iowa wedding planning
tips & Resources

tips & resources for engaged couples

You only get to do this once.
Thankfully…we do it
every weekend.

we’re here to help.

When you get married, you want to do it right. And yet, the only wedding planning tips & resources out there are endless wedding websites or comparison to friends’ weddings. It’s difficult to sift through all the potential ideas and recommendations and can be positively overwhelming.

Rest assured that wedding planning and the wedding day itself does NOT have to feel this way, and it is our mission to help you have the most joyful and stress-free day you can!

We’ve put together these resources, and many many more, to help couples in planning their Des Moines Iowa wedding. As a wedding photographer in the Des Moines area, I have photographed over 250+ weddings in Iowa. I’ve worked with countless different vendors, and literally seen it all. From the horror stories you dread to the most effortless and beautiful days. If there is one thing you can count on me for in each of these resources, is that I will give you all my best tips, with no sugar-coating. So buckle up!

Elegant spring wedding reception floral decor on table with yellow peach and ivory flowers at the Des Moines Heritage Center
Des Moines heritage center wedding reception
White and yellow wedding invitation details

Our Top Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

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Sophisticated white wedding reception at Willow on Grand in Des Moines Iowa

Des Moines Wedding Venues

We have had the honor of photographing weddings at some of the most incredible venues around the Des Moines area for over 15+ years.

This list contains some of the absolute BEST Des Moines wedding venues, including additional perspective from an experienced vendor (me!) who has seen it all!

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Best Hotels to Get Ready At

Planning your wedding in Des Moines and want to know the best places to get ready? Look no further. We give you our unfiltered feedback on which places actually have enough room for your entourage, have the best light, and our photo-worthy favorites.

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Little Lights on the Lane wedding ceremony

Tips for Your Wedding Day Timeline

no more guesswork

Without a doubt the most-asked about and stressed-about aspect of the day: the wedding timeline. We totally get it – it’s a LOT to figure out, and you’ve never done this before.

In our most-read resource for couples, this step-by-step glance through a wedding day gives you an idea of how much time you REALLY need for each aspect of your day. Make sure you don’t miss this one!

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Epic Engagement Locations in Iowa

Looking for the best spot? This is the list!

If you are looking for the best location and spot for your engagement (photos or proposal!) this list has our top favorite locations in Iowa!

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des moines travelers sign engagement photos

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venue

our don’t-miss-these-questions list

Choosing the right venue for your day is one of the first decisions you’ll make that will impact the entire rest of your wedding experience. Make sure you check out this list of questions to ask when touring wedding venues!

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Des Moines willow on grand wedding reception

Recommended Iowa Vendors

our favorite vendors to hire for your day

Looking for an amazing DJ or the best cakes? How about a makeup artist? It’s all here and we’ve got vendors across the state. Don’t see something you’re looking for? Just ask!

see the list

How much wedding photography coverage Do You need?

but really, how much?

A common question we receive is how many house of coverage do we need for our wedding. This post goes into depth to help you determine what will be the best fit for your wedding day.

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Iowa wedding planning tips & resources for catholic weddings

Tips for Catholic Weddings

We photograph many Catholic weddings each year and have learned there are a few patterns that are common for most of these weddings that are important to take into consideration.

Read this helpful resource when planning your own Catholic wedding in Iowa.

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No First Look? Here’s Our Best Tips!

If you don’t want a first look and instead are thinking of the traditional walk-down-the-aisle moment, make sure you read this resource when planning your day!

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Abby & Logan Hotel Fort Des Moines Bridal Portraits

Outdoor Wedding Tips

Outdoor wedding receptions are our FAVORITE, but with that comes a whole host of considerations that are invaluable.

Make sure you read this post for our tips on outdoor weddings.

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How to Choose a Wedding Videographer

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Getting Married In Iowa

All the legal things you need to know!

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By default, this panel is concealed and appears when the user clicks on the section title. Input relevant information about its title using paragraphs or bullet points. Accordions can enhance the user experience when utilized effectively. They allow users to choose what they want to read and disregard the rest. Accordions are often utilized for frequently asked questions (FAQs).

By default, this panel is concealed and appears when the user clicks on the section title. Input relevant information about its title using paragraphs or bullet points. Accordions can enhance the user experience when utilized effectively. They allow users to choose what they want to read and disregard the rest. Accordions are often utilized for frequently asked questions (FAQs).

By default, this panel is concealed and appears when the user clicks on the section title. Input relevant information about its title using paragraphs or bullet points. Accordions can enhance the user experience when utilized effectively. They allow users to choose what they want to read and disregard the rest. Accordions are often utilized for frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Bride and groom walk with their bridal party across the lawn at the Des Moines Capital for wedding day photos

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DES MOINES PHOTOGRAPHER?

Hi there!  I’m Jen, and I’m a Des Moines wedding photographer with over 16 years of experience..  I’m here to capture your wedding in the BEST way possible – full of care, devotion, artistry, and intentionality. 

We give you magazine-worthy images that are classic and timeless while enabling you to be fully present throughout your wedding day so that you can have the best celebration possible.  Want to work with me for your wedding? Please reach out!

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Little Lights on the Lane wedding reception in West Branch Iowa
Bride gets ready with her mom at Hotel Fort Des Moines

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We take on a limited number of weddings in Des Moines and Iowa each year to ensure that we have the capacity to fully invest in and care for each of our couples. To reserve your date, please inquire!

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World food prize hall of laureates wedding photographer
Little Lights on the Lane wedding photographer in Iowa City
Chicago engagement session with the L train

Timeless & Chic

Jennifer Weinman Photography is a Des Moines Iowa Wedding Photographer who values telling your wedding story and creating timeless, emotional, authentic imagery that will stand the test of time. We photograph weddings, engagements and Indian Weddings in Des Moines, Iowa as well as Iowa City, Ames, Pella, Quad Cities, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Chicago, Minneapolis & the Twin Cities and across the midwest. We photograph destination weddings all over the world.