Picking out a wedding venue is the first thing you’ll do in wedding planning, and one that (almost) everything else will hinge upon! It’s a big deal! I created this guide to help you think through some questions, hear about some beloved venues, and maybe even suggest ideas that you’ve never considered! In Des Moines, you can find hundreds of wedding venues to view, so this might help you narrow down locations as you begin the wedding planning process. Cheers! Let’s GO!
Churches
St Ambrose Cathedral is gorgeous! If you’re looking for a downtown Catholic wedding site, this is the one for you!!!
Cottage Grove Church is historic and beautiful! I attended a friend’s wedding here, and was surprised at how much I loved the sanctuary! Plus, it’s just a minute off the interstate, so great if you have a wedding reception downtown Des Moines, or even in Ankeny or West Des Moines. Great location!
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is stunning and spacious. Great for a large wedding guest list!
If you have a favorite church for weddings, let me know in the comments below!
Things to consider when getting married in a church:
-is there enough space for our family & friends?
-is there a cost for non-members to have a wedding?
-do they provide a wedding coordinator?
-is there good natural lighting for our photographer & videographer?
-do we like the aesthetics?
Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Spaces
Most venues will have both an indoor and outdoor ceremony spot, but if they don’t offer one, consider these alternatives:
Your favorite winery! I’ve photographed weddings at Snus Hill, The Chateau, and would love to photograph at Jasper Winery someday:)
A rooftop bar or restaurant- you may be able to rent them out. How neat for a dusk wedding!?
Any number of local parks in the Des Moines area! Some of my VERY favorite weddings took place in parks. :) Affordable and BEAUTIFUL. My suggestions: Water Works Park, Greenwood Park, or Walnut Woods.
I also LOVE Reiman Gardens- it’s technically a venue but I’m dropping it here! Lighting is a challenge for outdoor ceremonies, so feel free to include your photographer on chats with the venue to decide where and when you’d like to say your vows!! ;)
Things to consider when getting married outdoors:
-Is there a shelter or indoor space nearby in case of inclement weather?
-Will the area be sprayed for bugs/mosquitos, or are we providing bug spray?
-Do we need to hire portable toilets?
-How will we decorate the space?
Wedding Venues
There are NUMEROUS wedding venues in the Des Moines and Central Iowa area. You could visit one a day for weeks! Any style or vibe you want can be found, from rustic barn space to a chic, modern industrial wedding venue. Here are a few of my favorites, as a wedding photographer, who edits in a “natural” style.
Ashton Hill Farm (above, photo courtesy of AHF) popped up on the scene in 2016, with a new site in 202… and with both locations (Cedar Rapids and Galena) you have your share of dates! Of course, this isn’t in the heart of Des Moines, but no matter… you’ll be THRILLED with this venue if you can snag an open weekend. ;)
Bash (above) is downtown, so you know it’s the perfect location for city and nature vibes (because WaterWorks and Grey’s Lake a 7 minute drive, max!) I get to officially photograph a wedding here for the first time this winter!!! It’ll be a dream. (Photo courtesy of Bash)
The Chateau- it’s the perfect in-between from Ames and DSM, so you could have a church ceremony and reception here super easily! OR get married outdoors on the lawn, soaking up the gorgeous vineyards. :) Your choice!
Country Lane Lodge is spacious and secluded. Two criteria met, the perfect location for your dream day! Keep in mind that it may be slightly tricky access in winter, as it is off a gravel road.
Emerald Hills Events is GORGEOUS and a dream wedding location. It gives me Anne of Green Gables vibes (IDK why! I just think she’d love it). It requires a drive from the DSM area, but is SO worth it in my opinion!
Irishman Acres Clover Barn. Not only do I personally know the family that owns this barn venue, but I had the JOY to photograph daughter Sierra’s wedding at the barn! It’s a gorgeous space, just outside of DSM, with all you could need for a day (and night) of celebrating.
Little Lights on the Lane — a picturesque spot for weddings (ok, not in DSM but totally perfect regardless!). You can get ready there, do photos on the property, and host your favorite food vendors— all from this one location!
Raspberry Hill B&B in Ames is charming and the dream for a garden/cottage wedding! Elegant with a touch of fairy dust, you don’t want to miss out on exploring this affordable and quaint wedding space!
The River Center. Newly renovated, this space is a blend of historic and contemporary touches. A wonderful spot for wedding photography of your day, and even better- walking distance to bars for your afterparty, or the Farmer’s Market for your out of town guests before the wedding begins! (image below, courtesy of the River Center)
The Tea Room. This venue brings any wedding day to life in it’s historic downtown space! The neutral tones compliment multitudes of wedding color pallets, and the open concept will allow you to easily mingle with your guests.
Toast venue in Ankeny is new and gorgeous! I haven’t been there in person yet for a wedding, but
Things to consider as you choose a wedding venue:
-How many guests can we comfortably include here?
-If getting married on a non-Saturday, is there a lower rate?
-Is the site handicap accessible?
-Is there on-site parking, or will guests need to pay for street parking?
-What is the lighting style, and what do different styles of editing look like at this venue?
-Do you have an in-house caterer? If so, are food and beverages included in the venue rental fee?
-If there isn’t in-house catering, do we have to pick from a list of approved options, or can we hire our own caterer?
-Are there any décor restrictions?
Hi! If you’re new here, I’m Amelia— a wedding photographer and lover of all things joyful! My goal is to help you create a smooth, memorable wedding day & to capture your life as it is. That way, you’ll have realistic, authentic photos to look back on for the next 50 years! You can follow along with my photography adventures here and if you’re looking for a wedding photographer, email me here!
