*Read until the end for a bonus gift for readers!*
Iowa has some epic engagement or proposal locations if you know where to look. After years as a wedding photographer, I’ve scouted out some amazing locations and I’m thrilled to share these gems with you!
I’ve put together a list of my top 10 favorite engagement session locations, PLUS I am gifting a few lucky brides with complimentary engagement photos! Read until the end for details.
#1 Iowa State Capital
From the beautiful balconies to the various floors of stairs (either indoors or outdoors) the Iowa State Capital is an amazing place for engagement photos. The ornate vintage architecture is perfectly preserved and you have four floors PLUS a gorgeous library to explore.
#2 Iowa State Law Library
Located inside the Capitol Building, the Iowa Law Library is a fantastic place to take your engagement photos. From Spiral staircases, to several floors or old law book and moody ambient lighting- the Iowa Law Library gives your photos a romantic, vintage feel.
#3 Water Works Park
Water Works Park in Des Moines Iowa is beautiful all year round, but if you want seriously EPIC photos you have to go in the springs. There’s only a two-three week window, but if you can catch the crab apple trees blooming in the park it makes an amazing backdrop for your engagement photos!
#4 Rose Garden- Des Moines Art Center
The Rose Garden is a gorgeous place to take your engagement photos. As you’d expect, there are tons of roses and other gardens placed in and around the beautiful stone walk way. A bonus of choosing the Rose Garden- the roses bloom from early spring to late fall, so you don’t have to be to concerned with missing the blooming season. Plus, you can rent the Rose Garden and host your actual wedding here. Its very affordable, make sure to reach out to them online for details.
#5 Ledges State Park
Ledges State Park is gorgeous any time of year. From the sandstone cliffs to the little streams running through the park, there is a ton of scenery for your engagement photos.
#6 Down Town Des Moines- Court Ave District
There are so many amazing places to take your engagement photos in Downtown Des Moines. I’d encourage you to walk around Court Ave, look out for the amazing architecture, beautiful staircases and any inspo you can find that gets your creative juices flowing.
#7 Des Moines Botanical Gardens
#8 Downtown Rooftop
A rooftop engagement session is an epic place for engagement photos! Bonus tip- Bring flowers as a creative prop
#9 Des Moines River Walkway and Asian Gardens
The Des Moines River Walkway is an iconic Des Moines landmark and an awesome place to take your engagement photos. A short distance away you’ll find the Asian Gardens. Go to both places to give variety to your engagement photos.
#10 Iowa State Fair Grounds
A lot of people don’t realize the Iowa State Fair Grounds are open year round. Its a great place to go, especially at dusk!
*Bonus for all readers!*
Engagement photos are such an important part of wedding preparation. It gives you a chance to work with your photographer and get comfortable posing in front of a camera with your partner. Its also a great way to celebrate and gives you photos to use for your wedding invitations! I passionately believe that all couples deserve engagement photos so I’m including them for FREE with any wedding photography package exclusive for readers!
Use the link below to book your consultation and claim your free engagement photos-
https://calendly.com/forestfolkphoto/30min
Click here to see my website- https://jessijohnsonphotography.com/
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