DC War Memorial and Jefferson Memorial Wedding Photos | Washington, DC

Wedding photos at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC | Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Megan Rei Photography

Gillian and Ryan planned a beautiful, intimate wedding ceremony at the DC War Memorial - one of my favorite DC venues for small weddings. They were my first wedding of 2018, and what a way to start the spring season! Surrounded by their closest family members, they exchanged personal vows and married themselves (thanks to DC laws allowing couples to act as their own wedding officiant). It was short and sweet, exactly what they wanted! We even had some time after the ceremony to take some more photos at the Jefferson Memorial too - we got so many classic DC spots in one afternoon ♥️

It was a chilly March day, and you can see how bundled up the other wedding guests are. I definitely had on my winter coat and gloves! But I honestly don't think you'd be able to tell how cold it was from Gillian or Ryan's faces in ANY of the photos. I loved how fun and goofy they were together the entire afternoon - I think they were too happy to let the chill get to them!

Are you getting married at the DC War Memorial? Read my tips on how to plan your wedding there, with advice for everything from the permit process to figuring out parking.

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Gillian's dad wrote a short poem that had everyone cracking up!

Father of the bride reading a funny poem during the ceremony | DC War Memorial Wedding

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The first kiss | DC War Memorial Wedding Photography | Washington, DC

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They're cheering because it's the last family photo and everyone got to put their coats on afterward!

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Unique wedding ring with diamond from the bride’s mother’s ring | Ring designed by Alexandria & Company, Jeweler in Alexandria, VA

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Laughter | DC Documentary Wedding Photographer | DC Candid Wedding Photography

Dancing in the DC War Memorial | Blush and navy wedding color palette | DC War Memorial Wedding Venue

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Ryan wanted to take a turn with the twirling too!

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This was a special photo request from Ryan - chasing each other around the monument!

Running around the Memorial | Fun Wedding Photographer in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia

We arrived over at the Jefferson Memorial at the perfect time. There was a brief lull in crowds on the steps, so we got some tourist-free photos! And the setting sun gave us that perfect golden light.

Bride and groom in front of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial | Best Locations in DC for Wedding Pictures | Megan Rei Photography

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Blue sky + the white marble columns of the Jefferson + happy wedding couple that can't stop smiling = a photographer's heaven.

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Bride and groom kissing in front of the marble columns at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in DC

Personalized wedding details are always so special, and Gillian's engagement ring is one of my favorites. Ryan worked with a jeweler to have her ring made with the diamond from her mother's engagement ring! I love this shot with the ring and her mother's photo.

Charm with mother’s photo on the bouquet

Wedding couple walking through the Jefferson Memorial | Washington DC Monuments Wedding Photographer | Megan Rei Photography

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Another one of Ryan's photo requests - "Gillian adoring Ryan." I think she looks super sincere.

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Bride and groom wedding photos at the Jefferson Memorial | Washington DC Monuments Wedding

Gillian and Ryan have been together for over 13 years. They've made it through high school, long distance, cross-country moves, PhD programs, and planning a wedding in just 30 days. I'm pretty sure any couple who can handle all of that is destined to be together forever! Thank you guys for letting me be a small part of your story!!