Photos as timeless as your love
Virginia Wedding Photographer
Solveig & Alex’s DC engagement session at the National Gallery of Art was one of those sessions that just set my heart ablaze with creativity. If you’re looking for a photo location that works in any weather condition, feels elegant and elevated, and gives you the perfect excuse for a little date night after your session, look no further than this gem of a spot. Plus, the museum is absolutely gorgeous at every turn, as you’ll see throughout this gallery!
Solveig & Alex’s DC Art Museum Engagement Photos
I still find it surreal that part of my job is literally wandering through the halls of the most iconic museum in the country, taking photos of sweet humans in love. Solveig and Alex were such a joy to work with from the start, with a vision of creative, elegant engagement photos in the middle of an art museum. After all, what could be more beautiful to surround yourselves with than the work of some of history’s most famous artists?
This is a great example of why it can be so fun to find an unconventional location for your engagement photos. Yes, local parks and scenic viewpoints are amazing in their own right, but feel free to think outside of the box a bit! Places like art museums, local bars/restaurants, quirky cafes, ice cream parlors, downtown areas, or even plant shops can offer a chance to get creative, and do something a little different with your photos.
FAQ’s About Taking Engagement Photos at the National Gallery of Art
As the National Gallery of Art is an incredibly popular location to take photos in DC, I wanted to briefly answer a few FAQ’s about what your engagement session might look like here. This way, you know exactly what to expect and how to properly prepare for the most amazing session possible.
Do you need a permit to take photos inside the National Gallery of Art?
Surprisingly, no photography permit is required to take engagement photos inside the National Gallery of Art! This location is completely free to photograph at, making it super easy to visit and experience without a complex permitting process. Admission to the museum is free, as well, so there are no associated costs whatsoever.
While a permit isn’t needed to photograph at the National Gallery of Art, there are a couple important rules we’ll need to follow once we’re inside:
- Flash photography isn’t allowed, so make sure your phone flash is off if you’re snapping any photos.
- Bags need to be worn on one shoulder in order to protect the art. If you’d like to check your bag (and/or coat) to avoid worrying about this, you can do so for free at any museum entrance.
Where are the best locations for engagement photos at the National Gallery of Art?
Honestly, it’s difficult to answer this one. Every room of the museum has something to offer, with various paintings, wall colors, furniture, lighting, etc. There’s so much to see, including grand staircases and a dreamy indoor garden with the most vibrant greenery!
In my experience, the second floor is ideal for photos if you’re strapped for time. The first floor can be a nice addition if you have the time, but the top floor is where you’ll find the most beautiful portraits and paintings.
When is the best time to schedule engagement photos at the National Gallery of Art?
The National Gallery of Art is open daily from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., but the earlier you arrive, the better to beat the crowds. I typically begin sessions right when the museum opens at 10 a.m. to ensure the most privacy possible.
3 Tips for Planning Your Engagement Session at the National Gallery of Art
Before you go, make sure you read through these 3 tips that will make planning your engagement session at the National Gallery of Art a breeze.
1. Plan the paintings/galleries you want to see beforehand
Remember what I said about the museum having so much to offer, that it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few spots? This is why I highly recommend planning what paintings/sections you most want to highlight in your gallery ahead of time. Trust me, this place is HUGE and it’s impossible to hit everything in an hour, as much as I wish we could. There are plenty of maps and guides on the museum’s website that you can look through before your session, to pick out where you’d like to go—including this big map of the entire museum.
If you’d like additional time to stroll through these enchanting halls, consider upgrading to my Deluxe Session for an extra 30 minutes of coverage.
2. Elevate your photos with formal attire
Formal outfits—such as long gowns and suits—work really well at this location, with its elegant architecture and exquisite art galleries. I am in love with the luxurious satin dress that Solveig wore; it really gave off the most subtle bridal look, and went perfectly with Alex’s deep blue suit.
3. Turn it into date night
Don’t let the fun stop after your session! This is a great opportunity to really immerse yourself in the picturesque sites around DC, especially if you’ve driven a ways to get here. Spend some time checking out the other museums and historic landmarks, the National Mall, the streets of Georgetown… it is such a lovely area to explore. Another pro of starting your session right when the museum opens—you’ll have more time to enjoy yourselves afterward!
Washington DC Engagement Photographer
What an honor to capture Solveig & Alex’s love in the romantic halls of the National Gallery of Art—I will truly never get over how wonderful these two are, and how magical this location is. I just photographed their summer wedding at Belmont Manor in Maryland, so stay tuned for more of this beautiful couple coming soon!
As a Washington DC engagement photographer, sessions like this fuel me creatively in a way that I will always be so grateful for. Reach out now to book your own, and together we’ll find the perfect spot in this iconic city to tell your story.
Looking for more gorgeous Washington DC engagement session inspiration to save to your Pinterest board? You’ll love these two:
