The Best Wedding Venues in Des Moines and Central Iowa
Central Iowa is home to some truly stunning spaces, and I’ve had the privilege of capturing celebrations at many of them, each offering something unique to bring a couple’s dream day to life.
Whether you’re envisioning an elegant ballroom with tons of natural light, a serene garden for an outdoor ceremony, or a modern venue with clean lines, Des Moines and Central Iowa are home to a wide range of options for any kind of wedding day. The right setting is so much more than just a backdrop; your venue becomes part of your love story, it’s featured in every moment, and it can help to create an atmosphere that reflects who you are as a couple. Here are a handful of my very favorite venues in Des Moines and the surrounding area!
The Tea Room
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 makes a stunning backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions, the Garden and Jubilee Rooms give a smaller, more intimate setting for elopements. One of my favorite features of the Tea Room are the balconies looking toward downtown – they are perfect for the most iconic couples photos any time of day.
Des Moines Embassy Club
The Des Moines Embassy Club, another favorite venue downtown, is a classic clubhouse located on the 34th floor of the Ruan Center. This elegant high-rise wedding venue is decorated with gorgeous 100+ year old chandeliers and features a stylish bar and floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views of the city and State Capitol building. You can see in every direction for miles! It’s close to lots of hotels and bars downtown, and there are tons of amazing photo spots nearby if you feel like exploring downtown during your day.
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
The Hall of Laureates is a gorgeous historic venue with beautifully restored architecture, marble floors, hand-painted ceilings, and dramatic staircases. This venue is in the heart of downtown, and it even has stunning formal gardens outside that make an excellent location for formal photos or to sneak away for a private first look or vow reading. This dreamy space can be used many ways and you can have your ceremony and reception in the Rotunda, one of the ballrooms, or even outside in the gardens.
View more of Katie & Brian’s wedding day at the World Food Prize here.
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Loft DSM
The Loft DSM is an urban loft-style venue with an industrial-modern feel, featuring 12’ high wood ceilings, aged wood floors, exposed brick, and large windows on 3 walls that create a warm and romantic atmosphere with plenty of natural light. The ceilings feature gorgeous pendant-style Edison lights and the open beams are amazing for floral chandelier installations for ALL the drama during your ceremony or reception.
The Surety Hotel
The Surety Hotel is a luxury hotel that offers a mix of history and elegance in downtown Des Moines. The Marchande Suite makes a great getting ready room and you can stay over on your wedding night, the bright and airy atrium is perfect for romantic ceremonies and connects to the outdoor patio for cocktail hour, and the larger ballroom has all the dancing space for your reception. There’s also a gorgeous lobby with a dramatic fireplace, and a swanky cocktail bar. This venue is amazing for weddings because you truly don’t need to leave the hotel all day and every space is absolutely gorgeous!
Teachout Events
The Teachout is a semi-unfinished (on purpose) loft venue featuring exposed brick and worn plaster walls on the third floor of the Teachout building in Des Moines' Historic East Village. It’s super close to lots of shops, hotels and bars, but you can have your entire wedding at the Teachout without leaving the venue all day. There’s a private getting ready space, coat check room, cocktail hour space and main reception area, along with even more usable spaces that can be set up as lounges, catering areas, etc.
Salisbury House and Gardens
Salisbury House is a hidden gem tucked away in beautiful woodlands in the middle of Des Moines. It has a blend of Old World architecture and lush gardens for a fairy-tale wedding setting. The historic mansion and grounds provide flexible spaces for both intimate ceremonies and larger celebrations. Imagine exchanging vows in the gardens and dancing under bistro lights on the terrace. This venue is ideal if you want an indoor and outdoor option with lots of different areas to use for the different parts of your day.
View more of Natasha & Kyle’s Eastern-Western Fusion Wedding at Salisbury House and Gardens here.
Salisbury House and Gardens, 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
The River Center
The River Center is a modern industrial venue with exposed brick, high ceilings, and huge windows that flood the space with natural light. This venue can hold up to 450 guests but its versatile spaces, patios, mezzanines, built-in bars, and bridal suites make it ideal for both intimate and large weddings, and the stunning downtown views make an amazing backdrop for photos. One of my favorite features of this venue is the incredible chandelier over the dramatic staircase. The River Center is perfect for couples who want a stylish, city-inspired wedding.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The Des Moines Botanical Garden is the perfect setting for nature-loving couples. With its tropical indoor conservatory and beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens, this venue provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photography year-round and is an amazing option for winter weddings with tons of natural greenery. Located in downtown Des Moines, it’s a peaceful green oasis with lots of options for indoor and outdoor spaces of all sizes for ceremonies and receptions.
Toast
Toast is a modern, industrial-chic venue in Ankeny's upscale District at Prairie Trail. With exposed brick, wood floors, and elegant chandeliers, Toast provides a sleek backdrop for both intimate ceremonies and big receptions. The luxurious bridal suite ensures a relaxed start to the day, and the stunning rooftop patio is perfect for everything from couples photos to cocktail hours. Whether you're envisioning a romantic indoor celebration or a dreamy rooftop ceremony, Toast is an amazing venue for your wedding day.
Harpor’s Vineyard
Harpor’s Vineyard combines the beauty of Iowa’s countryside with a sophisticated modern farmhouse feel. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, this venue makes the most picturesque backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and sunset portraits. The main building is great for receptions and dancing in the open air, and the bridal suite and attached courtyard has all the Tuscany vibes and is the perfect spot for a private first look.
If you want to elope without a venue, or simply want a couples or engagement session, I know tons of incredible spots all around Des Moines for the photos of your dreams. From iconic Des Moines landmarks to the most gorgeous parks and views in the area, I can help you find the perfect place for your session.
I can’t wait to hear from you!
Love, Grace