The Engagement Session Guide
A simple guide to feeling prepared, comfortable, and excited for your engagement photos.
Your engagement session is about slowing down, being present together, and creating images that feel natural and true to your relationship. This guide is here to help you feel confident going into your session, no matter where it takes place.
What an Engagement Session Is (and Isn’t)
This session isn’t about stiff poses or forcing moments. It’s about movement, connection, and documenting the season you’re in right now. I’ll guide you the entire time so you never feel awkward or unsure of what to do.
Most couples walk away saying, “That was way easier than we expected.”
Curious what this looks like in real life?
What to Wear (Keep It Simple)
• Choose outfits that feel like you
• Stick to neutral or soft tones that photograph well
• Avoid loud patterns or logos
• Comfort matters more than trends
• Movement always photographs beautifully. Choose dresses or layers that flow in the wind or when you walk.
If you’re ever unsure, I’m always happy to help you narrow things down.
Need outfit guidance? Just text me what you're thinking and I can help!
Scheduling & What to Expect During Your Session
• Light guidance with plenty of natural moments
• Walking, talking, laughing, and moving together
• A relaxed pace with room to breathe
• No pressure to perform or pose perfectly
Your only job is to show up and be yourselves.
Timing Matters More Than Location
Soft light changes everything. Most sessions are scheduled around golden hour or early mornings depending on location, season, and crowd levels. I’ll help choose a time that fits the look you’re drawn to.
Choosing Your Engagement Session Location
This is one of the most exciting parts of planning your session! Whether you're dreaming of classic architecture, colorful gardens, waterfront views, or a cozy date-night vibe, there's a location that perfectly fits your story.
Below are some of my favorite locations around Washington, DC and Northern Virginia. Once you have a few favorites, we'll choose the one that best matches your vision, the time of year, and the lighting for your session.
Elegant & Timeless
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Washington National Cathedral
Lush garden with grand architecture in the background
Address:3101 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
Best time: Sunrise or golden hour. Midday with even light (around 3pm)
Permit: Call ahead, requires paperwork and fees.
Cost: $250
Parking: Parking is free, onsite and easily accessible.
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Tudor Place
Well maintained gardens and walking paths with timeless architecture in the background.
Address:1644 31st street NW Washington, DC 20007
Best time: Morning or golden hour
Permit: Required
Cost: $100 refundable deposit + $200 permit fee
Parking: Free, 2 hour street parking
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Morven Park
Historic park grounds with historic house in the background
Address: 17195 Southern Planter Lane Leesburg, VA 20176
Best time: Sunrise or Golden hour
Permit: Required
Cost: Park pass $10 per person + FREE photography permit if session during park hours. ($100 if session outside park hours, 7AM-6PM)
Parking: Onsite and easily accessible
*Photo from gov website -
Caryle House
Historic architecture, brick textures.
Address:121 N. Fairfax St. Alexandria, VA 22314
Best time: Late afternoon, Golden HourPermit: Required
Cost: $25 for 2 hoursParking: Onsite and easily accessible
*Photo from gov website
Gardens & Nature
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Enid A. Haupt + Moon Gate Gardens
Lush garden with grand architecture in the background
Address:1050 Independance Ave SW Washington, DC 20560
Best time: Sunrise to avoid crowds
Permit: Not Required
Cost: $0
Parking: Street parking
*Photo from gov website -
Georgetown Water Front
Walking path along the Potomac River with gorgeous bridge and water views.
Address: Wisconsin and K. St NW Washington, DC
Best time: Sunrise to avoid crowds
Permit: Not Required
Cost: Free: $0
Parking: Street Parking
*Photo form Pinterest
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Gravelly Point Park
Located steps away from the DCA landing strip and along the river.
Address: George Washington Memorial Park Way Arlington, VA 2202
Best time: Sunrise or Golden hour
Permit: Not Required
Cost: $0
Parking: Onsite and easily accessible
*Photo from official website
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Shenandoah River University Park
Nature trails along the Shenandoah River
Address:Shenandoah River University
Best time: Sunrise or Golden HourPermit: Not Required
Cost: $0Parking: Onsite and easily accessible
Urban & Editorial
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National Gallery of Art
An editorial and elegant location full of architecture and art.
Address: 4th st. and Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20565
Best time: mid morning as soon as they open 10AM
Permit: Not Required
Cost: $0
Parking: Street Parking
*Photo by Paige McKenzi -
Spanish Steps
Grand steps and greenery tucked away steps from Dupont Circle
Best time: Sunrise or Golden Hour
Permit: Not Required
Cost: $0
Parking: Street Parking
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Meridian Hill Park
Grand steps, beautiful water feature and green spaces
Address: 17195 Southern Planter Lane Leesburg, VA 20176
Best time: Sunrise to avoid crowds
Permit: Not Required
Cost: $0
Parking: Street parking
*Photo from official website
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Washington Metro
Urban, metro train station
Best time: Sunrise/ early morning to avoid crowdsPermit: Not Required
Cost: Metro feesParking: Street Parking