Kent Park Engagement Pictures Cedar Rapids Wedding Photographer Lindsey and Riad

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.