THE BEST DES MOINES WEDDING VENUES
Looking for the perfect wedding venue in Des Moines? You’re in the right place.
There are many incredible venues in Des Moines! Grand ballrooms, garden or estate house, unique urban lofts, wineries & vineyards, sweeping views of the countryside or refined an elegant historic downtown. You can find each of these kinds of wedding venues in Des Moines.
Below, we’ve put together a list of some of the best wedding venues in Des Moines. I’ve photographed over 250+ weddings. We’ve literally seen it all! Big, small, and everything in between. Our list of favorite Des Moines venues for weddings doesn’t cover absolutely every option out there (that would be impossible!) but it does include places that might be perfect for you!
As you’re checking out the list of our favorite Des Moines wedding venues below, if you see a photo you like and want to check our availability for your wedding – please reach out!
The Best Wedding Venues in DES MOINES
A historic Des Moines venue that oozes style
Hotel Fort Des Moines is an exquisite choice for brides seeking a timeless and sophisticated wedding venue. Nestled in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa, this historic hotel and wedding venue effortlessly combines classic charm with modern luxury. With its stunning architecture and elegant interiors, the hotel offers a picturesque backdrop for a dream wedding. The venue boasts a variety of event spaces, including ballrooms and banquet halls, providing flexibility to accommodate intimate gatherings or grand celebrations.
The dedicated event team at Hotel Fort Des Moines is committed to ensuring that every detail of the wedding day is executed flawlessly, from the initial planning stages to the final toast. With exceptional service, upscale amenities, and a central location, Hotel Fort Des Moines creates an enchanting atmosphere for a truly memorable wedding experience.
The Grand Ballroom seats 250+ for seated dinner. The Wedgwood Room is perfect for your ceremony or cocktail hour.
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Hotel Fort Des Moines
Prestigious historic landmark venue
The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a stunning venue for any wedding. With its historical architecture and beautiful on site gardens, it’s a winning combination. There are so many options within the Hall for every size wedding, all steeped in historical charm.
Formerly the Des Moines library, the Hall of Laureates is filled with symbolism. By hosting your wedding at the World Food Prize, you’re aligning your special day with a noble cause dedicated to addressing global food security issues. This adds a layer of significance and purpose to your celebration.
Located in downtown Des Moines, the Hall of Laureates boasts picturesque views of the city skyline and scenic riverfront areas, offering ample opportunities for memorable wedding photos.
Situated in the heart of Des Moines, the World Food prize building is one of the most iconic venues available for an elegant ballroom-style wedding filled with grandeur
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World Food Prize
Charming historic mansion
Rollins Mansion is a beautiful and unique venue built in 1925. It’s also on the National Register of Historic Places. The space works with many aesthetics and can become whatever you envision. The expansive European style garden includes two fountains with floral landscaping. It is the perfect setting for an outdoor garden ceremony or cocktail hour.
The interior of the mansion house’s floor plan allows for use of many spaces for unique guest experience and uses throughout the day. There is a historic ballroom, and an updated reception hall space.
The beautiful Des Moines skyline views are perfect for an outdoor terrace garden reception in spring, summer or fall.
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Rollins Mansion
modern cottage vibes
Willow on Grand provides timeless elegance that can be customized to most any vision you have. It boasts a grand room, courtyard and modern cottage-style bridal suite, all ready to be dressed up with your unique style. There is also beautiful luxe getting ready space in the cottage, complete with a coffee bar and Champagne on tap!
We love the 4-season courtyard for ceremonies and wedding photos. You can always take photos outdoors and have a clean mud-free space for year round photos!
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Willow on Grand
modern elegant hotel ballroom
Hotel Surety is a historical bank turned modern elegant hotel and event space. With nods to its origins and warm, modern touches, your guests are sure to feel welcome the moment they step through the door. The grand ballroom is stunning and Hotel Surety also boasts a solarium perfect for a ceremony or cocktail hour, complete with exposed brick details and a skylight. They also have a stellar wedding night suite for the bride and groom!
We also love its central location in downtown Des Moines. Your guests will love having a venue that is easy to get to from the airport and conveniently located. Your guests will also enjoy their stylish, comfortable rooms and dine-in amenities during your wedding weekend, should you choose.
historic tea room
The Tea Room was originally the Younkers Tea Room and has been hosting events since 1913! It is the perfect venue for couples looking for classic elegance with a romantic ambiance. It seamlessly blends classic architecture with just the right splash of modern details. The floorplan allows for a seamless flow for your guests throughout your event. Conveniently located in downtown Des Moines with skywalk access, this venue is perfect year round.
The main ballroom is large enough for a reception or ceremony, and the adjoining garden room is perfect for cocktail hour or ceremony, or a smaller reception or bridal shower. The beautiful Juliette balconies are an iconic photo op – did you even get married at The Tea Room if you didn’t take balcony photos? We agree that they are the best part of the Tea Room.
Expansive space with style
The Temple for Performing Arts is an exquisitely restored historical venue in the heart of downtown Des Moines. With a grand ballroom and recital hall, you’ll be celebrating both intimate and large weddings in style. The Temple also boasts stunning stained glass details in both main spaces, along with other gorgeous architectural details. If you’re looking for a classic and elegant venue with historic charm, you have to look here!
Recently under new ownership, the Des Moines Temple for Performing Arts is the perfect venue if you want a grand ballroom wedding reception with a ceremony space right across the hall that is equally as stunning.
minimalist modern near the east village
The Des Moines Heritage Center is a beautiful Des Moines landmark in historic East Village. It’s timeless elegance is a perfect backdrop to your celebration. There are 5 hotels within 5 blocks of the Heritage Center for your guests. Some of the notable features you’ll find include a beautiful brick exterior with bright, modern elegance inside, with space for both the bride and groom to get ready on site.
This historic building is located in the heart of East Village. e love the chic modern minimalist vibes that lend a clean aesthetic, the perfect blank canvas for any number of wedding reception styles.
There is also an outdoor Plaza perfect for ceremony or cocktail space – or even an intimate al fresco reception!
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Heritage Center
Estate with lush gardens
The Salisbury House is a truly one of a kind venue. Modeled after the King’s Salisbury England home, this venue is like stepping into another world. Tucked back behind beautiful treelines, you’ll find a private estate on 10 acres waiting to transport you and your guests to an elegant experience. With 16th century details and 1920s flair, your wedding celebration will be truly memorable. You can bring your vision to life inside or out, with their large garden and terrace, the options abound.
We love the beautiful gothic style arches, lush gardens, and beautiful views both inside and outside the venue. There is an interior ballroom space, however we propose Salisbury is at it’s best for open air or tented receptions to enjoy the surroundings.
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Des Moines Golf & Country Club
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Des Moines Embassy Club
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The Monroe
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Carper Winery & Vineyard
