If you’re looking for a great place for your pre-wedding and first look photos, the National Cathedral is a Washington DC wedding photographer favorite. I recently photographed there before Mariam and Mohamed’s wedding and I cannot wait to return.

First Look at the National Cathedral – Washington DC Wedding Photographer

The National Cathedral, the world’s sixth-largest cathedral, encompasses 57 acres and offers the opportunity to utilize its majestic and historic architecture from just about anywhere on the property. I was getting my Sound of Music fill and more as I started photographing Mariam’s arrival to meet Mohamed in the inner courtyard. From there, the two exchanged tearful and emotional embraces as they read their personal vows to each other.

The vaulted ornate stone arches provide a wonderful dramatic and cinematic backdrop for wedding day portraits. As a wedding photographer in Washington, DC, I’m never without awe and joy at the amount of historic structures I have at my disposal, the Cathedral is certainly no exception and has only enhanced my love for photographing weddings in this city.

Aside from its gothic and historic charm, the Cathedral is centrally located in DC, making it easy to travel to most wedding reception venues within the DMV area. Mariam and Mohamed had pre-planned to meet at the Cathedral a couple of hours before their wedding reception in Fairfax.

After they read their vows in the courtyard, I spotted an intriguing little outdoor room with an arch and leaded glass windows. It was the perfect spot to silhouette them against the window.

It was quite windy that day which added to the dramatic portraits with the wind artistically blowing Mariam’s veil both outside and inside the cathedral corridors.

One thing to be aware of is that photography permits are required at the National Cathedral and towards the end of our portrait session, I was asked by a security officer to show my permit.

After pre-wedding portraits were done, Mariam and Mohamed were welcomed by their guests as they arrived for their wedding reception at the Hilton in Fairfax.