The Best Park & Garden Wedding Venues in Iowa

The Best Park & Garden Wedding Venues in Iowa

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13 Wedding Venues in Iowa

Parks, gardens
The Bend Event Center 

4.0

East Moline, IL
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,500

The Bend Event Center is a state-of-the-art facility located at The Bend, on the Mighty Mississippi River, next to the Hyatt Place | Hyatt House Quad Cities, The Rust Belt and many other local attractions. Floor to ceiling glass windows allow for natural light and views of River Bend Park and The Bend property. The Bend Event Center features 4,400 square feet of versatile venue space and can be configured to accommodate small or large groups of up to 300 guests. Our landscaped grounds and River Bend Park can be utilized for outdoor ceremonies and events as well. Our first-class professionals will guide and assist you from initial contact through the conclusion of your event. Our facilities will wow you and your guests when they walk through the doors. The in-house food and beverage team, featuring Combine Catering, will offer exquisite culinary tastes and selections. We look forward to making your day special and successful. Get planning and contact us today!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Versatile for various event styles
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Does not allow pets
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
As a wedding planner I've seen amazing wedding venues and mediocre wedding venues, but I can honestly say that the Bend Event Center had a flawless setup and was amazing to work with. Their staff was super helpful not only on the wedding day, but during the planning process as well. I will continue to recommend them to all my future couples!
Lauren, 2 years ago
Quick responder
Alta House Event Center 

5.0

Newton, IA
  • Up to 225 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,000

The Alta House Event Center is a hidden gem conveniently located off I-80 and 37 minutes East of Des Moines. Conveniently located near several hotels within minutes of your venue for your guests, overnight accommodations are also available right on site. We are surrounded by plenty of photo ops, such as our on-site pond, heavily wooded areas, the Thirty-acre park, open fields, and breathtaking sunsets as your backdrop. We have several packages available no matter your budget; we will find the right package for you. The most popular package is our "Wedding Weekend Package," providing full access for 48 hours, allowing you the freedom to host rehearsal, ceremony, reception, and even brunch the following morning, all in one convenient location. Day of Coordinator, Shuttle Bus Services, on-site accommodations, setup/teardown, linens, over 2000 decor options, and more! Our high standard of care is unwavering, and our passion for our couples shows through and through.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Lush gardens

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
I honestly cannot say enough positive things about Alta House and their staff. Our coordinator made sure our day ran perfectly and was there to help with the little and small things. She saved me so much unnecessary stress. If I had to do it all again I would choose Alta House again without a doubt. The property is beautiful, and the venue can be made to fit your vision no matter what it is.
Sarah S., a year ago
Quick responder
Salisbury House & Gardens 

5.0

Des Moines, IA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Salisbury House & Gardens is a wedding venue and museum situated in Des Moines, Iowa. The original owner, Carl Weeks, founded liquid foundation and hypoallergenic makeup, so it is fitting that his 42-room mansion has received a magnificent makeover as a wedding venue and event center. The mansion was built in the 1920s and was inspired by The King's House in Salisbury, England, blending Tudor, Carolean, and Gothic architectural details. Today, to-be-weds can celebrate their romantic nuptials in style at this sophisticated estate. From intimate elopements to large-scale receptions, Salisbury House & Gardens is suitable for events of all styles and sizes. You can say "I do" in front of several beautiful indoor backdrops or outdoors, where tall trees envelope a traditional arbor and manicured garden spaces. Couples can curate their dream reception indoors, outside, or in an elegant marquee.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Does not have a dance floor
Unbeatable venue for a garden party style wedding. Beautiful, well-maintained, and a staff that was exceptionally helpful and easy to work with made this our dream location. Visit and you will fall in love.
Josh H., 9 months ago
The Prelude 

5.0

New Virginia, IA
  • Up to 165 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $6,500

prel·ude noun "An introductory performance, action, or event preceding a more important one." The Prelude was dreamed up by a couple who craved a feeling they had only experienced in far off lands and story books - They knew there were others out there who dreamed of running away to places that gave them that whimsical feeling again but couldn't see themselves ever doing it - So they decided to create a place that brought that whimsy and feeling to them - The result is one of the best & most unique venues in Central Iowa, located just 30 minutes south of Des Moines. The Prelude is for authentic people who crave a romantic dream from a vanished age. The Prelude isn't only a place that should be seen - It should be experienced.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Picturesque garden backdrop

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
We highly recommend The Prelude for any couple who is looking for something different for their wedding venue. With their black & white marble flooring, gold pillars and a vintage chandelier hanging from their high ceilings giving the space a glow. Its the perfect space for your dream wedding!
Terracotta Events, 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
Rosedale Park Event Center 

5.0

Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

Located on Mt. Vernon Rd. SE in Cedar Rapids (10 minutes from downtown Cedar Rapids), our indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to hold events for up to 250 guests. Spacious grounds with open and wooded areas provide ample settings for photos. On-site catering and a staffed bar make it easy for you to get exactly what you want for food and drink. Our dedicated staff is present to make the process smooth and simple, and we’re so excited to help you celebrate!

Why you'll love this venue

  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Provides catering services
  • Bridal suite on site

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
Rosedale Park Event Center was the perfect venue for our wedding. Their communication was efficient - they promptly scheduled a meeting with us to discuss our needs and vision. The venue itself was spacious, clean, and beautifully modern, with a scenic outdoor area that provided a gorgeous backdrop for our photos. They were also very accommodating, having a wheelchair lift for one of our guests and creating a designated space in the kitchen for our wedding cake. Overall, Rosedale Park Event Center contributed greatly to making our special day a huge success.
Brenna V., 8 months ago
Quick responder
Lutheran Lakeside Camp 
Spirit Lake, IA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,000

Here at Lakeside, we want your wedding day to be everything you want and more. We have multiple ceremony sites available for you to choose from. You can do a ceremony inside the Event Center, on the Great Lawn, at Main Campfire, or by the Dead Sea. Inside the Event Center you don’t have to worry about weather and you have a variety of ways to set up a ceremony and reception in one or use the different spaces in any way you can imagine to have it all. The Great Lawn is 3 acres outside the Event Center over looking the lake. You are next to the event center and close to parking.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers full flexibility in setup and decor
  • Feels like a getaway
  • Has a fun and festive vibe

Venue considerations

  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Additional event staff required
Quick responder
Dubuque County Fairgrounds & Event Center 
Dubuque, IA
  • Up to 900 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $700

The Dubuque County Fairgrounds and Event Center offers a charming and versatile setting for weddings of all sizes. Operated by the Dubuque County Fair Association (DCFA), a proud non-profit organization founded in 1953, the venue has grown into a premier destination for unforgettable events. Spanning 96 beautifully maintained acres, the Fairgrounds feature three spacious indoor rental facilities totaling over 32,000 square feet, ideal for ceremonies, receptions, and everything in between. Couples and their guests will enjoy ample parking for thousands of vehicles, a scenic outdoor Festival Area perfect for open-air celebrations, and a unique 3/8 mile dirt track that adds character and charm to the grounds. With experienced event planners on hand and full-service food and beverage amenities, the Dubuque County Fairgrounds and Event Center provides a seamless and memorable experience from "I do" to the last dance.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Picturesque garden backdrop
  • Promotes a party atmosphere
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Requires outside catering services
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Does not provide event staff
Quick responder
Bayliss Park Hall 
Council Bluffs, IA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $1,000

The former Elk’s building was built in the colonial-revival style of architecture. Wide porches, supported by large columns, extend along the entire front of the building, with the upper balcony extending over the entrance in artistic architectural detail. On October 21, 1900, the cornerstone was laid for Lodge No. 531, B.P.O.E. on the north side of Bayliss Park in the heart of Council Bluffs. The inside of the building is furnished in classic Victorian style with rich burgundy and green hues. The original cigar stand and bundle counter is located immediately to the right of the front entrance. The grand oak stairway curves to the right and to the left and draws you up to the second-floor reception area and a ballroom that features a hard maple floor and mahogany-paneled walls. The second floor balcony provides guests with a breathtaking view of Bayliss Park and its beautiful fountain.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a glamorous vibe
  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Designed for grand celebrations

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Does not allow pets
Quick responder
Willow Creek 
Shelby, IA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $6,600

We are one of a kind wedding and reception venue located near the Omaha metro. We have a passion for reclaimed materials, being stewards of the land, and offering our couples a setting for their wedding day that they will remember forever. A lush oasis in a sea of farmland, we offer jaw dropping views at every turn. Come escape to our country retreat!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides event staff
  • Space for a large guest list
  • Both indoor and outdoor options

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Quick responder
Parks Marina Boat Club 
Okoboji, IA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,500

Parks Marina on East Lake Okoboji was established in 1983 when Leo “Butch” Parks purchased the then Gibson Sporting Goods. What was once a small fishing boat sales and repair facility. Parks Boat Club is located in Okoboji, Iowa, with views overlooking spectacular East Lake Okoboji. This one of a kind lakeside venue is the perfect location to host any wedding, with facilities to have your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and more! Our venue boasts indoor and outdoor access to the panoramic views of East lake Okoboji, making it perfect for weddings in all seasons.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • No on-site bridal suite
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
Quick responder
Art Church Weddings 
Malvern, IA
  • Up to 75 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $1,200

1969 was the last Presbyterian service. In 2012, artist Zack Jones purchased this 1873 church as a artist live/work space. Today the studio apartment is available for the wedding party and preparations. Art Church Weddings is located in a 1873 de-sanctified Church in Malvern, IA. and is a permanent gallery to oil painter Zack Jones. Better known as Art Church Iowa, this unique building is coming back to life with exhibits, concerts, and private events.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a warm and cozy vibe
  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Historic touches

Venue considerations

  • No venue-provided food services
  • Not for you if you prefer a more modern aesthetic
  • Limited cleanup and setup services
The Conrad Mansion 
Conrad, IA
  • Up to 400 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor

Why rush off? Turn your best day ever into your best weekend ever! Celebrating together for 4 days would be so much more fun! You’ll Love… 4 days/ 3 nights of mansion fun 40 friends & family stay & play all weekend full use of indoor basketball court exclusive use of the whole estate & venue decorate before & enjoy your day indoor & outdoor ceremony options choice of your own caterers Conrad mansion + carriage house venue = so much more fun! The Weekend Celebration Includes: Exclusive access to the charming Conrad Mansion for 40 friends and family to celebrate the weekend away, multiple spots for photos that will last a lifetime, tables and wedding chairs setup to your specifications, two beautiful dressing areas, ideal for pictures, professional parking lot with lights, Indoor bathrooms (wheelchair accessible), and a large bar area with refrigeration for drinks.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Unique barn setting
  • Offers convenient lodging options

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • No all-inclusive dining options

About wedding venues in Iowa

Iowa offers some truly exceptional wedding settings that you'll fall in love with, from historic mansions with character to beautifully converted barns that blend rustic charm with modern amenities. You'll find specialized venues across the state that cater to specific needs; places like River Center in Des Moines provides outstanding accessibility features while The Chateau in Cambridge delivers a culinary experience that your guests will talk about for years.

What Makes Iowa Wedding Venues Special?

Iowa's rich architectural heritage creates wedding backdrops you simply can't find elsewhere. Rollins Mansion showcases historic detailing that photographs beautifully while The Temple for Performing Arts features stunning stained glass skylights that create magical lighting throughout your ceremony. Des Moines is home to premier venues like Northbridge Event Center with excellent food partnerships that will impress even your foodie friends. If you're looking eastward, The Harmac in Eastern Iowa offers an industrial atmosphere with handcrafted cocktails your guests will love. You'll typically spend between $7,100-$8,700 for Iowa venues, which falls nicely below the national average of $6,500-$12,000; giving you more flexibility with your overall budget.

How Much Does an Iowa Wedding Cost?

For a more intimate celebration with 50 guests, you're looking at roughly $18,338 total. Your costs will scale up naturally with your guest count. A 100-guest wedding typically runs about $30,382 while 150 guests pushes that to $41,708. Larger celebrations with 200 guests average $51,835 and if you're planning a big gathering with 250 guests expect around $61,962. The largest weddings with 300 guests typically reach $72,089. These figures help you set realistic expectations as you begin your venue search.

Which Venue Types Can You Find in Iowa?

Iowa gives you diverse venue options from elegant mansions to charming rustic barns that suit any wedding style you're dreaming of. Bella Sala Event Center can accommodate anywhere from 50 to 650 guests and offers beautiful outdoor spaces including a waterfall terrace and patio that creates perfect photo opportunities. The Exchange On Vine hosts up to 320 guests with flexible configurations that adapt to your vision, while VOWS DSM specializes in creating magical intimate celebrations for up to 65 guests; perfect if you're planning a more personal gathering.

How Do Iowa Wedding Venue Costs Break Down?

Venue costs make up about 19% of your total wedding budget with the average Iowa venue running $7,910. This gives you good perspective as you allocate funds across different services. Catering typically runs $6,328 (15%) while bar services average $5,062 (12%). Photography investments average $3,982 (10%) with videography close behind at $3,555 (9%). Your floral arrangements will likely cost around $3,342 (8%) and planning assistance averages $2,133 (5%). Entertainment costs about $1,350 (3%) with cake and desserts running $692 (2%). Hair and makeup services are relatively affordable at approximately $518 (1%).

ServiceAverage Cost% of Total (150 guests)
Venue$7,91019%
Catering$6,32815%
Bar Services$5,06212%
Photography$3,98210%
Videography$3,5559%
Florists$3,3428%
Planning$2,1335%
Entertainment$1,3503%
Cake/Desserts$6922%
Hair & Makeup$5181%

Where Are Iowa's Most Accessible Wedding Venues?

The River Center in Des Moines stands out with excellent ADA accessibility throughout plus two spacious bridal suites, private patios and convenient in-house catering that simplifies your planning. Wilson's Orchard in Iowa City offers accessible pathways with paved parking that ensures all your guests can navigate comfortably. You'll appreciate Bella Sala Event Center's comprehensive ADA accessibility throughout the facility, while The Temple for Performing Arts combines necessary accessibility features with modern amenities that don't compromise on style or atmosphere.

Which Iowa Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

The Chateau connects directly to a winery and features exceptional in-house catering that will impress even your most discerning guests. Northbridge Event Center partners with best-in-class food vendors while also supporting college scholarships in Kenya; so your celebration contributes to something meaningful. Glen Oaks Country Club delivers all-inclusive packages with exceptional culinary service that removes the stress of coordinating multiple vendors, letting you focus on enjoying your day.

When Should You Book Your Iowa Wedding Venue?

Most couples secure their venue about 15 months before their wedding date; giving you plenty of time to plan other details once your location is confirmed. October ranks as Iowa's most popular month for venue inquiries, so start looking earlier if you're considering a fall wedding. Popular destinations like The Celebration Farm and Glen Oaks Country Club often book well in advance, especially for peak season dates between May and October. Starting your venue search early gives you the best chance at securing your first choice.

How Can Iowa Venues Accommodate Remote Participants?

The Celebration Farm offers highly customizable spaces that work beautifully for integrating digital elements to include loved ones who can't attend in person. The Heights Rooftop can provide impressive Jumbotron displays that create an immersive experience for remote interaction. Venues like Northbridge Event Center and Bella Sala can accommodate technical installations for virtual engagement through augmented reality features or interactive experiences that bridge the gap between in-person and remote guests, ensuring everyone feels part of your special day.