Taking Engagements Photos Near the Washington DC Cherry Blossoms

With the winter we’ve had, it’s hard to think about Cherry Blossoms.  Goodness knows, I understand.  But, guess what?  The cherry blossom trees in the Washington DC metropolitan area are supposed to be in full bloom in a month!

If you are planning to get married soon, you might be thinking about taking your wedding or engagement photos near the Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.  It’s a lovely idea, but here are some things you should to consider.

Where are the Cherry Blossoms?  The bulk of the Washington, DC cherry blossom trees currently grow around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, on the Washington Monument grounds, and in East Potomac park.  I noted below a few of my favorite locations — Hopefully, one will be the perfect location for your engagement pictures or your wedding pictures!

  1. Around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. This is one of DC’s most most popular Cherry Blossom tree locations. If you take engagement photos here, you can also capture a view of the Jefferson Memorial or the Washington Monument in your photos.
  2. On the Washington Monument Grounds. I read on a photography web site that photographers love to shoot couples here very early in the morning to capture the couple, the trees, and the iconic Washington Monument.
  3. East Potomac Park (Haines Point).  This location is one of my favorite spots for a lush view of Cherry Blossom trees.  It’s equally as beautiful as the first two spots I mentioned, but it is nowhere as crowded.
  4. National Arboretum. You get acres of flowering cherry trees at the National Arboretum.  I consider this location one of DC’s best kept secrets for viewing cherry blossoms!
  5. Dumbarton Oaks Park (Georgetown). While there are pretty views of cherry blossoms in Dumbarton Oaks Park, wedding and engagement photographs are not allowed here.  (I know that doesn’t help with your photos, but I just thought you should know about this pretty location!)

For information on which varieties of cherry blossom trees are located in which park and maps, visit http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/cherry-tree-locations.htm

Are there a lot of crowds near the Cherry Blossoms?  When planning to take your engagement photos, please keep in mind that crowds are typically their heaviest on the weekends. There is no guarantee, but there are often fewer visitors early in the morning on week days.

Can I bring my puppy with me?  Dogs are allowed on the National Mall and Memorial Parks, but you are supposed to keep your dog on a leash 100% of the time.

Do I need a permit?  Yes.  Especially if you are taking photos near the trees located in the Tidal Basin or near the Washington Monument.  I don’t believe that is the case if you take photos near the Cherry Blossom trees located on Capitol Hill.  Call (202) 619-7225 for more information.

Finally, please show the trees some love!  The trees are extremely delicate.  If you take a blossom, another one WILL NOT grow in its place.  And, do not climb in the trees.  You can break the branches, damage the tree, and/or hurt yourself!

Enjoy!

Love & Soul Always, Kawania

(Note: A similar post was written on this blog in March 2009)

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