Finding the right wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make while planning your wedding. You want someone who understands light, knows how to put people at ease, and can tell your story in images you’ll cherish forever. If you’re searching for a wedding photographer Des Moines couples trust, this guide walks you through the top studios in the Des Moines area, what makes each of them special, and how to choose the best fit for your big day.

In this article I’ve selected twelve standout studios from the broader list we compiled earlier. Each profile focuses on their style, experience, what to expect working with them, and why they might be the perfect wedding photographer Des Moines for you. Read on to compare, learn the right questions to ask, and get practical tips to book a photographer who’ll capture the spirit of your wedding without missing the moments that matter.

What Makes a Great Wedding Photographer in Des Moines?

Great wedding photographers do more than press a shutter. They read light and movement, sense emotion before it happens, and vanish into the background when they need to. In Des Moines – with its variety of venues from urban lofts to rustic barns and parks like Gray’s Lake – a photographer’s ability to adapt to different lighting conditions and to get comfortable with a venue’s flow matters a lot.

A top wedding photographer Des Moines will balance technical skill with interpersonal skills: they’ll know how to calm nerves, guide large family photos efficiently, and capture candid moments without being intrusive. Ask about the team (single shooter vs. studio with assistants), delivery timeline, and backup plans for equipment or weather. Those logistical details are just as important as portfolio aesthetics.

Top 12 Wedding Photographers Des Moines

Below are the twelve studios chosen from the list you gave. Each has a distinct voice and strength; I’ve aimed to call out what makes them memorable for couples in search of a wedding photographer Des Moines.

1) Jason Thomas Crocker Photography

Jason Thomas Crocker brings a confident, story-driven style to wedding photography. His work leans toward bold colors and expressive portraits that feel modern but timeless. He’s known for capturing the unscripted moments – the laugh that breaks the tension, the look of pride on a parent’s face, the way relatives move across the dance floor. Many couples choose Jason for his documentary approach combined with a strong eye for fashion-forward compositions.

If you want images that look vibrant on your walls and also read beautifully in an album, Jason’s portfolio shows consistent visual energy. He’s experienced shooting in diverse venues across Iowa and beyond, which means he’ll be calm and prepared when lighting or timelines get tricky. For couples searching “wedding photographer Des Moines” and valuing personality-driven storytelling, Jason Thomas Crocker often ranks high on recommendations.

2) Jennifer Weinman Photography

Jennifer Weinman favors timeless, emotional imagery that reads as classic and heartfelt. Her photographs often have a quiet, elegant tone, focusing on the little details that make a wedding unique: a mother’s hands adjusting a veil, a groom’s anxious smile, the way light falls across a table setting. Jennifer’s strength is creating images that will still feel relevant and moving decades from now.

She’s a great pick when you want a wedding photographer Des Moines who prioritizes true emotion and refined aesthetics. Jennifer works smoothly with venues that require a respectful presence, such as churches or historical houses, and she’s often recommended by planners who appreciate a photographer who keeps the day moving without missing the moments that later become family heirlooms.

3) Morgan Moon Photography

Morgan Moon offers a polished, friendly approach to wedding photography – a mix of lifestyle portraits and candid documentary images. Her work feels approachable and warm; couples often compliment Morgan for making them feel comfortable in front of the camera, which leads to natural, joyful images.

Morgan is a strong fit for couples who want a personal experience from their wedding photographer Des Moines: she’s known for clear communication before the wedding, helpful guidance during portraits, and a final gallery that’s easy to share with family. If you value a photographer who combines an editorial eye with a personable, organized process, Morgan’s studio will likely resonate.

4) Haverlee Photography

Haverlee Photography produces images that favor natural light and storytelling. Their style leans toward clean, airy compositions and candid moments that put couples at the center without overwriting the scene. Haverlee works well in outdoor settings and venues with lots of natural light, making them a favorite for spring and summer weddings around Des Moines.

Couples looking for a gentle, unobtrusive wedding photographer Des Moines frequently find Haverlee’s rhythm appealing. The studio is also attuned to modern editing that stays true to the moment – no heavy-handed filters, just consistent, heartfelt imagery. For relaxed couples who want authenticity over staged posing, Haverlee is a solid option.

5) Mandi Schirm Photo

Mandi Schirm offers an energetic, candid approach that captures real emotion and movement. Her images often showcase laughter, dancing, and lively family interactions, making her portfolio feel vibrant and full of life. Many couples praise Mandi’s upbeat presence and ability to direct larger groups efficiently, saving time while still getting polished family photos.

If your priority is celebrating connection and joy – and you want a wedding photographer Des Moines who can corral relatives but still capture playfulness – Mandi brings both pace and personality. She’s a practical choice for couples who want proven logistical experience plus photos that read joyful and spontaneous.

6) Foxtail Films

While Foxtail Films does wedding photography, they’re perhaps best known as a creative team that blends photography and cinematic storytelling. Their photos often reflect a documentary sensibility with a cinematic polish, and their videography background brings a narrative eye to still images.

Couples who hire Foxtail are often getting a team that thinks about movement, sequence, and how images flow together – which is especially helpful when you want both photography and video that feel cohesive. For those in search of a wedding photographer Des Moines who will give a cinematic, adventurous feel to their images, Foxtail Films is worth considering.

7) Bailey J. Photography

Bailey J. Photography is known for a calm, warm approach that helps couples relax during portraits. Bailey’s images often emphasize natural smiles and intimate moments, with clean compositions and a gentle touch in post-processing. She tends to deliver images that show people as they really are – no forced posing, just straightforward, flattering direction.

For couples who feel camera-shy, a wedding photographer Des Moines like Bailey can be a comforting presence, turning nervous energy into easy, real photos. Her professionalism and thoughtful pace during the wedding day make her a favorite for couples who want a smooth, unobtrusive experience.

8) Liv Frueh Photography

Liv Frueh focuses on detail and a personalized approach; her work often highlights textures, small details, and the quieter moments of the day. Her galleries show a careful attention to color, composition, and the sentimental pieces that make each wedding unique.

If you’re searching for a wedding photographer Des Moines who will pay attention to the rings, invitations, and small gestures that tell your story, Liv’s eye for detail can be especially rewarding. She’s often chosen by couples who plan family heirloom albums where every page is considered and beautifully composed.

9) Jamie Grant Photography

Jamie Grant brings a robust local reputation and a knack for handling everything from big, formal weddings to intimate elopements. Jamie’s style is flexible: he can deliver polished formal portraits as well as lively reception photos that capture the atmosphere of the party. Many clients appreciate Jamie’s ability to read the room and adapt his approach to suit the couple’s vibe.

Couples who want a reliable, versatile wedding photographer Des Moines often find Jamie’s combination of technical competence and calm leadership reassuring. He’s likely to handle timeline pressure well and still deliver images that reflect the authenticity of your day.

10) Rebecca Lillian Photography

Rebecca Lillian’s photography tends toward candid, cozy images with a focus on connection. Her galleries show couples in comfortable, intimate moments, and she often uses softer palettes and gentle editing to emphasize warmth. She’s known for being approachable and for creating a low-stress environment, which helps couples be themselves during portrait time.

If your priority is heartfelt, personal imagery from a wedding photographer Des Moines who values connection over showy poses, Rebecca’s work will likely speak to you. She’s ideal for couples who want to remember how the day felt, not just how it looked.

11) Yvette’s Photography

Yvette’s Photography offers fun, adventurous images with a mix of candid and posed styles. Based in the Des Moines/Waukee area, Yvette emphasizes a relaxed client experience with flexible packages that often include engagement sessions and timeline help. Couples who want a lively, approachable wedding photographer Des Moines frequently find her style warm and refreshing.

12) Jenn Hoffman Photography

Jenn Hoffman is an experienced photographer based near Des Moines who shoots a range of sessions, including weddings and engagements. Her long history in the industry and approachable style make her a dependable choice for couples who want straightforward, reliable coverage and galleries that focus on emotion and classic composition. 

Questions to ask when you meet a photographer

When you contact a potential wedding photographer Des Moines, it helps to come prepared. Ask about availability for your date, how many hours of coverage they recommend, whether they include a second shooter, and how long gallery delivery typically takes. You should also ask about their backup plans in case of equipment failure and how they handle weather changes.

Discuss deliverables: will you get high-resolution digital files, print rights, an online gallery, or an album? Ask if travel is included in the price, whether engagement sessions are part of their standard package, and how they handle overtime. These logistics matter – you don’t want surprises after the wedding.

How to compare packages and pricing

Wedding photography pricing varies widely depending on experience, what’s included, and whether the photographer offers albums or prints. When comparing studios, calculate the total value: if Studio A charges more but includes an engagement session, second shooter, and a high-quality album, it could offer better long-term value than a cheaper studio that only provides a small online gallery.

Consider what you’ll actually use. If family heirloom prints and an album matter, prioritize studios that include or offer high-quality albums. If you mainly want digital photos to share online, confirm file sizes and licensing. Always ask for a sample contract and read refund, rescheduling, and cancellation terms carefully.

Tips for working with your photographer on the wedding day

Good communication makes the day run smoothly. Share a timeline in advance and let the photographer know about any must-have shots and family sensitivities. If you’ve hired a planner, connect the photographer and planner before the wedding so they can coordinate lighting, timing, and group photos.

Trust your photographer’s expertise for lighting and posing – they do this every weekend and can move your timeline along efficiently. Also, give them room to document candid moments; the unstaged photos often become the most treasured.

Albums, prints, and editing preferences

Ask about the editing style and whether it matches your vision. Some studios are known for warm, film-like edits; others prefer crisp, clean files. Ask for recent full wedding galleries, not just highlights, so you can see how consistent the editing is across an entire day.

Discuss album quality if you want a printed heirloom. Look at sample books in person if possible, and ask what is included in album packages, such as number of spreads and cover options. If prints are important, verify color management and file specifications so what you receive on paper matches the images you see on screen.

How far in advance should you book?

Top wedding photographer Des Moines studios often book a year or more in advance for popular wedding months. If your wedding is in a high-season month like May, June, or October, start your search early and secure your photographer as soon as you’ve set your date. For off-season or weekday weddings, you may find more flexibility closer to your date, but it’s still smart to lock in a photographer as soon as possible to avoid heartbreak.

Final thoughts – picking the right fit

Choosing a wedding photographer Des Moines is part aesthetic decision and part relationship. You want an artist whose images you love and a professional you can trust on one of the most important days of your life. Whether you’re drawn to the cinematic narrative of Foxtail Films, the bold color and energy of Jason Thomas Crocker, or the tender, timeless portraits of Jennifer Weinman, the right studio will make you feel comfortable and confident.

Use this guide to shortlist two or three studios that fit your budget and style, then schedule conversations to feel out personality, responsiveness, and logistical fit. A great photographer is worth the investment because they preserve the moments you’ll re-live for a lifetime.

Need help with images after the shoot?

After the wedding, many couples want their photos edited for albums, prints, or social sharing. If you’re looking for professional, consistent image editing and retouching, check out aitinsider – we provide expert image editing services tailored to photographers and couples. Whether you need color correction, album-ready retouching, or quick turnarounds for social posts, aitinsider can help make your wedding photos look their absolute best. Visit aitinsider to learn more about album-ready edits, bulk image workflows, and professional finishing that will make your wedding gallery shine.