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The George Mason Memorial

900 Ohio Dr SW,
Washington, DC 20024
Great for Portraits
and in our standard portraits service area.

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A family posing for a photo in front of the George Mason Memorial in Washington DC.
A family is sitting on a bench at the George Mason Memorial in Washington DC.
An older woman kisses her son at the George Mason Memorial in Washington DC.
A bride and groom kissing in front of the George Mason Memorial in Washington DC.
A bride and groom posing in front of the George Mason Memorial columns in Washington DC.
A boy and girl sitting on a bench next to the George Mason Memorial in Washington DC.
A couple embracing in front of the George Mason Memorial in Washington DC.
A family sits on a tree branch near the George Mason Memorial for a family photo in Washington DC.

The George Mason Memorial is a picturesque location on the National Mall in Washington D.C. that offers a beautiful backdrop for portrait photography. The memorial was authorized by Congress in 1990 and dedicated in 2002, in honor of George Mason, a Founding Father who played a significant role in shaping the early history of the United States.

The memorial is located on the Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial and the FDR Memorial. In fact, the George Mason Memorial is a popular stop along the way to taking portraits at the Jefferson Memorial. The setting is both beautiful and historic, with the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial in the background. The memorial includes a statue of George Mason, a pool, trellis, circular hedges, and numerous inscriptions, plus many nearby nooks and crannies created by old trees and foliage offer more natural aesthetics, all of which provide a variety of options for different types of portraits.

The George Mason Memorial is relatively uncrowded compared to other popular tourist destinations, making it easy to get good shots without having to worry about people in the background. It is also well-lit, both during the day and at night, which is ideal for portrait photography.

Another benefit of the George Mason Memorial is that it is free to visit, making it a great option for people who are on a budget. Additionally, the memorial is one of three sites in the National Mall area where weddings are permitted, which is a testament to its beauty and suitability for special occasions.

However, there are some challenges to consider when using the George Mason Memorial for portrait photography. The memorial can be crowded, particularly during peak tourist season, making it difficult to get the shots you want without having to worry about people in the background. The Tidal Basin location can also be windy, which can be a problem for some hair styles and attire options. Additionally, the marble construction can be reflective at certain times of day making it difficult to control glare.

Location Limitations:

Parks operated by NPS report that a permit is required for professional photography. We encourage you to obtain this permit prior to your session. In practice, the geographical size of these locations and the sheer number of visitors they receive, and the patchwork of land they account for, makes it unlikely you will be approached when performing low-impact activities (such as family portrait or engagement sessions). If you opt not to obtain a permit, be aware that you may be asked to furnish your permit, or leave if you have not obtained one.

The George Mason Memorial

900 Ohio Dr SW
Washington, DC 20024
(202) 426-6841

Website

Portrait Permits & Costs

Permit Required:

(Get permit)

Yes
Permit Cost:
$140
Portraits Service Area:

The George Mason Memorial is in our standard portraits service area.

Events:

Event Bookings:
No
Location Type:
Best from:
Year Round
Great For:

Parking info:

Paid public parking is typically available a short walk away in the parking lots on Ohio Drive, south of the Ohio Drive Bridge. Street parking may also sometimes be available southbound on Ohio Drive north of the Ohio Drive Bridge.

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Heads up! You will be required to obtain a permit to hold a session at The George Mason Memorial. Please contact the venue for help obtaining your permit.

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The information in our shooting locations directory is provided for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information in the directory. Use of the directory is at your own risk. We are not responsible for any decision to use or visit a particular location. Please read our locations directory introduction here.

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