In Washington DC, the Cherry Blossom trees are supposed to be at their peak in five days, and we can’t wait!  If you are planning a wedding, you might be thinking about taking your engagement photos or your wedding near the Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.  We love that idea, but here are five (5) key things to know first!

1. Book your photographer as early as possible. DC area couples love getting photographed during the cherry blossom season, so you will have a lot of competition for your photographer’s time. If possible, we encourage you to book your engagement session with your photographer months in advance.

2. You will need a photography permit.  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 in other areas or on Capitol Hill.  Call (202) 619-7225 for more information.

3. Please show the trees some love!  The cherry blossom trees are extremely delicate.  If you take a blossom off the tree, 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!

4. The crowds near the Cherry Blossoms are pretty intense.  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.  You may need to walk around to find a good spot, so wear comfortable shoes.  And, parking during cherry blossom season is a beast, so we encourage you to take an Uber or the Metro.

5. You can bring your puppy with you. 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.  And, don’t bring a dog who is easily spooked by crowds!  It will be disastrous for everyone involved.

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So, where are the Cherry Blossoms?  The bulk of the 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!)

Check out this site for information on which varieties of cherry blossom trees are located in which park and maps.

Enjoy! Love & Soul Always, Kawania