Sasha and Aidan are both pursuing doctorate programs out of state, balancing busy lives and limited time. When they reached out, they wanted something simple and stress-free, without spending a lot of time or energy on planning. 

As a Washington, D.C., elopement photographer, I helped them create a plan for the day, one that fit their style and personalities, while adventuring around the city. Sasha and Aidan chose to self-officiate for their ceremony to keep things even more private and intimate. 

Washington, DC, is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can legally self-officiate your marriage, meaning you don’t need an officiant or witness to make it legal. The process is surprisingly simple (you can read more about it in my full DC elopement guide here), and it’s such a meaningful option for couples who want privacy and complete freedom to make their ceremony their own.

Getting Ready at the Salamander Hotel

The morning started slow at the Salamander Hotel in DC. They got ready together, sipped champagne, and filled out their marriage license paperwork at a round table in their suite before heading out to snap some portraits at the National Gallery of Art.

Portraits at the National Gallery of Art

Before the ceremony, we spent some time wandering through the National Gallery of Art, which is hands-down one of my favorite spots in DC for portraits. The architecture is stunning. The light is beautiful. But more than that, it’s a place couples can come back to. Years from now, you’ll be able to walk those same halls again and again and remember your special day.

A Self-Officiated Ceremony at the Kennedy Center

For their ceremony, they chose the Kennedy Center. It’s surrounded by sleek architecture, columns, and river views, giving that classic Washington feel without the crowds you’ll often find at the monuments. 

They stood on the terrace overlooking the Potomac, reading personal vows and signing their own marriage license, joined by their immediate families.

Planning Your Own Self-Officiated Wedding in DC?

If you’re planning a wedding that feels a little more private, and fully centered on what matters to you, self-officiating might be the perfect fit. DC makes it incredibly easy to do, and you can still build a whole experience around it.

Reach out here and let’s plan a day that matches your vision!