DC really has almost anything you could ask for. I’m guessing that most couples choose Washington, D.C. for their honeymoon because it’s a must-do in a lifetime! Whether you decide to spend a few days in the Nation’s Capital or a full week, you will find plenty of activities to schedule.
Due to its rich history, cultural attractions, romantic backdrops, culinary diversity, vibrant arts scene, and the availability of honeymoon-ready accommodations, the city offers beautiful natural surroundings, charming historic neighborhoods, and convenient access, making it a versatile and appealing honeymoon destination. If you’d like to book a mini-session during your honeymoon, please reach out to me on my contact page.
When to plan your trip
The best times to visit Washington, D.C. are spring and fall. Spring offers the famous cherry blossom season and pleasant weather, but be aware of the crowds. The cherry blossom season is wildly popular, so plan your visit well in advance. While I do think it’s worth seeing the Tidal Basin, famous for its Japanese cherry trees, my personal favorite is the National Arboretum. (Check my blog post 7 Best Locations for DC Cherry Blossom Photos).
Fall provides comfortable temperatures, beautiful fall foliage, and fewer tourists, for sure. It’s actually the favorite season for DC couples to get married in the DMV area! Just like the cherry blossoms, the National Arboretum is the place to be to see all the most beautiful colors in DC. The best option is to drive to Maryland or Virginia in the countryside, and you’ll be amazed by the colors. Georgetown is also gorgeous in October.
Where to stay
I have to say that D.C. has some of the most luxurious hotels on the East Coast. Mixing history and contemporary design, here are the top 10 hotels you can find in Washington. Most of them host weddings all year round.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.: This iconic luxury hotel in the heart of the city offers top-notch service and elegant accommodations.
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The Hay-Adams: Located near the White House, The Hay-Adams is a historic boutique hotel with stunning views of the city and if you lucky, directly of the White House. This hotel is also known for its cocktail bar, Off The Record, a must-do if you stay there (or not).
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The Watergate Hotel: Famous for its history, the Watergate Hotel offers chic and modern rooms with beautiful Potomac River views. Its location is pretty nice, between the neighborhood of Georgetown and the Downtown area.
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Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.: A five-star hotel known for its impeccable service and luxurious amenities, perfect for a honeymoon. It’s one of the top luxury hotels in the area (meaning, one of the most expensive) but it’s well worth it if you can afford it!
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The Willard InterContinental: This historic hotel is known for its classic elegance and its prime location near the White House. Inside the hotel, we can find a famous tea salon. If you want truly classic luxury, this hotel is the one for you.
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The St. Regis Washington, D.C.: Enjoy the upscale accommodations and personalized service that the St. Regis brand is famous for.
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The Line Hotel: A trendy and contemporary hotel with a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great choice for young couples who want to stay in the heart of Adams Morgan. It’s one of my favorite hotels in DC and their restaurants are a good addition to their location. Their rooftop offers an amazing view of the city. If you decide to go out, there are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance. I have worked there many times as a wedding photographer and love capturing weddings at this hotel.
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The Mandarin Oriental: Located on the waterfront, this hotel provides a peaceful retreat with a spa and scenic views. It’s one of the most luxurious hotels in the capital. If you’re coming during the cherry blossom season, this is a great location to wander by the tidal basin. You can also walk to the Warf where you have so many great restaurants and bars by the water.
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The Jefferson, Washington, D.C.: A luxurious boutique hotel known for its sophistication and unique historical charm. This is also a great place to stay and book a spa day. The room service is amazing and their restaurant, The Greenhouse, is beautiful.
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The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection: This historic hotel offers elegant rooms and a central location in downtown D.C.
Things to do
Here’s the thing: you have plenty to do within the city limits, but Maryland and Virginia are also great gateways for a day trip (such as Alexandria, Annapolis, or Harpers Ferry). It’s hard to make a well-rounded list, but here are 10 essential visits for a first trip to D.C.
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Explore the Monuments and Memorials: Take a moonlit stroll around the iconic monuments and memorials, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The illuminated monuments create a magical atmosphere. Don’t forget to check out the Jefferson Memorial. It’s a bit further, but its statue is also very impressive. You also get to see the National Mall from another perspective.
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Romantic Dinners: Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the city’s upscale restaurants. Many offer exquisite cuisine and stunning views of the city. There are plenty of great restaurants, and as a true foodie myself, you can check out my list of favorite restaurants: 18 restaurants for foodies.
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Georgetown Waterfront: Walk hand in hand along the picturesque Georgetown Waterfront, enjoy some shopping, or take a scenic boat ride along the Potomac River.
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Kennedy Center: go see a show at the Kennedy Center. From ballet to operas, to comedy shows and musicals, you will have a lot of different options. Don’t forget to check out their rooftop as well with a glass of champagne!
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Art and Museums: Explore world-class art and history museums, such as the National Gallery of Art (my personal favorite) or the Air and Space Museum (my husband’s favorite). They provide both cultural enrichment and a perfect backdrop for a romantic day.
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Romantic Cruise: Take a romantic sunset cruise along the Potomac River. Many operators offer dinner cruises with breathtaking views of the city.
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Day Trip to Old Town Alexandria: Spend a day in Old Town Alexandria, a charming historic district with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and waterfront dining. It’s really easy to get there with the metro. Check out the Masonic Temple and go all the way to the top to have an amazing view of Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.
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National Arboretum: I love to visit the U.S. National Arboretum for a peaceful and scenic escape. It’s a lovely place for a leisurely walk or a quiet picnic. Don’t forget to check out the Bonsai Museum; it’s definitely unique!
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The Eleanor: It’s a restaurant/bar built around an adult arcade, kind of like a Dave & Busters, but smaller and more low-key. They’ve got duckpin bowling and a fantastic selection of beer (if that’s your thing). Find this gem in the NoMa neighborhood!
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The Arlington Cemetery: I would also recommend you take time to see The Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. It is a ritual of the highest honor and an incredibly moving experience.
Honeymoon Photography session
Your honeymoon is a special and unique time in your life. It’s a period of happiness and love that you’ll want to remember forever. A mini-session with a professional photographer like myself (Hi, I’m Natasha!) allows you to capture these precious moments in a beautiful and meaningful way. It’s a wonderful way to keep loved ones connected to these special moments!
A mini-session typically includes a mix of candid and posed shots. Candid shots capture genuine moments and emotions, while posed shots allow you to create more artistic and carefully composed images.
