Top 10 Northern Virginia Fall Family Portrait Locations

Updated:  July 27, 2023

Every year it seems like it the time passes by and go faster and faster.  It seems like I blinked and and January 1 turned to July 27, 2023.  Before you know it the colors of the leaves in Northern Virginia will begin to change colors.  Now that we are starting to get back to some since of a new normal, now is the perfect time to start thinking about where you would like to have your family picture taken this fall in the DMV area.  Northern Virginia is such a beautiful and scenic area during fall season; it makes for a majestic location to take fall family portraits.  With the monuments in Washington D.C. and the beauty of fall trees, no place is the same. 
 
This is the time of year; many families contact their favorite photographer to schedule their family for pictures.  Of course, you'll want to have the perfect location for your family pictures; you won't be disappointed with any of the locations listed.  This blog discusses some of the most beautiful fall locations for family portraits in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. area.

Location is everything; whether talking about real estate or family pictures.  The location of your family pictures can make or break your overall family pictures.  Let's talk about some great possibilities for your next fall family portrait.  Many of these possibilities are unique and are not the commonly heard locations.  I have compiled a list of some of my favorite locations for family pictures during the fall months.

Ida Lee Park - Located in Loudoun County, VA, this park is filled with beautiful trees, a big red barn, fences, and more.  

Morven Park - Located in Leesburg, VA.  This park is filled with beautiful trees, fences, and a gorgeous white mansion.  There is a $100/hour photography fee to photograph your family at this location.  It is suggested to contact the park at least two business days in advance to schedule your family's portraits.  Contact Elliott Davis, Marketing Coordinator by email at [email protected] or call (703) 777-2414 at extension 6619 to arrange desired date.  This also a great location for wedding portraits.

Theodore Roosevelt Island - Located in Washington D.C.  This Island is 8.5-acre island and located on the Potomac River.  The island is filled with pathways, water, forests, flowers, and a bridge.

National Arboretum - Located in Washington D.C., ​​The Arboretum is a beautiful location for family pictures anytime during the year.  There are gorgeous trees located throughout the property, columns, fields, and several paths.  Please note: There is a photography fee required to photograph here.  The fees begin at $250 for half day, plus an application fee of $30 (in addition, there may be a possible additional $40/hour for supervision).  Application for photography is here. 

Union Station - Located in Washington D.C.  Many military families want to have the beautiful marble columns that are synonymous with Washington D.C., however without paying the photography fees associated with photographing in the Capital; this is the location.  Families can have their family pictures taken in the station in any public areas of Union Station.  

Old Town Alexandria, VA - This is a popular location anytime of the year because of the history and more.  It's a great location for trees, cobblestone streets, alleyways and proximity to the waterfront is amazing.

Burke Lake Park - Located in Burke, VA.  This park has gorgeous trees and a wonderful lake.  You won't be disappointed with this location.  This is a Fairfax County park.  There is a $25 photography fee.

Frying Pan Farm Park - Located in Herndon, VA.  This is a beautiful park filled with trees, fences, and a red barn. 

Manassas Battlefield  Park - Located in Manassas, VA.  Manassas Battlefield park is a great location for fall family portraits, senior portraits, and the history buff.  This park is filled with tall grasses, fences, cannons, and more.  

Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont -  Located in Fredericksburg, VA.  A magnificent estate with a mansion to use as a backdrop for your family portraits.  There is an archway, brick buildings, pathways, and more available to use for your next fall family photographs.  Photograph is not allowed inside the house itself.  To make a secure the estate for your next family portrait session, contact Buffy Knappenberger by email at [email protected] or call (540) 654-1843.  There is a $50 photography fee for family portraits.  In addition, it is requested you contact the estate at least 48 hours in advance of the proposed portrait session.  Photography Reservation form is located here.

Burke Lake Park -  Located in Burke, VA is another location that can be utilized all year round.  It makes for a beautiful background with the water and fall trees.

Your neighborhood - Take a walk around your neighborhood.  You may be surprised by what you find.  For this portrait, my client wanted to stay in the neighborhood and it was picture perfect.

For more ideas and possible locations for your family's fall photographs, contact me at (571) 250-5073.  It would be my pleasure to photograph your family and discuss possible locations.  You may also schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss how your dream of an updated family portrait can turn into a reality.  Schedule your consultation by visiting here. 

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With fall quickly approaching, now is the time to schedule your favorite photographer to photograph your family.  I would love to be your family's photographer.  Call me at (571) 250-5073 with your questions and let's plan your family's portraits today.

Are you looking for fun activities to do with your family this fall, visit here.  There are so many fun and unique things available in the immediate Northern Virginia area.

Other DMV locations for family portraits can be found by visiting the Top 10 Places to Take Family Pictures.