1. Ashton Hill Farm
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Location:
Cedar Rapids, IARecommended For:
Couples looking for a modern barn wedding with luxurious amenities and panoramic views of the Iowa countryside.What we Love about Ashton Hill Farm:
The elegant 7,000-square-foot barn, sweeping farmland views, and thoughtfully designed spaces like the bridal suite, groom’s lounge, loft, and covered veranda with an outdoor bar and fire pits.- Celebrate your day surrounded by rustic beauty and refined charm in a venue that marries countryside scenery with modern elegance.
- Indulge in a full wedding experience with access to indoor and outdoor bars, fire pits, bistro lighting, and exclusive ceremony and reception spaces for up to 300 guests.
- Enjoy private spaces like the bridal suite and groom’s lounge, along with attentive staff committed to creating an unforgettable celebration from start to finish.
Cost:
Pricing varies by season, guest count, and selected amenities. Contact Ashton Hill Farm directly for detailed wedding packages and availability.Best time to get married:
Spring through early fall, when the surrounding farmland is lush and ideal for outdoor ceremonies and golden hour portraits.Local tips:
Use the covered veranda for cocktail hour and capture portraits from the loft or fire pit areas for breathtaking countryside photo backdrops.Address:
Ashton Hill Farm, 803 Vernon Valley Drive, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403Phone: 319-892-0174
2. Cedar Falls Woman’s Club
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Location:
Cedar Falls, IARecommended For:
Couples seeking a timeless and romantic venue full of vintage charm and flexible event space in a historic home setting.What we Love about Cedar Falls Woman’s Club:
The beautifully restored mid-1800s estate, classic interiors, and inclusive rental options that provide access to charming spaces like the ballroom, parlor, balcony, and boardroom.- Celebrate your wedding in a picturesque historic home with timeless elegance and the option to rent individual rooms or the entire house to suit your guest count.
- Indulge in delicious in-house catering, while adding personal touches with specialty cakes, mints, and nuts brought in from outside vendors.
- Enjoy unique spaces like the stage, balcony, and dressing rooms that provide convenience and character for both the ceremony and reception.
Cost:
Rental rates vary based on event size and selected spaces. Contact the Cedar Falls Woman’s Club directly for pricing and package details.Best time to get married:
Spring through fall, when the estate’s exterior is in bloom and the historic ambiance feels especially warm and welcoming.Local tips:
Rent the full house for seamless flow between ceremony, cocktails, and reception, and take advantage of the vintage architecture for memorable photo moments.Address:
Cedar Falls Woman’s Club, 304 Clay Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613Phone: 319-266-1431
3. Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite
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Location:
Cedar Rapids, IARecommended For:
History-loving couples seeking a grand and architecturally significant venue with classic charm and unique cultural heritage.What we Love about Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite:
The historic architecture by Henry Hornbostel, the building’s centennial legacy, and the opportunity to host your celebration in a National Register of Historic Places landmark.- Celebrate in a stunning classic revival-style auditorium steeped in history and grandeur, perfect for elegant and meaningful wedding receptions.
- Indulge in the use of full dining facilities and kitchens, allowing for convenient catering and banquet service in a refined setting.
- Enjoy a unique venue experience with rich architectural details and a cultural ambiance that makes your special day truly unforgettable.
Cost:
Pricing varies depending on rental areas and event duration. Contact Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite for auditorium rental rates and package options.Best time to get married:
Year-round—this impressive indoor venue offers timeless appeal and shelter from seasonal weather changes.Local tips:
Tour the space early to plan your décor around the building’s grand interior, and consider spotlighting its history in your wedding program or signage.Address:
Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite, 616 A Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1016Phone: 319-364-2904
Ideas For an Intimate Wedding:
4. Fox Ridge Golf Course
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Location:
Dike, IA (near Cedar Falls)Recommended For:
Couples looking for an elegant, affordable wedding venue with ample space and top-tier service, just outside Cedar Falls.What we Love about Fox Ridge Golf Course:
The sleek and stylish clubhouse, spacious 8,000-square-foot banquet hall, and the combination of affordability and hospitality that makes wedding planning simple and enjoyable.- Celebrate your big day with up to 300 guests in a beautifully designed banquet space surrounded by scenic golf course views and peaceful landscapes.
- Indulge in budget-friendly catering options that don’t sacrifice quality or flavor, allowing you to impress guests while staying within your wedding budget.
- Enjoy personalized service from a dedicated team that ensures your wedding is smooth, stylish, and filled with lasting memories from start to finish.
Cost:
Pricing varies by package, guest count, and services. Contact Fox Ridge Golf Course for menu details and event space rental information.Best time to get married:
Late spring through fall, when the golf course grounds are at peak beauty and ideal for outdoor photo sessions and cocktail mingling.Local tips:
Make use of the outdoor space for sunset photos and ask the staff about recommended layouts and catering upgrades to elevate the guest experience.Address:
Fox Ridge Golf Course, 355 Country Club Lane, Dike, IA 50624Phone: 319-989-2213
5. Gateway Hotel and Conference Center
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Location:
Ames, IARecommended For:
Couples seeking a full-service wedding venue with serene garden ceremony space, elegant reception options, and comprehensive guest support.What we Love about Gateway Hotel and Conference Center:
The intimate garden setting with a tranquil waterfall for vows, the romantic starlit terrace for dancing, and the venue’s commitment to making every wedding dream a reality from start to finish.- Celebrate your special day surrounded by natural beauty with a garden ceremony and a glowing terrace reception under the stars.
- Indulge in seamless event planning with available services for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and overnight accommodations all in one elegant location.
- Enjoy the ease of working with an experienced team ready to bring your wedding vision to life with style, care, and thoughtful attention to detail.
Cost:
Varies based on selected services and event size. Contact Gateway Hotel and Conference Center directly for wedding packages and pricing details.Best time to get married:
Spring through early fall, when the garden and waterfall provide a lush, romantic setting for outdoor ceremonies and photography.Local tips:
Take advantage of the hotel’s on-site accommodations for out-of-town guests, and host a relaxed rehearsal dinner or brunch in one of the venue’s many event spaces.Address:
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center, 2100 Green Hills Drive, Ames, IA 50014Phone: 515-292-8600
6. Gatherings Nevada
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Location:
Nevada, IARecommended For:
Couples looking for an intimate, vintage-inspired venue with rustic charm and seamless, all-inclusive service.What we Love about Gatherings Nevada:
The cozy and elegant atmosphere, the personalized service from a dedicated staff, and the convenience of full-service on-site catering that makes planning stress-free and enjoyable.- Celebrate your big day in a charming, vintage venue designed for intimate weddings with a warm, inviting ambiance and stylish rustic décor.
- Indulge in thoughtfully prepared, on-site catering that caters to your personal tastes—no outside vendors needed, just exceptional service and attention to detail.
- Enjoy a collaborative planning experience with a team committed to learning your vision and delivering a smooth, meaningful celebration from start to finish.
Cost:
Varies depending on guest count, menu selections, and services. Contact Gatherings Nevada for personalized packages and pricing details.Best time to get married:
Fall and spring, when the town’s historic charm and mild weather offer a picturesque backdrop for intimate weddings.Local tips:
Take a stroll through downtown Nevada for vintage photo ops, and enjoy peace of mind knowing the venue handles both the food and flow of your big day.Address:
Gatherings Nevada, 1024 6th Street, Nevada, IA 50201Phone: 515-230-2717
7. Grand River Center
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Location:
Dubuque, IARecommended For:
Couples looking for a versatile, elegant venue with riverfront views, exceptional service, and customizable space for weddings of any size.What we Love about Grand River Center:
The choice of stunning event spaces—from the intimate all-glass River Room to the expansive Grand Ballroom—combined with exquisite catering, a riverside location, and attentive planning support from day one.- Celebrate your wedding with scenic views of the Mississippi River in a venue that adapts to your guest list, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or a 1,000-person gala.
- Indulge in top-tier service and gourmet cuisine in a venue that combines modern sophistication with warm ambiance.
- Enjoy seamless planning support and a location just steps away from Dubuque’s best entertainment and lodging options for a convenient, all-in-one wedding weekend.
Cost:
Pricing varies by room selection, guest count, and service needs. Contact the Grand River Center for detailed wedding packages and availability.Best time to get married:
Late spring through early fall, when the riverfront setting is most picturesque and ideal for photo opportunities and outdoor views.Local tips:
Book the River Room for smaller, more intimate weddings, or wow your guests in the Grand Ballroom with a custom lighting plan and panoramic river views.Address:
Grand River Center, 500 Bell Street, Dubuque, IA 52001Phone: 563-690-4500
8. Harpor’s Vineyard
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Location:
New Virginia, IARecommended For:
Couples dreaming of an exclusive, outdoor vineyard wedding with maximum flexibility, minimal fees, and no hidden charges.What we Love about Harpor’s Vineyard:
The open, guest-focused approach with no surprise charges, a dedicated coordinator, and the beautiful blend of landscaped grounds, a historic barn, and a covered deck—all designed to bring your vision to life without limitations.- Celebrate across six gorgeous acres of vineyard property, including a historic barn, open green spaces, and a covered deck ideal for ceremonies or receptions.
- Indulge in an exclusive venue experience with no service charges, no credit card fees, and no venue add-ons—just stunning scenery and supportive staff.
- Enjoy the freedom to plan your dream wedding your way, with a coordinator included to help you solve challenges and customize every detail.
Cost:
Transparent pricing with no surprise fees. Contact Harpor’s Vineyard directly for full wedding package details and date availability.Best time to get married:
Late spring through fall, when the vineyard is in full bloom and ideal for outdoor celebrations and sunset photo sessions.Local tips:
Use the historic barn for an indoor-outdoor flow and don’t hesitate to bring your boldest ideas—Harpor’s team is known for finding creative solutions to make weddings feel truly custom.Address:
Harpor’s Vineyard, 3014 Scott Street, New Virginia, IA 50210Phone: 515-201-3535
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