Des Moines has some of the most incredible historic wedding venues available for your wedding day. From European-inspired mansions and gardens, to grand ballrooms with chandeliers, each space is beautiful in its own right. Check out this list of historic wedding venues that are located in Des Moines
Salisbury House & Gardens
Salisbury House & Gardens is a breathtaking historic wedding venue in Des Moines, Iowa, inspired by 16th-century English manors. Built in the 1920s, this Tudor-style estate features limestone architecture, intricate woodwork, and lush gardens and courtyards, creating an enchanting and elegant atmosphere for weddings. When booking Salisbury House as a venue, couples gain access to beautifully manicured gardens, charming courtyards, and grand indoor spaces, including the stately Great Hall with its soaring ceilings and antique chandeliers. The estate provides a romantic backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions, with options for indoor and outdoor celebrations. Amenities include bridal suites, ample photography opportunities, and a dedicated staff to assist with event coordination. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a grand affair, Salisbury House offers a timeless and sophisticated setting for an unforgettable wedding experience.
Rollins Mansion
The Rollins Mansion sits atop a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines and features charming architecture and lush gardens. Built in 1925 by the same architect who designed Salisbury House, the space features many unique rooms with stained glass designed by Frank Loyd Wright. There is a beautiful ballroom, terrace, many gardens. An icon of Des Moines, this venue has some of the most incredible locations on its grounds for photos on your wedding day.
Hotel Fort Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines is a historic landmark that has been a symbol of elegance and hospitality in downtown Des Moines since its opening in 1919. Once the most prestigious hotel in Iowa, it has hosted U.S. presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities over the decades. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, the hotel was renowned for its grandeur, featuring ornate architecture, luxurious interiors, and world-class service. After an extensive restoration and reopening in 2022, Hotel Fort Des Moines seamlessly blends its rich history with modern sophistication, making it an exceptional wedding venue. When booking the venue, couples can choose from beautifully restored event spaces, including the grand ballroom with its opulent chandeliers and historic charm, or more intimate settings for smaller gatherings. The hotel also offers elegant bridal suites, upscale guest accommodations, gourmet catering, and a professional event staff to ensure a seamless experience. Its prime location in the heart of downtown provides easy access to local attractions, making it a perfect choice for couples seeking a wedding venue with both historic significance and contemporary luxury.
Temple for Performing Arts
Originally built in 1913 as a Masonic temple, the building was designed in the Beaux-Arts style, featuring grand columns, intricate stonework, and an air of stately sophistication. Over the decades, it served as a hub for Masonic gatherings before being transformed into a cultural and event space in the early 2000s. Today, it stands as a premier destination for weddings, seamlessly blending its rich history with modern amenities. When booking the Temple for Performing Arts as a wedding venue, couples can choose from a variety of breathtaking spaces, including the Grand Hall with its soaring ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and classic architectural details—perfect for both ceremonies and receptions
The Tea Room
The Des Moines Tea Room is a historic and elegant wedding venue that blends vintage charm with modern sophistication. Originally established in the early 20th century, the Tea Room was once a beloved gathering place in the iconic Younkers Department Store, where generations of Iowans dined and celebrated special occasions. After the historic Younkers fire in 2014, the Tea Room was meticulously restored and relocated, preserving its timeless beauty while updating it for contemporary events. When booking the Des Moines Tea Room for a wedding, couples can enjoy a refined and romantic setting featuring high ceilings, grand chandeliers, and an open, airy ambiance that provides a stunning backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. The venue offers flexible event spaces, luxurious bridal suites, exceptional catering options, and a dedicated event staff to ensure a seamless experience. Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, the Tea Room is a perfect choice for couples seeking a venue rich in history, elegance, and classic charm for their special day.
Scottish Rite Consistory
The Scottish Rite Consistory in Des Moines is a stunning historic wedding venue known for its grand architecture and timeless elegance. Built in 1927 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Greek-style building features towering columns, intricate detailing, and a regal ambiance that creates a one-of-a-kind setting for weddings. When booking the venue, couples have access to its impressive ballroom, which boasts high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and a spacious layout perfect for receptions. The auditorium, with its dramatic stage and elegant seating, offers a unique option for ceremonies, while additional spaces accommodate cocktail hours or smaller gatherings. The venue provides modern amenities while preserving its historic charm, including dressing areas, flexible event spaces, and a professional staff to assist with planning. With its grandeur and sophisticated atmosphere, the Scottish Rite Consistory is an unforgettable location for couples seeking a wedding venue with history, character, and architectural beauty.
For our complete list of venues, please visit our venue directory here.
