Mark Gowen
Contact
A couple embracing during a coastal portrait session

Intimate Weddings & Elopements

Inquire Now ↗

The Photographer

Hey, I’m Mark.

I’m based in Des Moines and photograph weddings, couples, and portraits throughout the US. I’ve been doing this since 2018.

I want you to enjoy the day you planned. My job is to pay attention and make good photographs while you do.

A groom adjusting his tie before his wedding

Once you book, we’ll work out a timeline and talk through the parts of the day you want photographed. You can ask me questions as plans come together.

  • Planning support
  • Custom timeline
  • Vendor recommendations
A bride walking down a wooded aisle with two flower girls

I’ll help get everyone where they need to be for photos, then leave you to enjoy the wedding. You don’t need me hovering over your shoulder all day.

  • Candid coverage
  • Family photographs
  • Couple portraits
Newlyweds walking through an Oregon forest with drinks in hand

Once I’ve finished editing, your photographs go into a private online gallery. You can share it with your family, download the files, and decide which ones you want on your walls.

  • 48-hour sneak peek
  • Full gallery in 4–6 weeks
  • Print release included
WeddingsCouplesPortraits
Experience

A few favorites.

Some photographs I keep coming back to.

Selected work

More on Instagram ↗

It depends on the moment.

I’m not going to approach your ceremony like a portrait session.

Natural

A lot of the photos happen while you’re already doing something. I watch for the looks, gestures, and expressions that are easy to miss in the moment.

Editorial

For portraits, I’m more deliberate about the light and composition. That might mean moving a few feet or taking a minute to get a frame right.

Documentary

During the ceremony and reception, I mostly stay out of the way. I’m there to photograph what happens, not set it up again for the camera.

About Mark ↗

Back to
that day.

Sierra laughing with her bridesmaids before the ceremony
Sierra + her friends
A mother helping her daughter with her wedding dress
Getting the dress ready
A close black-and-white portrait of Sam and Savanna
Sam + Savanna
Candles and flowers on a wedding reception table
The table is set
Newlyweds walking together through the forest
Through the woods
Gabe and Alena holding each other in a close black-and-white portrait
Gabe + Alena
Newlyweds leaning in for a kiss beneath string lights at dusk
After sunset
Sam helping Savanna out of a Jeep in Colorado
A helping hand
Carder and a family member reading letters before the wedding
Reading the letters
A bride standing in the doorway of a woodland cabin
Loloma Lodge
A close view of a couple holding one another during their first dance
The first dance
Groomsmen tossing a friend into the air outside at a wedding
The groomsmen
Sam kissing Savanna as she sits on their Jeep beside a mountain road
Winter Park, Colorado
Hannah leaning against Clay during their Oregon coast session
Hannah + Clay
Two men in wedding suits sharing a cigar break in a black-and-white photograph
A smoke break

More to look through.

View stories

Kind words [4]

Nick & Kelsie Anderson

“Mark is top notch. He has a very creative journalistic style which sets him apart — he knows how to capture feelings and emotion, intimate and casual moments with equal mastery.”

Nick & Kelsie Anderson

Corrin & Ryan

“We were oohing and awwing over every single photo. You captured us so beautifully. The location was out of a dream. We will be hanging these on our walls everywhere.”

Corrin & Ryan

Delayne Carrington

“Mark gave me great advice on the weather, the timing of the sunset, and had a great way to get our playfulness out. Very punctual, great ideas. I would highly recommend him!”

Delayne Carrington

Paige Lindemoen

“Mark traveled to Oregon for our engagement photos and to Iowa for our wedding. Every single person in our family was blown away. Memories that will last a lifetime!”

Paige Lindemoen

Got a wedding in mind?

Let’s talk