Dell Rapids Wedding at St. Mary’s Church

Summer weddings in South Dakota always have a certain kind of warmth to them, and Lindsey and Dylan’s Dell Rapids wedding at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, captured it beautifully. Their day was bright and peaceful from beginning to end, filled with tradition, laughter, and the calm ease that comes when two people are exactly where they are meant to be.

Lindsey and Dylan met during their freshman year at South Dakota State University, and their relationship has grown through seasons of school, work, and life. Dylan is with the Highway Patrol, and Lindsey celebrated her birthday the day she said yes to his proposal. Their wedding day carried that same heartfelt simplicity. It was personal, genuine, and centered around the people they love most.

The Couple

Lindsey and Dylan are the kind of couple who bring steadiness into a space. They are down to earth, easy to be around, and deeply connected to their community. Their families were a big part of the day, and the joy in every room felt like a reflection of who they are together.

Their story started in college, and their wedding reflected the same laid-back, true-to-them energy. Nothing about the day felt rushed or overdone. Instead, it unfolded gently and naturally, giving everyone space to breathe and savor the moments.

For couples planning their own Dell Rapids wedding, this day is a perfect example of how tradition and ease can coexist beautifully.

The Ceremony at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids, South Dakota

St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, is classic, peaceful, and rooted in tradition. Catholic ceremonies often have fewer angles for photographers to move through, but this wedding had a special detail that made a big difference. Lindsey and Dylan sat partially facing the audience rather than fully toward the priest, which allowed for more authentic reactions and candid moments throughout the mass.

The summer sun poured through the windows, lighting their vows with soft, warm tones. Everything felt fully present and heartfelt.

Portraits Around Dell Rapids

One of the most memorable parts of the day was driving around Dell Rapids with the wedding party. After the ceremony, the party bus took us to a couple of local spots, including a quick stop at a bar and even a gas station when they needed more beer. Everyone was having fun, and the movement throughout town added an effortless storytelling feel to the gallery.

We also stopped at the city park along the creek for portraits. The soft water behind them, the tall summer greens, and the open shade created a beautiful backdrop that highlighted their calm connection.

A Summer Reception at the Morton Center

The Morton Center is a relaxed, welcoming venue, and it fit this couple perfectly. When we stepped just outside the building, a small field gave us the most perfect golden hour light. All we had to do was walk a few steps into the tall grass and the sun wrapped around them with that soft, glowing warmth that summer evenings are known for.

Inside, the reception was full of energy. Lindsey and Dylan made their way to every single table, taking quick group photos with all 45 tables. It was such a fun, lively start to the evening.

The best man delivered a hilarious speech, followed by two equally entertaining speeches from Lindsey’s sisters. You could feel the love these families share.

And then there were the kids running around outside, playing hide and seek in a tiny patch of corn near the venue. Watching them disappear and reappear between the rows made everyone smile. It was one of those small, unscripted moments that make a wedding day feel alive.

A Candid Moment the Groom Requested

One of Dylan’s must-have photos was of him and his groomsmen holding the geese they hunted that morning. Their wedding happened to fall on the duck opener, so naturally, the guys spent part of their morning out hunting with the dogs.

It was such a unique glimpse into their personalities and the things they love. The moment was funny, unexpected, and a memory they will definitely laugh about for years.

Golden Hour Portraits

As the sun began to set behind the Morton Center, all we had to do was step outside to catch the most beautiful light. The field behind the venue glowed with soft color, and Lindsey and Dylan fell into the easiest rhythm together. Their golden hour portraits are warm, calm, and full of that just-married energy.

For couples dreaming of golden hour photos during a Dell Rapids wedding, this is a reminder that sometimes the best locations are right outside your reception doors.

A Day Filled With Laughter, Warmth, and Ease

Every part of Lindsey and Dylan’s wedding felt authentic to them. It was relaxed in the best way, filled with tradition, family, and a lot of joy. Days like this remind me why photographing weddings in South Dakota is such an honor. There is a deep sense of community here, and this wedding brought that to life beautifully.

If you want to see more of Lindsey and Dylan, you can also view their engagement session here:
Lindsey and Dylan’s engagement session

Planning Your Own Dell Rapids Wedding

If you are dreaming up your own wedding day in Dell Rapids, I would love to help you document it. St. Mary’s Church, the Morton Center, and the town’s beautiful outdoor spots make an incredible mix of scenery, tradition, and small-town warmth.

Feel free to reach out if you are planning a wedding in the area. I would love to connect with you.