Northern Virginia Engagement Photographer

Timeless imagery documented with a fine art approach and editorial flair

of your special momentsgorgeous photosMolly Lichten is a Virginia wedding photographer for those wildly in love. With over a decade of experience, and more than 250 weddings photographed throughout Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Maryland, Southern California, and beyond, she works hard to capture the beauty of your special moments in eye-catching, dreamy, and dynamic photographs that will stand the test of time.

Molly’s work has been featured in numerous magazines and blogs, including The Knot, Virginia Living, Washingtonian Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings, Magnolia Rouge, Carats & Cake, and Southern California Bride. She was selected as a WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner for every year from 2017 through 2025. Molly was named a finalist for the 2023 and 2024 Belle Lumiere Magazine End of the Year Awards, the 2019 and 2020 Magnolia Rouge Photo Awards, and Southern California Bride’s "Best of" Photography Awards. Most recently, one of Molly’s 2024 Tidal Basin cherry blossom sessions was featured in the Washington Post, and her work was published in the 2024 winter edition of The Knot, as well as the February 2025 and February 2026 issues of Virginia Living magazine.

As a devoted military wife and maltipoo mom, Molly splits her time between Brambleton, Virginia, the city where she and her family now reside, and Pasadena, California, the city where she grew up. In June 2022, Molly and her husband welcomed the newest member of their family, Molly’s absolute favorite photographic subject, baby Juliet.

Hello and welcome! My name is Molly, and I am a Northern Virginia engagement photographer for those wildly in love. Based in Loudoun County, I photograph engagement sessions throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, and beyond. From portraits at beautiful estates and sprawling wineries to quiet walks through wooded landscapes and charming historic towns, I love creating images that feel dreamy, romantic, and real.

At the core, I believe in love and romance. In natural light, happy couples, and real, organic moments. I believe in creating art and in collecting fragments of time. But, most importantly, I believe in capturing images that will last a lifetime. I absolutely adore what I do, and hope we get the chance to work together and make some magic.

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Featured Northern Virginia Engagement Sessions

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View the gallerySpring Tulip Field Engagement Photos at Burnside Farms

Engagement photo taken at Burnside Farms in Nokesville, Virginia

A spring engagement session at Burnside Farms, surrounded by rows of colorful tulips and all the beauty of the farm’s annual Festival of Spring. The vibrant flowers and soft light made such a fun and unexpected backdrop for engagement photos.

View the galleryDreamy Great Marsh Estate Engagement Session

Great Marsh Estate engagement photos in Northern Virginia

With its elegant architecture and picturesque grounds, Great Marsh Estate is one of my favorite locations for engagement photos. Haley and Patrick’s session at the estate was filled with warm light, romantic portraits, and a beautiful sunset.

View the galleryRomantic Morven Park Engagement Photos

Engagement photo taken at Morven Park in Northern Virginia

Leesburg's Morven Park is one of my favorite locations for engagement photos in Northern Virginia. Kortney and Turner’s spring session at the park was filled with soft light, lush greenery, and romantic portraits throughout the grounds.

A Northern Virginia Engagement Photographer Who Knows the Area

One of the things I love about photographing engagement sessions in Northern Virginia is how much variety there is in the area. Northern Virginia is home to historic estates, vineyards, gardens, parks, and charming towns, giving couples plenty of beautiful locations to choose from depending on the season and the kind of photographs they envision.

I’ve photographed engagement sessions all throughout Northern Virginia, from spring portraits at Morven Park and Oatlands Historic Park and Gardens in Leesburg to sessions Goodstone Inn, Bluemont Vineyard, and Great Marsh Estate. I’ve also photographed couples in Great Falls Park, Old Town Alexandria, and many other locations throughout the region.

Because I also work as a Northern Virginia wedding photographer, I know many of the area's wedding venues and portrait locations well. I'm happy to help you choose a setting that fits your vision and personalities, whether you're drawn to an elegant estate, a vineyard at sunset, a historic town, or something a little more natural and quiet.

Northern Virginia engagement photos on a mountain

Northern Virginia Engagement Sessions by Season

Northern Virginia is beautiful year-round, and the season you choose can have a big impact on the feeling of your engagement photographs.

Spring brings fresh greenery and blooming flowers, while summer sessions are filled with lush landscapes and long golden evenings. Fall is especially pretty throughout Northern Virginia, with changing leaves adding rich color to portraits. Winter sessions can have a quieter, more understated feel, particularly at historic properties and locations with beautiful architecture.

I’ll help you choose a location that works with the season while also giving us the kind of light and atmosphere you’re hoping for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you photograph engagement sessions in Northern Virginia?

I photograph engagement sessions all throughout Northern Virginia, including Leesburg, Middleburg, Great Falls, Alexandria, Arlington, and surrounding areas. Some of my favorite locations include historic estates, vineyards, gardens, parks, and other beautiful properties throughout the region.

Can you help us choose a location for our engagement session?

Absolutely! If you already have a location in mind, we can start there, but I'm also happy to recommend a few options based on the look and feel you're hoping for. We can talk about the season, the kind of setting you love, and whether you envision something elegant, natural, classic, or a little more relaxed.

What time of day is best for engagement photos?

I typically recommend scheduling engagement sessions during the softer light of the morning or evening. The exact timing depends on the location and season, and I'll help you choose a time that gives us the prettiest light.

Do you photograph engagement sessions outside of Northern Virginia?

Yes! I also photograph engagement sessions throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Southern California, and beyond. If you have a particular place in mind, feel free to reach out and tell me more about what you're envisioning.

Do you also photograph weddings in Northern Virginia?

Yes! As a Northern Virginia wedding photographer, I photograph weddings throughout Loudoun County and the surrounding Northern Virginia area. From intimate celebrations to elegant black-tie weddings, I love documenting the genuine moments and beautiful details that make each wedding unique.