Des Moines Iowa Engagement Session - Megan & Steven

Megan and Steven’s engagement session at Downtown Des Moines ended up being the perfect summer evening. Hanging out with these two felt like we were old friends walking around chatting. These two’s playful energy radiated between them during their session. See for yourself 😍

All the color in their session makes me excited for spring and their wedding day in Des Moines this summer!

Are you looking for a wedding photographer? If so, check out my wedding photography page below! Planning a wedding and looking for a venue still? Check out my Des Moines metro wedding venue guide!

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Downtown Des Moines Engagement Session - Bailey & Aaron

I will never get tired of exploring downtown Des Moines with my couples. Bailey and Aaron requested downtown views for their engagement session so we started at the Women’s Achievement Bridge and ended outside the State Historical Building.

Don’t want to do an outfit change but still want some variety in your engagement session? Aaron and Baylie are the perfect example of how to do this! Going to a second location can give the same outfit a totally different feel ☺️ Scroll to see them during the prettiest Des Moines sunset.

Aaron and Baylie were so sweet and easy going. I had such a fun time witnessing their relationship and being the third wheel during their engagement session. I’m so excited to photograph their wedding day at Noce Des Moines this spring!

Johnston Engagement Session - Amanda & Zane

Zane and Amanda wanted a simple, easy going engagement session that reflected their personalities. We spent an hour at a local park together exploring, talking, and snapping photos along the way. Nature sessions are my sweet spot, so I’m always excited when a couple wants nature focus for their session. Amanda and Zane had so many sweet moments, I cannot wait for their wedding next April at Reiman Gardens 🙂

Top 10 Locations in Des Moines for Engagement Sessions

Unless you have a sentimental heart and want to recreate a specific date night, picking an engagement session location can be overwhelming. That’s why I’m sharing my top 10 picks of Des Moines engagement session locations to help you have less stress and more fun while wedding planning! There are so many gems in the city, but these are the places that I continue to come back to because of the variety and because couples genuinely love them 🙂

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

With outdoor and indoor locations the Botanical Garden is a great spot to get greenery all year round no matter the weather. The inside features a classic greenhouse with tons of different colors, plants and corners perfect for any engagement session.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

If you are an art lover this is a great spot to combine the outdoors and art in your engagement session. In the middle there is a little hill where you walk up and get a view of the city in the background as well. This spot is close to the library, and classic downtown sidewalks giving you many options for your photos.

The Travelers Roof Top

For those classic views of the city this parking garage roof top has a great urban feel and lots of variety within one location. This location is known for the Travelers sign that is often featured in the background of images.

Des Moines Art Center

Although you cannot photograph inside of the Art Center, the exterior of the building is available to use. This is a great location for urban feel with large white walls and without the typical crowds of downtown.

Greenwood - Ashworth Park

This park has it all, benches, a lake, trail leading all around the lake, beautiful trees, and prairie. This location gives tons of variety and is beautiful all year round.

Arie den Boer Arboretum

Located in Water Works Park, this location features beautiful colors throughout the year. In the spring it features whites and pinks, in the summer it’s green’s galore, and in the fall those classic oranges, yellows and greens really shine.

The Rose Garden

Located right behind the Des Moines Art Center, this location has beautiful greenery, winding paths and roses in the summer time.

Water Works Park

Further back in Water Works Park, this location is perfect for the nature loving couple. With 100’s of acres this land has ponds, lakes, a variety of trees and wide open fields.

Historic East Village

For the couple who loves the city and wants those classic views Historic Downtown has many little corners and that classic Des Moines city feel. It also features a beautiful wall that is green the majority of the year and changes to orange in the fall. A little note: the wall is private property, so be sure to reach out and get permission to use it before hand.

Downtown Coffee Shop

The following coffee shops have great natural light and are cozy spots for coffee lovers filled engagement session:

• Horizon Line Coffee

• Scenic Route Bakery

• DreiBerge Coffee

• Mars Cafe

Engagement sessions are complimentary in all my wedding packages! Engagement sessions are a great way to get some quality pictures of just the two of you (and maybe your fur babies) and for me to learn more about you two during our hour together!