Venue Recap: DC War Memorial

After years of photographing some of the most amazing weddings in the DMV, our team has decided to look back at some of our favorite images from our favorite venues. Next up in this series is one of our favorite sites for intimate wedding ceremonies: The DC War Memorial. Paying tribute to those from Washington DC who lost their lives in service during World War I, the memorial is nestled between the Tidal Basin and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. It's a perfect spot on the National Mall to still be close to the rest of bustling DC, but secluded enough by landscaping and trees to create a private ceremony setting.

For photographers, the best part of this location is there is going to be good lighting at almost any time of day with the shade provided by the trees around the memorial and from the dome on the memorial itself. So you'll get great portraits inside the memorial as well as around the grounds, allowing for both natural backdrops as well as urban, architectural elements to be incorporated into your photos. And later in the day, the sun streams through the trees as it sets, so you'll have more dramatic lighting in your photos.

You'll need to get a permit through the National Park Service to hold your wedding ceremony at the memorial, but this is usually a painless process and will ensure the space is reserved for you on your big day.

It's also a great spot for spring engagement sessions, as long as a ceremony isn't happening, as it's a great halfway point to the Cherry Blossoms and the Lincoln Memorial.