Want a wedding venue that tells the world that the Nation’s Capital is a part of your love story? There are plenty of options, but nothing says DC like the National Mall. And though most of it is off-limits for weddings, there are three spots where the National Park Service allows weddings. Near the Jefferson Memorial, in front of the George Mason Memorial and inside the DC War Memorial. The last one is a particularly popular location, especially for small weddings. It is the only place that allows you to get married in one of the monuments that make the city so famous. That was part of the draw for Rhi and John. They wanted a venue with beauty and history, as well as one that was the right fit for their minimony. So a National Mall wedding in the DC War Memorial was perfect for them.
Rhi and John’s DC Meaningful Minimony on the National Mall
As beautiful and historic as the DC War Memorial is, the venue wasn’t what made Rhi and John’s wedding special. The most gorgeous location in the Nation’s Capital means nothing by itself. An unforgettable wedding needs to be a reflection of the couple themselves. Their personalities, their relationship and most importantly, their love. It also needs to bring their closest family and friends into the celebration in a meaningful way.
From the moment it started, Rhi and John’s National Mall minimony was everything that makes a wedding special. Their love for each other was obvious in every look and touch they exchanged. Because of the intimacy of the event, their family and friends were part of every moment of the day. From spending some quality time with the couple before the ceremony to giving heartfelt toasts during the party later in the day, the guests were an integral part of Rhi and John’s wedding.
Intimate Wedding Ceremony at the DC War Memorial
As we mentioned above, Rhi and John’s day started on the National Mall. They and their guests convened at the DC War Memorial and did some work to get the space ready for the ceremony. The atmosphere was lively, upbeat and fun. We got some great photos of the couples and their guests chatting and cracking one another up. The highlight, though, was a hilarious picture of one guest “pruning” the bride’s bouquet with his teeth.
There were a lot of sweet moments as well. The bride and groom kept finding each other in the crowd. They would whisper to each other, hold hands and exchange loving glances. Those little bits of romance set the mood for the ceremony under the DC War Memorial’s dome.
Rhi and John’s National Mall wedding ceremony was the perfect mix of funny and touching. John’s best friend officiated and entertained the small group with stories about the couple. He also left many wiping away tears when he talked about what made Rhi and John such a perfect fit for each other.
As an aside, that monument is one of the best places in the Nation’s Capital for midday weddings. The lighting inside is perfect at that time of day. Because it is a rotunda, it usually blocks the sun and leaves the space inside in the shade. At the same time, there is plenty of light, thanks to the open sides. And it’s very flattering light, because the marble surfaces do a great job of reflecting it all around.
Creative Wedding Portraits in the Smithsonian Gardens
At the conclusion of the ceremony, we took a few family formals under the DC War Memorial dome. (Again, the lighting there is perfect!) Then it was time for the newlyweds’ couples portraits. We started with the few easy shots that we usually use to get folks warmed up. Then we went for something more innovative. We laid down on the floor of the monument and created an image of its columns and dome soaring above the couple.
After a few romantic shots of the newlyweds cuddling in one of the wooded areas near the National Mall, we hopped in an Uber and headed to one of our favorite spots for wedding portraits in DC. The gardens around the Smithsonian Castle have everything you need for unforgettable pictures. The Enid A. Haupt and Mary Livingston Ripley Gardens are colorful – filled with gorgeous flowers and shrubs. They also offer awesome creative possibilities. (The Moongate Garden, in particular, is a really cool spot for unique wedding portraits.) And best of all? The Smithsonian Gardens are free and require no permits!
We started Rhi and John’s couples portraits in the Moongate Garden. We had them pose in one of the moongates and then took a variety of innovative pictures. Wide-angle shots that captured the entire garden. Closer shots of the couple cuddling. Reflections of Rhi and John in the pool at the center of the Moongate Garden. So many different creative wedding portraits!
We went on to take pictures of the couple all over the rest of the Smithsonian Gardens. Though we always found ways to add a little creativity, the photos had more of a sweet and romantic vibe. We always want our portraits to capture who our couples are. And Rhi and John were absolutely sweet and romantic!
Post-Ceremony Backyard BBQ Wedding “Reception” in NE DC
After a short break, the entire wedding reconvened at an AirBnB in Northeast Washington DC. To keep the lowkey, intimate feel of their marriage celebration, the couple decided not to do a big reception. Instead, they invited their guests to a small backyard barbecue. In our opinion, it was the perfect choice! Rhi and John were a couple who valued quality time with those closest to them. And a casual hangout was the ideal way to get that.
It was also great for pictures of really fun moments. We got pictures of the couple laughing and popping celebratory champagne. We captured images of guests playing games in the yard. And most importantly, we took pictures of everyone just being happy to be there to support Rhi and John.
A big thank-you to a really special couple! It meant so much to us to be part of your National Mall and DC War Memorial wedding!
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