One of my favorite things about an elopement is that you get to decide how you want to spend the day because you’re not limited to what is accessible through your wedding venue. Where you’re eloping gets to become your venue and the options are pretty epic in Washington DC. Check out 25 elopement activities that I recommend for your Washington DC elopement.
How to Elope In Washington DC
One of the best things about planning an elopement in Washington, DC is that you can self-officiate your own ceremony here. This opens up endless opportunities for planning your day around whatever makes your heart happy. Just make sure to select the correct officiation option located on your application.
Marriage License Application — take it to the courthouse at:
DC Marriage Bureau – Moultrie Courthouse
500 Indiana Avenue, N.W.
Room 4485
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 879-4840
Online Application — submit online
Now that you know how to elope in Washington, DC, let’s get to the fun stuff what what to do during your DC Elopement.
25 Washington, DC Elopement Activities
Now, just like any area in the United States, you probably already have an idea of what you want to check out while you’re in town or maybe some spots to hit up along the way. That being said, there are SO many hidden gems sprinkled throughout the DC area that you should definitely consider for your own elopement celebration. Plus, many of these spots are free to visit making this such a fun experience that allows you to splurge on other parts of your elopement day instead.
For the Foodies & Drink Lovers
I love building a few stops like these into an elopement day because food gives you natural moments to slow down, celebrate, and actually enjoy being in DC together instead of rushing from one photo location to the next.
- Stans DC — This longtime DC staple is such a fun stop if you want your elopement day to feel casual and local. Grab one of their famously strong cocktails and some wings, toast to being married.
- Tombs — The kind of place I’d save for when the formal plans are over and you’re hungry again. It’s an underground Georgetown tavern with a cozy, old-school college-bar feel, and it stays open late enough to make burgers and drinks here a pretty great unofficial elopement after-party.
- Amazonia — If you want dinner to feel like part of the celebration, Amazonia gives you Peruvian food, creative cocktails, shareable dishes, and a rooftop hideaway all in one stop.
- Gypsy Kitchen — Another great option when you’re craving rooftop drinks and a dinner that feels celebratory without automatically becoming a super-formal reception. Their menu centers around shareable Mediterranean-inspired plates and cocktails, so you can order a bunch of things, hang out, and let dinner be an experience rather than another thing on the timeline.
- Maman — For morning elopements, this might be my favorite kind of stop. Grab coffee and breakfast together before heading to your ceremony, or sit in their Georgetown café for a slower start to the morning. The space itself is full of French-inspired details, vintage décor, and florals, so even breakfast can feel like part of the experience.
- Baked and Wired — Because getting married is absolutely a valid excuse to go get a giant cakecup. This Georgetown bakery has been around since 2001 and makes an easy celebratory stop for coffee, baked goods, or something sweet after your ceremony—especially if a traditional wedding cake isn’t really your thing.
National Monuments & Landmarks
Some locations here do require a special use permit due to being a Nationally recognized destination. Obtaining your permit is a simple process and simply requires contacting the National Park Services
Museums
One of my favorite ceremony spots for an elopement is a museum because of how visually interesting the architecture and art can be. I also love how museums give you a multi-purpose destination without asking you to sacrifice variety. You can exchange vows, wander through exhibits, explore different rooms and galleries, and end up with photos that feel completely different from one space to the next. Plus, you get all of this without having to drive across town or build your day around multiple locations.
- National Gallery of Art: If you want the classic art museum experience, National Gallery of Art is probably the first place I would look.
- O Museum – Hidden Doors — If traditional art museums aren’t really your thing, O Museum in The Mansion goes completely in the other direction. The entire place feels like something you have to explore rather than simply walk through. There are more than 100 themed rooms, 80+ secret doors, hidden passages, art, music memorabilia, antiques, and all kinds of wonderfully weird things tucked throughout the mansion.
- Smithsonian American Art Museum: Perfect spot if you want a museum that gives you both historic architecture and modern design.
- Smithsonian Castle: While this spot has been under construction since 2023, which has made visiting a little more unpredictable, I still think it deserves at least an honorable mention. The architecture alone makes the Smithsonian Castle such a recognizable DC backdrop, and once renovations are complete, I expect it’ll be an even stronger option for couples who love historic spaces.
Festivals
Festivals can be such a fun elopement experience because you get built-in energy, food, music, and activities without having to plan every little detail yourself.
Parks
Parks around DC can be such a fun elopement option because you still get plenty of greenery and room to explore while keeping all of the restaurants, museums, monuments, and city activities close enough to build into the rest of your day.
If you choose to have your ceremony at select parks such as Rock Creek Park or the Spanish Steps, you will need to obtain a special event permit for photography from the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. More on that process here.
- Kinilworth Park & Gardens
- The Park at City Center — beautiful during Christmas time!
- The Magic Tree Box — whimsy fairy garden easily accessible from the sidewalk for quick photos and a nice cool off spot under the trees during the summer
- Rock Creek Park
- Spanish Steps
Sightseeing
Sightseeing spots are great for elopements because they give you something to do together, which naturally makes the day feel less like one long photoshoot and more like a really fun date around the city.
- Dupont Underground — You’re literally exploring a reclaimed streetcar station beneath Dupont Circle, with original tracks, massive projection walls, and rotating art installations, so it gives you a completely different look from the monuments and historic architecture above ground. It’s only open during exhibitions and events, though, so this is one you’ll want to plan around in advance. .
- DC Sightseeing Tour — Such an easy way to turn the city itself into part of the elopement experience. Hop on an open-air bus, rent Segways, take a walking tour, see the monuments lit up at night, or cruise down the Potomac—you get to actually experience DC together while moving between some pretty iconic backdrops.
- Union Station — is a fun choice if you love that grand, old-city feeling. The Beaux-Arts architecture, soaring ceilings, arches, and constant movement give it almost a romantic travel-day energy, which could be especially cute if traveling together is already a big part of your relationship. It can even host intimate weddings, and casual photography is allowed inside, although certain professional setups require advance approval.
Want to learn more about what a full-day elopement can look like? Head to this post.
What to Expect During Each Season in Washington, DC
Spring (March-May)
- Weather: Cool mornings with increasingly warm afternoons
- Vibe: Colorful, lively, very DC
- Tourism: Peak
Summer (June-August)
- Weather: Hot, humid, with the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms
- Vibe: Casual, energetic, long summer nights
- Tourism: Moderate
Fall (September-November)
- Weather: Comfortable days with cooler evenings as the season goes on
- Vibe: Relaxed, cozy, lots happening around town
- Tourism: Slow
Winter (December-February)
- Weather: Cold, with snow possible but definitely not guaranteed
- Vibe: Quiet, cozy, especially fun around the holidays
- Tourism: Slow
Washington, DC Elopement Packages
Hopefully by now you’ve realized that a DC elopement can be a whole lot more than standing in front of a monument, saying your vows, taking a few photos, and calling it a day. We can make a DAY out of this.
Go somewhere you’ve never been, eat your favorite food, wander through a museum, get slightly lost looking for hidden doors, take a boat ride, drink a cocktail on a rooftop, or nd the night eating cupcakes in your wedding clothes.
Whatever sounds like the two of you. I’m down for it. If you’re starting to picture what your own Washington, DC elopement could look like, I’d love to help you put all of those pieces together. You can check out my Washington, DC elopement packages here and see if we’d be a good fit. See more of my work in Washington DC, here.
