National Cathedral Engagement Photos in Washington, DC

I loved photographing Emma and Mason’s engagement session at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC. We captured their photos on a beautiful spring morning in late May, and the timing could not have worked out better. Originally, we had planned to photograph their engagement session earlier in the month, but the April showers seemed determined to linger well into spring. After watching the forecast and debating our options, we ultimately decided to postpone. As it turns out, that decision was absolutely worth it. We were rewarded with clear skies, gorgeous light, and even a bit of crisp morning air—a welcome change from the hot and humid mornings we’re often accustomed to by this time of year in Washington.

We began our session in the Bishop’s Garden, one of my favorite locations on the Cathedral grounds. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know much about gardening, but one thing that always amazes me about the National Cathedral is how vibrant the gardens remain throughout the year. From March through November, the grounds are constantly evolving as seasonal blooms are rotated in and out. No matter when I visit, there always seems to be something new flowering, and the spring colors were certainly showing off for Emma and Mason’s session. The combination of lush greenery, colorful blooms, and historic architecture creates such a timeless backdrop for engagement photos.

One of the reasons I love photographing at the Washington National Cathedral is that I always seem to discover a new nook, no matter how many times I’ve been there. Even after years of photographing sessions on these grounds, there are still hidden pathways and pockets of light that inspire me.

Emma and Mason were a joy to photograph as we wandered through the property together. I’m so grateful they trusted me to document this fleeting chapter before their wedding day arrives. It was a beautiful morning spent exploring one of Washington’s most iconic locations, and I can’t wait to share more from their session.

A sunrise engagement session at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC.