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2024

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Best Wedding Photographers in Des Moines, IA

Our Recommended Top 16

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Des Moines Wedding Photographers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

75Reviewed

51Curated

16Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Des Moines, IA 50312

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
3.5 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Doug McBride PhotoCinema is a professional studio for weddings, family portraits, and commercial, art, and lifestyle photography and videography. The photographer has earned Master’s Degrees in Photography and Motion Picture Film and has over 25 years of experience offering high-quality portrait services. The studio creates custom photo and video packages for every customer’s needs, and digital photography services are $300 for the first hour and $200 per each additional hour. Videography starts at $250 per hour.

1582 Northwest 124th Street, Clive, IA 50325

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Marque Photography serves the Des Moines metro area and offers wedding and engagement photography services. Clients can commission portraits to celebrate their wedding announcements, showcase the bride and groom, and cover the happenings of their ceremonies. This full-service studio has diverse experience with photography and gets coverage of planned and spontaneous moments throughout the wedding day. Marque Photography does photography work for families, high school seniors, athletes, and businesses as well.

Urbandale, IA 50322

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Brian L. Garman Photography is an award winning wedding photography studio for unique, artistic portraits of the special day. The photographer uses dramatic locations and vivid colors to capture the genuine emotions of a wedding or engagement, and his work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens. Wedding photography packages start at $2,195 and include two photographers, a full day of coverage, and an online gallery. A selection of wall and gift prints is also available.

Des Moines, IA 50314

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Shana Drake Photography specializes in wedding, maternity, baby, family, and engagement photography and portraits. The photographer shoots in color and black and white and loves using natural light to capture the most heartwarming images. Wedding photography packages start at $2,700 and include an engagement shoot, professional editing, and digital files of finished images. Customers can contact the studio on the website to schedule a consultation.

West Des Moines, IA 50265

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Dixie Lane Photography is a professional studio offering wedding, family, baby, and maternity photography, and the photographer is a member of the Professional Photographers of America. The studio also provides freelance photojournalism services. The photographer shoots in color and black and white and uses soft focus and creative editing to craft memorable images. Wedding packages can include one or two photographers, digital files of the completed photos, and other options. Customers can call the studio for price and package options.

Des Moines, IA 50309

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (113)
Google
4.7 (19)

Why choose this provider?

ZTS Photo is a dedicated wedding, engagement, and commercial photography studio. The photographers use dramatic light, creative angles, and soft focus to create unforgettable images of special moments and people. Wedding packages start at around $2,000 for all-day coverage by two photographers, and all images are professional hand-edited for the best results. Additional services like video coverage, high-quality prints, and metal art wall prints are available for an additional fee.

Clive, IA 50325

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.8 (38)
Google
5.0 (23)

Why choose this provider?

Mullica Studio is a professional photography studio for weddings, families, kids, senior portraits, and executive portraits. The photographer’s style is bright and bursting with color and drama, and Mullica Studio offers decades of commercial-quality photography experience. The studio works with brides, grooms, babies, kids, and moms and dads, and shoots large or small weddings. Customers can contact the photographer on the website to receive price quotes and design the perfect wedding or family photography experience.

Ankeny, IA 50023

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Nuzum Photo is an Ankeny studio specializing in wedding, baby, family, and special event photography. The studio also offers senior portraits. The photographer shoots in color and black and white, and the style is bright and full of life. The wedding photography package is $2,500 and includes a full day of coverage and a USB of the finished digital images, and prints are available for an additional fee.

Des Moines, IA 50315

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (4)

Why choose this provider?

The Bearded Studio is a portrait and event photography studio for weddings, engagements, families, and senior portraits. The photographer captures the little details that make the special day memorable and uses light and contrast to craft unique images. Weekday wedding packages start at $1,599 and include four hours of coverage, an online gallery, and a 20-page album. Saturday weddings start at $2,499 and include eight hours of coverage. Portrait sessions for families and kids start at $199.

Waukee, IA 50263

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Brooke Pavel Photography is a dedicated wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photography. She strives for timeless photos that are flattering, and show candid emotions of couples in love! Outdoor weddings and photos are what really get her excited! Wedding photography sessions start at $3,300 and include an online gallery and a USB of digital images. Lifestyle portrait sessions start at $425. The photographer will travel up to 60 miles from Waukee for no additional charge.

Des Moines, IA 50317

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (19)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Anna Jones is a professional photographer who specializes in wedding, engagement, family, travel, and lifestyle portraits. The photographer travels around the world for destination weddings and uses dramatic outdoor settings and landscapes to create bright, artistic, editorial-quality images. Anna Jones’ work has appeared in publications like Rock N’ Roll Bride and Rangefinder. Wedding session packages start at $3,000, and customers can call or email the studio to schedule and once-in-a-lifetime photo session.

Des Moines, IA 50324

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (10)
Google
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Ryan Leafgreen Photography provides expert wedding and engagement photography services, and the company has a fun photo booth available for special events. The studio uses still photography and high-quality video to create one-of-a-kind memories for newly engaged couples and newlyweds. Wedding photography packages start at $3,195 and include nine hours of coverage, a two-hour engagement session, and pre-event consulting and planning. The photographer will travel to locations anywhere in Iowa for no additional fee.

Des Moines, IA 50312

Why choose this provider?

5th Photography is a wedding photography studio that serves couples in Des Moines. Wedding packages are comprehensive and include several meetings to ensure photography is carried out exactly as the client requests it, as well as an engagement photo session, editing, and digital photographs. Photographer Steph Kadlicko has been a professional photographer for more than a decade. Her style is soft and romantic and the photographs she captures are intended to show the raw emotions of couples on their wedding day.

Des Moines, IA 50310

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Nicole Thomas Photography is a Des Moines studio offering wedding, engagement, maternity, newborn, family, and senior portraits. The photographer loves outdoor photo sessions and has a fun, candid style that’s full of smiles and romance. In-hospital newborn sessions are also available, as well as boudoir photography. Customers can call or contact the studio on its website to inquire about wedding packages and pricing. Trash-The-Dress sessions start at $300. Family and baby photo sessions are also $300.

Des Moines, IA 50312

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (87)

Why choose this provider?

Justin Salem Meyer is a Des Moines photographer who specializes in weddings, engagements, and maternity, family, baby, and kids portrait photography. The studio also offers senior portraits sessions. The photographer loves to tell stories with images, using dramatic settings, natural light, and an artistic eye. Wedding photography sessions start at $3,500 and include a two-hour engagement session. A premium senior portrait session, including hair styling, makeup, multiple locations, and wardrobe consultation, is $1,250. Commercial services are also available.

Des Moines, IA 50309

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (55)
Yelp
3.5 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Red Door Photo offers professional wedding, senior, and family portrait photography with a bright, graphic style. Wedding photography packages start at $2,499, and engagement sessions are available before the big day. The wedding photographer creates expertly edited images that both the bride and the groom will enjoy. For teens, there are a range of senior portrait packages, starting at $90 for a one-hour session. Customers can call or contact the studio on the website to schedule a consultation.

Compare our Top Wedding Photographers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Doug McBride PhotoCinema
Des Moines, IA 50312
Marque Photography by Brenda Shank
1582 Northwest 124th Street, Clive, IA 50325
Brian L Garman Photography
Urbandale, IA 50322
Shana Drake Photography
Des Moines, IA 50314
Dixie Lane Photography
West Des Moines, IA 50265
ZTS Photo
Des Moines, IA 50309
Mullica Studio
Clive, IA 50325
Nuzum Photo
Ankeny, IA 50023
The Bearded Studio
Des Moines, IA 50315
Brooke Pavel Photography
Waukee, IA 50263
Anna Jones Photography
Des Moines, IA 50317
Ryan Leafgreen Photography
Des Moines, IA 50324
5th Photography
Des Moines, IA 50312
Nicole Thomas Photography
Des Moines, IA 50310
Justin Salem Meyer
Des Moines, IA 50312
Red Door Photo
Des Moines, IA 50309

FAQs

  • Introduction

    Because of the sheer number of weddings that happen each year, wedding photography is a booming industry. Couples engaged to be married should take great care in finding a wedding photographer before their big day that suits their style.

    Many people think all wedding photographers are virtually the same, but this is incorrect. Some photographers prefer unusual arrangements, angles, and uses of light in their images. They may also have unique styles and filters when editing wedding photos. This makes it very important if you're planning on getting married and looking for a photographer to take the time to find one whose style aligns with what you're looking for.
  • What does a wedding photographer do?

    Wedding photographers take pictures of the wedding ceremony, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the families of the bride and groom. They also often photograph the major events of the reception and the guests to help preserve memories of the entire affair.

  • What makes a good wedding photographer?

    A good wedding photographer can faithfully recreate special memories, taking care to capture the most important moments of the wedding and reception. They're able to fulfill the requests of the couple getting married and help them choose the best images from the event.

  • How do I pick a wedding photographer?

    Couples can find their wedding photographer by asking friends and family for recommendations or checking out local listings. It's important to review portfolios, pricing, and availability. When you've picked a few that pique your interest, speak to them in person to make sure they're a good fit.

  • What should I ask a wedding photographer?

    Before you make a final decision about your wedding photographer, you'll want to ask several important questions, such as:

    • Can we see your portfolio?
    • How many weddings have you shot?
    • How much do require for a deposit?
    • What packages are available in our price range?
    • What is your editing style?

  • How much does a wedding photographer cost?

    The cost of a wedding photographer depends on various factors, including their experience, photo packages, and the length of time you need them. According to Brides.com, a wedding photographer can charge anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000 for their services.

  • Why are wedding photographers so expensive?

    A wedding photographer's fee reflects their experience, training, and ability to fulfill your vision and requests. The time needed to complete the process for a single wedding makes a difference as well. For a standard eight to 10 hour wedding, a photographer may spend as much as double that culling and editing photos.

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