These Library of Congress engagement photos were so much fun to take with Ana and Jacob last summer, and the perfect way to go from strangers to friends before their wedding day.
Before I had the honor of photographing their wedding at the LBJ Wildflower Center last fall, Ana and Jacob invited me out to Washington D.C. for their engagement session. They currently call D.C. home, so we started their session at the iconic Washington landmark.
The Library of Congress was the perfect place to celebrate one of their shared interests while also creating stunning photos.
Ana and Jacob both love reading and have even hosted a book club for two throughout their relationship. So the world’s largest library seemed like an appropriate engagement session location. Celebrating my couple’s interests and hobbies is one of my favorite ways to personalize their engagement session.
For their Library of Congress engagement photos, we spent about 30 minutes taking photos inside the library. I was particularly grateful for the indoor location – it was a great way to escape the late July heat! They wandered up and down the halls while I found different angles of them surrounded by the gorgeous architecture. I did pose them a little bit and incorporated some photos of them reading their favorite books on a bench.
Afterward we walked around the exterior of the library to explore a bit more before heading to the second half of their engagement session. To celebrate their shared love of soccer, we finished the engagement session with drinks at their favorite bar to watch games.
What Washington D.C. landmarks don’t require a photo permit?
While planning their engagement session, we knew wanted an iconic landmark to symbolize their time living in D.C. Roughly 21% of D.C.’s total land area is dedicated to parks, ranking it among the highest in the U.S. It used to be difficult to find a public park in D.C. that didn’t require a permit… until January 2025. Congress passed the Explore Act which eased photography restrictions in national parks.
According to the Explore Act, permits are not required for filming, photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. The filming, still photography, or audio recording just needs to meet all of the following conditions:
- Occurs in areas open to the public;
- Uses hand-carried equipment only;
- Does not require exclusive use of a site;
- Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
- Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.
Even before the Explore Act, the Library of Congress did not require a photo permit according to its website.
These Library of Congress engagement photos were included in their wedding package.
Anytime a couple books at least 8 hours of wedding photography with me, I included a complimentary engagement session. We’re going to spend a lot of time together on your wedding day, so I want you to feel comfortable with me. Your engagement session is a great time for us to meet and for you to see how I work. I learn what helps you feel comfortable and what poses you like best. The fact that you get beautiful photos unique to your relationship is truly the cherry on top.
I also didn’t charge them for travel to D.C., as it’s only about a 2-hour train ride from Philadelphia. I generally don’t charge for travel along the east coast.
About Tess Leslie Photography
I’m a wedding photographer with over a decade of experience documenting couples in a way that feels natural, emotional, and true to life. My approach blends a documentary eye with an editorial touch. I shoot both digital and 35mm film, which helps me create galleries that feel nostalgic, romantic, and full of real moments.
I’m currently splitting my time between Texas and Philadelphia, and I love helping couples feel at ease in front of the camera while guiding them toward locations, light, and movement that photograph beautifully. I love to travel to our nation’s capitol to photograph engagement photos and weddings around iconic locations like the Library of Congress.
Keep scrolling to see some of my favorite Library of Congress engagement photos.
