Washington DC
Wedding Photographer
I'm Jenna Leigh — and Washington DC is where I've built some of the most meaningful work of my 16-year career. From the grand ballrooms of the Willard InterContinental to candlelit ceremonies at the St. Regis to engagement sessions and portraits on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial at golden hour, I know this city's light, its venues, and the particular kind of wedding that happens here.
`My style is vibrant and true-to-life — clean, bright images that look exactly like your wedding day felt, not filtered or faded into a trend that won't age well. In a city full of photographers chasing a moody, desaturated aesthetic, I shoot DC as it actually is: bold, luminous, and full of color.
Featured in Washingtonian Magazine ·
Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame
16+ Years · 350+ Weddings
Every wedding day is full of moments that pass in seconds.
My job is to hold onto them for you.
Vibrant, true-to-life wedding photography for DC couples who want to relive every feeling, not just remember it.
Washington dc Weddings
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
"After hours of scouring for photographers, we found Jenna and fell in love with her style."
Jennifer A.
Beyond the monuments
Decatur House Wedding
One of Washington's oldest surviving Federal-period townhouses, sitting directly on Lafayette Square across from the White House. A formal courtyard, historic brick facade, and ornate interiors combine with the most iconic address in America for a portrait environment unlike anything else in the city.
Beyond the monuments
District Winery Wedding
DC's only urban winery, perched on the Anacostia waterfront in the heart of Navy Yard. Floor-to-ceiling windows, warm wood interiors, and sweeping river views create a wedding aesthetic that feels thoroughly modern and thoroughly DC — and the waterfront light is exceptional.
Beyond the monuments
St. Regis DC Wedding
Steps from the White House on 16th Street NW, the St. Regis brings gilded European interiors, warm chandelier light, and Lafayette Square portrait access together in one of DC's most refined and formally elegant wedding settings.
FAQ
Q: You're based in New Market, Maryland — how familiar are you with DC venues and logistics?
A: Very. Washington DC makes up a significant portion of my work, and I've photographed at venues across the city — from grand hotel ballrooms on Pennsylvania Avenue to historic mansions in Kalorama to the Navy Yard waterfront. I know how light moves through these spaces, and I stay current on NPS permit requirements for portrait locations on the National Mall and federal parkland.
Q: Can we do portraits at DC landmarks — the monuments, the Mall, the memorials?
A: Yes, and it's one of my favorite things to plan with DC couples. Many locations require advance NPS permits, and requirements have evolved in recent years. I'll walk you through exactly what's needed for your specific locations so we can make it happen without surprises.
Q: What does "vibrant and true-to-life" mean — how is that different from other DC photographers?
A: A large portion of the DC market shoots moody, desaturated, film-inspired work. I don't. My images are clean, bright, and color-accurate — your florals look like your florals, your dress looks like your dress, and the city looks like the city. It's a style that holds up for decades rather than dating itself to a trend.
Q: How far in advance do DC couples typically book?
A: Most DC couples book 12–18 months out, with popular spring and fall dates filling earliest. If you have a specific venue or date in mind, it's worth reaching out sooner rather than later.
Q: Do you work with a second shooter?
A: Yes. For most DC weddings I bring a second photographer, which means simultaneous coverage across getting-ready locations, complete ceremony coverage from multiple angles, and more comprehensive cocktail hour documentation — especially important at larger hotel and historic mansion venues.
Q: What happens after we book?
A: You'll receive a detailed questionnaire covering your venues, timeline, family dynamics, and portrait priorities. We'll schedule a planning call, build your shot list together, and I'll handle all permit logistics for any portrait locations requiring advance coordination. On your wedding day, you won't need to think about any of it.
Washington DC Wedding Photography
Let's Tell your story
I'd love to hear about your DC venue, your vision, and whether we're the right fit.
Based in New Market, Maryland · Photographing weddings throughout Washington DC · Northern Virginia · Maryland · Annapolis · Loudoun County · and the broader DMV