Iowa has many incredible locations for engagement photo sessions and proposals. As you’re planning your engagement session, make sure you consult this go-to list for epic engagement session locations in Iowa! I’ve made a list of just a few of my favorites that I love to photograph at. Many are in central Iowa, close to where I am based, but there are some further east as well or north.
And as always, for locations on private property or public land, please make sure to ask for permission to photograph and abide by park rules and regulations! Leave no trace behind, or better yet, leave it better than you found it or send a donation.
If you’d like me to photograph YOUR engagement session, please reach out! Or if you have specific questions about locations, access, directions etc, feel free to send me an email.
IN the table of contents below, just click on the title of the location, and you’ll jump right to the post!
We will start off our list with locations surrounding Des Moines!
State Capitol
The state capitol building in Des Moines is iconic and grand, and a popular landmark for photos. It has one of the best views of the Des Moines skyline, making it a lovely spot for evening sunset engagement photos overlooking the city. It’s also a beautiful location for a proposal!
As an engagement location, many people love the grand views of the whole building, but there’s even more variety when you get up close! The Des Moines capitol building is the ideal location for sessions that are dressy, chic, stylish or a bit more elegant and formal in style.
Inside the Iowa state capitol is also incredibly beautiful. The frescos and marble interior are stunning. I love the grand atrium and staircase, as well as the historical law library inside the Des Moines capitol.
The best skyline sunset views of Des Moines are from the top of the capitol steps – never get tired of this view!
If you would like to take your engagement photos indoors in Des Moines, this is an excellent location! Plan ahead – you’ll need to have your session during opening hours. And if you want to photograph inside the Des Moines law library, you’ll need to call ahead, but they are incredibly friendly. There are some restrictions on photographing inside the Iowa capitol law library (no flash, and you can’t disrupt patrons – it is a working library) however, it is worth it for a brief stop!
Downtown Des Moines
There are SO many different areas in Des Moines for an engagement session and TONS of variety. We love photographing engagement sessions in Des Moines because there are so many different looks, parking is generally pretty easy, and it’s quick to get from one location to the next.
There is the waterfront and bridges, bars and coffeeshops, murals & graffiti, and of course beautiful historic architecture too. Whenever I shoot an engagement session in downtown Des Moines, I’m always looking for something new and different, and with some creativity, you can definitely find it! There are many unique locations around Des Moines that are perfect for an engagement session.
Des Moines East Village
The East Village in Des Moines is the eclectic and hip downtown area of Des Moines that feels old and yet still fresh and fun. With popular bars, restaurants, and shops, you feel like you’re in a totally different part of Des Moines than downtown, and yet, it’s only a 2 minute drive across the bridge!
This Ivy Wall in the east Village is a popular spot that I get asked about constantly. It’s beautiful, right?
The ivy wall is actually private property and you need to get permission to photograph there, and there is a small fee. Please be respectful of the owner of the ivy wall & garage, and neighbors, and make sure you DO have permission, or you will have the cops called on you. Information is on the door, however you can reach out to me and I can share the contact information with you as well.
Be sure to check out the fun shopping areas in the East Village for a more casual downtown vibe for a photo location.
Travelers Sign
The iconic Travelers Sign is a favorite landmark along the Des Moines skyline. In recent years, this location has become incredibly popular for both photographers, wedding parties, and prom groups. It has a fun urban vibe to it and is an incredibly unique location.
However, due to its popularity and the fact that this spot is at a private parking garage on the top level, safety and overuse has become a big concern. You are required to notify ahead of time for use of this location, and if you do choose to photograh here, please do not leave litter, trash, confetti, beer cans, etc behind – don’t ruin it for others!
Alternate options that feature the Travelers Sign – many streets in Des Moines have the sign in the background, so try something different too!
Rose Garden & Des Moines Art Center
Hidden behind the Des Moines Art Center is a beautiful rose garden that is a great location for photos in Des Moines, Iowa. It’s a favorite spot for many couples because you can get a great amount of variety in one area without driving to another location.
The exterior of the Art Center is a great spot for a modern clean chic aesthetic for engagement photos – we love the modern white architecture!
Further down, closer to Greenwood Park, there are some amazing natural spaces with tall grass, trees, making it easy to photograph a lot of different looks at one location. You can view an example of this type of session at the Des Moines Art Center and Rose Garden here.
World food Prize garden
This is the perfect location is you are wanting a manicured garden that evokes the grandeur of Europe. It is beautiful anytime of year and a favorite of ours because it is romantic and timeless. The beautiful fountains, flower gardens, and landscaping are the perfect location for a more formal engagement session photoshoot.
The venue does require permission to photograph there and you are not allowed to use the property when events are being held, however we a great connection with the staff and can reach out and make the connection for any of our couples who would like an engagement session at the World Food Prize building
Waterworks park
Waterworks park is a massive park in Des Moines along Fleur Drive with gardens, a river and old-style bridge, and a huge network of trails. Scattered throughout the park are an incredible variety of locations that are perfect for an outdoor engagement session.
Waterworks is also known for its beautiful flowering trees and cherry blossom trees each spring, making it a popular location for photo sessions for many couples! If you’re trying to time your session for the flowering trees (always a huge topic of discussion each spring amongst Des Moines photographers!) I typically recommend the first weekend in May, but it depends on the year. If it’s been a warmer spring, the trees flower earlier. And the blossoms don’t last long, so if you’re hoping for a flowering tree engagement session or family photo session, you’ll need to be a bit flexible!
If you’re curious what the flowering trees look like later on in late summer or fall, this beautiful session from Natalie & Alex’s engagement shoot showcases a different season that is just as stunning.
Dale Maffit Reservoir
If you want that natural vibe with tall grass, beautiful trees, or a winding dirt road with sweeping views but don’t know where to find it, this is the best location in Des Moines! If you love the outdoors but don’t want to drive an hour+ from Des Moines, this is close and easy to find. It is popular with photographers at sunset, so you’ll likely see others there, however there is an expansive amount of sace an you will have plenty of room to roam for your engagement or portrait session.
Raccoon River Park
Raccoon River Park is a little park in Des Moines that’s well known for its sports fields and beach, however there are a few little hidden spots that are great for photos. I especially love the tall grass during sunset! This is a great location close to Des Moines for a natural setting for your engagement session.
View a session held at Racoon River here.
Botanical gardens
If you are looking for an indoor engagement session location in Des Moines either because of weather or season, the Botanical Gardens in Des Moines is perfect. The lush tropical gardens are beautiful and it is always warm inside. I typically do not recommend sessions held here in the summer because it is extrordinarily hot and if you want green space and florals, there are plenty of outdoor options in the summer.
Don’t discount the exterior of the botanical gardens for sessions either! We love the waterfall and trees here for something a little different!
Note – Photo sessions require a membership on the part of the couple or photographer, or a fee paid in advance. It is not free to photograph indoors in the botanical gardens for paid sessions. There is very clear information about photographing sessions at the Des Moines Botanical Gardens on their website. It is also wise to plan sessions here in the mornings when it is less busy. Weekends and extremely cold weather or rainy days are quite packed. However, it’s easy to work around the crowds if you’re patient!
Brenton Arboretum
If you want sweeping vista views of the Iowa countryside for your engagement session, Brenton Arboretum is an incredible location. Sunset views here are particularly romantic! You can pay a fee for a singular session or if your photographer has a membership, you can photograph a session there anytime.
Jester State Park
Not far from Des Moines with just a 20 minute drive, Jester Park is a state park located in Granger and a beautiful spot for engagement photos or family photos. There are trails, ponds, and lakefront, plus a beautiful tall pine forest.
For an engagement session that feels a bit more outdoorsy, natural, or rustic, this is quite close to Des Moines. Jester Park is beautiful photographed in all four seasons, and we love it as a location for winter engagement sessions because of the evergreen pine trees.
Next on our list are locations that are a bit further from Des Moines, Iowa, but worth the trip!
Ledges State Park
Located in Boone Iowa, Ledges state park is a gorgeous location for engagement sessions that features cliffs and ledges that remind me of Colorado. If you want a more adventurous outdoor location, I highly recommend making the drive. It’s not too far from Ames or Des Moines. Certain locations at Ledges require hiking or long walks, so be prepared – it makes a fantastic date day and getaway for an engagement session in Iowa.
Note – cell service at Ledges is notoriously awful. Plan to meet at the to entry to the canyon road (it is a one way) or at the main intersection in Boone on Highway 30 (there’s a gas station there) to coordinate an drive/follow so you stay together.
Pella
This sweet little Dutch-inspired town is a cute location for engagement sessions and a quick 40 minute drive from Des Moines. The downtown square in Pella is filled with store-fronts that look like you’re in Amsterdam! In the spring, there is a huge tulip festival and it is absolutely breathtaking to see.
If you want to photograph an engagement session or family portrait session in Pella while the tulips are blooming, I highly recommend photographing your session on a weekday during the two weeks before the Tulip Time festival.
Note, I do NOT recommend photographing sessions during the Tulip Time festival. The crowds are massive and parking is a nightmare. Trust me on this one and visit for the festival on your own, but photograph your engagement photos on a different day.
Lake Red Rock
Lake Red Rock is a hidden location that isn’t far from Pella in central Iowa, and features cliffs and red rocky areas that look like you’re out west! Perfect for an adventure-inspired engagement session without traveling too far. The best cliffs and views require quite a hike in, so you need to be committed to the experience. Another epic engagement session location in Iowa that is truly unique!
There is very little parking as well, and the park closes early – don’t get caught after the park closes or your car may be stuck behind the gate!
Bonus: there’s a lot of beautiful grassy areas and trees along Lake Led Rock, as well as a beach. There are many parks and campgrounds and trails that are breathtaking, so even if the cliffs are not what you want, there’s still many photo locations at Lake Red Rock are beautiful!
Palisades-Keplar State Park
This beautiful state park near Lisbon and Mount Vernon, Iowa is worth the drive to Linn County. With over 840 acres, there are endless locations here for photos, though the most sought after is along the Cedar River. There is a lovely open beach, enormous old driftwood trees you can climb on and use in photos, and of course the epic cliff views along the river. In my opinion, this is one of the top epic engagement locations in Iowa because there is nowhere else like it!
Additionally, the hiking trails and trees are beautiful, especially for fall photos. It is one of my favorite fall photo locations for engagement sessions in eastern Iowa. How beautiful are these colors!?!
Old Capitol Iowa City
If you like classic architecture and landscaping, the area around the Old Capitol in Iowa City is a great location for engagement photos! Located near the Ped Mall (another fun and funky location that you can easily add to your session sots!) the exterior of the former Iowa capitol building is historic and perfect for a classy engagement sessions or if you want something more dressy.
Be mindful of downtown festivals and the start of the university semester as it can be quite busy and difficult to park.
Terry Trueblood Park
For open green space, trails, and waterfront, Terry Trueblood is an easy location for engagement sessions near Iowa City.
Lake MacBride
Lake MacBride is a sprawling lake with many beautiful spots along the waterfront for engagement photos. In particular, there are hiking trails, a dam, and a few small brooks and spillways that are fun and unique for photo sessions close to Iowa City and North Liberty.
Your wedding reception venue
You may not have thought of this as an option, but many wedding venues will allow you to photograph your engagement session on their property. Just ask! Most venues have private access limited to their customers, and while they are often hosting events on weekends, many wedding venues in Iowa are open and available for engagement sessions on weekdays.
It is also a great opportunity to find locations in advance for your wedding day. And don’t worry – your engagement photos won’t look jus tlike your wedding photos. Often your engagement session is photographed during a different season than your wedding. Plus, many venues and properties (particularly vineyards, golf courses, and historic venues) have a multitude of locations on site, typically more than we can utilize on a wedding day. So get the most out of your wedding venue location and visit it for your engagement session too!
Where you met or went on your first date!
This might be one of my favorite choices for engagement session locations, because it is personal and unique to you as a couple. Be a little nostalgic, and revisit the town or even exact place you met or went on your first date! We’ve photographed at college campuses, bars and restaurants – even if it is a quick stop, it’s fun to get nostalgic and walk down memory lane.
We’ll continue to add to an update this list but hope you find it helpful when choosing your engagement session or proposal location!
