Rock Creek Park Elopement | Washington DC Fall Wedding

When I first talked with Eric and Alana over video chat (months before COVID video chats were a thing) we were dreaming about their wedding to come in the Shenandoah National Park. As a couple who love to adventure, explore, and enjoy the outdoors, it was going to be the perfect setting.

But as the reality of COVID became apparent, they were forced to change their plans like so many couples this year. Instead of a June wedding in the Shenandoah, they opted to have a fall wedding in Rock Creek Park, one of their favorite places near their home in Washington DC.

Not only is Rock Creek Park close to home, it’s also where they frequently run and hike together. Leading up to their wedding day they even scouted a few trails for photo locations! The park was a natural fit to have a smaller, elopement style wedding with just their parents and siblings.

I was excited as I drove into Rock Creek Park on the day of their elopement. If you aren’t familiar what an elopement can look like, rest assured, it’s doesn’t mean it was rushed or unplanned. I was excited because this day was truly going to be about them. From the photo locations, to the brunch after the ceremony, each detail represented who they are as a couple and the close relationship they have with family.

We began that morning by taking a short hike down a dirt trail to a beautiful stone bridge crossing over Rock Creek. It was a bright, crisp day that was perfect for photos. Eric and Alana kept each other laughing and warm as they explored the area. Our second stop took us to the Capitol Stones, a truly unique location in Rock Creek Park. This is an area full of real stones from the a renovation of the Capitol building, dumped there in 1958. It’s one of the most strange and fascinating places I’ve seen in our area!

After our time of portraits, we joined Eric and Alana’s family as they were finished preparations at the ceremony site. They had found a lovely, setting under the arm of a tree, nestled just beside a calming, babbling area of Rock Creek. The ceremony began and it wasn’t long before everyone cried for one reason or another. For Alana it came during her family’s speeches. For Eric, during his vows to Alana. For everyone else, we teared up again and again! It was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever been a part of. I loved the moment just after Alana put on Eric’s ring when he brought his hand up to gaze at this new addition to his finger, then smiled adoringly at Alana.

Following the ceremony, we took family photos then enjoyed a delicious, simple brunch. Eric and Alana had brought one of their favorite morning foods, bagels from Bethesda Bagels. Fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and more made this park wedding a lovely picnic brunch.

This was a day to remember and I’m so glad I was able to document this adventure for Eric and Alana. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out other elopements and adventure weddings on the blog!