A Lincoln Memorial first look, an unexpected movie set, and a perfectly personal wedding day in Washington, DC
Washington, DC elopements have a way of rewriting expectations—and Stephen and Sarah’s wedding day is proof that sometimes the most unforgettable moments aren’t planned at all.
What began with a first look at the Lincoln Memorial turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience involving a full film crew, an iconic monument closed mid-shoot, and an entire crowd cheering as they made their way to say “I do.” Their intimate ceremony at the DC War Memorial—surrounded by about 15 of their closest friends and family—was simple, intentional, and deeply meaningful. Exactly how an elopement should feel.
A Lincoln Memorial First Look (During an Actual Movie Shoot)
Stephen and Sarah chose to start their day with a private first look at the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most iconic—and busiest—locations in Washington, DC. And on this particular day? It was busier than usual. A full-scale movie production was actively filming on site.
We still have no idea what movie it was—but here’s the magic part.
We managed to reach the top of the monument just before the area was closed off for filming. That meant something incredibly rare: the entire back side of the Lincoln Memorial was momentarily ours. No tourists. No distractions. Just quiet, emotion-filled moments between the two of them as they took in the significance of where they were—and what they were about to do.
Of course, then came the plot twist.
When “Not Ideal” Turns Into Once-in-a-Lifetime
As filming continued, we realized we were temporarily stuck at the top of the monument while the production was underway. Ceremony time was approaching, and Stephen and Sarah still needed to get to the War Memorial.
What could have been stressful turned into one of the most surreal moments I’ve witnessed in my career.
After speaking with a crew member, the entire production paused to let us through. As Stephen and Sarah descended the monument steps—hand in hand—the cast, crew, and onlookers erupted into applause and cheers.
A spontaneous crowd. A shared celebration. A moment that felt cinematic in every possible way.
You simply can’t plan something like that—and that’s exactly why elopements are so special.
An Intimate DC War Memorial Ceremony with Their Closest People
Just a short walk from the Lincoln Memorial, Stephen and Sarah exchanged vows at the DC War Memorial, one of my absolute favorite locations for elopements and intimate weddings in Washington, DC.
With around 15 guests—close friends and immediate family—their ceremony was:
- Short
- Meaningful
- Personal
- Completely free of pressure or performance
No grand setup. No overcomplicated timeline. Just presence, love, and intention.
Afterward, we wrapped up with relaxed bride and groom portraits and then sent them off to celebrate with dinner—proof that you don’t need a traditional reception to have a full, meaningful wedding day.
Elopement or Intimate Wedding? Why This Day Was the Best of Both
This is the kind of wedding day many DC couples are quietly craving.
Stephen and Sarah’s day blended the intimacy and freedom of an elopement with the joy of including their closest people and the iconic beauty of Washington, DC monuments.
This is why you’ll hear me say often: an elopement doesn’t have to mean alone. It means intentional. And DC is one of the most incredible places to do it.
Planning a DC Monument Elopement? Here’s What This Day Proves
If you’re considering a Lincoln Memorial or DC War Memorial elopement, here are a few takeaways from Stephen and Sarah’s experience:
- Busy locations can still feel intimate with the right timing and guidance
- Unexpected moments often become the ones you treasure most
- Trusting your photographer matters—especially in high-traffic DC locations
- You don’t need a full-day production to have a deeply meaningful wedding
This is where experience makes all the difference.
Thinking About an Elopement or Intimate Wedding in Washington, DC?
Whether you’re planning a just-us-two elopement or an intimate wedding with your closest people, DC offers endless possibilities—when you know how to navigate it.
I help couples:
- Choose the right monuments and routes
- Create flexible timelines that work with crowds
- Stay present—even when the unexpected happens
- And walk away with images that feel elevated, emotional, and timeless
If you’re dreaming of a DC elopement or monument wedding, I’d love to help you plan a day that feels like yours—not a production.
👉 Reach out here to start planning your Washington, DC elopement
Or, if you’re still exploring, browse more real DC elopements and intimate weddings on the blog.
