Washington National Cathedral, DC - Self Officiated Elopement Photo Story Award

National Cathedral Wedding Ceremony Image of the bride and groom reading vows in the Garden outside

National Cathedral Wedding Ceremony Image | the bride and groom read their vows to one another in the Garden

With the iconic National Cathedral in the background adding a touch of history and classic romance to the occasion, Mamie and Nick read their vows to one another in the Bishop's Garden.

Romance and simplicity defined Mamie and Nick's wedding ceremony, which took place in the Bishop's Garden at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. Unlike most municipalities around the world, Washington D.C. allows for self-officiated weddings, so this couple was able to guide themselves through the ceremony. Not only did their ceremony include the traditional exchanging of vows, but the couple also took a few moments to read letters that had been written by their friends and family, allowing them to feel connected to those who were not able to be there in person.

While many of their human family members and friends could not be in attendance, this couple was able to include their dog in their wedding. Sandy served as an official ring bearer, and was an attentive guest throughout the entire ceremony. 

Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, the couple retreated to a quiet area of the gardens in order to enjoy a small picnic together that included wedding cake and champagne.

Washington DC Couples Dog Preparing for Bishops Garden Elopement and is ready to walk down the aisle

National Cathedral - DC Wedding Photography | close friends of the couple work to prepare the dog for the garden ceremony

Two close friends of the couple work to prepare Sandy, the couple's dog, for his walk down the aisle. 

National Cathedral Wedding Ceremony Picture of DC bride and groom saying Vows with foliage in bloom at Bishops Garden

National Cathedral Wedding Ceremony Picture in DC | Vows with the foliage in bloom in the Bishop's Garden

Standing amongst the foliage in bloom in the Bishop's Garden, Mamie and Nick are immersed in a world of their own during their intimate wedding ceremony. 

A DC couple Incorporated Pets Into Elopement Ceremony as their dog looks dapper in floral collar

DC Wedding Photography at the Cathedral w/ a Dog watching them intently during their elopement ceremony

Sandy, looking dapper in his floral collar, looks up at his parents and watches them intently during their wedding ceremony. 

Washington DC National Cathedral Wedding Image of bride and groom exchanging rings in garden

Washington DC National Cathedral Wedding Image | The bride and groom exchange rings in the garden

With Sandy taking pride of place between them, Mamie and Nick exchange rings in the garden. 

Washington Bride and Groom Elopement Portrait with a Dog after garden wedding ceremony

National Cathedral DC Wedding Photographer | officially husband and wife now

Now officially husband and wife, Mamie and Nick take a moment to share the love with their beloved dog, Sandy. By including their dog in their wedding ceremony, they were able to create a unique and personal experience.

National Cathedral Wedding Image from Washington of DC couple holding hands walking dog

Photo from a National Cathedral Wedding in Washington, DC | Holding hands with one another

Holding hands with one another, the bride and groom allow their dog to lead the way as they take a stroll in front of the National Cathedral. 

Washington National Cathedral Wedding Cake Cutting after simple ceremony in the garden with an intimate picnic

A Washington National Cathedral Wedding Cake Detail Pic | A simple ceremony in the garden with an intimate picnic following

After the simple ceremony in the garden, the couple enjoyed a fitting reception together — a picnic for two that included a wedding cake and two glasses of champagne.

A DC bride and groom image session at the National Cathedral as they take separate staircases toward the entrance

Washington National Cathedral BW Portrait Session | the bride and groom take separate staircases toward the entrance

In this powerful portrait, the bride and groom take separate staircases toward the entrance of the National Cathedral. This image symbolizes the individual paths that led them to the place where they would begin their lives together, as one unit.