Book wedding venues in Des Moines, IA
Discover all the wedding venues in Des Moines for your big day
Browse Wedding Venues in Des Moines Near Gray's Lake Park
Discover wedding venues in Des Moines that blend historic charm with modern sophistication across the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. From the restored mansions of Sherman Hill to the industrial-chic lofts in the East Village and polished hotel ballrooms downtown, you'll find spaces that match your style and vision. Each neighborhood brings its own character—the artistic energy of Court Avenue, the established elegance of Beaverdale, and scenic settings near Gray's Lake Park offer distinctive backdrops for your celebration. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand reception, Des Moines venues showcase diverse architectural styles and flexible layouts for every wedding dream. Browse our collection to compare spaces, view photos, and start planning your special day.
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Host your party in a building full of history and charm! With exposed brick and a modern yet vintage feel, The Iowa Taproom is a unique venue in the historic East Village perfect for every event. Your rental will include on site catering, a fully stocked bar, private event staff, set-up and tear-down, and much more.
“We had the most amazing wedding reception at the Iowa Taproom! The space was beautiful, the staff was wonderful, and the...” — L. C., 11 months ago
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Elevate your corporate gathering with unparalleled sophistication by scheduling an appointment with our event specialists, who are dedicated to curating an exquisite experience tailored to your organization's unique needs. Secure an unforgettable ambiance that embodies prestige and exclusivity, setting the stage for your company's exceptional achievements.
“Choosing The Kirkwood Event Space was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. From our first conversation,...” — Tessa J., 2 months ago
A STATE DESTINATION and one-of-a-kind venue focused on bringing new concepts to the wedding experience. Relax - enjoy your big day with intention. Vows is dedicated to providing a fresh, effortless, alternative. We can accommodate your wedding months, weeks and in some cases days in advance. 1HR, 2HR, 3HR & 4 1/2 HR WEDDING //RECEPTION OPTIONS 6 DAYS A WEEK. UNIQUE PACKAGES /PROGRESSIVE WEDDINGS 2 - 65 GUESTS /$995 - $12,500+ Venue Only /BYOVendors - Planner or GET IT ALL Photographer/ Coordinator/ Officiant/ Flowers + Fare INCLUDED ++
“I'm a wedding photographer, and I recently held a styled shoot at VOWS. From beginning to end, the team at VOWS was a...” — Alyssa Leicht, 4 years ago
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Welcome to Iowa’s most historic and iconic venue. Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, the restored elegance of The Tea Room is captivating and the perfect venue for your special occasion. Reserve your date at The Tea Room to create memories that will last a lifetime. Since reopening in 2017, The Tea Room has upheld its reputation of making hosts and guests feel welcome. The restored beauty of the space leaves brides and grooms with iconic wedding photos and memories that will last a lifetime.
“Our wedding was over a month ago and we still have guests reaching out to us to comment what a beautiful reception we...” — Julie K., 3 years ago
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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.
“Unbeatable venue for a garden party style wedding. Beautiful, well-maintained, and a staff that was exceptionally...” — Josh H., 2 years ago
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We have 6 acres of land and 8000 square feet of space to rent out for your next social event/party. Our love for remodeling and restoring vintage cars and trucks goes far beyond our services. This literally is a lifestyle for us and we take great pride in our abilities to produce top-notch perfection! Plus, we LOVE showing off our amazing facilities and want others to be able to enjoy the hard work and dedication we've put into this place as well. If you're in need of a venue for your next event, be sure to give us a call to discuss your event options along with pricing!
“This venue is them most unique space in the State of Iowa. We were able to decorate how we wanted, have our own caterer,...” — Sarah, 9 months ago
Curate provides award-winning catering and bar service through our sister company Taste! To Go Catering and Events. We work with many other local partners to provide end-to-end solutions for your event. Five hotels are within 800 yards of Curate, meaning less than a 1/2 mile walk from each of them. Two of the hotels in that radius also have free shuttles. Ample parking is nearby as well!
Located at 901 Cherry St in the heart of downtown Des Moines, The Shop DSM is a uniquely repurposed event space with deep local roots. Once the Des Moines Fire Department's original fire apparatus repair shop, the building has been renovated into a multi-level venue that blends industrial "blank slate" vibes with modern amenities.
Celebrate Your Love at AC Hotel Des Moines East Village. Located in the heart of Des Moines’ vibrant East Village, AC Hotel by Marriott offers a stylish and sophisticated setting for modern couples looking to celebrate their wedding in style. With timeless European design, curated comfort, and a sleek, contemporary atmosphere, our hotel sets the stage for unforgettable moments. Whether you're hosting an elegant reception, an intimate rehearsal dinner, or a weekend stay for out-of-town guests, AC Hotel blends urban charm with refined simplicity — perfect for couples who want their wedding experience to feel both elevated and authentically connected to the city. Let your celebration reflect the soul of Des Moines with AC Hotel’s signature hospitality and design.
Facing "most endangered" status from the National Historical Registry, The Temple For Performing Arts received a new life with renovations finished in October 2002. Downtown Preservation Partners led a restoration team experienced in historic rehabilitation. The pre-renovation building was missing its cornice and awnings, and most exterior windows were damaged. While the interior architecture is the "real jewel," architects carefully restored the exterior to its original look. The venue offers facilities like the Grand Hall, Recital Hall, and Performance Hall for receptions, weddings, concerts, and meetings, with tailored audio-visual, catering, and entertainment options.
Host your wedding in our 10,000 square foot ballroom with up to 500 of your special guests. Experience downtown Des Moines with our ideal location within a mile of the Historic East Village and Court Avenue District. We offer complimentary shuttle service to the airport, which is six miles away. Dine-in with us at Park Street Kitchen & Bar for breakfast, lunch and dinner inside, or on our outdoor patio complete with string lights and a fireplace. Enjoy your morning with freshly brewed Starbucks Coffee and small bites from our cafe.
The Iowa Events Center is the ideal facility for rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions. Our venue provides the perfect setting for your big day and is conveniently located near downtown— just minutes away from local attractions. Let us take the stress out of the wedding planning process. We are a one-stop shop to ensure your day is the one you've always dreamt of. You will be partnered with one of our wedding professionals who will work with you throughout the planning process and even after your wedding. They will work closely with you to organize all aspects of your wedding. From booking to dinner menus, venue layout to the finishing touches, and so much more.
How we choose these wedding venues
Zola builds this page from its own marketplace data: vendor listings, Zola couples’ reviews, the Zola Wedding Cost Index (ZWCI), and Zola’s 2026 Wedding Spend Survey of 720 couples. Every price on the page comes from that data.
The wedding venues shown are based in or near Des Moines and manage their own listing on Zola.
FAQs about wedding venues in Des Moines, IA
According to the Zola Wedding Cost Index (ZWCI), couples planning a 100-guest wedding in Des Moines can expect a total budget of around $24,400 to $36,600. The largest expenses typically include venues (around $5,700), catering (around $4,600), bar services (around $3,600), and photographers (around $2,900). Zola couples marrying in Des Moines who recorded what they paid for their venue reported a median of about $5,000, though some record a deposit while others a package that includes catering. Based on Zola marketplace data, starting prices on Zola listings have a median of around $2,300, with a range from around $1,000 to $5,500.
Zola couples in Des Moines plan for a median of 150 guests, which is in the Medium (51–150 guests) venue tier. If you're hosting a smaller celebration of 50 guests, the ZWCI estimates a total budget of around $14,800 to $22,200, with small venues from around $1,000. For 100 guests, expect around $24,400 to $36,600 total, with medium venues from around $120. Couples planning for 150 guests should budget around $33,400 to $50,100, while those hosting 200 guests can expect around $41,500 to $62,200. Based on Zola marketplace data, Des Moines has 13 large venues (150+ guests) with starting prices from around $3,600, giving couples plenty of options for bigger celebrations.
Des Moines offers several exceptional wedding venues with top ratings. VOWS DSM has earned a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 6 reviews, with one wedding photographer praising the team's support from beginning to end. The Kirkwood Event Space also holds a 5.0/5 rating across 3 reviews, with starting prices around $2,500. One couple called it "one of the best decisions we made for our wedding," highlighting the team's exceptional service. Salisbury House & Gardens rounds out the top tier with 5.0/5 stars and 3 reviews, offering a garden party atmosphere with beautiful, well-maintained grounds and an exceptionally helpful staff.
Downtown Des Moines and surrounding neighborhoods like the East Village, Court Avenue District, and Sherman Hill offer excellent wedding venue options with urban sophistication. The downtown area provides couples and guests with walkability to hotels, restaurants, and bars, making it convenient for out-of-town visitors. Popular photo backdrops include the Des Moines River, Gray's Lake Park, and the historic architecture throughout the East Village and Sherman Hill districts. VOWS DSM is centrally located and highly rated, while downtown's industrial lofts and hotel ballrooms provide modern settings with city views. The Court Avenue District adds vibrant nightlife options for rehearsal dinners and post-wedding celebrations, with Water Works Park nearby for outdoor photo opportunities.
Among Zola couples marrying in Des Moines, June, September, and October are the most popular months. June offers warm temperatures and lush greenery, perfect for outdoor ceremonies at venues like Salisbury House & Gardens. September brings comfortable weather with lower humidity and beautiful early fall colors, ideal for both indoor and outdoor celebrations. October showcases peak autumn foliage and crisp, pleasant days, creating stunning photo opportunities along the Des Moines River and at Gray's Lake Park. Iowa's continental climate means summer months (June–August) can be warm and humid, while spring (April–May) brings unpredictable weather. Late fall (November) offers fewer scheduling conflicts and potentially lower costs, though temperatures drop and outdoor options become limited.
Des Moines offers strong value for couples planning their wedding. According to Zola's 2026 Wedding Spend Survey, Des Moines's 100-guest ZWCI range (around $24,400 to $36,600) is around the national median total of $25,000 and well below the metro average of around $50,100. This positions Des Moines as an affordable mid-sized market where couples can secure quality venues and vendors without the premium pricing of major metropolitan areas. The median venue starting price of around $2,300 based on Zola marketplace data reflects this accessibility, with options ranging from around $1,000 to $5,500. Couples can create memorable celebrations at venues like The Kirkwood Event Space (starting around $2,500) while staying within a reasonable budget.
For Des Moines wedding venues, booking 12 to 18 months in advance is ideal, especially if you're planning a spring or fall wedding when demand peaks. Summer Saturdays also fill quickly, so couples eyeing June through September dates should start their search early. According to the Zola Wedding Cost Index, the median venue starting price in Des Moines is around $2,300 based on Zola marketplace data, and popular dates at sought-after locations often book even earlier. If you're planning a winter wedding or considering a Friday or Sunday celebration, you may have more flexibility with 9 to 12 months' lead time. Keep in mind that venue availability directly impacts your ability to lock in preferred caterers and photographers, so starting your search early gives you the best selection across all your vendors.
Des Moines offers several appealing areas for wedding celebrations, each with its own character. Downtown Des Moines attracts couples seeking urban sophistication, with modern event spaces, hotel ballrooms, and convenient access for out-of-town guests staying in the city center. The East Village neighborhood brings historic charm and walkable streets lined with restaurants and bars, perfect for couples wanting a trendy, intimate atmosphere. West Des Moines appeals to those looking for newer facilities and ample parking, with many contemporary venues featuring polished amenities. The surrounding metro area offers pastoral settings and estate-style properties for couples dreaming of outdoor ceremonies with Iowa's rolling landscapes as a backdrop. According to the Zola Wedding Cost Index, venue costs for 100 guests in Des Moines typically range from around $4,600 to $6,800.
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Last updated: October 2026