Marine service cap beside a white and green wedding bouquet featuring roses and mixed foliage.

 

Picture-Perfect at

the Yard

 

 

The U.S. Naval Academy isn’t just a stunning place for photos — it’s a meaningful one. As an approved Naval Academy photographer, I’m able to photograph weddings, families, seniors, and events on base (a pretty exclusive perk). Between the historic buildings, waterfront views, and classic Annapolis charm, it’s an incredible spot for portraits — and one I never get tired of photographing.


If you’re interested in a USNA portrait session, please use the inquiry form linked below. This allows me to coordinate your session with others I already have scheduled and keep everything running smoothly. Let me know your availability and ideal day of the week, and I’ll do my best to find a time that works well for you.

 

inquire today

 

Since relocating to the Annapolis area about 10 years ago, photographing weddings at the United States Naval Academy has been a long-standing goal of mine. The Academy holds deep personal significance—my father, grandfather, and uncle all served in the Navy, my grandfather was also a Naval Chaplain, and my cousin is a Naval Academy graduate. The traditions and legacy of service tied to USNA mean a great deal to me.


My professional connection to the Academy began when I photographed my cousin’s senior portraits, Ring Dance, and graduation, which gave me a deep appreciation for the campus and its traditions. I now regularly photograph portions of Plebe Summer—something that has become one of the highlights of my year—and continue to build meaningful experience on the grounds.


As an approved vendor, I have the privilege and responsibility of photographing on base, where access is limited to ensure professionalism and security. Each year, I capture several weddings along with other events and portrait sessions, allowing me to confidently navigate the unique logistics of USNA celebrations. With its historic architecture and waterfront views, the Naval Academy offers an unmatched setting, and I’m honored to document meaningful moments in a place so personal and significant.

 

best portrait locations


The Naval Academy offers some of the most iconic portrait locations in the region, from the grand stone architecture of Mahan and Bancroft Halls to the stunning light-filled beauty of the USNA Chapel. The bridge behind Alumni Hall adds a romantic waterfront touch, while Dahlgren provides a more intimate, historic feel. For something truly elevated, the Superintendent’s Garden or Farragut House offers elegant landscaping, sweeping views, and a refined, private atmosphere. I’m always happy to help you build a custom photography timeline so we can capture the locations that matter most, using my experience with base access, chapel coordination, and timing to keep everything smooth and stress-free.

Naval officer in white dress uniform smiling proudly before an American flag in a formal indoor setting.

 

dahlgren hall

 

A bride in a white gown and naval officer in dress whites stand on grand marble steps of a historic building.
Person in white outfit standing before a grand neoclassical building with clock tower on a university campus.
A group in formal wedding attire poses together outdoors in a garden setting with lush greenery and trees.

 

bancroft hall

 

 

mahan hall

 

 

farragut house

 

A couple in wedding attire embraces on the deck of a sailboat at a marina on a sunny summer day.
A couple celebrates joyfully on stone steps outside a grand building on their wedding day.

 

Sailboats

 

 

chapel stairs

 

Young naval officer in white dress uniform and cap poses confidently outdoors in bright sunlight.
Naval officer in white dress uniform holding a ceremonial sword vertically in a black and white photo.
Military officer in white dress uniform seated on stone wall under blooming cherry trees.
Wedding party poses on the steps of a grand stone building with classical architecture on a sunny day.
Smiling naval officer in white dress uniform with gold buttons and cap poses indoors.
A black and white photo sequence showing a couple dancing together in formal attire.
Military officer in dress whites and cap poses outdoors with pink cherry blossoms in the background.
Wedding couple poses under flowering trees in lush garden setting with flowing veil.
Naval officer in crisp white uniform with gold buttons poses for formal portrait.
Wedding couple walking through garden path with overhanging trees creating natural archway.
Person standing before a grand neoclassical building with clock tower on a college campus.
A wedding couple stands on a grassy lawn with a domed building in the background under dramatic cloudy skies.
Naval officer in white dress uniform standing by wooden railing.
Naval officer in dress uniform leans against blue window frames in formal portrait.
A wedding couple walking together in formal attire on a sunny day.
Military personnel in white dress uniforms standing at attention with American flags in background.
Black and white portrait of a naval officer in white dress uniform adjusting cap with anchor insignia.
Black and white portrait of a naval officer in white dress uniform standing at attention near a window.
Naval officer in white dress uniform holding a ceremonial sword upright in a columned hallway.
A bride in a white wedding dress holds a pink and white bouquet in an outdoor garden setting.
Classic architecture with arched windows and columns creates elegant wedding backdrop.
Wedding couple walks down a decorative hallway with string lights and wooden beams overhead.
Black and white portrait of a young military officer in dress whites and cap gazing thoughtfully to the side.
Black and white portrait of service member in military uniform.
Military wedding couple shares romantic moment in garden with fountain and flowers.
A romantic series of wedding photos showing tender moments between a bride and groom in military dress whites.
A white gazebo decorated with Christmas wreaths and garland stands elegantly against a winter landscape.
Naval officer in white dress uniform poses on stairs with decorative string lights overhead.
Young man in white naval dress uniform smiling before an American flag.
Wedding photo reflection captured creatively in polished cover of military hat.
Military wedding ceremony with guests and wedding party in formal attire.
Bride wearing classic white wedding gown and veil in soft romantic lighting.
Silhouette of naval officers against sunset on a balcony railing.
Two people in white attire sitting on bright marble steps of a grand building.
Military service member in dress uniform posing with American flags and medals.
Military officer in white uniform relaxing on ornate steps with string lights in background.
Military service member in formal dress uniform poses indoors for professional portrait.
Cherry blossom trees frame service member in white uniform standing on stone wall.
A panoramic shot of a wedding party in white dresses and suits lined up outside an elegant stone building.
Intimate black and white wedding portraits showing tender moments between newlyweds.
Black and white wedding photo showing couple in elegant indoor venue.
Naval officer in white dress uniform stands at attention during golden hour sunset.
Naval officer in white dress uniform adjusting cap, wearing a luxury watch with bokeh background.
Military officer in white dress uniform posing against a black cannon outdoors.
Naval officer in white dress uniform stands with arms crossed before a grand domed chapel building.
Classical architecture with tall stone columns creating a covered walkway.
A romantic wedding moment captured with flowing veil against golden sunlit trees.
Young naval officer in white dress uniform smiling beside American flag in elegant venue.
Wedding guests in white naval uniforms perform a synchronized group dance move at an outdoor celebration.
Military personnel in dress whites standing against metal door background.
Wedding celebration in a venue decorated with string lights and American flags.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a sailboat deck surrounded by masts and blue skies at a marina.
Wedding party members in formal attire pose for group photos in a lush garden setting during summer celebration.
Black and white architectural photos of a grand building entrance with stone columns and wedding couple silhouettes.
A wedding couple poses between classic white stone columns on a grand staircase in formal attire.
Military officer in white dress uniform poses next to stone monument in outdoor setting.
Silhouetted wedding couple embraces in a dimly lit venue.
Military officer in white uniform holding a gold-handled ceremonial sword, wearing a ring and watch.
Children walking and playing together on a sunny path outdoors.
Naval officer in white dress uniform and cap with gold insignia.
Naval officers in white uniforms walking through a brick hallway with ambient lighting.
Young naval officer in white dress uniform holds cap while smiling in elegant hall.
Military service member in white dress uniform seated in elegant room with decorative arched windows and wall designs.
Two naval officers in white uniforms display gold class rings, fist bumping to show off their matching insignia rings.
Naval officer in dress uniform poses by wooden doorway with ornate hardware.
Military ceremony with officers in dress uniforms performing sword salute.
Close-up of military dress uniform details and medals.
A couple in formal attire poses playfully on white marble steps between classical columns on a sunny day.
A romantic garden wedding bouquet with soft pink roses, white flowers and delicate greenery in natural light.
Reception venue decorated with string lights creates warm ambiance for evening celebration.
Officer in formal white military dress uniform with gold buttons and insignia.
Wedding reception celebration with guests dancing under colorful lights.
Military service member in dress uniform sitting on outdoor railing.
Naval officer in dress whites stands confidently next to large black anchor monument.
Naval officer in white dress uniform poses between stone columns in black and white photography.
Young naval officer in white dress uniform smiling while holding open a grand ornate wooden door.
Wedding party poses among trees and greenery in outdoor garden setting.

FAQ

Can anyone take photos at the U.S. Naval Academy?

No — photography on base is restricted. As an approved U.S. Naval Academy photographer, I’m authorized to photograph weddings, family sessions, senior portraits, firsties, and events on base.

 

What types of sessions can be photographed at USNA?

 

I photograph USNA weddings, family photos, senior portraits, firstie portraits, and milestone sessions. The Academy is a beautiful, meaningful location for all of these — from formal portraits to relaxed, candid moments.

 

Do we need special permissions or passes for our session?

 

I’ll guide you through what’s needed. Requirements can vary depending on the type of session and who is being photographed, but I’ll help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

 

Why choose the Naval Academy for photos?

 

Between the historic architecture, waterfront views, and iconic landmarks, USNA offers a classic Annapolis backdrop you truly can’t replicate elsewhere. It’s especially meaningful for midshipmen, families, and couples connected to the Navy.

 

Will I receive timeline assistance for my wedding at USNA?

 

Yes — absolutely. As your wedding date approaches, we will work closely together to finalize all photography details and build a timeline that aligns seamlessly with your ceremony, reception, and Chapel coordination requirements. Weddings at the Naval Academy require thoughtful planning due to access points, Chapel scheduling, and portrait location logistics, and I will guide you through each of those decisions with confidence.


From selecting the best portrait locations based on lighting and timing, to factoring in military traditions, guest movement, and base guidelines, I will help you create a realistic and stress-free plan. My goal is to ensure your day flows smoothly while still allowing us to capture every meaningful moment and iconic backdrop that matters most to you.

 

how do you handle family photos at usna during a wedding?

 

Before your wedding day, we’ll work together to create a detailed family shot list so nothing is missed. I upload that list into a checklist app on my phone and call out each grouping to keep portraits organized, efficient, and stress-free.


My top recommendation for family photos is Farragut House or the Superintendent’s Garden for their stunning scenery, beautiful light, and close proximity to the Chapel. If it rains, Dahlgren Hall is a wonderful backup option, offering beautiful overhead lighting and a covered outdoor walkway for added flexibility.

Picture-Perfect at the Yard

 

From firsties to weddings & retirements, let’s capture it on the Yard.

 

inquire today