• Question: What makes a wedding day special for couples?
  • Answer: There’s nothing more special for a couple than the day that they start the rest of their lives together, and what better way to make it a spectacular occasion than with the perfect wedding venue?
  • Question: Why is Iowa a great place for weddings?
  • Answer: The Midwestern state of Iowa is no stranger to beautiful weddings, with many unique locations available to couples from all over the state as well as the nation.
  • Question: What kind of landscapes can couples expect to find in Iowa for their wedding?
  • Answer: Known for its rolling plains and stunning cornfields, nature lovers are bound to find the picture-perfect space for their special day.
  • Question: Can couples looking for an urban or industrial venue find options in Iowa?
  • Answer: Couples going for a more urban or industrial theme won’t find a shortage of suitable spots either.

Best Time to Plan a Wedding in Iowa

  • May to October – Best time for weddings with pleasant weather, blooming fields, and scenic rural landscapes.
  • June to September – Peak season with warm temps, sunny skies, and ideal conditions for outdoor farm, barn, or garden venues.
  • May & October – Shoulder months with spring blossoms or vibrant fall foliage and fewer crowds.
  • July & August – Warmest months; great for summer weddings, but consider shaded or indoor options for comfort.
  • November to April – Off-season with cold temps and possible snow; ideal for cozy indoor weddings and lower venue costs.

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1. Ashton Hill Farm


Host rustic, elegant weddings with scenic countryside views and modern charm.

Ashton Hill Farm

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Weddings at Ashton Hill Farm are nothing short of timeless, exquisites, and unforgettable. The venue itself is all of those things and more as it’s a modern take on a classic barn and is nestled in the middle of gorgeous Iowa farmland. If you’re looking for a venue that will give you glorious sweeping views of the countryside, Ashton Hill Farm is it.

The barn, which is staffed with committed and passionate people, is 7,000 square feet and can handle up to 300 guests for an indoor seated reception. Elegant and sophisticated, couples can look forward to the use of a bridal suite, a groom’s lounge, the loft, a full-service bar, the covered veranda, which also has an outdoor bar, bistro lighting, the ceremony area, and the outdoor fire pits.

Ashton Hill Farm, 803 Vernon Valley Drive, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, Phone: 319-892-0174

2. Cedar Falls Woman’s Club


Celebrate intimate, classic weddings in a historic and charming venue.

Cedar Falls Woman’s Club

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Picturesque and whimsical, the Cedar Falls Woman’s Club sits quietly on the corner of 3rd and Clay Street. The home dates back to the mid-1800s and has been lovingly restored to the gorgeous estate that it is today. For couples looking for a classic and charming place to be married, the clubhouse is certainly one venue to consider.

Couples can rent part of the house or the whole house depending on the number of guests being expected. Additionally, rent includes the use of the club’s ballroom, stage, balcony, parlor, boardroom, and dressing rooms. Catering is all done in-house with the exception of specialty cakes, nuts, and mints.

Cedar Falls Woman’s Club, 304 Clay Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, Phone: 319-266-1431

3. Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite


Plan grand, timeless weddings with historic architecture and elegant ambiance.

Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite

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Looking for an interesting venue to have your wedding? Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite is exactly that. Also known as the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, this historic building has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010.

It’s notable for being designed by Henry Hornbostel, a prominent architect from Pennsylvania, and being built by Loomis Brothers Construction. Couples keen on celebrating their special day at Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite can rent out the building’s auditorium for the reception. Rental of this classic revival-style building includes use of the dining facilities and kitchens.

Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite, 616 A Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1016, Phone: 319-364-2904

4. Fox Ridge Golf Course


Exchange vows with lush golf course views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Fox Ridge Golf Course

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A golf course might not be the first place that comes to mind when picking a wedding venue, but boy does Fox Ridge Golf Course deliver when it comes to style and service. Just a few miles away from Cedar Falls, Fox Ridge Golf Course features over 8,000 square feet of beautiful and elegant banquet space.

The clubhouse, which isn’t just well designed but also incredibly stylish, is more than capable of seating up to 300 guests and you can bet that the staff will do their best to make your wedding a truly memorable one. Another bonus of having your wedding at Fox Ridge is that they offer affordable menu options to make executing your wedding much simpler, while still ensuring that your guests get to enjoy delicious food on your special day.

Fox Ridge Golf Course, 355 Country Club Lane, Dike, IA 50624, Phone: 319-989-2213

5. Gateway Hotel and Conference Center


Host versatile, stylish weddings with modern amenities and spacious ballrooms.

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center

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Getting married? The team at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center are ready and more than eager to help you make your dream wedding come true. Couples getting married at Gateway can look forward to exchanging vows within a beautiful and intimate garden surrounded by a tranquil waterfall setting.

At the reception, you can share your first dance together on a lovely starlit terrace with your nearest and dearest watching around you. It doesn’t stop there though. The Gateway can help with overnight guest accommodations, bridal showers and luncheons, rehearsal dinners, and more. All it takes is one call to get moving forward toward the perfect wedding day.

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center, 2100 Green Hills Drive, Ames, IA 50014, Phone: 515-292-8600

6. Gatherings Nevada


Enjoy intimate, cozy weddings with a rustic, vintage-inspired setting.

Gatherings Nevada

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Nestled in the historic town of Nevada, Gatherings Nevada is a full-service event venue that offers a vintage, cozy, and inviting atmosphere for intimate weddings. The venue itself is a destination on its own and is imbued with comfort and rustic elegance, perfect for every stylish bride and groom. Service at Gatherings is exceptional, with a staff that is invested in making sure that you get the wedding you want and deserve.

They’ll work with you to figure out all of your tastes, wants, and needs so that everything goes off without a hitch. Not to mention the fact that the venue comes with full-service and on-site catering that pays great attention to details, so you can forget the headache of coordinating with a separate caterer.

Gatherings Nevada, 1024 6th Street, Nevada, IA 50201, Phone: 515-230-2717

7. Grand River Center


Celebrate scenic waterfront weddings with panoramic river views.

Grand River Center

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What’s not to like about the Grand River Center? Located near the amazing Mississippi River and just a stone’s throw from popular entertainment centers, the Grand River Center is the perfect location for any event.

Not only is the service exceptional and the cuisine absolutely delectable, the venue also provides an intimate atmosphere for couples to exchange their vows. You can choose between the all-glass River Room for smaller wedding parties, the massive Exhibit Hall, or even the Grand Ballroom, which can seat up to 1,000 guests! The Grand River Center is ready to work with you from day one of your planning to make sure that your wedding will be exceptional.

Grand River Center, 500 Bell Street, Dubuque, IA 52001, Phone: 563-690-4500

8. Harpor’s Vineyard


Plan romantic vineyard weddings with breathtaking views and rustic charm.

Harpor’s Vineyard

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If you’re looking for a wedding venue that promise an exclusive outdoor experience, more flexibility, less restrictions, and no fee guarantees and even throw in a coordinator on top of everything else, then Harpor’s Vineyard is definitely where you want to be. Let’s face it.

Some wedding venues tend to rip couples off, but at Harpor’s, service charges, credit card fees, and other expensive venue chargers are off the table. Instead, guests can focus on enjoying the wedding of their dreams within the six landscaped acres of the vineyard.

From the covered deck to the historical barn, you can bet that your wedding will be picture perfect. By the way, if you’re afraid that your ideas might get squashed by restrictions or space limitations, don’t! Harpor’s is all about figuring out solutions to make the wedding of your dreams a reality.

Harpor’s Vineyard, 3014 Scott Street, New Virginia, IA 50210, Phone: 515-201-3535

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