Fall in Washington, DC, holds a special place in my heart when it comes to engagement photos. The rich autumn colors, crisp air, and cozy vibes make it the perfect season for capturing love. Whether you’re strolling through the National Arboretum or surrounded by vibrant leaves at Rock Creek Park, the city offers so many incredible locations to embrace the magic of fall for your engagement session.
Let’s explore some of the best spots to bring your autumn love story to life! But first…
By Natasha Lamalle Photography
Why Choose Fall For Your Engagement Session?
Fall in Washington, DC, is seriously one of the best times for an engagement session. The leaves turn gorgeous shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating the perfect backdrop for cozy, romantic photos. Plus, the cooler weather makes it way more comfortable to be outside, so you can relax and just enjoy the moment. And let’s not forget about that dreamy golden light fall brings—it makes every shot look soft and magical. If you’re after a season that’s colorful, cozy, and full of natural beauty, fall is the perfect pick for your engagement session.
By Natasha Lamalle Photography
Fall Locations in Washington DC
Here are a dozen of locations that I believe are great to schedule an engagement session. If you are not sure on how to pick one, maybe check my blog post on “How Do I Choose An Engagement Location?“.
Tidal Basin
By Natasha Lamalle Photography
The Tidal Basin is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, but it’s equally stunning in the fall. The area is surrounded by trees that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, providing a picturesque setting. The reflections on the water add an extra layer of beauty to your photos.
The National Arboretum
By Natasha Lamalle Photography
The National Arboretum is a hidden gem in DC, offering a variety of landscapes and foliage. The Capitol Columns and the Azalea Collection are particularly beautiful in the fall. With its expansive grounds and diverse plant life, it provides numerous photo opportunities.
Georgetown
By Natasha Lamalle Photography
Georgetown’s historic charm is amplified in the fall. The cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and waterfront views create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The C&O Canal and the gardens around the area provide lovely fall colors and textures for your photos.
Rock Creek Park
By Natasha Lamalle Photography
Rock Creek Park is a vast urban park that transforms into a fall wonderland. The trails, bridges, and streams are surrounded by trees in full autumn bloom. The park offers both wooded and open areas, giving you a variety of backdrops for your engagement session.
Meridian Hill Park
By Natasha Lamalle Photography
Meridian Hill Park is known for its cascading fountains and landscaped terraces. In the fall, the park’s trees and plants display a stunning array of colors. The park’s classical architecture, including statues and urns, adds a timeless quality to your photos.
The National Mall
By Natasha Lamalle Photography
The National Mall, with its iconic monuments and memorials, provides a striking backdrop for fall photos. The Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, and the Washington Monument are surrounded by trees that change color, creating a unique mix of nature and history.
The Capitol
By Natasha Lamalle Photography
The U.S. Capitol offer beautifully landscaped gardens and historic architecture. In the fall, the trees around the Capitol turn brilliant shades of red and gold. This location combines the grandeur of the Capitol with the natural beauty of the season.
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a serene location with water lilies, lotus flowers, and marshland. While it’s most known for its summer blooms, the fall season brings a different kind of beauty with changing leaves and tranquil waters, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting.
Constitution Gardens
Located near the National Mall, Constitution Gardens features a lovely pond and tree-lined pathways. The fall foliage reflects beautifully off the water, creating a serene and picturesque backdrop for engagement photos.
The Yards Park
By Natasha Lamalle Photography
The Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood offers a modern, urban setting with beautiful river views. In the fall, the park’s landscaped gardens and tree-lined walkways turn brilliant colors, creating a striking contrast with the contemporary surroundings.
National Cathedral Gardens
By Natasha Lamalle Photography
The gardens surrounding the Washington National Cathedral are meticulously maintained and offer a peaceful and beautiful setting. In the fall, the gardens are adorned with colorful foliage, and the cathedral’s Gothic architecture adds an impressive element to your photos.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Theodore Roosevelt Island is a hidden oasis on the Potomac River. The island features trails, wooded areas, and views of the river, all of which are stunning in the fall. The natural, undisturbed beauty of the island makes it a perfect location for a serene and intimate engagement session.
Washington DC offers a plethora of stunning locations for a fall engagement session. Whether you prefer the historic charm of Georgetown, the natural beauty of Rock Creek Park, or the iconic views of the National Mall, there’s a perfect spot for every couple. Take advantage of the rich colors and crisp air to capture beautiful memories of this special time in your life. If you need an engagement photographer, you can get more info about my sessions here.
