The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Vining, IA

The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Vining, IA

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11 Wedding Venues in Vining, IA

Outdoor
Pilgrim Heights Camp & Retreat Center 

5.0

Montour, IA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,500

Just one hour away from Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Ames, Pilgrim Heights is one of the many hidden gems in Central Iowa. With 100 acres of wooded bliss, 80-acre private lake, a stunning outdoor chapel with an envious view, a 3-story reception venue, and lodging for up to 90 people, Pilgrim Heights offers a completely unique experience second to none for couples looking to celebrate their love.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Has onsite accommodations
  • Feels like a getaway

Venue considerations

  • No venue-provided food services
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Does not allow pets
We loved having our wedding at Pilgrim Heights Camp & Retreat Center! Mckenzie and the staff were so friendly, quick to respond to any questions, and truly seemed happy to host our special day. The camp was beautifully maintained with tidy cabins and gorgeous natural surroundings that perfectly fit our outdoorsy vibe. Mckenzie went above and beyond to ensure the venue accommodated my grandpa's wheelchair, exemplifying the caring spirit of Pilgrim Heights. From the planning process to the big day itself, they contributed so much warmth while also handling logistics smoothly. We highly recommend Pilgrim Heights for their beautiful, nature-filled venue and outstanding service - especially shout out to Mckenzie Hinegardner for putting such care into coordinating everything!
Kayla S., a year ago
Quick responder
The Hotel Millwright, Amana 

5.0

Amana, IA
  • Up to 225 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $4,000

Celebrate your love story in a space as unique as you are. The Merino Loft, nestled on the second floor of our historic weaving building, sets the stage for a wedding reception your guests will never forget. With stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed brick walls, and industrial-chic architecture, it radiates charm, romance, and just the right amount of edge. This versatile venue offers over 7,000 square feet of space and can comfortably host up to 225 of your closest friends and family. Whether you're envisioning an elegant candlelit dinner or a high-energy dance party under twinkling lights, the Merino Loft adapts to your style and vision. Let the rich history of the Amana Colonies blend with your modern love story in a space that feels both timeless and bold. At Hotel Millwright, we’re ready to help you create the reception of your dreams—one unforgettable moment at a time.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Has onsite accommodations
  • Versatile for various event styles

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • On-site parking not available
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
Shelby Foster and the Banquet team were amazing to work with during the planning process and on my wedding day. They communicated well and provided great advice throughout the process. The venue was simply amazing and beautiful. From the tastings to our actual appetizers and meal, the food was spectacular! Everyone is still commenting on how they had a fantastic time at our wedding, and I couldn't have done it without the team at Hotel Millwright.
Caroline S., 20 days ago
The Old 56 

5.0

Grundy Center, IA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

The Old 56, is a historic landmark barn that was built in 1907. We specialize in weddings by including an all inclusive price. Included in options is both an indoor and outdoor ceremony, a large reception area featuring tons of historic charm and visible rafters in the upper level of the barn. A separate bridal suite, grooms space, and an amazing large four bedroom farmhouse round out this ultimate wedding venue. You get all of these features from Thursday - Sunday for a relaxing wedding experience.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Space for a large guest list
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides setup and cleanup

Venue considerations

  • No venue-provided food services
  • On-site parking not available
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
The team at The Old 56 provided us with an exceptional wedding experience. From the moment we first inquired, their communication was fast, open, and incredibly helpful. They were quick to answer our questions and always made us feel like valued clients. On the weekend of our wedding, the staff at The Old 56 went above and beyond, ensuring the setup process was seamless. The farmhouse on the property was the perfect place for us to stay the weekend and for our wedding party to get ready. The selection of decor items available for us to use really helped bring our vision to life in a stunning way. We are so grateful to the team at The Old 56 for making our special day truly unforgettable.
Nicole K., 8 months 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
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
Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center 

5.0

Coralville, IA
  • Up to 1000 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $6,000

Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center is an upscale hotel that offers a truly wonderful location for weddings near Iowa City. Create a seamless celebration with a unique combination of beautiful outside ceremony space and freshly renovated ballroom spaces. Facilities and Capacity East Terrace: 300 guests for outdoor ceremony South Terrace: 100 guests for outdoor ceremony Oakdale Ballroom: 350 guests for reception Coral Ballroom: 650 guests for reception Exhibit Hall: 2,000 guests for reception Second Floor: 10 rooms for getting ready, opening gifts, or brunch Services Offered Event managers will help you choose a space and functional layout, arrange tastings, and decide on a menu. The hotel also offers freshly renovated overnight rooms for you and your guests. Cuisine The culinary team will arrange tastings and work with you to perfect your menu. They offer a range of services including banquet staff, custom menus, and rentals.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Classic elegance

Venue considerations

  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • Does not allow pets
  • No free parking
Hyatt Regency is a beautiful venue, inside and out and they offer wonderful service and amenities. Very professional staff.
Sugar Flower Cake Design, 2 years ago
Fox Ridge Public Golf Course 
Dike, IA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,000

The endless valley of lush green space includes an elegant banquet hall and a team of talented staff to give couples the wedding of their dreams. Fox Ridge is a premier 18-hole golf course just seven miles away from the city of Cedar Falls. Engaged couples are welcome to spend milestones on their journey to married life on the site, from wedding showers to the after-dinner party. The banquet room on location has over 8,000 square feet of space available for both the ceremony and reception. Glassware, flatware, white linens, and chair covers will be available to you, and staff will work to accommodate any special requests. All catering is done on site, and has a variety of options to choose from. A team of skilled bartenders will provide you and your guests with delicious wine and cocktails, whether you want an open, limited, or cash bar. While eight different beer selections are always on tap, the staff can provide hosted or specialty kegs to keep the suds flowing.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No free parking
Quick responder
The HarMac 
Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Up to 400 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,500

The HarMac Event Space resides in the historic Harper & McIntire building in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. ​Completed in 1922, the building was originally a warehouse and shipping facility for Harper & McIntire's industrial hardware. The company also procured their own line of hand-crafted tools, coined "HarMac" - thus, our shared name. In 2015, the property was purchased and restored to reflect its original industrial character and charm. The HarMac has been meticulously designed to showcase it's industrial roots and stunning proportions. The flexibility of this distinctive venue allows guests to enjoy it year-round, for many different uses, including weddings, private events, corporate functions, and more.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers full flexibility in setup and decor
  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Accommodates more than 200 guests

Venue considerations

  • Dance floor not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No built-in audiovisual options
Quick responder
The Heights Rooftop 
Iowa City, IA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

We’ve had a goal since before we opened to be that event venue. The one people want to get married at; the hot meeting spot for young and old professionals alike; the classic holiday hall for people of all backgrounds and places. So if you’re looking for your next unforgettable experience, you’ve come to the right place. Get in contact with The Heights Rooftop today for all of your event planning needs. Your wedding is a big day for you and your partner, and you’d like to throw a great day to celebrate the two of you. If you’re looking for a little bit of guidance from a premier event venue in Iowa City, here are some tips for throwing a memorable event.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Has an energetic and exciting atmosphere
  • Bridal suite on site

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Does not allow pets
Prairie Links Golf & Event Center 
Waverly, IA
  • Up to 400 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

With its breathtaking grass landscapes and golf course views, prairie links event center is a picturesque backdrop for your wedding ceremony or reception. Brand new in 2019, our outdoor ceremony and reception space offers breathtaking views backlit by suspended canopy lighting. Lounge in the outdoor patio space, utilize our outdoor bar, or take the party outside with our outdoor dance floor.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Space for a large guest list
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Not wheelchair accessible
The Celebration Farm 
Iowa City, IA
  • Up to 450 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,500

Our Double Round Barn features an extraordinary domed ceiling, functional limestone fireplace and covered patio that was all created by a local craftsmen, this one-of-a-kind space is sure to wow your guests! Holds up to 300 guest and is great for weddings, banquets, and parties. The Timber Frame barn is bursting with rustic charm inside and out. It's a beautiful space for ceremonies and receptions with ample outdoor space on the wrap around deck overlooking our wooded acreage. Holds 150 guests. Three stone arches frame the Amphitheater ceremony space unlike any other. Surrounded by evergreens and framed by woodlands, a pond and a fountain, the Amphitheater will be the perfect setting and has terraced seating for up to 300 guests.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Has an intimate atmosphere

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • Not for you if you're looking for a sleek and contemporary space

Location flexible? Discover venues near Vining, IA

About wedding venues in Vining, IA

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.

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