5 Intimate Wedding Venues North of Des Moines, Iowa
Something about me is I’ve lived North of Des Moines ever since college. I attended Iowa State University from 2014-2018, then stuck around when I graduated and got married. We lived in Ames for a few years, then moved to a little town 10 minutes north of that when we started to grow our family. PERSONALLY, I think it’s such an underrated area to live in, but also to get married in! There are so many great options in Des Moines, but there are great options just outside of DSM too that often get overlooked.
I think these intimate venues are worth the extra few minutes in the car for a wedding day:
1868 Farmhouse in Boone, IA - I’ve had the opportunity to photograph weddings and couples at the 1868 Farmhouse in Boone, Iowa several times since they first opened. I did their first little styled shoot, and have gotten to photograph several wedding days since. This venue has it ALL. There’s a beautiful historic home on site with getting ready spaces for everyone, a brick patio perfect for small ceremonies, group photos, and more, and also a large reception space to house all your guests for dinner and dancing. There are options for different styles of outdoor ceremonies, which is something I love so much about the farmhouse. Truly you can make this venue so personalized to you!
Raspberry Hill Bed & Breakfast in Ames, IA - If you love a garden party or English cottage aesthetic, the Raspberry Hill Bed and Breakfast in Ames is perfect for you. Such a cute location that doesn’t feel like it’s in the middle of the Midwest. There’s spaces for getting ready, indoor, and outdoor wedding use. Plus, you can spend the night here! We’ve had the opportunity to document an intimate winter wedding here before, and it was such a storybook vibe!
Eagles Ledge in Madrid, IA - The Eagles Ledge is the perfect blank slate for any wedding day. Big white walls, windows, and a black exterior — your personal wedding style will pop against the blank slate offered at this venue in Madrid, Iowa. We’ve gotten to photograph a couple weddings here before and it is perfect for a wide variety of wedding styles. We’ve shot both colorful, intimate days and large, classic days here.
Prairie Moon Winery in Ames, IA - This venue has a warm spot in my heart because it’s where I got married in 2019. :) You can get married inside, or viewing the winery, or on their brick patio. Other spot with several options! Personally, I love how pretty a vineyard is. Not only is it pretty, but you also have the perk of a discount on their wine. Love supporting a local winery!
Reiman Gardens in Ames, IA - Another great option if you want a spot that doesn’t feel like Iowa, and leans into a garden party feel. Nothing screams garden party more than a literal garden. Again, this venue has indoor and outdoor spaces available for use, an a variety of different outdoor spots available. Plus GO Iowa State :-).
