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.

Des Moines Engagement Photographer
Des Moines Engagement Photographer

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.

Papa Johns Downtown Des Moines Engagement Session
Papa Johns Fall Engagement Session

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 Engagement Photographer
Des Moines Engagement Photographer

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.

Des Moines Engagement Photographer

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.

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Des Moines Engagement Photographer

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.

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Associate work for Grace T. Photography

The Rose Garden

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

Des Moines Engagement Photographer

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.

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Waterworks Park Summer Engagement Session

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.

Des Moines Engagement Photographer

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

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Downtown Des Moines Scenic Route Photography Session
Downtown Des Moines Scenic Route Photography Session

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!