You’ve found the “one”. The person you want to marry. Everything else will be downhill easy, right? Not quite. That one decision is about to snowball into a series of additional decisions that will require research, site visits, and a budget.
Unique Events Iowa, one of Iowa’s premier wedding and event planners, is well known in the eastern part of the state. But we also have an office in Des Moines where there are many great wedding venues. You can do a Google search and find the well-known spots for weddings and receptions, but we thought it might be fun to talk about some of the lesser-known places in the Des Moines area. After all, Unique Events is all about putting the “unique” in your event. That starts with helping you find a beautiful setting for the big day.
Des Moines Wedding Venues Provide Many Options
One of the first things you’ll want to decide is the type of wedding and reception you want. A hotel where your guests can stumble up to their rooms when it’s over? Or a rustic setting? Or maybe a large estate that makes you feel like landed gentry? In central Iowa, there are a variety of wedding spots. We sifted through online chatboards and organization sites to find some of the more unique wedding venues in the Des Moines area that might not pop into your head right away.
Salisbury House and Gardens
Salisbury House & Gardens – Des Moines, IA – Courtesy Wikipedia, weddinglovely.com
If you want to feel like “Lady Mary” from Downton Abbey on your special day, consider a venue like this. Iowa’s 42-room Salisbury House was inspired by King’s House in Salisbury, England. The architecture is extraordinary. Indoor/outdoor options are available.
Living History Farms
This isn’t the Living History Farms you visited in elementary school. Living History in Urbandale has different options including the Church of the Land and Flynn Barn. If you’re thinking rustic with great parking, this site is worth checking out.
Say I Do At The Zoo?
Des Moines’ Blank Park Zoo holds a lot of fond memories of childhood visits for many locals. But you don’t always think of it as a wedding venue. Thanks to the zoo’s “I Do at the Zoo” campaign, it’s becoming more popular. Having baby alligators entertain your guests at cocktail time (one of their promotions) might not be everyone’s idea of memorable, but you can pick and choose from several fun and unique wedding options.
Raccoon River Nature Lodge Provides Scenic Views
While we’re on animal themes, another naturally pretty wedding venue is Raccoon River Nature Lodge in West Des Moines. Concerned that the weather may not cooperate on the big day? Outdoor weddings are possible with indoor receptions. The buildings have a park-like feel. Hmmm, sounds like a perfect setting for Unique Event’s cross-back chairs and rustic tables!
We’ve barely touched on the options in the Des Moines area. If you’d like more possibilities, contact our Des Moines office at 515-212-1498. Remember whatever you decide, Unique Events of Iowa can help make it happen!
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