Photoshoot Locations in DC for an Elegant Session

As a Washington DC Family Photographer, I know some of the best photoshoot locations in DC for an elegant session. These are some of my favorite locations I have come across over the years.

Washington, DC is known for its marble monuments, providing so much class and refinement for session locations. I love the DC monuments but today I am going to focus on locations that are more garden and European-inspired. Some of these locations are located in downtown DC, and some are in the surrounding Maryland or Northern Virginia suburbs.

The wonderful thing about these photoshoot locations in DC and the surrounding areas is that there are locations for every season. Some of these locations work for spring, summer, fall, and winter! That not only makes these photoshoot locations convenient, but it also provides variety in imagery.

1. Brookside Gardens | Silver Spring, MD

Brookside Gardens is a beautiful photoshoot location for so many reasons. Located just outside DC in the Maryland suburbs, it truly has something to offer in all seasons. You can see a spring cherry blossom session here and a wisteria session here.

From the cherry blossoms to the tulips to the wisteria to the golden light dancing across the pond – Brookside is a lovely location to choose. My favorite time to photograph at Brookside Gardens is in the morning when the light is softest and we have the gardens all to ourselves. It is such a peaceful place. It does get crowded as the day goes on, so morning sessions are often best (and for little ones!).

Brookside Gardens is truly a wonderful location any time of year. I find a new little vignette every time I photograph there. I promise you that you will love your photoshoot at Brookside! They do require a small permit fee, but I find that it is worth it.

2. Tudor Place | Photoshoot Locations in DC

Tudor Place is so dreamy. Located in the heart of Georgetown, Tudor Place sits on five acres in the city. It’s hard to believe you’re still in the city! I get total European vibes every time I’m there.

What I love about Tudor Place is that you have the entire gardens to yourself when you get a permit. Their permit fee is a bit hefty, but it is worth the beauty and peace you will find on the property. It provides complete freedom to roam the beautiful gardens and soak in all the beauty Tudor Place has to offer.

Tudor Place offers a variety of gardens, and their website even includes what’s blooming in every season. You can totally plan your session around the current blooms!

You would never know it was in the middle of the city! Set at a federal-style mansion accompanied by English gardens, you have everything you need for an elegant session.

3. The Great Marsh Estate | Bealeton, VA

The Great Marsh Estate is a Georgian mansion in Northern Virginia outside of DC. Beautiful at any time of the year, The Great Marsh Estate provides a gorgeous backdrop to any session.

The estate is also gifted with gorgeous light. From Roman columns to a grand staircase, The Great Marsh Estate will certainly elevate your session. Like the locations above, it requires a permit. However, you do have the property to yourself so you can have a serene photo session. I adore having the property to ourselves because we have complete access without wait, and we can move at a comfortable pace (this is especially helpful with little ones!).

4. Salubria | Stevensburg, Northern VA

Salubria is another Georgian-style manor (catching a theme?). It is one of the only indoor locations I recommend for a photoshoot location in the DC area. Best for maternity or motherhood sessions, Salubria feels like an old-world manor straight out of a fairytale.

It is a simple location that provides a clean slate (an old-world clean slate, that is). Although the manor photographs beautifully as is, you can certainly add some florals to elevate your session.

I felt like I was in a European chateau during my time there. The walls are a French blue with tall, majestic windows. The ample light and French blue interiors accent my photography style so well.

The outside is also available to photograph. Although simple, it can add some greenery to your session. There’s even a tree swing!

I highly recommend Salubria as one of the best photoshoot locations outside of DC. You can view a whimsical maternity session at Salubria here.

5. Bishop’s Garden | Washington, D.C.

Bishop’s Garden provides a stunning backdrop for your maternity or family session. What I love about Bishop’s Garden is that we not only catch some beautiful blooms, the location also has some elegant architecture that adds interest to your photos.

This DC location is actually a part of the National Cathedral. Parking is easy – either in the parking garage or right outside the gardens when school is not in session.

There is a wide open field with some blooms during spring through fall, a formal garden with roses and lavender, and some exquisite arches and doorways that will certainly catch your eye.

Bishop’s Garden does require a permit, but this location does not disappoint!

I hope this post on the best photoshoot locations in DC and the surrounding areas was helpful for you! You surely can’t go wrong with any of the beautiful locations above. Whether your session is in spring or winter, one of these locations will add elegance to your session.

Interested in the best Maryland Photoshoot Locations? Check out my post here!

If you would love to have your session at one of these DC photoshoot locations, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule your session!

Marie Elizabeth Photography | DC & Northern VA Family & Newborn Photographer

Marie Elizabeth Photography specializes in fine art Maternity, Newborn, and Family Photography based out of Washington, D.C. She also serves the areas of Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Falls Church, Vienna, Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, College Park, and Riverdale Park. 

It is always an honor to serve as your Washington, DC and Northern Virginia Fine Art Family Photographer. I provide a custom, luxurious experience to lead you every step of the way, beginning with a planning guide to make you feel confident and prepared, a consultation to achieve your portrait goals, a client wardrobe, hair and make-up artists, and finally, artwork to adorn your walls and preserve your memories forever. Let me be a part of your story today.