The Best Intimate Wedding and Elopement Venues
Des Moines Art Center
✦ Iconic venue featuring architecture by IM Pei, Richard Maier, and Eliel Saarinen
✦ Courtyard with granite reflecting pool, sculptures, and string lights in the trees
✦ Art galleries and unique spaces for portraits, intimate ceremonies, receptions, or tours for your guests
Salisbury House and Gardens
✦ Historic 1920s estate modeled after Tudor England, filled with original antiques and art
✦ Formal gardens, terraces, and six acres of private woodland for ceremonies and photos
✦ Multiple indoor and outdoor spaces that make every wedding unique
Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens
✦ Conservatory-style greenhouse surrounded by sprawling gardens
✦ Numerous water features including a lily pond, reflecting pool, multiple waterfalls, and riverwalk
✦ In the heart of Des Moines with incredible views of the downtown skyline
Sylvan Amphitheater
✦ Historic amphitheater built in 1931, restored in 2004
✦ Shaded setting surrounded by tall oak trees in Greenwood Park
✦ Bench seating for about 200 guests, perfect for intimate ceremonies
Hello, Marjorie
✦ Acclaimed downtown Des Moines cocktail bar in a historic building
✦ Perfect for wedding receptions, elopement portraits, or engagement sessions
✦ Retro-inspired decor and creative, nationally recognized cocktails
Noce Jazz & Cabaret
✦ Sultry jazz-club atmosphere with cinematic lighting and blue velvet stage drapery
✦ Backstage room with hardwood floors, bistro lights, and tall windows
✦ Located in Des Moines’ Western Gateway with expert in-house coordination
The Jordan House Museum
✦ Historic Victorian home built in the 1850s, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
✦ Former Underground Railroad stop and landmark of Iowa history
✦ Ideal for intimate weddings, elopements, and small gatherings
Rollins Mansion
✦ Historic 1920s mansion with original European and Wright-inspired details
✦ Expansive gardens, terraces, and skyline views of downtown Des Moines
✦ Multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for flexible, elegant celebrations
Des Moines Wedding Photographer
Alyssa Leicht is a Des Moines-based wedding, elopement, and portrait photographer with nearly fifteen years of experience documenting couples across the U.S. Her work has been featured in NME, Hinterland Music Festival, and several other publications. Known for her bold use of flash and color, Alyssa creates wedding imagery that balances an artful yet honest documentary style.
Alyssa Leicht
Alyssa Leicht is an internationally published wedding, elopement, couples photographer with over 14 years of experience. Her work has been featured in NME, Love Inc. Magazine, The Des Moines Register, Little Village Magazine, Iowa Public Radio, Heartland Wedding Ideas and many, many more.
Based in Des Moines or wherever your love takes us…
LGBTQIA+ couples are always welcome in front of my camera. 🏳️🌈