Unique Wedding Venues In Iowa

There are quite a few unique wedding venues in Iowa, but we’ve curated the list for you to give you some of our top picks. Each of these venues cater to different tastes and styles and have so much to offer! Keep reading to hear more on how these spaces can bring your dream wedding vision to life.

Bella Terre Vineyard

Photo: courtesy of Bella Terre Vineyard

Nestled in the rolling hills of Southwest Iowa, Bella Terre offers the beauty and aesthetics of an authentic Italian vineyard. The unique design concept of Bella Terre originates from the owners love of traveling through Italy. The vineyard represents the beloved Chianti region of Tuscany and the romantic gates that overlook the valley come from a garden that rests on Lake Como. This picturesque venue will provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding day without traveling across the ocean!

The Harmac

Photo: Alecca Synclair Photography

Discover a unique venue in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area that boasts a modern industrial vibe. The space offers a refreshing contrast to the traditional options in the region, making it an ideal choice for your event. They have a large array of huge windows that your photographer will love. They are known for their heightened bar experience by offering beautiful hand-crafted cocktails and custom-made ice served in glasses. The Harmac can accommodate guest counts ranging from 40 to 400, not including the spacious rooftop!

 

Des Moines Heritage Center

Photo: Courtesy of Des Moines Heritage

The Des Moines Heritage Center is located in the heart of the Historic East Village and is the epitome of timeless. History plays a large part in this venue as this 110 year old building was once the main east-side train depot that served as the main depot for four railroads entering Des Moines. They have preserved the building by keeping the historic character while still renovating to become a modern space.  The new space connected to the renovated depot can accommodate 300 guests at tables and 400 theater style. With it’s beautiful large windows and natural light, you can truly transform the space into whatever style fits you best. When you choose this venue, you are participating in your community by helping to support their cause of preserving the city’s historical sights.

The Heights Rooftop

Photo: Courtesy of The Heights Rooftop

The Heights Rooftop in Iowa City offers a one-of-a-kind experience for couples. For those seeking a rooftop celebration, this unique wedding venue is for you! With stunning views of the iconic Kinnick Stadium, the venue also allows couples to personalize their celebration by displaying their names on the jumbotron. Additionally, its connection to the Marriott provides convenient accommodations for family and friends, making it an ideal location for both the ceremony and the festivities that follow.

Northbridge Event Center

Photo: Pecos Springs Photography

Located only 5 minutes from the heart of downtown Des Moines. Northbridge is one of the newest venues in Iowa. With a beautiful space designed to meet your needs and a blank canvas to create your dream day.  Their efficient, organized staff ensures everything runs smoothly, and their best-in-class food and beverage partners deliver exceptional quality. They also dedicate a portion of every wedding fee to fund college scholarships for underprivileged students in Kenya. As you celebrate your love, know that you’re also supporting a worthy cause.

Small Grand Things

Photo: jordan reynolds media

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Iowa, this family-owned venue is a true treasure. Small Grand Things offers a serene and picturesque setting for your wedding day. With its lush trees, tranquil waterscape, and unique landscape, it provides the perfect backdrop for stunning wedding portraits. The owners take great pride in guiding couples through every step of the planning process. From the initial vision to the final ceremony, they ensure a seamless and personal experience. No matter the time of year, the peaceful atmosphere of the venue creates a magical ambiance, making it ideal to host your wedding day.

The Monroe

Photo: Christina Ney Photography

Grand River Center

Photo: courtesy of Grand River Center

Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, Grand River Center features the unique River Room, a stunning all-glass space that offers panoramic views of the river, perfect for up to 150 guests. With an indoor skywalk connecting to lodging and a waterpark, your guests will experience ultimate convenience. Full-service in-house catering and versatile event spaces make this venue the perfect choice for any occasion, whether grand or intimate.

Little Lights on the Lane

Photo: Ivory & Bliss

Little Lights is a uniquely designed wedding venue combining modern Scandinavian style and cozy details. With high-pitched ceilings, charming nooks, and breathtaking views of rolling hills, it offers an unforgettable setting for your wedding and reception. The versatile decor suits any theme, ensuring a personalized touch for your celebration. Exceptional service and design make Little Lights one of Iowa’s top unique wedding destinations.

Willow on Grand

Photo: Brooke Pavel Photography

Willow on Grand is a beautiful wedding venue in Des Moines offering a modern yet timeless setting in the heart of the historic Waterbury neighborhood. With over 5,000 square feet of beautifully designed event space, including a Grand Room accommodating up to 300 guests. Vaulted peaks, exposed beams, and natural light create a warm, cottage-inspired ambiance perfect for unforgettable wedding ceremonies and receptions. This unique wedding venue features indoor and outdoor spaces, a bridal cottage, an enchanting courtyard with string lighting, and a catering prep kitchen, making it an ideal location for intimate gatherings and grand celebrations.

The Gathering Grounds

Photo: Jenny Marie Photos

The Gathering Grounds is a unique wedding venue offering 100 acres of scenic beauty and unmatched comfort for couples and their guests. This estate features peaceful lakeside ceremony spots and grand receptions in the stunning Waterfront Barn. What sets The Gathering Grounds apart is its on-site lodging options, including a new three-bedroom bridal cottage designed with salon chairs for the bridal party to get ready and create wonderful memories. Additional overnight accommodations allow guests to stay and celebrate without worry, surrounded by nature and unforgettable sunset views over the 8-acre lake. With its natural charm, thoughtful amenities, and complete weekend convenience, The Gathering Grounds is the perfect destination wedding venue in the heart of Iowa.

The Merrill Hotel

Photo: courtesy of The Merrill

The Merrill Hotel  is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue situated in the charming riverfront town of Muscatine, Iowa. Its elegant ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious terrace, provide sweeping views of the Mississippi River and magical sunset backdrops. Flexible event spaces accommodate intimate ceremonies of around 50 guests to grand receptions of up to 350 guests, while full wedding packages include catering, linens, glassware, event setup, and preferred group rates for overnight stays in their 122-room AAA Four‑Diamond boutique hotel. With award-winning service, upscale riverfront views, The Merrill Hotel delivers a luxury experience that truly stands out.

Hotel Blackhawk

Photo: Matt Umland Photography

Hotel Blackhawk is a uniquely historic wedding venue that blends timeless elegance with modern luxury. Located in the heart of downtown Davenport, this iconic hotel offers stunning event spaces like the grand Gold Room, featuring crystal chandeliers, and high ceilings. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large celebration, the venue accommodates a variety of guest counts with flexible indoor options. With on-site lodging, a full-service spa, bridal suites, and expert catering, The Blackhawk Hotel provides a unique and romantic ambience on your wedding day.

Glen Oaks Country Club

Photo: Shelby Sawyer Photography

Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines is a uniquely luxurious wedding venue set within a private, gated golf community. With sweeping fairway views, a picturesque outdoor ceremony space, and elegant indoor spaces for receptions. Glen Oaks is a seamless blend of natural beauty and upscale sophistication. Couples enjoy exclusive use of the venue, full-service catering, valet parking, and elevated service to ensure every detail is covered. Glen Oaks delivers a private setting that’s perfect for a one-of-a-kind celebration.

Curate

Photo: Courtesy of Curate

Curate is a leading modern and artistic indoor wedding venue located in the vibrant East Village neighborhood, just a short walk from downtown Des Moines. The clean gallery-style Gallery Room spans over 6,000 square feet, offering guests a customizable blank canvas with chic white walls, polished concrete floors, and arched ceilings ideal for unique decor and lighting designs. For more intimate celebrations or as a prep space, the 2,000 square foot Studio Room and upstairs private bridal suite offer flexibility and comfort. Complete with landscaped patios, built-in audio/visual systems, curated lighting, valet parking options, and full-service catering by Taste! To Go, Curate delivers a unique and stylish space perfect for your next celebration.

The Tea Room

Photo: Laura Nichole Photography

The Tea Room in Des Moines is a historic wedding venue that offers timeless elegance in the heart of the city. The spacious main ballroom features high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Juliet balconies that provide stunning views of the downtown skyline. Couples can also take advantage of intimate spaces like the Garden and Jubilee Rooms, perfect for smaller gatherings or cocktail hours. With a private bridal suite, built-in AV, on-site kitchen access, and event coordination, The Tea Room is a unique and elegant setting for a your special day.

With versatile ceremony and reception spaces, each of these unique wedding venues in Iowa will make sure your big day is memorable and tailored to your vision. For more venues, be sure to check out our Venues  page!

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