Meridian Hill Park

16th St NW &, W St NW,
Washington, DC 20009
Two men laying on a bench in Meridian Hill Park, Washington DC.

Key Information About Photography
at Meridian Hill Park

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Meridian Hill Park

16th St NW &, W St NW
Washington, DC 20009

Location Type:

Best Season:

Portrait Permits:

A permit for portrait photography is not required.

Parking Info:

Parking for Meridian Hill Park can be a significant challenge. The vast majority of parking in the immediate area is reserved for residential permit holders, and public street parking generally is unavailable until after 7:00pm. You may find parking in the neighborhood of 14th Street, or on side streets north of Euclid Street. It’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to circle the area, or to reserve a nearby spot online using one of the online parking marketplaces, such as ParkWhiz.

Hosts Events:

No

Photos from Meridian Hill Park

About  Meridian Hill Park

Meridian Hill Park is a historic public park located in the heart of Washington, DC. Originally called Meridian Hill due to its location on the exact longitude of the original District of Columbia milestone marker, the land was once home to a mansion belonging to John Porter. The mansion was later occupied by departing President John Quincy Adams in 1829, but was demolished after the Civil War and converted into a public park.

Designed in the Italian Renaissance style by landscape architects George Burnap and Horace Peaslee, the park features a cascading fountain, a reflecting pool, a statue of Dante, and a memorial to James Buchanan. The park is a popular spot for concerts, festivals, and other events, and has been the site of several protests and demonstrations, including the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Meridian Hill Park’s rich history and stunning architectural features make it an ideal location for portrait photography. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a variety of beautiful backdrops, including the cascading fountain, the reflecting pool, and the statue of Dante. The park is also well-maintained and clean, providing a professional-looking setting for a variety of different kinds of portrait photography, and small scale elopement-style weddings.

Located in a central location in Washington, DC, Meridian Hill Park is easily accessible and free to enter, making it a budget-friendly option for portrait photography. The park is open year-round, providing ample opportunities to capture stunning portraits in any season. Additionally, the park is a popular spot for people-watching, providing opportunities for capturing candid moments in portraits.

While Meridian Hill Park offers numerous benefits for portrait photography, there are also some challenges to consider. The park can be crowded at times, making it difficult to utilize some of the park’s most eye catching features. Additionally, the park is located in a busy area, resulting in significant noise pollution, and for people who do not live in the immediate vicinity, parking can also be a serious challenge to overcome.

Other Locations for Photography in Washington DC

Lake Elkhorn

Permit: No
6800 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
Under a clear sky, Lake Elkhorn mirrors the lush green trees surrounding it. A quaint building and an elegant bridge gracefully span across the background, enhancing the tranquil scene.

Annapolis Waterworks Park

Permit: No
270 Defense Hwy
Annapolis, MD 21401
Nestled in Annapolis Waterworks Park, a dam stands surrounded by lush green trees, while a calm river meanders beneath the clear sky.

Silver Swan Bayside

Permit: No Portraits
412 Congressional Drive
Stevensville, Maryland 21666

Mt. Washington Mill Dye House

Permit: No Portraits
1340 Smith Avenue
Baltimore, MD

Blackwall Barn & Lodge

Permit: No Portraits
329 Gambrills Rd
Gambrills, MD 21054

Lake Elkhorn

Permit: No
Location Type:
Boardwalk, Park, Waterfront

Annapolis Waterworks Park

Permit: No
Location Type:
Nature Center, Park, Rustic

Silver Swan Bayside

Permit: No Portraits

Mt. Washington Mill Dye House

Permit: No Portraits
Location Type:
Event Venue, Historic, Urban

Blackwall Barn & Lodge

Permit: No Portraits
Location Type:
Event Venue, Restaurant

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Meridian Hill Park!

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