Bride and Groom Portraits in Des Moines: Capturing the Heart of Your Day

When the vows have been exchanged and the celebration begins, there’s a sacred pause—a moment for just the two of you. Bride and groom portraits are some of the most intimate and timeless parts of your wedding day. At Twelve One & Co., we believe these portraits should be more than just posed photos—they should tell the story of your love, your laughter, and the quiet moments in between.

The Magic of Des Moines as Your Backdrop

From the lush landscapes of Greenwood Park to the elegant charm of Salisbury House & Gardens, Des Moines offers a stunning array of locations for your bride and groom portraits. Whether you’re envisioning something romantic, modern, or editorial, we help you find the perfect backdrop that reflects your unique relationship.

Some of our favorite spots for bride and groom portraits in Des Moines include:

• The Des Moines Art Center grounds for timeless architecture and open light

• Historic East Village for a bold, urban aesthetic

• Water Works Park for nature lovers seeking soft golden hour tones

• The Temple for Performing Arts for luxury and old-world elegance

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our portfolio for inspiration from past Des Moines weddings we’ve captured.

Your Portraits, Your Story

Every couple we work with brings their own energy, style, and emotion—and we’re here to document it all. Our process begins long before your wedding day. We get to know you as a couple, learn what matters most to you, and tailor our portrait sessions so the experience feels natural, fun, and stress-free.

On the big day, we guide you through portraits in a way that helps you feel comfortable, confident, and connected. We capture real laughter, authentic intimacy, and the candid beauty that unfolds when you can just be yourselves.

Want to know more about what it’s like working with us? Head over to our about page to meet our team and learn our story.

Why These Photos Matter

After the wedding, your bride and groom portraits will be the images you frame, share, and revisit for decades. These photos become heirlooms—moments frozen in time that reflect not just how you looked, but how you felt.

As both photographers and filmmakers, Twelve One & Co. captures these moments with an editorial yet emotional style. We balance fine art composition with genuine emotion, creating imagery that feels elevated yet deeply personal.

Ready to Book Your Des Moines Portrait Session?

Whether you’re planning a wedding in the heart of downtown or at a romantic countryside venue just outside the city, Twelve One & Co. would be honored to document your day. Let’s plan a portrait session that feels like you—beautiful, effortless, and unforgettable.

Contact us today to learn more about our bride and groom portraits in Des Moines and how we can help preserve your love story in the most authentic way.

Des Moines Wedding Portraits by Twelve One & Co.

Timeless. Intentional. Emotionally True.

Your wedding day is full of moments that deserve to be remembered forever—and at Twelve One & Co., we specialize in capturing those moments in a way that’s true to you. Our Des Moines wedding portraits are crafted with intention, emotion, and a deep understanding of what this day means for your story.

Why Wedding Portraits Matter

This isn’t about stiff posing or cookie-cutter shots. Your wedding portraits should feel effortless and honest. Years from now, you’ll look back on these photos and remember the way your heart felt, not just what you wore or where you stood.

We’re not just here to take pictures—we’re here to tell your story. Every detail. Every glance. Every in-between moment you didn’t even realize mattered until you saw it framed forever.

Portraits with a Sense of Place

Des Moines offers the perfect mix of modern charm, natural beauty, and timeless backdrops. Whether your ceremony is set downtown, in a garden, or on a family property, we scout the light and landscape to bring your portraits to life.

Some favorite Des Moines portrait locations include:

• The Capitol grounds for grand, classic elegance

• Gray’s Lake for romantic lakeside golden hour shots

• The Des Moines Art Center for a modern, architectural feel

• Your wedding venue—transformed through our lens into a timeless setting uniquely yours

The Twelve One & Co. Approach

We’re a husband-and-wife team who know what it feels like to be in your shoes. We’re not going to waste your time with generic directions or awkward poses. We’ll guide you gently, help you feel comfortable, and document your wedding portraits in a way that lets you stay fully present in the moment.

You can expect:

• A relaxed, low-pressure experience

• Light posing that never feels forced

• Real emotion captured through subtle, intentional direction

• Stunning portraiture that reflects your true connection

Golden Hour Is Our Favorite Hour

Des Moines sunsets are underrated—but we never take them for granted. If your timeline allows, we love pulling you aside for just ten quiet minutes during golden hour. The soft light, the slowed-down moment—it’s often the most intimate and favorite set of portraits from the whole day.

Planning for Portraits

We help you build your timeline with portraits in mind, whether that includes a first look or a more traditional post-ceremony session. We’ll help you make the most of your location, light, and time—so you never feel rushed or off-track.

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Let’s Create Wedding Portraits You’ll Actually Want to Frame

At Twelve One & Co., we don’t just show up with cameras. We show up with heart. With intention. With an eye for moments that matter. If you’re looking for Des Moines wedding portraits that are timeless, story-driven, and deeply personal—we’d love to be part of your day.

📩 Reach out here to connect with us about your date—we’re currently booking into 2026.

Some moments deserve more than a snapshot. They deserve a frame-worthy freeze in time—sharp, intentional, and dripping with mood. That’s what we do.

We’re not just photographers in Des Moines. We’re image architects. Lighting snobs. Shadow chasers. We live for that just-before-the-kiss tension, the half-laugh caught mid-breath, the last light hitting just right.

Why We’re Called the Best Des Moines Photographer

It’s not about hype. It’s about vision.

Our work has been described as cinematic, editorial, timeless—but above all else, real. We don’t fake it, stage it, or over-edit it. We lean into your vibe and tell your story exactly how it felt.

Clients don’t hire us just to document a moment. They hire us to elevate it.

The Difference Is in the Details

We shoot like it’s going to hang on a gallery wall one day—because it might. Every frame we deliver is carefully composed, edited with intention, and built to last.
Whether it’s a wedding in the woods or a rooftop elopement in downtown Des Moines, we don’t miss.

Searching for a Des Moines Photographer With Soul?

You found us.

If you want photos that make people pause, that feel expensive, that age like good film—you’re in the right place.

If you’re Googling the best Des Moines photographer, stop scrolling. Let’s make art.

Reach out to us now here if you’re looking to hire a Des Moines photographer.