Midwest Wedding Venues with Modern, Elegant Style
I’ve photographed weddings across the Midwest for years, and I’m always amazed by the range of venues here. From modern farmhouses on the prairie to elegant ballrooms in the city and sleek industrial spaces with skyline views, the Midwest has options for every kind of elevated celebration.
Here are a few of my favorites from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and beyond.
Madison Club - Madison, WI
The Madison Club, located in the heart of downtown Madison, is an absolutely amazing venue. It features sweeping views of Lake Monona, a grand ballroom, and numerous other elegant spaces, all with classic interiors and historic details. There are so many options for gorgeous photos throughout this space and in the surrounding area. The Madison Club combines classic beauty with modern refinement, and it makes an ideal choice for couples looking for a memorable and upscale wedding day.
Madison Club, 5 E Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Surety Hotel – Des Moines, IA
Surety Hotel is a boutique hotel in downtown Des Moines with a mix of stylish event spaces and the convenience of having everything in one place. Couples can host their ceremony in the bright Solarium, move to the Ballroom for dinner and dancing, and enjoy cocktails in the courtyard. With its modern vibe and central location, it’s a beautiful spot for a city wedding.
Surety Hotel, 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Salisbury House & Gardens - Des Moines, IA
Salisbury House & Gardens is tucked right into Des Moines, but it feels like a hidden escape with its winding gardens and quiet outdoor spaces. I love how couples can choose a ceremony in the gardens, on the lawn, or indoors surrounded by history, with plenty of spots for guests to explore. The whole property has such a romantic and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for an intimate wedding day.
Salisbury House & Gardens, 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Tea Room – Des Moines, IA
The restored Tea Room is a classic and historic ballroom venue in the heart of downtown Des Moines. The ballroom features large windows that flood the space with natural light and provide a striking backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions. The Garden and Jubilee Rooms offer smaller spaces that are perfect for more intimate weddings or elopements.
The Tea Room, 713 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Ashton Hill Farm - Galena, IL
Ashton Hill Farm in Galena is a bright, airy, and modern farmhouse venue, with its custom-built barn set against the rolling hills of the Galena countryside. This beautiful venue features serene and picturesque views in every direction, and tons of thoughtful amenities, two stunning getting-ready suites, floor-to-ceiling windows, chandeliers, bistro lights, and a patio overlooking the countryside, Downtown Galena, and nearby Gateway Park. Your guests can watch the sun go down over Galena, relax by the fire pit in the evening, and even explore the wildflower fields in the summer.
Ashton Hill Farm, 500 Wild Indigo Ln, Galena, IL 61036 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Barn at Fairview Acres - Biggsville, IL
Set in the Illinois prairie, The Barn at Fairview Acres is a modern farmhouse venue that feels both elegant and inviting. The two-story bridal lounge is filled with natural light from tall windows, with additional getting-ready space in a renovated grain bin. Outdoor courtyards and wide-open views of the landscape make it a beautiful setting for a central Illinois wedding.
The Barn at Fairview Acres, US-34, Biggsville, IL 61418 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAIKKA - St. Paul, MN
PAIKKA is an industrial-chic venue featuring exposed brick, large windows, and polished concrete floors in St. Paul, MN. This venue is absolutely gorgeous, and so versatile with lots of different spaces you can use for your wedding day. From cocktail hours in the cozy Pink Room bar lounge, to indoor ceremonies and receptions in the spacious and bright Gold Room, with access to the spacious open-air courtyard strung with lights, perfect for an outdoor ceremony or relaxed dining, and a private Green Room space for getting ready. Every inch of PAIKKA is filled with natural light and its minimalist design and unique character make it an ideal for weddings that feel both modern and romantic.
PAIKKA, 550 Vandalia St, Suite 165, St Paul, MN 55114 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Pinewood Weddings & Events - Cambridge, MN
Pinewood Weddings & Events is tucked away in a pine tree forest about an hour north of Minneapolis, and it makes such a peaceful venue for nature-loving couples. I love the modern design mixed with stunning natural beauty, floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the forest right into view, and both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options. Pinewood has such an intimate and serene atmosphere that feels miles away from the everyday.
Pinewood Weddings & Events, 33262 Palm St NW, Cambridge, MN 55008 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
A’Bulae - St. Paul, MN
A’Bulae is a breathtaking loft-style rooftop venue in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. It’s really versatile with several different event spaces, and it’s completely gorgeous with modern interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and dramatic city skyline views in every direction. Not only can you see the skyline, but you can see the capital and the nearby bluffs, both from inside and from the roof, where you can also have your ceremony. It’s simply stunning at sunset!
A’Bulae, 255 6th St E, St Paul, MN 55101 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
The 3 Ten Event Venue - Faribault, MN
Located in the Historic District of downtown Faribault, The 3 Ten is an industrial modern space with high ceilings, wood floors, brick walls, and plenty of natural light. Couples can use two private suites for getting ready, host cocktail hour on the rooftop or Alley Patio, and celebrate in the sunlit ballroom. With its elegant bar and clean design, it’s a venue that balances history with a modern feel.
310 Central Ave N, Faribault, MN 55021 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
If you’re planning a wedding in the Midwest, you’ll find so many unique and elegant venues to choose from — whether it’s a grand ballroom, a modern farmhouse, or a chic industrial space in the city. If you’re still looking for the perfect location, I’m happy to share even more recommendations to help you find the right fit.
I’d love to hear more about your plans.
Love,
Grace