Finding the ideal wedding venue in Des Moines, Iowa can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—you’re not alone! As a former bride and experienced wedding photographer, I understand how many incredible options there are to choose from. So, how do you pick the best Des Moines wedding venue for your big day? In this guide, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top wedding venues in Des Moines, Iowa, along with essential details about each one to help you save time and make the best decision. Whether you’re looking for a rustic barn, a chic downtown space, or something unique, this complete list of Des Moines wedding venues will help you find the perfect spot for your wedding day. Let’s dive in and help you discover your dream venue in Des Moines, Iowa!
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Looking for an Iowa Wedding Photographer?
As a photographer based in Iowa, I'm an expert at almost all wedding venues around the state! I adore getting to photograph couples' dream days and serve them well on their best day yet. I specialize in documentary style wedding days with your joy at the center. Reach out here to book Alecca to photograph your wedding day!
top Wedding Venues in the Des Moines Area:
# 1. Toast in Ankeny
Cost: $$$$ (average cost is $7,000-$9,000)
Location: 1345 SW Park Square Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023
Features: Toast offers a beautiful bridal suite (my personal favorite), two spacious indoor rooms, and a charming outdoor patio ideal for cocktail hour, photos, or intimate weddings. As a wedding photographer, I love how Toast makes capturing wedding days effortless! With its gorgeous indoor spaces and picturesque patio, it provides the perfect backdrop for your Des Moines wedding. If you’re looking for a stunning Iowa wedding venue that combines elegance and charm, I highly recommend booking Toast for your big day!
Galleries: Taylor + Jon's Rainy Ankeny Iowa Wedding Day
Cost: $$$ (average venue rental cost is $4-7.5K)
Location: 6011 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Features: Willow on Grand in Des Moines, Iowa, is a breathtaking all-white wedding venue located in the heart of the city. This modern Des Moines venue features elegant, classic decor and versatile spaces that make it a perfect choice for any wedding. Plus, Willow on Grand offers a beautiful outdoor area ideal for ceremonies, receptions, and stunning photo opportunities. As one of my personal favorite Des Moines wedding venues, I highly recommend Willow on Grand for couples looking for a chic and timeless venue for their special day!
Cost: $$ (average cost is around $3,500)
Location: 2801 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Features: The Rollins Mansion is an iconic, historic wedding venue in Des Moines, Iowa, offering timeless brick architecture with thoughtful accents and a stunning outdoor space. If you’re searching for a historic Iowa venue that exudes charm and elegance, this is a must-see! With its unique blend of classic design and modern amenities, The Rollins Mansion is the perfect setting for a memorable wedding day in Des Moines.
Galleries: Kaitlyn + Tommy's Summer Wedding Day at Rollins Mansion, Meredith & Sam's Wedding in Des Moines
Cost: $$
Location: 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312
Features: Built in 1928, this historic mansion brings a timeless character to your wedding day. With its rich history and beautiful architecture, it offers a unique and memorable backdrop for your celebration. Conveniently located and offering plenty of space, this venue allows you to truly make it your own for your special Iowa wedding day!
Galleries:
Cost: $$
Location: 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312
Features: The Des Moines Art Center is a unique and elegant wedding venue in Des Moines, Iowa, perfect for couples seeking a blend of art, culture, and modern sophistication. With its stunning architecture, expansive galleries, and beautiful outdoor spaces, the Art Center provides an unforgettable setting for your wedding day. Whether you're hosting an intimate ceremony or a grand reception, the Des Moines Art Center offers a refined and creative atmosphere that will make your Iowa wedding truly one-of-a-kind. If you're looking for a venue that combines artistic beauty and timeless elegance, this is the place to be!
Galleries: Morgan & Chris' Nontraditional Wedding at the Des Moines Art Center
Cost: $$$$ (average cost is around $20,000 and includes unlimited bar, coordination, staffing, and more)
Location: 3014 Scott St, New Virginia, IA 50210
Features: Prepare to be amazed by Harper's Vineyard, a breathtaking wedding venue just outside of Des Moines, Iowa! With its stunning vineyard setting, exceptional staff, and picturesque space, this Iowa venue offers everything you need for a perfect wedding day. Whether you're looking for a romantic outdoor ceremony or an elegant reception, Harper's Vineyard is an unforgettable choice for couples seeking a beautiful and unique Iowa wedding venue.
Galleries: Rosylene + Jon's Cultural Wedding at Harpor's Vineyard
Cost: $$
Location: 1312 Locust St #101, Des Moines, IA 50309
Features: Bash Events in Des Moines, Iowa, is a vibrant and stylish wedding venue that offers a modern, chic atmosphere for your special day. With its versatile event spaces and trendy décor, it’s the perfect place for couples looking to host a memorable celebration. Whether you're planning a small, intimate gathering or a larger, more extravagant event, Bash Events provides the ideal backdrop for a fun and unforgettable Iowa wedding. If you want a venue that blends contemporary flair with elegance, Bash Events is an excellent choice!
Galleries:
Cost: $$$ (average cost of rental is between $6,000-$8,000)
Location: 713 Walnut St #600, Des Moines, IA 50309
Features: The Tea Room is a stunning downtown Des Moines venue that exudes luxury and sophistication. This elegant indoor Iowa wedding venue is the perfect choice for couples seeking a high-end celebration in a prime location. With its refined atmosphere and exquisite décor, The Tea Room offers an unforgettable setting for a luxurious wedding day. If you're looking for a venue that combines style, charm, and a central Des Moines location, The Tea Room is an exceptional option for your Iowa wedding!
Galleries:
Cost: $$$
Location: 1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Features: Hotel Fort Des Moines is a classic and elegant wedding venue in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. With its rich history and timeless charm, this iconic hotel offers a sophisticated setting for your wedding day. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a grand reception, Hotel Fort Des Moines provides stunning event spaces, impeccable service, and a prime location. If you're looking for a venue that combines historic elegance with modern amenities, Hotel Fort Des Moines is the perfect choice for your Iowa wedding! Moines has to offer.
Galleries: Morgan and Chris' Colorful Des Moines Wedding
Cost: $$$ - base rental is $1,500
Location: 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Features: If you're dreaming of an intimate wedding with an urban vibe, the Surety Hotel in Des Moines is the perfect venue for you! This stylish hotel features a stunning glass-enclosed space for ceremonies and cocktail hour, offering a modern and chic atmosphere. Plus, with its beautifully designed suites, the Surety Hotel is ideal for wedding photos and providing a comfortable, curated experience for your guests. For a wedding that combines elegance, convenience, and a trendy urban feel, the Surety Hotel is an exceptional choice!
Galleries: Morgan and Chris' Colorful Des Moines Wedding
Cost: $$$ - A Saturday rental averages $6,500
Location:120 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Features: For a wedding with historic charm, consider the Des Moines Heritage Center! This venue offers a variety of beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, providing the perfect setting for your special day. The outdoor area serves as a versatile blank canvas, ideal for a cocktail hour, ceremony, or reception, while the indoor spaces exude timeless elegance. If you're looking for a venue that combines rich history with flexibility and beauty, the Des Moines Heritage Center is a perfect choice for your Iowa wedding!
Galleries: Morgan + Joey's Wedding day at the Des Moines Heritage Center
Cost: $$ - $4,000
Location: 1350 Southwest Vintage Parkway, Ankeny, Iowa 50023, United States
Features: The District Wedding Venue in Ankeny offers an all-inclusive experience that makes planning your wedding a breeze. The venue itself is absolutely stunning, with beautiful, versatile spaces that provide the perfect backdrop for your celebration. It also features a dedicated getting-ready space, ensuring you and your bridal party can relax and prepare in comfort before the big day. If you're looking for a seamless and breathtaking venue that has everything you need, The District is the ideal choice for your Iowa wedding!
Galleries: Morgan and Chris' Colorful Des Moines Wedding
#13 The Iowa Taproom
Cost: $$ - $2,000+
Location: 215 E 3rd St #100, Des Moines, IA 50309
Features: Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, The Iowa Taproom offers a cozy and unique venue for your wedding day. With its inviting atmosphere and local charm, it’s the perfect spot for couples looking for a more relaxed, intimate celebration. Whether you're hosting a small ceremony or a fun reception, The Iowa Taproom provides a warm and memorable setting for your Des Moines wedding!
Galleries:
#14 The Clubhouse at Talons
Cost: $$ - $2,000+
Location: Ankeny, Iowa
Features: The Clubhouse at Talons, a brand-new venue in Ankeny, offers nothing short of stunning elegance. If you're looking for an upscale, luxury venue in Iowa, this venue provides a curated, high-end experience for your wedding day. With its sophisticated design and impeccable service, The Clubhouse at Talons is the perfect choice for couples seeking a luxurious and unforgettable celebration for their Iowa wedding!
Galleries:
Things to Consider When Looking for your des moines iowa Wedding Venue:
Before deciding on a Des Moines Iowa wedding venue, I encourage you to look for these specific things. As a wedding photographer in DSM, I love giving advice to help my couples find their dream venue. So, here are a few things to consider when before narrowing down their perfect Des Moines venue.
- Budget! Consider your budget for your Iowa wedding venue.
- Lighting. Does the space offer good lighting?
- Guest count. How many guests can the space comfortably fit?
- What is included in the price? Does it include chairs? How about a getting ready space?
- Does it have nearby lodging? If so, is there enough lodging for all your guests?
- Location. How far will the majority of your guests be traveling? What is the average drive time?
Now that you know what to consider, be sure to inquire with your top Des Moines wedding venues for your day!
Have you booked your wedding photographer yet?
Odds are, you're still in the early process of locking down your dream vendors for your wedding day. To save you a step, let me introduce myself! I'm Alecca, a wedding photographer who serves Des Moines, Iowa and beyond. In fact, I actually documented my first wedding at the Iowa Taproom in Des Moines.
I am frequently traveling around the state of Iowa - so are my incredible team of Iowa-based wedding photographers. We would be so honored to document your wedding day in Des Moines, or wherever you end up saying your vows! If documentary style photography is something you value, reach out! We would love to chat more about photographing your Iowa (or beyond!) wedding day!