A Cedar Rapids Wedding Photographer’s Guide to
The Best Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Engagement Picture Locations
Indian Creek Nature Center
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Indian Creek Nature Center is beautiful anytime of year! Some of our favorite features include open fields with tall grass, a lush tree line full of green in the summer and color in the fall, a patio with bulb lights, a pergola with green ivy and beautiful sunset views.
Newbo Neighborhood
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Newbo Neighborhood has really grown over the past few years and has tons of photo opportunities! A few of our favorite features include historical architecture, brick walls, Parlor City, Brewhemia Coffee Shop, Almost Famous Popcorn & Ice Cream, and an old firehouse.
Kent Park
Oxford, Iowa
Kent Park has countless areas to explore! With wildflowers in the summer and warm colors in the fall, it’s beautiful in any season. A few of our favorite features include a bridge over the lake, multiple areas of pine and evergreen trees, and open fields of tall grass and wildflowers.
The Old Capitol
Iowa City, Iowa
Whether you’re a Hawkeye Fan or not, The Old Capitol is full of history (and photo ops!) A few of our favorite features include beautiful columns, staircases, and tree lined sidewalks. If you want, you can venture a little further onto campus and visit the Tippie Business Building or The Art Building.
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Mount Vernon, Iowa
Palisades Park is located right by the Cedar River. Some of our favorite features include beach access with beautiful views of the water, limestone rocks, tree lined fence lines and roads through the whole park.
Lake Macbride
Solon, Iowa
Lake Macbride is a stunning location for engagement photos! Our favorite features include wooded forests of evergreen trees, tree covered trails, a walkway through the water and rocks, and obviously beautiful views of the lake!
Big Grove Brewery
Iowa City, Iowa
If you’re a beer connoisseur (or just a beer lover!) you might consider Big Grove Brewery for your engagement pictures! Say cheers with your fiancé under the twinkling lights or by the fire pit on the patio!
Rock Island Botanical Preserve
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
This hidden gem is located just behind Xavier High school! With large open fields, tall grasses, wildflowers, and pine trees, you can spend your whole session at Rock Island and not run out of picturesque backdrops.
Czech Village
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Similar to the Newbo Neighborhood, Czech Village is full of character! Our favorite features include brick walls, cute storefronts, the clock tower, a bridge with views of the city and an adorable Gazebo. If you love beer, we can hop over to the patio at Lion Bridge for a cold brew!
Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
Iowa City, Iowa
If you’re looking for a unique location to take your engagement pictures, consider Wilson’s Orchard and Farm! From the rolling hills of the beautiful apple orchard to the big barn that’s next door at the Ciderhouse + Venue, there is no shortage of photo opportunities.
Hancher Auditorium
Iowa City, Iowa
If you love architecture, there’s nothing better than visiting Hancher Auditorium! The inside is stunning, with floor to ceiling windows and emmaculate staircases. If they happen to be closed the day of your session, don’t worry! The outside of the building and the surrounding grounds are just as beautiful.
Main Street, Cornell College and Sutliff Bridge
Mount Vernon, Iowa
From colorful doorways to brick walls, we love the character that Main Street Mount Vernon has to offer! Just a short walk down the street and you’ll arrive at Cornell College for even more photo opportunities. We think this area looks particularly beautiful covered in snow, but if the cold isn’t your thing, spring, summer and fall would be pretty as well!
Wanatee Park
Marion, Iowa
If you love nature, you’ll love Wanatee Park! Our favorite features include a tree lined winding road, fields of wildflowers in the summertime, evergreen trees and plenty of walking trails.
Pierson’s Flower Shop and Greenhouse
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
If you’re a plant lover like us, Pierson’s Flower Shop and Greenhouse is a beautiful and unique location for engagement pictures! Full of color and natural light, every corner of this place is beautiful. Added bonus, it’s perfect to shoot in on a rainy day!
Coe College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Whether you’re a former Kohawk or not, Coe College is a beautiful spot for engagement pictures! Our favorite features include old buildings, a historic church and open courtyard areas.
Tru Coffee
Iowa City, Iowa
Warm up with a cup of coffee at Tru Coffee! The inside of the coffee shop offers beautiful natural light and cozy seating. Outside is a tree lined neighborhood and upstairs has a rooftop with views of Iowa City.
The Paramount Theatre
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
If you love theater, The Paramount Theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids is a unique space for your engagement session! Our favorite features include stunning chandeliers, a wall of mirrors, a lounge full of natural light, views from the stage and historic marquee lights.
*The Paramount does charge a fee for access to the theater.
Tom Harkin Trailhead
Coralville, Iowa
A smaller area, but beautiful nonetheless! Our favorite features include lots of trees, a bridge and plenty of wildflowers.