Des Moines Wedding Venues
Tips for finding your perfect venue
Iowa has SO MANY beautiful wedding venues all over the state. Wineries, Hotels, Gardens, Barns, the possibilities are truly endless. Everyone has different checklists when it comes to their perfect wedding venue whether it’s price, ease of access for guests, venue staff and of course, venue aesthetics. Below are some venues that I think are amazing options for the best wedding venues in Iowa. If you think I’ve missed a venue that should be listed OR if you love the images below and would like to see if I’m available for your date, be sure to contact me or check out more of my work!
Best Wedding venues in Des Moines
If you’re looking for a wedding in the heart of all the action in Des Moines, this part of the wedding venue list is perfect for you. These gorgeous venues are located in the Des Moines metro area specifically!
Surety Hotel
Surety Hotel is the newest hotel / wedding venue in downtown Des Moines and it looks as promising as any venue in the area. The attention to detail and focus on service with this venue will be sure to create a memorable experience for your wedding day!
Surety Hotel
206 6th Ave
des moines, ia 50309
website
Hotel Fort Des Moines
The Hotel Fort Des Moines is in the middle of a beautiful renovation and I cannot wait to share more information with you as soon as possible!
Hotel Fort Des Moines
1000 Walnut St
des moines, ia 50309
The Tea Room
One of my all-time favorite venues is The Tea Room in downtown Des Moines. Aside from literally being on the same block as my studio space (where we can meet to chat about your wedding and a space that you can utilize for photos!), this venue has a historic and classic vibe, amazing flow on the wedding day and beautiful balconies that are perfect for wedding portraits. Side note, I just walked around the block with Tabbi and Ethan recently who are getting married at the Tea room and we found all kinds of great photo locations within walking distance from the Tea Room on their engagement session! This venue can facilitate weddings of up to 300 guests!
The Tea Room
713 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
website
Rollins Mansion
If you’re looking for a beautiful Tudor style wedding venue with a beautiful lawn and a classic and intimate vibe, then Rollins Mansion is the perfect venue for you. There are endless elegant spaces in this venue perfect for your wedding day!
Rollins mansion
2801 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Another stunning venue is the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. This beautiful venue is right along the Principal Riverwalk to add even more to it’s beautiful aesthetic. This venue lends itself to beautiful and colorful imagery and can hold up to 220 guests indoors and up to 500 guests outdoors. I’ve done a full write up on this venue below!
The River Center
The River Center is one of my favorite venues. to photograph in Des Moines. They’ve recently renovated their space and it’s built perfectly to capture beautiful wedding photographs.
The River Center
340 SW 3rd St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Website
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
The Hilton Des Moines Downtown is a beautiful wedding reception space with the added bonus of getting ready suites, guest room blocks and even ceremony locations all within the hotel. There are several opportunities both indoor and outdoor at the Hilton which makes this wedding venue a great option year round! The Hilton can join or divide spaces to accommodate small intimate weddings as well as 300+ guest weddings.
The Hilton Des Moines Downtown
435 park st
Des Moines, IA 50309
Noce jazz club des moines
Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Noce Jazz Club is a beautiful alternative wedding event space that has unique lighting and stage aspects that elevate your wedding ceremony!
Noce jazz club
1326 Walnut st
Des Moines, IA 50309
Website
The Iowa Taproom
Looking for a beautiful yet casual vibe? The Iowa Taproom delivers. And by being able to rent the Marquette room for up to 200 guests for only $1,500, it’s an absolute steal!
iowa taproom
215 east 3rd street
Des Moines, IA 50309
The Conservatory
In the heart of East Village, The Conservatory is a 5,000 square foot space that holds 275+ guests. The space is a nice clean slate leaving unlimited decorating options to create your perfect vibe!
The conservatory
315 East 5th Street Suite 2
Des Moines, IA 50309
Glen oaks country club
Beautiful spaces inside and out, Glen Oaks Country Club allows for ceremonies to overlook the golf course for absolutely beautiful views!
glen oaks country club
1401 glen oaks drive
west des moines, ia 50266
West End architectural salvage
There’s no more eclectic and unique wedding venue in Des Moines than West End Architectural Salvage. This space has so much character and makes hosting weddings here a truly unique experience.
west end architectural salvage
22 9th st
des moines, ia 50309
Curate
Planted in historic East Village, Curate has a clean art gallery vibe with white walls and exposed ceilings. They can create custom lighting packages to make your event uniquely yours!
Curate
322 E Court Ave
des moines, ia 50309
Science Center of Iowa
The Science Center of Iowa is a beautiful and unique space that can hold weddings from anywhere as small as 20 people all the way to 400 guests and can even add live science programs to entertain your guests!
Science Center of Iowa
401 W Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
des moines, ia 50309
Embassy Suites Downtown Des Moines
Looking for a massive wedding reception space downtown? Embassy Suites Downtown Des Moines has a flexible and customizable 10,000 square foot space that can hold 1,000+ guests should you need a space that large!
Embassy Suites Downtown Des Moines
101 E Locust St
des moines, ia 50309
Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the beautiful ballroom of the Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory has incredible ceiling heights to take the elegant feeling of your wedding day to the next level. The venue can host both your ceremony and reception, making an easy day of transportation for your guests.
Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory
519 Park Street
des moines, ia 50309
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
From getting ready to the last dance, the Des Moines Marriott Downtown has everything you need for a perfect wedding day. Everything can happen on location, and their certified planners will make sure your day is flawless! You even have three ballrooms to choose from in this beautiful and modern hotel!
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
700 Grand Ave
des moines, ia 50309
Bash Events and Catering
Bash DSM has a personal favorite touch with their tin ceiling, (similar to the one in my studio). Another beautiful feature of this space is the rooftop access that you’ll have for portraits! This venue holds up to 300 guests!
Bash Events and Catering
1312 Locust St
des moines, ia 50309
Jasper Winery
Complete with your own wedding coordinator, Jasper Winery boasts a beautiful front lawn and vineyard to create a gorgeous outdoor wedding space in downtown Des Moines. Looking to exceed their 150 seated guest limit? Add on a wedding tent for additional guest space!
Jasper Winery
2400 George Flagg Pkwy
des moines, ia 50321
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is stunning from floor to ceiling. Though classically beautiful, the space is modernized to accommodate all of your wedding needs!
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
100 Locust St
des moines, ia 50309
Brenton Skating Plaza
The Brenton Skating Plaza canopy is truly a sight to see. It’s 120 foot by 60 foot size alone is remarkable! The white reflects light beautifully and makes for gorgeous wedding photos all while enjoying beautiful views of Des Moines all around you!
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D Ray Drive
des moines, ia 50309
Best Wedding venues in Iowa
Though not in Des Moines, these wedding venues are close by and are absolutely stunning! Don’t forget to contact me if you’ve been to another amazing venue that’s not on the list!
Celebration Farm
Located in Iowa City, Celebration Farm is a wedding venue that has two indoor ceremony/reception spaces as well as a stunning outdoor ceremony space.
Celebration farm
4696 Robin Woods Ln NE
Iowa City, IA 52240
website
Irishman Acres Clover Barn
Irishman Acres’ Clover barn is an absolutely gorgeous wedding venue in Bondurant that includes both indoor and outdoor spaces as well as a beautiful bridal suite to get ready in.
Irishman Acres’ Clover Barn
8382 NE 88th St
Bondurant, IA 50035
Website
Keller Brick Barn
Keller Brick Barn is a beautiful rustic barn wedding venue in Dallas Center, Iowa that includes both indoor and outdoor spaces featuring a gorgeous tree as an outdoor ceremony backdrop. To see more of this stunning venue, check out Mireya and Manthan’s wedding at Keller Brick Barn!
Keller Brick Barn
25967 T Ave
Dallas Center, IA 50063
website
Country Lane Lodge
Country Lane Lodge is a beautiful and very large wedding venue in Adel, IA that gives the perfect mix of a modern and rustic wedding space. Country Lane Lodge is able to hold up to 400 guests and has beautiful grounds for photo opportunities making this venue option a no-brainer!
Country Lane Lodge
29300 Prospect Circle
Adel, IA 50003
website
Red Acre Barn
Red Acre Barn has beautiful indoor spaces, a great patio area and also a stunning ceremony space outside with a beautifully long aisle walk, making that moment even more special! The team at Red Acre Barn is super sweet and do a phenomenal job!
red acre barn
4053 kirkwood st
prole, ia 50229
website
District Venue Ankeny
Looking for a clean, modern, large (350+ capacity) wedding space? Look no further. District Venue is bright, clean and full of great energy and an abundance of top-notch amenities such as chiavari chairs, chinaware, event coordinator and an in-house catering staff!
District Venue Ankeny
1350 SW Vintage PKWY
Ankeny, IA 50023
Summerset Winery
One of the most beautiful wineries in all of Iowa, Summerset Winery can hold up to 250 guests in their Grand Banquet Room. Their wedding collections even include dedicated event coordinators to make sure that your day is smooth and enjoyable for all! Take a peak at Gabby and Otto’s beautiful Summerset Winery wedding that I was lucky enough to photograph!
Summerset Winery
15101 Fairfax St
Indianola, IA 50125
website
Harpors Vineyard
Harpor’s Vineyard is truly a dream venue, particularly for couples looking for a plethora of options. From a vineyard style ceremony to a peaceful Bridal Courtyard you’ll be saying “I do” to more than just your future spouse. If you don’t think you’ll be able to get enough of this gorgeous space during the day of your wedding then you’re in luck – Harpor’s Vineyard even has an option to rent luxury accommodations on the grounds so you can stay a little longer.
Harpor’s Vineyard
3014 Scott St
New Virginia, IA 50210
The Chateau at White Oak
When you think of the Chateau at White Oak, think quaint backyard wedding…but way better. This venue is incredibly welcoming and combines an outdoor ceremony space with a beautiful reception spot ready to be transformed into your dream iowa wedding venue.
The Chateau At White Oak
15065 NE White Oak Dr
Cambridge, ia 50046
Ashton Hill Farm
A modern barn, Ashton Hill Farm is seriously putting barn weddings back in the spotlight – the clean black and white accents throughout are the perfect backdrop for your big day and with 7,000 square feet to play with, this spot is perfect for any time of the year.
Ashton Hill Farm
803 Vernon Valley Dr
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Decades Event Center
This rustic space is perfect for the adventurous couple! Eclectic accents throughout make for a fun vibe that your guests will love exploring! Decades Event Center has a unique overall vibe that will ensure your big day stands out among the rest.
Decades Event Center
1208 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Sunnyside Country Club
Classic elegance sums up Sunnyside Country Club perfectly. Get ready to toast champagne with your better half while taking in the most incredible views of this beautiful country club located in Waterloo!
Sunnyside Country Club
1600 Olympic Drive
Waterloo, IA 50701
Little Lights on Main
If you’re planning on an intimate wedding then you’ll absolutely want to check out Little Lights on Main for your venue. Farmhouse tables included in your rental help create a cozy vibe that’ll ensure everyone feels like family. Bonus: you’ll be walking down the aisle to beautiful 100-year old pines. Talk about dreamy!
Little Lights on Main
102 W Main St
West Branch, IA 52358
Little Lights on the lane
If Little Lights on Main is a little too small for your dream day then you’re in luck! Their sister property, Little Lights on the Lane is an equally beautiful venue with space for everyone on your guest list. And this venue truly does have it all. Along with space for your guests, this venue features options for an indoor or outdoor ceremony (rain plan – check!) and a view overlooking Cedars Edge Golf Course.
Little Lights on the lane
2 Ember Lane
West Branch, IA 52358
Barnes Place
Rustic charm is truly the best way to describe this incredible venue! With so many unique spots throughout – including a ceremony spot overlooking a beautiful pond – you’ll have plenty of amazing memories of your wedding day at Barnes Place.
Barnes Place
20932 350th St
Adel, IA 50003
Tamory Hall
Step inside Tamory Hall and you’ll immediately fall in love! This gorgeous space boasts beautiful brick walls, incredible light and the most thoughtful details throughout (we’re looking at you, penny tile bathroom floors!) If you’re planning on a larger wedding, plan to include Tamory Hall on your short list – this space welcomes parties of 350+!
Tamory Hall
616 Franklin St #201
Pella, IA 50003
Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center
This Northwoods inspired venue is perfect for a big wedding with a cozy feel! Think log cabin, toasty fireplace, a campfire mug full of hot cocoa and you’ve got Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center!
Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center
5291 Stoney Creek Ct
Johnston, IA 50131
Pella Opera House
Old world elegance and amazing vintage features throughout make an incredible experience for a wedding day at the Pella Opera House. This venue is ideal for couples looking for a classic and vintage feel.
Pella Opera House
611 Franklin St
Pella, IA 50219
Hotel Pattee
Hotel Pattee is such a gorgeous venue with historic charm throughout! I am particularly drawn Soumas Court – an amazing outdoor courtyard with walls covered in incredible greenery.
Hotel Pattee
1112 Willis ave
Perry, IA 50220
Three Sisters Barn
With a show-stopping red barn as the backdrop for your big day and an open construction plan boasting a stunning cathedral-feel, Three Sisters Barn truly embodies the classic barn style-wedding. Warm wood tones and tons of natural light flood throughout the space give off an inviting feel throughout your big day.
Three Sisters Barn
21663 R Ave
Dallas Center, IA 50063
Hyperion Field Club
If you’re looking for one spot to host it all – from your engagement party to your reception and the morning-after brunch – look no further than Hyperion Field Club. With the flexibility they have for their spaces, you’ll be able to transform the venue to match your dream day.
Hyperion Field Club
7390 NW Beaver Dr
Johnston, IA 50131
Iowa State University Memorial Union
Whether or not you’re a fan of the Cyclones, you’ll be a huge fan of the Memorial Union at Iowa State University. This space is absolutely gorgeous and has amazing perks – tons of on-site covered parking, plenty of green space and opportunities for photos and several space options to cater to your exact wedding size, including rentable outdoor space! This way you’re not paying for more than what you need but can accommodate for everything you want!
Iowa State University Memorial Union
2229 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50011
Let’s make beautiful photos together
I’d be honored to capture all of the moments for your wedding day, family session and beyond! Fill out this contact form and I can begin to learn about what you’re looking for and make sure that we’re a great fit!
