There’s something magical about a quiet morning in the heart of Washington, DC — the city still waking up, the soft golden light of sunrise, and the best part: you have the place all to yourself! The perfect setting for this beautiful elopement I had the honor of photographing at the Enid A. Haupt Garden.
One of the best-kept secrets about this location? It’s free to use, with no permit required — a rare gem for couples seeking a simple yet stunning backdrop for their elopement or photo session.
The morning air was brisk, but the chill didn’t dampen the joy radiating from this sweet couple. Surrounded by only their immediate family, their close friend who officiated the ceremony, and their lovely two dogs, they exchanged heartfelt vows in the serene garden. It was a beautiful reminder that a wedding doesn’t have to be big to be incredibly meaningful.
After the “I dos,” the couple popped a bottle of champagne, pouring it into delicate, vintage champagne glasses — a lovely touch, as the glasses once belonged to the bride’s grandmother.
To celebrate, they shared a first dance (tip: bring a small speaker to your elopement!) and my favorite moment was when their family members joined in as well.
One fun fact I love to share with couples considering an elopement in DC: you don’t even need an officiant if you don’t want one! In DC, self-officiating is allowed, meaning you can marry each other without anyone else leading the ceremony — perfect for those craving the most private, personal experience.
As the sun rose higher, we hung around the garden and surrounding areas, capturing portraits among the first blooms of the season. The gentle colors of early spring added a soft, romantic feel to every image. With the garden all to ourselves, it felt like a secret escape right in the middle of the city.
If you’re dreaming of an intimate, heartfelt elopement in Washington, DC, Enid A. Haupt Garden offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, privacy, and charm — all without the hassle of permits or fees.
Thinking about eloping? Let’s dream up a day that’s uniquely yours, whether it’s at sunrise in a hidden garden or anywhere your heart leads you.
