to address them. For example, if you're proposing outdoors and it starts raining, have a backup plan in place.
Keep it a surprise. This is a crucial aspect of a surprise proposal, so be sure to keep it a secret. Don't tell anyone, not even close friends or family, until after the proposal has taken place.
Practice what you'll say. While it's okay to be nervous, it's important to have a clear idea of what you want to say during the proposal. Practice what you'll say in advance so that you're prepared when the time comes.
Make it personal. A surprise proposal is a special moment that is all about the two of you, so be sure to personalize the experience as much as possible. Consider incorporating elements of your relationship or things that are meaningful to both of you.
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. 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!
Philadelphia Addison Street Surprise Proposal
Addison Street is a small residential street located in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a one-way street that runs for two blocks from S 20th Street to S 22nd Street, and it is intersected by Spruce Street and Locust Street. The street is lined with historic row houses, many of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it is known for its charming, tree-lined character. It is within walking distance of Rittenhouse Square Park, a popular gathering place in the city. The trees stay strewn in white lights all year long. Addison Street makes for a cute location for a surprise proposal in Philly! Checkout some photos from this recent surprise proposal:
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Philly 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 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!
Your Guide to Engagement Photos at The Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
Each year in Washington DC The National Cherry Blossom Festival at The Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial! 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. Many couples choose the Cherry Blossoms as the perfect time to plan their surprise proposal or engagement photos!
Here are some tips for planning your photos at the cherry blossoms:
1) Plan Ahead: photographers book up for cherry blossom photos FAST! Book your photographer at least 1-2 months out to secure a spot. If you wait until the last moment the photographer you want may be fully booked. Photographers only book a limited number of sessions.
2) Peak Bloom: Aim for scheduling photos around the peak bloom! On average, DC's cherry blossoms reach peak bloom around late-March into early April, but the exact timing varies year to year depending on the local temperatures in the leadup to the bloom. Here is a website to track peak bloom predictions!
3) The Most ideal Time! Plan to go at sunrise and on a weekday for the least amount of tourist. Anytime after sunrise can be extremely busy: especially during peak bloom and a weekend! Go at sunrise!
For professional photography on the Memorials property in DC there is a photography permit that you are suppose to get from NPS! The permit is a $90 application fee + $50 permit fee: $140 total.
Some shots along the pathways around the Tidal Basin! The Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial are ideal locations for Cherry Blossoms!
The Lincoln Memorial is a great spot to propose with a view of The Washington Monument! After the proposal you can walk nearby for Cherry Blossom photos!
Client Reviews
“Jon shot a surprise engagement for us at cherry blossoms up in DC. His efforts were outstanding. Throughout the process (3 months) we kept in contact with him always responding quickly. Jon arrived extremely early the day of the engagement which was good because we got there early as well. Jon knew exactly where he wanted to take pictures but also asked us several times if we had any requests. He sent us a few pictures the same day and we got the full album in less than a week. I highly recommend him.”
Learn more about planning engagement photos at he Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Alexandria Ben Brenman Park Surprise Proposal
Photographed this surprise proposal at Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria, Virginia! The sunset time made for some beatiful light for photos. If you’re considering planning your surprise proposal in Alexandria there are many park options to choose from like Ben Brenman Park! Scroll below to view more of the surprise proposal and engagement photos!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. 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 Georgetown Surprise Proposal Photos
A winter surprise proposal at Georgetown Waterfront in Washington, DC! Scroll below to view more photos from the surprise proposal moment:
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. 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!
6 steps to consider when planning a surprise proposal:
6 steps to consider when planning a surprise proposal:
Determine your partner's preferences and style. Consider their favorite activities, locations, and things, and try to incorporate them into the proposal.
Choose a location that is meaningful or special to both of you. It could be a place where you had your first date, a place you've always wanted to visit together, or a spot that holds sentimental value.
Plan the logistics of the proposal. Consider the timing, transportation, and any other details that need to be arranged. Make sure to keep the proposal a secret from your partner.
Practice what you will say. It can be helpful to have a general idea of what you want to say, but it's also okay to be spontaneous and let the words come from the heart in the moment.
Don't forget the ring! Make sure you have the ring with you and that it fits your partner's finger.
Relax and enjoy the moment. The most important thing is to be present and authentic. Let your love and commitment shine through.
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. 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 City Center Holiday Surprise Proposal
City Center in Washington DC is a great option for a surprise proposal plan in December if you’re looking for a location with holiday decor! City Center has a he Christmas tree, lights around trees, and other holiday decor like the giant bulb in the photos below! If you’re planning a surprise proposal around the holidays in DC: consider City Center as an option for your plans!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. 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 Blagden Alley Surprise Proposal
On the way to dinner in Blagden Alley, this surprise proposal occurred! Blagden Alley is a unqiue location in DC for a surprise proposal or engagement photos! There are a few bars and restaurants in the alley schedule dinner or plans for! Checkout a few photos from this surprise proposal at Blagden Alley in Washington, DC:
“I booked Jon for a surprise proposal last month in DC, and I could not be happier with how things went. He was great to work with and let me bounce ideas off him until I landed on what (in my opinion) turned out to be the perfect spot. And he was easy to communicate with as we navigated DC traffic during rush hour--and with a summit blocking streets near the planned spot--that had us running late. I highly recommend!” - Matt
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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!
Where to propose during the Winter in Washington, DC
The holiday season is an extremely popular time to plan a sunrise proposal in Washington, DC! December is the busiest month of the entire year for surprise proposal photography bookings. Here is a list of popular locations in DC that have holiday decor and work great for a winter proposal! If you’re planning to propose in DC during the winter months, get in touch to learn more! The Jon Fleming Photography teams has photographed over 650+ surprise engagements as of 2022!
City Center DC: This location has a large Christmas Tree along with other various lights and decor! City Center DC is surrounded by lots of shopping and restaurants as well! If you are looking for Christmas decor consider this option!
Ice Skating Rinks: Consider planning your surprise proposal around a fun winter activity like ice skating! Washington, DC has a few ice skating rinks including: The National Gallery of Any Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour Ice Rink, and The Wharf. View the websites for hours and tickets! Below is a surprise proposal from the ice skating rink at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden:
Christmas Tree outside the Willard Hotel: The Willard Hotel is just a short walk from the White House and the National Mall. It’s Christmas Tree and Wreath outside tend to be less busy compared to the other Christmas Tree’s that draw more tourist like the National Christmas Tree and Capitol Christmas Tree:
National Christmas Tree: The National Christmas Tree is directly in front of the White House and has views of the White House and the Washington Monument right off of the National Mall!
Capitol Christmas Tree: For an iconic view of the US Capitol and it’s Christmas Tree!
A hotel: stay warm inside and have some privacy by proposing inside your hotel room! This surprise proposal was at the Ritz Carlton in Georgetown in one of their suites!
Enchant at Nationals Park: Enchant is a ticketed light display every year at National Park in Navy Yard. The attraction features a maze of lights and an ice skating rink!
National Harbor: National Harbor just outside of DC in Maryland has some holiday decor and it’s Ferris wheel that lights up at night! National Harbor is a quick 20 minute drive outside of Washington, DC!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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. Highlight images delivered within 24 hours. 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 Secret Surprise Proposal at The Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is always one of the most popular locations in Washington DC for a surprise proposal due to its iconic DC view! The Jon Fleming Photography team has photographed over 700+ surprise proposals as of 2022 and around 100 at the Lincoln Memorial! We’ve mastered getting the shot at the Lincoln and are happy to provide you with tips for getting shots like these below:
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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!
Philadelphia Penn's Landing Surprise Proposal
Penn’s Landing was the perfect spot for this surprise proposal in Philadelphia both for it’s view of the water and Ben Franklin Bridge and for the privacy of the area! This area was not overly busy during the proposal moment allowing for a more intimate proposal. After the proposal the newly engaged couple got some portraits along the water with views of the water and Philly! Scroll below to view more from this Philadelphia surprise proposal:
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Philly 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 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!
Jefferson Memorial Surprise Proposal
Washington, DC has many great monument and memorial locations to plan your engagement photos or a surprise proposal! This surprise proposal was inside the Jefferson Memorial and in between the columns! After the proposal moment, the couple got additional photos around the monument and in front of the Tidal Basin! The Jefferson Memorial is also a popular spot when the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom in the surrounding area around March/April every year! Consider going early in the morning to avoid the peak tourist times!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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!
Richmond Maymont Surprise Proposal
One of the best locations in Richmond for planning a surprise proposal or engagement photos is Maymont! Maymont is a 100-acre Victorian estate and public park in Richmond, Virginia! There are lot’s of great locations around the park for photos and spots to plan your proposal. Maymont is open 10am-7pm, and 10am-5pm during the winter months! The park is free with a $5 suggested donation. Parking is easy at the parking lot outside the park!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Richmond, Virginia 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!
New York City Central Park Surprise Proposal
Central Park is the perfect location to plan a surprise proposal in New York City, especially during the fall! If you’re looking for fall color during a trip to NYC: consider many of the beatiful locations in Central Park! Some of the top surprise proposal locations at Central Park include: Bow Bridge, Gapstow Bridge, Dene Summerhouse, Bethesda Fountain Terrace, or Belvedere Castle Terrace
If you are looking for other location ideas for your surprise proposal in NYC, check out this blog post!
Get in touch to learn more about surprise proposal photography in New York City. We also offer photographers in Washington, DC, Philly, Baltimore, and Richmond!
Learn more about hiring a surprise proposal photographer in New York City 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 3 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Richmond Libby Hill Park Surprise Proposal
Libby Hill Park in Richmond, Virginia at sunrise made a great location for this surprise proposal with a view! From Libby Hill Park you have great views of the James River, Downtown Richmond, and the Church Hill neighborhood. Libby Hill Park is easy to get to with plenty of street parking! Scroll below to view more from this surprise proposal!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington, DC or Richmond, Virginia 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!
Theodore Roosevelt Island Washington DC Surprise Proposal
Roosevelt Island is a great park area between DC and Virginia perfect for a surprise proposal or engagement photos! This surprise proposal on Roosevelt Island was near the statue of Roosevelt on one of the two bridges! After the proposal we did portraits on the bridge and on the pathways. This spot also looks great during the fall when the leaves turn!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington. 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!