Hi, I’m Jalisa — a DC film wedding and couple’s photographer who daydreams about real connection, soft light, and quiet moments that speak loud. If you’re dreaming of images that feel editorial yet intimate, polished yet expressive, classic yet unmistakably you – then Library of Congress engagement photos offer the perfect blend. Heavily modeled after 19th-century French architecture, the marble-clad Thomas Jefferson Building with its soaring vaulted ceilings, ornate frescoes, and polished mosaic floors creates an editorial-quality stage that feels both historic and personal. The building is full of large windows that offer pristine views of DC, and let in the dreamiest light that is perfect of glowing, elegant pictures. Without a doubt, the Library of Congress is one of my favorite spots to photograph engagements and elopements.
Library of Congress Information
The Library of Congress is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (8:00 pm on Thursdays), with the last entry being 30 minutes before closing. Timed entry tickets are required for entrance, but they can be obtained online in advanced or the day of at 9:00am. The Library of Congress is located in the Thomas Jefferson Building off of First Street SE, and while there is some street parking located nearby, it can easily turn into a length walk – so I encourage client to take public transport in if possible. There is a standard security and bag check upon entering and exiting the building, so be prepared in advanced and travel light.
Is photography allowed in the Library of Congress?
Yes! Photography is absolutely allowed in the Library of Congress, by hobbyists and professionals alike. There are typically numerous photographers working with their client’s. The staff is very accommodating, but they do request that photographers and couples be respectful of the professional and historic environment, and that they don’t block hallways and stairs for prolonged periods of time.
Do I need a permit to do Library of Congress engagement photos?
The Library of Congress does not require a photography permit to do engagement photos. However, be aware that permits are typically required to photograph in DC and surrounding national park land – so you may need a permit if you are interested in visiting multiple locations during the same session.
Locations in the Library of Congress
As mentioned above, the Library of Congress in the Thomas Jefferson building features European-inspired architectural elegance at every corner. The Library of Congress has three accessible floors, if it’s your first time going as visitors, or if you like to know the layout ahead of time, you can check out the maps and information here.
These are some of my favorite features when taking engagement photos in the Library of Congress.
The Grand Staircase
Location: First floor, on either side of the Great Hall.
Framed by marble balustrades and the ornate ceiling above, the grand staircase is a signature image that you simply have to have. The kind of picture that makes you gasp when you see it.
There are a few ways to approach this photo, as foot traffic is heavy on the two primary staircases and the staff will usher you along quickly so as not to cause blockages. I love to
- I will coach my couple through what poses and movements I want them to do, then I will send them across the the hall to the opposite staircase, so I can photograph them from afar. Sometimes I will photograph from above them. This is a great opportunity to create the illusion of intimacy in a crowded room with some lovely motion blur.
- I will join them on the staircase and pose them near the railing on the top landing. From this angle, I can photograph the ceiling and grand architecture surrounding them while still remaining close enough to prompt and pose them in the moment.
The Great Hall
Location: First floor, directly in front of the Main Reading Room (photos are not allowed in the Main Reading Room)
The Great Hall is nestled between the two staircases and boasts soaring ceilings and balconies surrounding the floor. I love this area because of the symmetry and grandeur. Within the Great Hall, I have two favorite photo spots:
- The base of the stairs offers an elegant little corner – unobtrusive to other visitors – where the I can play easily with more editorial, posed photos adding in some height-dimensionality.
- Towards the back of the hall and closer to the Reading Room ground level entrance, grand columns offer a fun spot to play with movement – little runs and motion blur are so fun to do here!
Mezzanine and Balconies
Location: Second floor
Another favorite location is the mezzanine where sunlight floods in through the large windows. This is honestly where I spend most of the session as it’s the easiest place to get everything in one frame – the intricate details on the ceiling, soaring pillars, stairs in the background, and the overwhelming elegance of the building. The space is wide and uncluttered, allowing for the couple to walk, sit on benches, pose in windowsills, lean over the railings to observe the Great Hall below, and lean intimately on the columns. One of my favorite images here is of the engagement ring with the ceiling as the background.
Corridors and Coves
Location: First and second floors
Looking for a more private space with moodier lighting? There are plenty of corridors and coves – with equally elegant and dramatic architecture, but signifiancaly less food traffic – located just off of the Great Hall. I like to start my engagement sessions here to give my couple some time to acclimate and get used to my flow.
Exterior Marble Steps
Last, but certainly not least, the exterior marble steps are another location you can’t pass by. The outside of the Library of Congress is just as elegant and ornate as the interior, and these outside steps are perfectly positioned for some truly dramatic images. If the weather cooperates with you, the steps are typically empty and well worth spending 10 minutes on!
As a DC wedding photographer, I am lucky enough to photograph sessions all throughout the region. Yet without a doubt, the Library of Congress is always a favorite destination of mine. So if you’re looking for an engagement session that blends architectural grandeur with quiet romance, an unforgettable set of Library of Congress engagement photos in Washington, DC, puts all the elegance in one frame.
Reach out and let’s chat details!
More Images from a Library of Congress Engagement Session
Photographer: Jalisa Roslyn Photo
Location: Library of Congress in Washington, DC
Meet Jalisa
DC Film Wedding Photographer
Jalisa is a documentary wedding photographer who passionately preserves weddings on digital and film.
Serving Washington, DC, Baltimore, Maryland, and beyond.
