Washington, DC Rainy Day Surprise Proposal
A surprise proposal can happen rain or shine! I photographed this proposal in Georgetown, DC during some light rain. In case of rain there are a few things you can consider:
Changing the location: to avoid the rain consider changing to an indoor or a location. Here are my recommendations.
Change the date: if you’re flexible on the date, I’m flexible as well! We can check the weather near your surprise proposal date and adjust if needed to avoid rain.
Propose in the rain: If there is light rain you can still propose! Bring and umbrella to keep you covered!
Get in touch to learn more about planning a proposal in DC!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC or at one of the many local wineries in Virginia by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
Three Fox Vineyards Surprise Proposal in Virginia
A winery in Virginia is always a great option for a surprise proposal! There are dozens of wineries, so you have many options! Three Fox Vineyards is a 50 acre winery just outside of Washington DC in Delaplane, Virginia. The winery has plenty of outdoor space as well as an indoor tasting room. For this surprise proposal, Tyler proposed to his girlfriend right in front of the vines. After the proposal moment we walked around the grounds for additional photos. A perk of proposing at a winery: you can celebrating right away with a nice bottle of wine a use it as a prop for photos!
View more winery surpirse proposals:
Greenhill Winery Surprise Proposal
RdV Vineyards Surprise Proposal
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC or at one of the many local wineries in Virginia by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
Washington, DC Surprise Proposal Ideas
Over the past few years, we have photographed over 200 surprise proposals in Washington, DC and the surrounding areas! We offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
Here’s what is included:
Location planning and advice on how to get the best surprise proposal photos
Stumble upon a romantic setup prepared for you ahead of time
Photography of the proposal
Immediate session afterwards
Highlight photos delivered within 24 hours to immediately share on social media and with friends and family
Full gallery of edited images delivered within 7 days
You will look like a hero for pulling off the perfect romantic surprise proposal that is unique to you!
Washington, DC has dozens of perfect locations to plan a surprise proposal! Here are some popular spots:
Below are two proposal setup ideas: one at Constitution Gardens on the National Mall and Georgetown Waterfront!
The first set up at the Georgetown Waterfront, includes LED candles to set the mood for a sunset proposal. Stumble upon this surprise as you walk through the area and celebrate with dinner at Sequoia, Fiola Mare, or Farmers Fishers Bakers!
This second setup is at Constitution Gardens, a great spot on the National Mall with a view of the Washington Monument but without the tourist. This area is usually more secluded and provides a more intimate proposal!
For surprise proposal after sunset, we have marquee letters!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Oronoco Bay Park Alexandria Waterfront Surprise Proposal
Using a long weekend dog walk is a great way to hide your surprise proposal plans! It’s always a great option to include the surprise proposal with an actively you and your partner normally do as a couple. Gus took his girlfriend and their dog Dobby down to the Alexandria Waterfront to propose at Oroncao Bay Park! Using pins on Google maps and coordinating before the moment we were able to pick the perfect spot with a great view of the water and away from others at the park. Check out the maps below involved in our planning! With each client I go in to detail about the specific proposal location and the best options. After photographing over 200 proposals, I have experience photographing at most of the popular locations in DC, Maryland, Virginia! Here is a video on How to propose at Oronoco Bay Park!
Alexandria has a lot of great waterfront parks to propose, here are some links to more surprise proposals:
Interested in proposing in at Oronoco Bay Park in Alexandria or another location in the Washington DC metro area?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in less then a week. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Surprise Proposal at The Lincoln Memorial
During a trip to Philadelphia, Zach made a pit stop with his girlfriend in DC at The Lincoln Memorial and proposed in between the columns! The view from between columns is the perfect shot to photograph the view of The Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, and Capitol Building in the background! After the propose we walked around the back of the memorial and up to the reflecting pool for additional portraits. For surprise proposals I always make sure to photograph some canid photos of the couple and close of photos of the ring. By delivering a few highlights within 24 hours to my clients, there are able to post on social media to share in the excitement with their friends and family! Scroll down to view more from this Lincoln Memorial surprise proposal:
Interested in proposing at The Lincoln Memorial or other locations in the Washington DC metro area?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in less then a week.
The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Alexandria Waterfront Surprise Proposal
I photographed this surprise proposal at a distance at Rivergate City Park along the Alexandria Waterfront! With some detailed planning I coordinated the exact spot for the proposal with the best background to setup for the magical moment! Cole proposed to his girlfriend on an early morning walk. Morning is a great time for a proposal as it’s ideal for light and you can avoid lots of people out. During the summer morning is also ideal to avoid the heat!
When photographing a surprise proposal I love to capture the full moment including everything that followers such as any reactions (hugs, tears) and the ring being place upon the finger for the first time! Within 24 hours I sent the couples images so they can share with friends and family right away!
Interested in proposing in Alexandria or another location in the Washington DC metro area?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in less then a week. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
10 best places to propose in Washington DC
After photographing surprise proposals at dozens of locations, I have complied a list of the best places to propose in Washington DC! Weather you live in DC or are visiting for a weekend trip, there are many great options from Memorials, to parks, to waterfront views. if you are interested in planning a proposal at one of these or any other location in DC don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Here are the 10 best places to propose in Washington DC
1) Lincoln Memorial
In between the columns of The Lincoln Memorial with a view of the Washington Monument is one of the most iconic DC shots and very commonly requested! The shot is perfect with the lineup for the Lincoln, Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, and Capitol! Here are some more images of a Lincoln Memorial Surprise Proposal.
2) The Capitol Building
For a different angle of view of The Washington Monument considering a surprise proposal on the grounds of The US Capitol Building! If you’re a local and live near Capitol Hill it’s a great spot to take your dog on a walk or if you’re a tourist the grounds of the Capitol or nearby botanical gardens might be a great place to visit!
3) Jefferson Memorial
In front of the Jefferson Memorial you’ll get a great view of The Tidal Basin and Washington Monument! During cherry blossom season this spot is popular for cherry blossom trees as well! Considering proposing during peak bloom of the blossoms for some colorful photos! The monument itself also makes for a great backdrop, however it’s currently undergoing renovations.
4) Library of Congress
A historical location located near the Capitol and The Supreme Court buildings. Be sure to go early right after they open to avoid tourist and crowds of people. There is some great natural light that comes in matched with a beautiful backdrop. Consider this for a great indoor option during the winter or as a plan in case of rain. Considering The Library of Congress as a location for your proposal!
5) Constitution Gardens
This spot is located between The Washington Monument and The Lincoln Memorial on part of The Mall. It’s a small piece of land surrounded by a pond that is accessible by a small wooden bridge. It makes a great proposal location for a perfect unobtrusive view of The Washington Monument in the background. The location is very private and normally has few tourist in the area as many of the tourist spend time at the nearby memorials. This makes for the perfect location that includes the view of the monuments without the large crowds of tourist. This spot also commonly has ducks and lots of greenery surrounding. Click to view a Constitution Gardens Proposal!
6) National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is a great indoor proposal location. The Kogod Courtyard is the best spot in the gallery with its indoor trees and natural light that comes from the roof. An indoor location is a good idea for the winter time or as a backup location in case of rain! The Gallery does close at 5pm.
7) Roosevelt Island
A great spot for a more private proposal surrounded by scenery especially during the fall! Here are some Roosevelt Island surprise proposals to view! The best way to get there is to drive and park in the lot right near the bridge to the island!
8) The Reflecting Pool
The Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument are a great backdrop for a classic DC proposal. If you propose off to one side instead of directly in the center you can also get a view of The Capitol in the distance!
9) Georgetown Waterfront
Georgetown is a popular waterfront area with many restaurants and shops! Many options nearby for a nice dinner or cocktail hour after the engagement! Good during any time of the year including winter where the lamppost nearby have festive wreaths and lights. You can view this Georgetown surprise proposal on the waterfront!
10) The Wharf Waterfront
Similar to Georgetown, The Wharf is another great Waterfront spot with a small dock that goes out into the water and many restaurants nearby. During the winter there is also an ice skating rink which might be another proposal idea! Plan to propose on the water and then go out to a nice dinner within walking distance!
Interested in proposing at one of these 10 locations or another location in Washington DC?
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in less then a week. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
We also offer pre-designed and custom setups to make your moment extra special!
Washington DC Surprise Proposal Planning
Ready to plan your surprise proposal? After photographing over 200 surprise proposals the past few years in DC, i’ve gathered a list of tips and thoughts to consider when planning! For more detailed information and to schedule a call to chat about your surprise proposal please get in touch!
Here are some tips and ideas for planning your surprise proposal in Washington DC!
Select a special location to propose:
Considering choosing a location that has meaning to you as a couple: perhaps the place you first met, location of your first kiss, or a place you frequent often. This could be a restaurant, a park area, a coffee shop you go to often etc.
A destination surprise proposal is always fun. Perhaps there is a place you’ve always wanted to visit as a couple. During a weekend trip might be the perfect opportunity to propose and make a memorable trip. Washington DC is a popular location for a weekend trip and a proposal at the monuments would be a great option!
Based on time of you are may consider different options. During the winter perhaps an indoor location, an ice skating rink, or a festive location might be a fun idea! During the spring perhaps a garden or park with blooms might be beautiful. In DC Cherry Blossoms around March & April are popular!
Selecting a Date:
The date of your anniversary for your relationship, a birthday or any date that has personal meaning is a great option!
Weekend dates are most popular to pair with plans for after the proposal. Keep in mind that weekends book up quickly with photographers so it’s recommended to plan ahead!
Be flexible on date - consider having a backup date if you want to avoid bad weather.
Create your Game-plan:
Book a surprise proposal photographer or proposal planner who has worked with many proposals before to offering planning and advice.
Decide how you are going to ask the question and other details. Are you going to include flowers or music? Are you going to invite any family to be there to celebrate and witness? Do you have plans for dinner or celebrating afterwards?
Have a back up plan in case of bad weather
Need additional tips and ideas? Get in touch HERE to schedule a call and book your photography. I look forward to photographing your proposal moment!
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in less then a week. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Washington DC Lincoln Memorial Surprise Marriage Proposal
The Lincoln Memorial is an iconic spot for a surprise proposal in Washington DC! It’s one of several great spots recommended for a clear view of The Washington Monument and it sets a monumental backdrop. I have photographed dozens of proposals and engagement sessions around the memorials and know this spot like the back of my hand. If you are planning at proposal in Washington DC at The Lincoln i’d be happy to walk you through the best tips for planning this moment! Scroll down below to view more from this proposal:
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in less then a week. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal at The Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Washington DC Capitol Surprise Proposal
Another great spot in Washington DC to propose with the Washington Monument in the background is right in front of The Capitol Building! Walking around the grounds of The Capitol you have a great view of The Mall and Monuments.
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in less then a week. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal or engagement session in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Washington DC Cherry Blossom Surprise Proposal
The Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC is a popular time to plan a surprise proposal or engagement session! Every spring Washington DC celebrates The National Cherry Blossom Festival at The Tidal Basin. The annual festival celebrates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to the city of Washington DC and honoring the friendship between The United States and Japan. Today the festival last about four weekends and attracts about 1.5 million tourist. The blossoms can be seen around The Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, and many other areas.
Sharing a surprise proposal at one of the pathways near the MLK memorial! After the proposal we photographed some more shots around the blossoms:
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning/advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal or engagement session at The Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Arlington National Cemetery Surprise Proposal
Sharing an emotional and very meaningful surprise proposal at Arlington National Cemetery! When choosing a proposal location - consider a spot that has personal meaning to you as a couple! After the proposal there was a second surprised that I coordinated to capture perfectly as Bella saw her mother who surprised her by showing up to witness the proposal! Scroll down to view more and check out an amazing 5 star testimonial
“I hired Jon for a surprise proposal at Arlington National Cemetery. I am so happy that I did! Jon was incredibly kind and friendly throughout the entire process, and was able to capture the genuine emotion of the moment. His photography skills are some of the best I’ve ever seen. Jon was very responsive and flexible, even when we had to change plans the night before, he was able to adjust without issue. Jon takes his work seriously and went to the site a week before to ensure he could capture the right angles/lighting. He also got the full gallery to us the very next day which we were very happy about. I was incredibly impressed with the entire experience and know that if you hire him you’ll be glad you did.”
Washington DC Roosevelt Island Surprise Proposal
Roosevelt Island is an 88.5-acre island in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. The island was given to the government by the Theodore Roosevelt Association in memory of the 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. It also makes a great spot for an intimate surprise proposal especially during the fall when the leaves are turning! Any spot in the pathways surrounded by trees makes for a great spot. Get in touch for tips on planning a surprise proposal on Roosevelt Island or other locations in Washington DC!
Looking for the best surprise proposal in Washington DC?
Surprise Proposal Photography with Jon Fleming Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal photography or engagement sessions in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
National Harbor Holiday Surprise Proposal - Washington DC Surprise Proposal Photographer
The National Harbor made the perfect spot for a late night holiday season surprise proposal! There is plenty of Christmas and holiday decor scattered around The National Harbor. This spot just outside The Gaylord Hotel had a sculpture of Christmas ornaments and was bright enough for some great photos! If you are planning a surprise proposal during December and looking for some festive options reach our for some recommendations!
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal photography or engagement sessions in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Washington DC Capitol Hill Coffee Shop Surprise Proposal
This surprise proposal in The Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington DC was right outside of the local coffee shop where Homy & Dana had their first date! During a week around Capitol Hill he stopped to propose in front of the coffee shop and I stood at the perfect angle to capture the shot! After the proposal we walked around to get some photos with the fall color and in front of The Library of Congress and Capitol Building! When choosing a surprise proposal location its a great idea to consider locations that have meaning to you as a couple! Think about your first date location, the spot of your first kiss, the spot where you said “I love you” for the first time, or perhaps a spot that you visit often such as a local park. Scroll down to view more!
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal photography or engagement sessions in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Georgetown Waterfront Surprise Marriage Proposal
Another surprise proposal captured along The Georgetown Waterfront with a view of Rosslyn in the background! Georgetown is always a highly recommended proposal location do to its location, waterfront area, proximity to restaurants, and lots of options for portraits. Planning a surprise proposal and looking for a photographer? Get in touch today!
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in less then 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family!
Jon Fleming Photography specializes in capturing couples love stories from the surprise proposal to the wedding day! Photography also offered for engagements, weddings, corporate events. Photo booth rentals are available for weddings and events!
Ask about our GIF/Boomerang digital photo booth!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal or engagement sessions in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
3 Perfect Philadelphia Surprise Proposal Locations
If you are visiting Philadelphia or if you are a local, there are many great spots to plan a surprise proposal or engagement session! Here are just three of our favorite options! If you are planning a proposal get in touch for detailed planning tips and advice!
LOVE Park
Love Park officially know as John F. Kennedy Plaza is near City Hall in City Center Philadelphia. The park is nickname Love Park for it’s iconic sculpture. The sculpture is a great backdrop for a proposal and park area and City Hall just steps away make for great portrait locations! The park can be busy with tourist at times especially around the sculpture so planning for proposing during less busy times of day is ideal!
Independence Hall
This makes for great historical backdrop! There is plenty of grass area and pathways in front of Independence Hall to use. Independence Hall is the building where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted. There are park areas nearby that can be used for portraits afterwards. This spot works great to plan your proposal before or after a tour if you are visiting from out of town.
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square is a one block park that is a bit less touristy then the first two options. Especially during springtime this makes for a beautiful backdrop for a proposal or engagement. On occasion there can be markets or festivals happening in the park so be sure to look up to make sure no events conflict with your plans!
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in less then 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family! Jon Fleming Photography specializes in capturing couples love stories from the surprise proposal to the wedding day! Photography also offered for engagements, weddings, corporate events and head shots. Photo booth rentals are available for weddings and events!
Ask about our GIF/Boomerang digital photo booth!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal or engagement session by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Washington DC Reflecting Pool Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session
The Reflecting Pool is an iconic spot for a surprise proposal with a DC view! The steps of The Lincoln Memorial can be crowded at times with tourist so by proposing in front of The Reflecting Pool you get a similar view of The Washington Monument without tourist behind you since no one will be in the water! If you propose off to the side slightly you can also get a view of The Capital Building peeking out from behind the monument. If you’re more centered The Washington Monument would hide The Capital. After the proposal you can get some great shots with The Lincoln behind you. During Cherry Blossom peak bloom you can also walk a little bit to get some shots with the trees! Lots of options within a small walking distance. Get in touch to learn more about planning a surprise proposal in the Washington DC area!
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images delivered in less then 7 days. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family! Jon Fleming Photography specializes in capturing couples love stories from the surprise proposal to the wedding day! Photography also offered for engagements, weddings, corporate events and head shots. Photo booth rentals are available for weddings and events!
Ask about our GIF/Boomerang digital photo booth!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal or engagement session by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Washington DC Constitution Gardens Winter Surprise Proposal
Constitution Gardens in Washington DC is located between The Washington Monument and The Lincoln Memorial on part of The Mall. It’s a small piece of land surrounded by a pond that is accessible by a small wooden bridge. It makes a great proposal location for a perfect unobtrusive view of The Washington Monument in the background. The location is very private and normally has few tourist in the area as many of the tourist spend time at the nearby memorials. This makes for the perfect location that includes the view of the monuments without the large crowds of tourist. This spot also commonly has ducks and lots of greenery surrounding.
After the proposal moment some friends rushed over to congratulate the newly engaged couple! Capturing the reactions of the friends was also a great moment! Including friends or family after your surprise proposal is a great way to have a second surprise and get photos with those friends and family members as well as more great reaction shots!
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family! Jon Fleming Photography specializes in capturing couples love stories from the surprise proposal to the wedding day!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal photography or engagement sessions at Constitution Gardens in Washington DC by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com
Reston Virginia Surprise Proposal & Engagement Session
The Plaza America shopping center in Reston, Virginia was right near a restaurant that this couple frequented. This backdrop and small park area nearby made a great spot for a surprise proposal with very few people around! Find a location with few people around makes for a private proposal and lots of room to work with for photography without the worry of people walking into the shot. The waterfall and trees during the fall made a beautiful background. After the surprise marriage proposal we didn’t have to walk very far to get some fun portraits!
Surprise Proposal Photography includes detailed planning & advice, photography session to capture the proposal moment, portraits afterwards, and your online gallery of your beautifully processed high resolution images. The online gallery is easy to share with friends and family! Jon Fleming Photography specializes in capturing couples love stories from the surprise proposal to the wedding day!
Learn more about planning a surprise proposal photography or engagement sessions in Reston, Virginia by using the contact form or emailing jonflemingphotography@gmail.com