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The bride and groom stand closely together on a green lawn in front of Hearst Hall at the National Cathedral School during golden hour.

Destination Weddings

National Cathedral School Wedding | Washington D.C. Wedding Photographer

A collage from a Washington National Cathedral wedding featuring the cathedral’s exterior, the couple walking hand-in-hand on the lawn, the bride holding a bouquet in an arched corridor, and white heels on a veil surrounded by colorful flowers.

A National Cathedral School wedding in Washington D.C. offers a stunning blend of intimacy and grandeur—especially when paired with portraits on the breathtaking grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. This spring celebration was one of those epic love stories that felt cinematic in all the best ways. Held at the National Cathedral School and featuring iconic views from the cathedral itself, this day was made even more meaningful for me personally: the groom was my youngest brother, Ryan!

A Navy Romance: How Ryan and Sophia Met

Ryan and Sophia met through the U.S. Navy while attending Officer Candidate School. Their connection sparked quickly, and despite being stationed in different parts of the country, they stayed in touch—spending months growing their friendship, catching flights to see each other, and ultimately making their relationship official. Fast forward to a family Christmas trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico—a special place for Sophia’s family—where Ryan proposed on Christmas Eve.

A Classic, Romantic Wedding Day

Their wedding at the National Cathedral School felt like a literary daydream—especially for fans of Pride and Prejudice. Sophia incorporated subtle nods to the 2005 film adaptation, including ceremony music from the score and wildflower-inspired blooms. The bridesmaids wore bold black dresses, which created a gorgeous contrast against the soft spring florals and iconic stonework of the Washington National Cathedral.

We were lucky enough to catch the last of the cherry blossoms, which made Sophia’s dream photo come to life. From the arches to the Bishop’s Garden, the Washington National Cathedral grounds gave us breathtaking backdrops for every portrait. I’ve photographed weddings in many iconic locations, but this Washington National Cathedral wedding felt especially personal and visually unforgettable. I wasn’t in Cape Cod, but for once, I didn’t miss it. 

Rehearsal Dinner at Fogo de Chão

The celebration began the night before the wedding with a lively and heartfelt rehearsal dinner at Fogo de Chão at The Wharf. This spot has always been a favorite for Ryan and our dad, so it felt like the perfect place to kick off the weekend. With incredible food, warm toasts, and lots of laughter, everyone left full of joy (and steak) and even more excited for Sophia and Ryan’s big day ahead.

Honoring Family, Legacy, and Service

What made this National Cathedral School wedding even more powerful was the presence of so much family—and so much legacy. Several guests, including Ryan, Gavin (our brother), and Sophia’s dad, wore their Navy dress uniforms. My dad, a Navy veteran, and Ryan’s grandfather, a former Army service member, wore their uniforms as well. The formal sword arch after the ceremony exit was an unforgettable moment—elegant, meaningful, and deeply rooted in tradition.

National Cathedral School Wedding Venue Highlights

Hosting a wedding at the National Cathedral School means you get the intimacy of a private, elegant setting with direct access to the grandeur of the Washington National Cathedral just steps away. We were able to use the Cathedral’s iconic arches, soaring architecture, and lush Bishop’s Garden for portraits. The contrast between the intimate ceremony and the expansive, epic portrait locations made for a perfect blend.

However, it’s important to note: If you’re planning a National Cathedral School wedding and want to take photos on the cathedral grounds, you must obtain a photo permit from the Washington National Cathedral. It’s a detail that’s easy to overlook, but crucial for a smooth wedding day experience.

Planning Your Washington National Cathedral Wedding

If you’re dreaming of a Washington National Cathedral wedding, you’re in for something truly unforgettable. The location combines historic architecture, sweeping views, and meaningful tradition. Whether you’re hosting your ceremony on-site or simply planning to use the cathedral grounds for portraits, this space offers endless possibilities for timeless wedding imagery.

As a newly minted Washington D.C. wedding photographer, I always encourage couples to explore locations that reflect both their story and their values—and this wedding did just that. From the Pride and Prejudice-inspired touches to the military traditions and family-first moments, Ryan and Sophia’s day was a celebration of love, service, and connection.

Ready to Plan Your Own Cathedral Wedding?

Whether you’re planning a National Cathedral School wedding or a Washington National Cathedral wedding, I’d love to help you create images that feel like they belong in a storybook—and a family heirloom collection. Let’s talk more about how to bring your vision to life.

And finally

To Sophia and Ryan, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your day. It was a privelege, and I’m cheering for you both, always. To everyone else, get ready for what could possibly be the most epic National Cathedral School wedding to grace Hearst Hall!

A man in a blue suit and a woman in a white one-shoulder dress stand smiling and embracing on a sidewalk, with blooming pink trees and a red-brick building in the background at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C.
A detailed view of thin tree branches covered in vibrant pink flowers, softly focused in front of a light-toned building.
A close-up of the couple posing together, both smiling. The woman wears a white one-shoulder dress and the man wears a blue suit, with pink blossoms and a red-brick wall behind them.
A woman in a navy strapless dress assists another woman in applying lipstick, adjusting her hair as they stand outdoors at the National Cathedral School, with pink-blossomed trees in the background.
Close-up of a woman in a white one-shoulder dress holding a white, textured, heart-shaped clutch in both hands. Her nails are painted red, and a ring is visible on her left hand.
A woman in a fitted white dress stands smiling and looking to the side on a paved walkway, surrounded by trimmed shrubs, trees, and campus fencing at the National Cathedral School.
The couple walks away from the camera along a paved sidewalk, holding hands. They are surrounded by spring foliage and a blurred view of a large stone building in the distance.
The man hugs the woman from behind as she smiles up at him. They are dressed formally and stand in front of foliage with the National Cathedral School campus in the background.
The exterior of Fogo de Chão, a Brazilian steakhouse with modern glass architecture, surrounded by potted greenery and located at The Wharf in Washington, D.C.
A close-up of two circular chandeliers with glowing bulbs, softly focused against a dark ceiling with exposed beams.
A long formal dining table inside Fogo de Chão at The Wharf, set with black napkins, clear glassware, and name cards, under large windows.
An older man in a plaid shirt and veteran cap sits at a dinner table smiling, surrounded by people at a warmly lit indoor event.
A group of guests sitting at a long table inside Fogo de Chão at The Wharf, raising glasses in a celebratory toast beneath ring-shaped chandeliers.
A close-up of a woman’s hand holding a red wine glass toward the camera, with a blurred background of lights and reflections.
A black plate with three types of dessert: chocolate cake, cheesecake with red topping and a strawberry, and key lime pie, with a fork holding a bite.
A styled flat lay of wedding invitations, ceremony programs, an engagement ring in a round box, and scattered colorful flowers on a dark fabric background, photographed by a Washington D.C. wedding photographer.
A styled flat lay of wedding invitations, ceremony programs, an engagement ring in a round box, and scattered colorful flowers on a dark fabric background, photographed by a Washington D.C. wedding photographer.
Flat lay of groom’s attire including a white military dress cap, white dress shoes, gold wristwatch, and a white belt with a “Cryptologic Warfare” insignia buckle.
A bottle of Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia cologne surrounded by pastel flowers and gold tray details, captured by a Washington D.C. wedding photographer.
A pair of gold hoop earrings with pearls displayed on an ornate gold tray, with pink and yellow flowers on a dark fabric surface.
A pair of white pointed-toe heels laid out among scattered pastel flowers and gold leaf accents for a Washington D.C. wedding.
A detail shot of a U.S. Navy dress cap, white shoes, and a gold watch beside a white belt with a custom buckle.
A bride in a long-sleeved white gown with a deep neckline stands smiling at an older woman in a floral black dress, in a naturally lit room with white blinds.
A bride with neatly styled hair and a white high-neck gown puts on pearl earrings near a bright window, photographed by a Washington D.C. wedding photographer.
A close-up of a groom’s white Navy dress uniform showing the rank insignia on the shoulder and part of his cap, against a soft cream background.
A woman in a floral black gown adjusts a veil on the bride, who wears a long-sleeved white gown with a high neckline and stands calmly in front of bright windows.
A groom in a U.S. Navy dress white uniform looks down while adjusting his gold wristwatch, captured during a Washington D.C. wedding.
The bride, seated on the edge of a bed in a white room, bends forward to strap on one white heel, her veil draped behind her.
A detailed view of the bride’s hands buckling her white heel strap, highlighting her painted nails and the soft natural light, taken by a Washington D.C. wedding photographer.
A groom in full Navy dress uniform stands with his hands in his pockets against a light stone wall, photographed for a Washington D.C. wedding.
A smiling bride in a white gown and veil stands at the top of a staircase while her bridesmaids, dressed in black, wait below.
A view over the bride’s shoulder as her bridesmaids, all in matching black gowns, react with smiles and admiration in a well-lit room.
The bridesmaids burst into expressions of surprise and excitement upon seeing the bride, in a candid black-and-white photo by a Washington D.C. wedding photographer.
The bridesmaids burst into expressions of surprise and excitement upon seeing the bride, in a candid black-and-white photo by a Washington D.C. wedding photographer.
A close-up of two bridesmaids in black gowns laughing and leaning toward each other, sharing a joyful moment in a bright room.
Black-and-white photo of a bride in a white gown and veil being embraced in a tight group hug by her bridesmaids dressed in black gowns, captured by a Washington D.C. wedding photographer.
A groom in a white military dress uniform stands under the tall arched stone architecture of the Washington National Cathedral, hands behind his back, looking forward.
A bride in a white gown and veil walks hand-in-hand with a bridesmaid in a black dress along a path outside the Washington National Cathedral, with the cathedral’s Gothic tower visible in the background.
A wide view of the Washington National Cathedral’s exterior shows its Gothic architecture, tall tower with scaffolding, and an American flag on a pole in the foreground.
A bride in a fitted long-sleeve gown and veil holds her bouquet in one hand and lifts part of her veil with the other, standing under the arches of the Washington National Cathedral.
Close-up of a colorful bridal bouquet with red, purple, pink, and white flowers held against a white gown during a Washington National Cathedral wedding.
Architectural detail of an arched column with bird deterrent spikes inside the Washington National Cathedral.
Two men in white military uniforms face each other and exchange a salute in front of a stone arched entryway at the Washington National Cathedral.
A close-up of the ornate Gothic arch with a stained glass window in soft focus behind, showcasing the architectural beauty of the Washington National Cathedral.
A bride in a long-sleeve gown and veil stands centered beneath the soaring stone arches inside the Washington National Cathedral, holding a colorful bouquet.
A bridal bouquet with pink roses, red gerbera daisy, purple irises, and greenery is softly veiled in tulle, captured at a Washington National Cathedral wedding.
A smiling bride in a white gown and veil holds a vibrant bouquet of colorful flowers during her Washington National Cathedral wedding.
A bride and a bridesmaid walk down stone steps inside the Washington National Cathedral, the bride holding her gown and bouquet while the bridesmaid assists with her train.
A bride stands centered beneath a tall arched doorway and ornate stone columns at the Washington National Cathedral, facing the camera with her bouquet in hand.
A bride leans on a stone balcony ledge, laughing, with her bouquet beside her, surrounded by the grand arches of the Washington National Cathedral.
A bride stands with her bridesmaids in black dresses, each holding a colorful bouquet, in front of an arched stone entryway at the Washington National Cathedral.
A bridesmaid in a black dress holds a bouquet of wildflowers, including daisies, yellow calla lilies, and purple irises, tied with a white ribbon, during a Washington National Cathedral wedding.
A close-up view of several bridesmaids’ bouquets featuring orange, purple, yellow, and white flowers at a Washington National Cathedral wedding.
A bride surrounded by bridesmaids adjusts her veil on the stone steps of the Washington National Cathedral, all smiling and holding colorful bouquets.
A young flower girl in a black satin dress with a large bow holds a woven basket and smiles during a Washington National Cathedral wedding.
The groom in a white military dress uniform stands with his groomsmen in black tuxedos and another man in a Navy uniform in front of a stone archway at the Washington National Cathedral.
The groom in a white military dress uniform walks down the steps with his groomsmen in black tuxedos and another man in a Navy uniform in front of a stone archway at the Washington National Cathedral.
Directional sign with black arrows pointing to locations including “Beauvoir,” “National Cathedral School,” and “St. Albans School,” topped with a miniature gold cathedral, at the National Cathedral School.
Arched wooden double doors framed by brick walls and greenery at the National Cathedral School, with a lantern-style light hanging above the entrance.
Close-up of the National Cathedral School crest mounted on a black gate, under a peaked white ceiling.
Vertical view of the National Cathedral School chapel interior, focusing on the exposed wood beams and ceiling lights above the central aisle and altar.
A bride in a white gown walks down the aisle at the National Cathedral School chapel, escorted by a man in a white military uniform and a woman in a black floral dress, with guests standing on either side.
A groom in a white military dress uniform smiles and stands at the front of the chapel with groomsmen behind him during the National Cathedral School wedding ceremony.
Wide view of guests standing as the bride walks down the center aisle toward the altar in the National Cathedral School chapel.
Three military dress caps and a ceremonial sword rest on a wooden pew inside the National Cathedral School chapel.
Three women in black dresses stand at a podium delivering a reading during a wedding ceremony at the National Cathedral School, with the bride and groom seated in the foreground.
Black-and-white photo taken from outside a brick building, looking through an open window at seated guests and wedding activity inside the National Cathedral School chapel.
The bride and groom share their first kiss at the altar during a wedding ceremony at the National Cathedral School chapel, with two officiants smiling and clapping behind them.
The newly married couple kisses at the end of the aisle, surrounded by applauding guests inside the National Cathedral School chapel.
Guests gather outside a brick building at the National Cathedral School as uniformed military officers form an arch with ceremonial swords for the couple’s exit.
The bride and groom stand smiling beneath a traditional military sword arch outside the National Cathedral School, surrounded by officers in white dress uniforms.
The bride and groom kiss under the raised swords of a military arch outside the National Cathedral School as part of their wedding exit tradition.
The bride and groom laugh while walking beneath a military sword arch outside the National Cathedral School following their wedding ceremony.
A cocktail hour setup at the National Cathedral School, with cocktail tables covered in white linens placed on a lawn surrounded by blooming trees and a red brick building.
A large mirror with a gold frame and handwritten seating chart reflects the outdoor surroundings during cocktail hour at the National Cathedral School.
A charcuterie board on a white tablecloth at the wedding cocktail hour, featuring assorted cheeses, meats, fruits, and dips, with trays of crackers and small candles nearby.
A small group of wedding guests chatting outdoors during the cocktail hour at the National Cathedral School, including two women in dresses, a man in a white sailor uniform, and another man in a white naval officer uniform.
The bride poses outdoors with a joyful group of women during the wedding cocktail hour at the National Cathedral School, in front of a blooming pink tree and brick building; the bride holds a colorful bouquet and everyone is laughing.
Full wedding party portrait at the National Cathedral School, with the bride and groom centered among bridesmaids in black dresses holding colorful bouquets and groomsmen in black tuxedos, accompanied by a young flower girl and ring bearer.
The bride and groom, both in white naval uniforms, walk hand-in-hand across the lawn with their wedding party at a National Cathedral School wedding. Bridesmaids in black dresses hold colorful bouquets, and groomsmen in black tuxedos walk alongside, all smiling in front of a stone building and manicured greenery.
The full wedding party poses for a formal group portrait on the lawn during a National Cathedral School wedding. The bride and groom, both in white naval uniforms, stand at the center, surrounded by bridesmaids in black dresses holding colorful bouquets and groomsmen in black tuxedos. A stone building and neatly trimmed greenery form the background.
A young ring bearer in a black tuxedo and bow tie stands smiling next to a flower girl in a black satin dress holding a small basket, with the Washington National Cathedral in the background.
A view of the Washington National Cathedral’s ornate stone tower featuring pointed spires, gothic arches, and intricate carvings.
A joyful ring bearer and flower girl run hand-in-hand on the lawn outside the Washington National Cathedral, both dressed in black formalwear and smiling broadly.
A close-up of a weathered stone wall with a plaque reading “Bishop’s Garden,” marking the location within the Washington National Cathedral grounds.
A stone fountain structure surrounded by lush greenery and framed by blossoming tree branches in Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral.
The bride and groom, in a white gown and white naval uniform, kiss beneath a stone archway surrounded by greenery in Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral.
Close-up of the bride smiling at the groom while holding his shoulder, with the groom in a white naval uniform holding a bouquet, taken in Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral.
The bride and groom, in a white gown and white naval uniform, kiss beneath a stone archway surrounded by greenery in Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral.
The bride and groom share a kiss beneath the bride’s flowing veil in Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral, with a stone archway in the background.
The bride and groom hold hands and smile while walking through Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone structure.
The bride and groom stand closely, smiling at each other in Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral, with blooming cherry blossom trees in the background.
Close-up of the bride and groom kissing among spring blossoms in Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral, both dressed in white wedding attire.
The groom in a white naval uniform twirls the bride, who wears a long-sleeved white gown and veil, as they dance on a lawn in Bishop’s Garden during a Washington National Cathedral wedding, with blooming purple wisteria in the background.
The groom lifts the bride in his arms and kisses her under a pink-blossomed tree in Bishop’s Garden during a Washington National Cathedral wedding, as petals fall around them.
Close-up of the groom kissing the bride while holding her in his arms under falling pink petals in Bishop’s Garden during a Washington National Cathedral wedding.
The groom carries the bride under a pink-blossomed tree in Bishop’s Garden during a Washington National Cathedral wedding, with the cathedral’s stone tower rising in the background.
The bride and groom stand closely together on a lawn in front of a large stone building at the National Cathedral School, with the bride holding a colorful bouquet and the groom in a white naval uniform.
Exterior view of Hearst Hall at the National Cathedral School, showing its classic architecture with detailed stonework, tall windows, and a slate roof partially framed by trees.
Exterior view of Hearst Hall at the National Cathedral School, showing its classic architecture with detailed stonework, tall windows, and a slate roof partially framed by trees.
Focused view down the center of a long banquet table at the National Cathedral School wedding reception, showing rows of water glasses and bud vases filled with colorful spring flowers.
Wide view of a bright wedding reception room at the National Cathedral School, set with black chiavari chairs, round and long banquet tables covered in white linens, and small colorful floral arrangements.
Close-up of a place setting at the National Cathedral School wedding reception, featuring a dinner roll, glassware, and two navy-themed challenge coins next to small bud vases with fresh flowers.
Detail shot of a table setting at the National Cathedral School wedding reception, featuring a single bright orange ranunculus in a small glass vase next to a water glass and bread roll.
Table number card reading “Table 02” surrounded by an assortment of colorful spring flowers in clear bud vases at the National Cathedral School wedding reception.
Overview of elegantly set round tables at the National Cathedral School wedding reception, decorated with floral centerpieces, clear glassware, and white linens, with large windows in the background.
The bride and groom, dressed in a long-sleeved gown and a white naval uniform, joyfully walk through a tunnel of raised arms and flowers formed by their wedding party at a National Cathedral School wedding reception.
The bride and groom smile and twirl together during their first dance at a National Cathedral School wedding reception, surrounded by seated guests.
The groom dips the bride and kisses her during their first dance at a National Cathedral School wedding reception, with guests watching and smiling in the background.
The bride shares a joyful dance with her father, both smiling, during a National Cathedral School wedding reception; he wears a white military uniform with medals.
The groom dances with his mother, who wears a royal blue dress, during a National Cathedral School wedding reception as guests watch and applaud.
A man in a white military uniform with medals speaks into a microphone while linking arms with a woman in a floral dress during a National Cathedral School wedding reception.
The bride and groom kiss under the bride’s flowing veil in front of the gothic architecture of the Washington National Cathedral.
The bride and groom hold hands and walk across the lawn with the Washington National Cathedral’s intricate façade and rose window in the background.
The groom dips and kisses the bride on the lawn in front of the Washington National Cathedral, with her dress flowing gracefully.
The bride and groom stand smiling with a guest in a black and gold dress on the lawn outside the Washington National Cathedral.
The bride and groom share a kiss in front of a grand stone building with dormer windows and green roofing at the Washington National Cathedral.
The bride and groom embrace near a vintage-style lamppost and tall spring trees in a garden area at the Washington National Cathedral.
Bride and groom at a National Cathedral School wedding reception link arms and sip from champagne glasses while seated.
A white frosted wedding cake topped with berries and a wooden “The Motts” topper sits on a wooden stand, with a floral arrangement behind it.
Close-up of the wedding cake topper reading “The Motts” placed among fresh strawberries and berries, with pink and purple flowers in the background.
The bride and groom, dressed in white, cut their wedding cake with a ceremonial sword at their National Cathedral School reception.
The couple begins slicing the wedding cake together using a sword, surrounded by floral decorations at their National Cathedral School reception.
Bride and groom feed each other pieces of wedding cake during their National Cathedral School reception.
Bride and groom react with playful expressions and thumbs up while eating cake during their wedding reception at National Cathedral School.
Groom enthusiastically eats cake while the bride looks on, both enjoying the cake-cutting moment at their National Cathedral School reception.
The wedding cake with a slice cut out, revealing a fruit-filled interior, sits on a table decorated with flowers and berries at the National Cathedral School reception.
Guests joyfully dance together on the reception floor at the National Cathedral School, with arms raised and smiles all around.
The bride dances with a joyful expression during the National Cathedral School wedding reception, surrounded by guests.
The bride and groom laugh and dance together among guests waving light-up streamers at their National Cathedral School wedding reception.
A guest in military dress uniform performs a limbo under a necktie held by others as onlookers cheer at the National Cathedral School wedding reception.
A slice of berry-filled wedding cake sits on a white plate next to a fork and a tulip on a reception table at the National Cathedral School.
The bride and groom make their grand exit from Hearst Hall at the National Cathedral School, walking through a tunnel of guests waving light-up streamers.
The groom lifts the bride in a kiss under a tunnel of waving streamers as they exit Hearst Hall at the National Cathedral School.
The bride and groom walk hand-in-hand, smiling, as guests cheer and wave light-up streamers during their exit from the National Cathedral School reception.

Washington Cathedral School Wedding Vendors:

Photographer: Christine Hazel Photography

Planner: Takisha Edwards, Blu Print 2 Events

Venue: The National Cathedral School

Bridal Shop: The Dressing Room West 

Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulus

Makeup: Natalia Harrison, Ember Esthethics  

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: U.S. Navy and Men’s Wearhouse 

Jewelry/Rings: Sachs Jewelers and Stones Jewelry

Officiant: Reverend Eva Cavaleri, National Cathedral School Save the Dates and Invitations: Zola and Paperless Post

Rehearsal Dinner: Fogo de Chão at The Wharf

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Christine Hazel Photography is located in Boston and Cape Cod, but I also serve clients worldwide.

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Christine is currently booking new wedding, engagement, and senior/graduation clients. Christine does not take on every wedding she's approached with. It's of the utmost importance that her clients share her brand values.

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I'd love to hear from you! Please fill out the form to contact Christine Hazel Photography. Fellow vendors- please send a note directly to christine@christinehazel.photography

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