Garden‑Inspired Wedding at the Washington DC National Arboretum

An outdoor wedding is always my vibe, and this Washington, DC National Arboretum Wedding was just perfect for a beautiful Fall celebration! I was so excited to capture the classic garden party vibe for Val and Jon’s big day!

When Val and Jon first reached out, it was one of those conversations that just felt easy, like we were already on the same page about how they wanted their wedding day to feel. I love it when couples have a clear vision for their celebration, and these two definitely did.

Val is originally from Montana, and Jon calls Pennsylvania home, but Washington, DC, is where they built their life together, including a home they share with their small lab, Daisy. Val now works for the government (and so did Jon), but she mentioned her past work bartending at weddings in DC, which meant she knew exactly what she didn’t want for her own wedding day: anything stuffy or overly formal.

They were drawn to the Washington, DC National Arboretum for its relaxed, natural vibe, and it’s easy to see why. Tucked just far enough from the bustle of downtown DC, the Arboretum feels like a secret garden right in the city. They chose it because Val already loved going there, and they both knew it was the perfect setting for the kind of wedding they imagined: bright, open, easy, and full of life. (Neither of them knew weddings even happened there until Jon found it!)

A Space That Matches the Vibe

If you’re planning your wedding at the Washington DC National Arboretum, you probably already know it’s one of the city’s most unique outdoor venues. The Arboretum isn’t a traditional ballroom or country club; it’s a landscape full of winding paths, flowering gardens, and wide‑open spaces.

Whether you want your ceremony under a canopy of trees, cocktail hour on a lawn bathed in sunset light, or reception with a tent and hanging lights, it’s one of those places that feels like you, not like a cookie‑cutter wedding venue.

And that’s exactly what Val and Jon were going for: a garden party vibe that felt relaxed and genuine, without a rigid schedule or formality. While the party was set for a tented recpetion, they chose a ceremony overlooking the Capitol Columns with Val’s dad officiating, It was such a meaningful touch and one of the sweetest parts of their story. It felt completely fitting for two people who value connection and community over tradition for tradition’s sake.

How They Met

Val and Jon’s romance started the way a lot of DC love stories do: at work. They used to see each other around the office, exchanging smiles and small hellos. For almost a year, those casual meetings were just that. Until one day, they weren’t. One date turned into many, and the rest is history.

It’s the kind of story that reminds you how relationships can grow from the simplest beginnings. A smile, a shared hallway, and the courage to finally say yes to coffee after work, all of it led to a new beginning for these two.

Wedding Planning

Like many couples planning their weddings, Val and Jon turned to Instagram first. They found me through my feed, and I’m so glad they did.As a DC wedding photographer, there can be a lot of wedding formalities, but I believe in capturing weddings that feel like the people getting married, not staged, not forced, just real and joyful moments as they naturally unfold, and Val and Jon were totally onboard with that.

They wanted their Arboretum wedding to be the kind of day where guests feel at ease, where light dances through greenery, and where every photo feels like a true reflection of who they are. And honestly, that’s the best kind of wedding to be a photographer at.

The Big Day

The day of Val and Jon’s wedding couldn’t have been more perfect. The weather gave us that ideal soft sunlight, just warm enough, with a slight breeze drifting through the trees. Everything about the day felt effortless in the best way.

Val looked incredible walking through the garden paths, and Jon’s face said everything the moment he saw her. Their ceremony, officiated by Val’s dad, was heartfelt and personal. There was laughter, a few happy tears, and a deep sense of calm joy. Surrounded by lush greenery, their close friends and family, and a lot of love, it was one of those weddings that just felt right from start to finish.

Topped off by a party where the dance floor was full and the speeches were so meaningful, their wedding day couldn’t have gone any better. It was such an honor to be invited, and I can’t wait for my next wedding there!

Why the Washington DC National Arboretum Works for Your Wedding

If you’re considering the Washington DC National Arboretum for your own wedding, here’s what couples love most:

Natural Beauty Without Pretension: Gardens, trees, and open sky make every photo feel timeless.
Flexible and Relaxed Atmosphere: You’re not boxed into a ballroom or formal timeline, you design your day.
Room for Personal Touches: From custom ceremony setups to tents and lounge seating, the venue becomes your canvas.
Incredible Light for Photographs: As a DC wedding photographer, lighting is everything, and the Arboretum delivers, especially in golden hour.

Choosing a venue that reflects you makes all the difference,and for Val and Jon, the Arboretum was the perfect backdrop for the kind of love they share.

Have questions about getting married at the National Arboretum? Send me an email!