Photo Sessions at the Gathering Grounds
Choose Your Mini Session Experience
Capture your milestone moments in a beautiful, welcoming setting at the Gathering Grounds. From cozy indoor spaces to picturesque outdoor scenes, the estate’s scenic grounds give you the freedom to create images that feel personal, natural, and timeless.
Perfect for:
• Engagement shoots
• Family photos
• Senior sessions
• Branding and headshots
• Lifestyle sessions



Our process is designed to be simple and stress-free. Choose your preferred date and time, bring the photographer you love working with, and enjoy a session tailored to your pace and style.
Session Length: 15 or 30 minutes (reservations required)
Spaces Included: Access to indoor areas plus our scenic, outdoor grounds
Photographers: Bring your own photographer, or we’re happy to share recommendations
Venue Fee: $50 per half hour (photographers may set their own rates)
Seasonal Mini Sessions
Capture the magic of each season with thoughtfully designed photo sessions at the Gathering Grounds. Our indoor spaces are staged for a festive atmosphere, complemented by scenic outdoor grounds for natural shots.
No seasonal sessions are currently scheduled. Dates will be announced as sessions are added. In the meantime, our General Photo Sessions are available year-round.

At the Gathering Grounds, each seasonal setup is thoughtfully styled to create a seamless, elevated photo experience. Located in Central Iowa, our indoor areas and outdoor grounds provide a beautiful backdrop for photographers and families alike.
Venue Fee: $50 per half hour (photographers may set their own rates)
Session Lengths: 15 or 30 minutes (reservations required)
Reserve Your Session
Reserve your spot for a photo mini session at the Gathering Grounds by completing the form below. Once your request is received, our team will confirm your session details and follow up with next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sessions are available in 15 or 30-minute time slots.
Yes — you’ll have access to the full grounds during your session as well as two staged indoor areas in our Waterfront Venue.
You’re welcome to bring your own backdrop or props to personalize your session.
A restroom will be open for use inside the main building.
The venue fee for photo sessions at the Gathering Grounds is $50 per half hour, and photographers set their own individual session pricing.
The Gathering Grounds is located at 2125 IA-5, Bussey, IA 50044. Our venue is about a 1-hour drive from Des Moines and less than half an hour from Oskaloosa and Pella.
You’re welcome to bring a photographer of your choice, and we can also recommend local Central Iowa photographers who regularly shoot on the property.
We will have two staged indoor areas ready for you, plus our outdoor space (which won’t be staged).
