Des Moines and Iowa Wedding Venues

Central Iowa wedding venues with wide open spaces to let your guests roam freely

After more than a decade of being a wedding photographer in Iowa, I’ve found that location can play a huge part in the overall feeling of your wedding day. When choosing the location for your wedding, try to picture experiencing your wedding day with all your people there. Does the space flow well? Spaces that offer a smooth flow between rooms and easy transitions from indoor to outdoor can make the guest experience seamless and generate a constant sense of ease.

Also, consider what is around the venue. Some new buildings may have nothing but fields for miles. If you don’t love what is immediately outside the venue, I would suggest looking elsewhere. Nothing messes with the flow of a wedding day more than having to leave your perfectly selected venue to take photos in another location.

A few wedding venues in Des Moines and Iowa that tick all the boxes for me when it comes to space and atmosphere:

I haven’t had the pleasure of shooting at all of these locations just yet, but the ones I have, I can verify just how good they are! If you’re engaged and would like to see if I’m available for your date, be sure to contact me or check out more of my work!

1868 Farmhouse

Located just outside of Boone, 1868 Farmhouse offers so much great outdoor space! The original farm house is surrounded by beautiful gardens. There are endless photo options and everyone is free to enjoy the outdoor space. This central Iowa venue offers a warm, family-oriented feeling perfect for couples seeking a stress-free wedding experience. This historic farmhouse has been lovingly restored. The property features two getting-ready suites, a beautiful brick courtyard, a wrap-around porch, and several outdoor ceremony spaces. The renovated reception hall can accommodate up to 280 guests and is climate-controlled for year-round comfort. With its blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and family-focused service, it makes for an unforgettable setting for your wedding day.

Barnes Place

Barnes Place was one of the very first venues I ever photographed when I started following my mentor photographer as a second shooter. This venue offers a serene and rustic setting in the Adel, Iowa countryside. The large barn features a stunning fireplace, a spacious porch overlooking a country pond, and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions with multiple options for outdoor ceremonies— the pond, rolling hills, or tree-lined areas — and an indoor backup plan. The space really allows your day to feel private to just you and your guests. Everyone can roam about in ease!

Carper Winery

Located in Norwalk, Carper Winery offers a beautiful countryside view. You get the best of Iowa with this wedding venue — field, pond, vineyard — Carper Winery has it all. On a beautiful night, you’re guests won’t be able to resist relaxing outside watching the sun set. The photo locations are endless! I particularly love the willow trees by the pond.

The Chateau at White Oak

Located in Cambridge, IA The Chateau offers an outdoor ceremony site overlooking the vineyard. Everything from getting ready to your reception can take place in one location, which I think is so important for a wedding day to flow smoothly!

Country Lane Lodge

The Country Lane Lodge, located in Adel, Iowa, offers 40-acre of beautiful Iowa countryside with endless options for photos. There are trees all around the property, so everything feels very private. It’s located just 20 minutes west of Des Moines. Just outside the reception space there’s a fire pit, patio for your guests to enjoy.

Eagles Ledge Events

Eagle’s Ledge, located in Madrid, Iowa, is a versatile wedding venue offering both indoor and outdoor options, perfect for any type of ceremony. The spacious grounds provide stunning photo opportunities, while the sleek interior features ample seating and a modern atmosphere. The venue also includes specialized bridal and groom suites, ideal for pre-ceremony relaxation.

Emerald Hills Events

Emerald Hills Events, located just south of Des Moines near Rathbun Lake State Wildlife Area, offers a flexible, all-season venue. With stunning views of Southern Iowa’s rolling hills, wildflowers, and meadows, this venue blends farmhouse charm with modern elegance. The spacious Grand Room, featuring two-story vaulted ceilings, can accommodate up to 500 guests and is easily adaptable for ceremonies, dinner, and entertainment. The venue offers a variety of ceremony options, including an outdoor lawn with breathtaking views or a classic veranda patio, and the landscaped grounds are perfect for photos and guest enjoyment. The Bridal Suite provides a serene and spacious setting for the bridal party to relax and prepare. This is another venue that feels very secluded and private. You have so much space to explore and enjoy with your favorite people!

Hotel Fort Des Moines

Hotel Fort Des Moines, a historic venue in downtown Des Moines. The Grand Ballroom, restored to its 1919 elegance, features ornate lighting, high windows, and a dramatic staircase balcony. This iconic space is perfect for large receptions. I recently had the pleasure of photographing a wedding at Hotel Fort Des Moines and I love the historic charm. The hotel makes for an excellent location for your guests to stay. It has elegant charm and feels so timeless. It’s the perfect space for a high-end, intimate gathering.

Glen Oaks Country Club

Glen Oaks Country Club, located in West Des Moines, Iowa, is an elegant venue offering both indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings. Set against the golf course backdrop, the club provides a stunning setting for your special day. The venue features three beautiful indoor spaces, including Spencer Court (seating up to 90 guests), the Churchill Room (seating up to 200 guests), and the Royal Oak covered patio (perfect for cocktail receptions of up to 50 guests). For a more picturesque ceremony, the outdoor lawn offers breathtaking views of the golf course. With a full capacity of 300 guests, Glen Oaks is a versatile venue with exceptional service, ideal for couples seeking a timeless celebration.

Happy Apple Celebrations

Happy Apple Celebrations offers a stunning rustic venue in central Iowa, just outside of Cumming, providing the perfect setting for both indoor and outdoor weddings. Nestled on the third-generation Happy Apple Orchard, the venue boasts picturesque outdoor landscapes with wooded areas and scenic ponds. The venue can accommodate over 400 guests. Additional features include an outdoor orchard ceremony area and rehearsal dinner options. Located just 10 minutes south of West Des Moines, it offers a serene, stress-free atmosphere for an unforgettable event.

I’m partial to Happy Apple because it’s where Joey and I got married in 2014! I fell in love with the outdoor space in the orchard.

Hive at Busy Bee

The Hive at Busy Bee is a stunning event venue located in the rolling hills of Iowa, between Indianola and Des Moines, near Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park. Surrounded by lakes and wooded acres, it offers a breathtaking backdrop for photos. The 8,000-square-foot venue features vaulted ceilings, a bride’s suite, groom’s lounge, and a caterer’s kitchen, all set on six private, professionally landscaped acres. With its graceful outdoor space and accessible, one-level layout, The Hive provides a perfect setting for weddings.

Koru Berry Farm

Koru Berry Farm is a picturesque 22-acre aronia berry farm located in Homestead, Iowa, just minutes from the Amana Colonies. The farm offers stunning seasonal views, with white flowers blooming in spring and vibrant red/orange foliage in fall, making it a beautiful setting for any special occasion. Their indoor venue features a spacious main room with large windows showcasing the farm’s incredible views, along with a gorgeous bridal suite, groom’s den, full kitchen, and multiple bar areas. With a capacity for up to 300 guests, Koru also provides both indoor and outdoor ceremony locations.

Little Lights on the Lane

Little Lights on the Lane in West Branch, Iowa is surrounded by rolling Iowa hills and overlooking the Cedars Edge Golf Course, the venue combines modern Scandinavian-inspired design with nature’s beauty. With a massive 30-foot sliding glass door that seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor spaces. Just 15 minutes from Iowa City, the venue offers a relaxed, elegant atmosphere that feels like home. It makes for a cozy spot to settle in with all of your favorite people. I love all of the light that comes in to the getting ready spaces! On a hot day, it’s easy to pop back inside and continue taking photos because it is all beautiful!

Northbridge Event Center

Northbridge Event Center, just 5 minutes from downtown Des Moines, offers both indoor and outdoor options. This venue feels separate from the city because it is surrounded by existing trees. You have plenty of beautiful space to enjoy right outside the doors of the reception area.

The Outing Club

The Outing Club in Davenport, Iowa, is a historic and elegant venue that has been hosting weddings and events for over a century. Its nearly 100-year-old Colonial Revival Clubhouse, stunning ballroom with a balcony, and outdoor veranda overlooking beautifully manicured lawns provide a perfect setting for weddings. The venue offers versatile spaces, from the main floor to the porch and lawn, ideal for ceremonies, cocktails, and celebrations. Renovated in 2006, the club also offers ample parking and excellent space for photos.

Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens, located on 17 acres with 26 distinct garden areas, offers a stunning and flexible venue for weddings. The venue combines beautiful outdoor spaces and indoor facilities to accommodate gatherings of any size. With its natural materials and iconic design, Reiman Gardens provides an unforgettable backdrop located near Iowa State University in Ames. It’s the perfect space for a quiet wedding surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Renwick Mansion

The Renwick Mansion in Davenport, Iowa, is a stunning venue with historic charm. Built in the Italian Revival Villa style, the mansion features a grand Fourth-story tower with views of the Mississippi River. Inside, it can accommodate up to 150 guests, with additional space for a tent seating 200-250 more. The property also offers 8 bedrooms for the wedding party or out-of-town guests. After a significant renovation, the mansion reopened in 2017 as a premier venue for weddings.

Rollins Mansion

The Rollins Mansion offers an elegant and versatile setting for weddings and intimate gatherings. Its stunning architecture and breathtaking gardens provide a romantic and timeless atmosphere. With a variety of rooms on both upper and lower levels, including the grand Great Hall and the charming Lodge, the mansion allows you to customize your event to your unique vision.

Salisbury House & Gardens

One of my all-time favorites! Salisbury House itself is beautiful and full of charm, making it a wonderful location for a very classic, timeless wedding. The gardens are beautiful and spacious, lending room for your guests to explore and enjoy the space while they are there. Due to the nature of the space, everything happens outside or in a tent, but I think there is something lovely about that! Salisbury House is a historic mansion in Des Moines, Iowa built in the 1920s by cosmetics magnate Carl Weeks. The home is modeled after the King’s House in Salisbury, England, and features authentic 16th-century English oak woodwork and rafters dating back to Shakespeare’s time. The house is surrounded by manicured gardens and woodlands. With exclusive access to the property, couples can exchange vows beneath iconic Pompeian columns or dance under bistro lights on the terrace.

Sugar Grove Vineyards

I actually shot my very first wedding at Sugar Grove in Newton, IA. There is lots of space to roam about. They have a space to get ready and the barn opens well to the outdoors. The venue has a beautiful lawn, 1870 grange hall, an elegant rustic barn, tall grasses, wildflowers, with a path leading to a two acre pond.

Surety Hotel

Surety Hotel in downtown Des Moines offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and historic charm, set in the beautifully restored Savings & Loan building. With thoughtfully designed rooms, it provides a stylish and comfortable setting for your wedding. The hotel features photo-worthy surroundings, exceptional food and drink, and a dedicated team committed to making your special day flawless.

Temple for Performing Arts

Located in downtown Des Moines, the Temple for Performing Arts doesn’t have access to outdoor space, but it does offer a beautifully restored historic interior. After extensive renovations completed in 2002, the venue now shines with its stunning architecture and modern amenities. The Grand Hall, spanning 4,000 square feet, is the jewel of the Temple, featuring restored stained glass skylights, elegant columns, and ornate fixtures. It accommodates up to 450 guests theater-style or 350 for a sit-down dinner. For smaller gatherings, the Recital Hall offers an intimate space with hardwood floors and beautiful stained glass windows. The venue also provides a luxurious Bridal Suite and a Groom’s Room for getting ready. A perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury.

Walker Homestead

What I love about Walker Homestead as an Iowa wedding venue is the variety of the location. The Barn at Walker Homestead, nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Iowa, offers a stunning and versatile venue for events throughout the year. Set on an 85-acre working farm and winery, the venue features breathtaking views, perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. The barn provides ample indoor space, with a wood-fired oven and open kitchen, and can accommodate up to 240 guests. Guests can enjoy the covered pavilion, outdoor yard games, vineyard ceremonies, and relaxing fire pits. In-house catering specializes in open-fire cookery and custom menus, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Willow on Grand

Willow on Grand, located in Des Moines’ charming Waterbury neighborhood, offers a modern, cottage-inspired venue with a blend of timeless architecture and natural beauty. The Grand Room features versatile design, while the outdoor courtyard — complete with bistro lighting — provides a serene space for ceremonies, photos, or cocktail hours. The Cottage serves as a bright, airy bridal suite for brides to relax and prepare.

Wilson’s Cider House

Wilson’s Ciderhouse is a century-old barn, beautifully renovated from a historic family farm near Iowa City. With stunning views of Wilson’s Farm & Orchard, the dining room and balcony patio provide a picturesque setting year-round. The venue’s lower level event space, crafted from repurposed materials, features reclaimed barn wood, 14-foot ceilings, and an orchard view. For outdoor ceremonies, a shaded site surrounded by oak trees provides a serene, secluded atmosphere.

World Food Prize

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines is a historic venue with a rich history. The venue offers various spaces such as the Rotunda, ballrooms, and gardens, each with its unique character. The Hall’s public areas, including the Borlaug Ballroom and Iowa Gallery, are available for guests. The venue also features an impressive garden. Imagine celebrating your ceremony outdoors and moving right into a beautiful cocktail hour in the garden!