I want to get married under the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.

Wow I can see why...

Yeah, it's gorgeous, and my FH and I will be living and working in D.C., all of our family is there, so it's kind of perfect.

It's been awhile since I was in DC...So refresh my memory-isn't getting married in the park kinda free?

You need a permit I believe, but I'm not really sure where you'll be able to do that without tourists swarming you sadly. it's like a 2 week event and everyone and their grandmother comes to DC to see it.

Getting married in the park IS free. You just have to apply for a permit depending on how many people you're having.

This is a link that says where all the trees are located. That picture is from around the tidal basin, arguably the most famous spot for them. http://www.nps.gov/cherry/cherry-tree-locations.htm

This is the application for special park use for sport activities and wedding ceremonies. http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=148169

This is the park service website. http://www.nps.gov/nacc/index.htm

Keep in mind the cherry blossom festival is scheduled around the blooming of the trees (in April) so there will be a million (literally) tourists in town when they're in bloom like in that picture.

Also, when the blooms fall to the ground and get trampled on they get really muddled and can stain your clothing. Just something to keep in mind if you plan on walking across grass with a bunch of fallen blossoms around. Good luck!

Here is some permit info, i searched, i think this would be awesome! but ya the tourist may be an issue

http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=411#picnicwedding

"An approved Special Use Permit application is required to have wedding ceremonies on or near the National Mall. Advise the office personnel that you would like to apply for a permit to have a wedding ceremony. A Special Use Permit application can be picked up or faxed to you. Completed applications should be mailed to the Office of Parks Programs, at the address on the application, or faxed to (202) 401-2430. An application fee may be required for this permit. There are a certain site locations in and along the National Mall where wedding ceremonies are allowed. Please ask for available site locations and required fees. The Office of Park Programs will help you find a location for your wedding so that it does not interfere with other groups who already would have a permit."

Here is a lil forum on it

http://ask.metafilter.com/152064/Alternative-DC-Wedding

Ha! Between me and Abz you have everything you need! The second link on my other post is the application she mentioned :-)

Thanks guys! I just called the park service and it's only $50!

Haa great minds think alike Nik ;-)

I love them. I wanted to take pictures during that time in my dress, but did not have the time to do so. But some good pictures of me and DH would be good.

I read a story here on WW, I believe, about a couple who were married under the Cherry Blossoms. I'll have to see if I can dig it up.

It was a special interest to DH & me because DH proposed to me on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial, overlooking the tidal basin. After I read the story, I thought, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Not to be a total killjoy, but the Mall/Tidal Basin is a tourist deathtrap during cherry blossom season, which could create a lot of logistical problems for your guests (no parking, crowded Metro, tourists blocking paths and illegally yanking on the blossoms, etc). I live about a 15-minute walk from the cherry blossoms, and, well, it's hell. You can't even move.

There are other areas around DC with cherry blossoms. Here is an article, with links, about non-Mall places to see the blossoms: http://dcist.com/2008/03/alternative_sit.php

True, we were in town for the Cherry Blossom festival the past two years and it was a madhouse. We were lucky to find a place to sit and eat our lunch. I can't find the story I had read previously, but I'll google for it when I get home - maybe it's on a wedding site that is blocked by my work.

That would be awesome. I'd suggest consulting a wedding coordinator. They would have the best advice as to where, when, and how much a venue or park would cost.

Its a beautiful idea...but be mindful that the weather is very unpredictable in early April.

It is pretty and all, However I work like 3 min from the Park name Hains Point where the Trees are located. You would have absolutely no privacy at all. It is pack at all time. People visit from all over and it's so crowed that during that time the traffic is rerouted to accommodate everyone. However there are Cherry Blossoms located in other area near and around DC, Just not as many. You may be able to find out more info at Park and recreation or (202) 727-4582

I love cherry blossom time as well but the other ladies are right. It would make a great backdrop for your wedding and beautiful pictures but would completely SUCK in terms of privacy and travel logistics for your guests. I absolutely hate going down to the mall to see the blossoms because of how crowded it is! Think time square at NYE.

Gillian B. I'm in exactly the same boat as you with a wedding date of 4/7/2013. Have you pursued the permit any further or perhaps found another location? With so many posts about the privacy issue i'm starting to think I should look for another location.