
Welcome to the first installment of our location compilation! We know there are so many options out there for you to choose from when planning where you want to have your wedding and/or ceremony, so we thought we'd help! Over the next five weeks, prepare to have your options listed out for you in five different categories: Industrial, Historic, Wineries/Breweries, Barn/Rustic, and Country Club/Outdoor. We are so excited to share these with you and we hope these lists help you find the perfect location to tie the knot!
This initial installment is dedicated to industrial venues, so, without further ado, let's dive in:
Sticks Design Studio
Address: 3631 SW 61st St, Des Moines, IA 50321
As described in their convenient Events Packet (which provides a full breakdown of various packages and the pricing for each!), "The studio sits centrally amongst 8 acres of native prairie grasses, rolling lawns and mature oak trees, just beyond the city lights of Des Moines. Awarded the prestigious Architectural Award of Excellence in 2000, the venue features two-story windows overlooking the green tree-filled lawn. Massive wooden double doors open from floor to roof, allowing for full ventilation as well as a door-to-door cross breeze. The interior space is an entire two stories, all open to the air. Its design reduces noise while maximizing the natural lighting and airflow. Perfect for large weddings, dinners, private parties, or corporate events, the building's design allows for a guest walkway and entrance, while a rear loading dock allows for the easy movement of furniture or decorations without disruption." Sounds amazing to us, this is a great place to consider for your big day!
This initial installment is dedicated to industrial venues, so, without further ado, let's dive in:
Sticks Design Studio
Address: 3631 SW 61st St, Des Moines, IA 50321
As described in their convenient Events Packet (which provides a full breakdown of various packages and the pricing for each!), "The studio sits centrally amongst 8 acres of native prairie grasses, rolling lawns and mature oak trees, just beyond the city lights of Des Moines. Awarded the prestigious Architectural Award of Excellence in 2000, the venue features two-story windows overlooking the green tree-filled lawn. Massive wooden double doors open from floor to roof, allowing for full ventilation as well as a door-to-door cross breeze. The interior space is an entire two stories, all open to the air. Its design reduces noise while maximizing the natural lighting and airflow. Perfect for large weddings, dinners, private parties, or corporate events, the building's design allows for a guest walkway and entrance, while a rear loading dock allows for the easy movement of furniture or decorations without disruption." Sounds amazing to us, this is a great place to consider for your big day!

District Venue
Address: 1350 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
This one belongs on your short list! This venue has a feel that you won't get anywhere else and may be just the thing to finish off the aesthetic of your wedding. According to their website, instead of offering numerous packages, The District provides you, your fiancé, and your guests with full-service amenities. The District follows an all-inclusive format that simplifies your wedding planning and costs. Check out their Wedding Event Rental Guidelines for more information!
Address: 1350 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
This one belongs on your short list! This venue has a feel that you won't get anywhere else and may be just the thing to finish off the aesthetic of your wedding. According to their website, instead of offering numerous packages, The District provides you, your fiancé, and your guests with full-service amenities. The District follows an all-inclusive format that simplifies your wedding planning and costs. Check out their Wedding Event Rental Guidelines for more information!

Iowa State Fairgrounds
Address: 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
The greatest part about considering the Fairgrounds for your wedding venue? The options! As described on their webpage, “The Iowa State Fairgrounds offers a beautiful, picturesque backdrop to your big day, complete with several venue options as well as expert staff to help you plan your event. Whether you’re looking for a ceremony site, a reception hall or some great photo ops, our scenic Fairgrounds offers the perfect blend of convenience and charm.” Be sure to check out their wedding book to compare prices and square footage and find your perfect venue at the Fairgrounds! No matter the size of your wedding, the Fairgrounds can accommodate you. Think of all the fun you've had in the past at the Iowa State Fair, why not add your big day to all the wonderful memories made at the Fairgrounds?
Address: 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
The greatest part about considering the Fairgrounds for your wedding venue? The options! As described on their webpage, “The Iowa State Fairgrounds offers a beautiful, picturesque backdrop to your big day, complete with several venue options as well as expert staff to help you plan your event. Whether you’re looking for a ceremony site, a reception hall or some great photo ops, our scenic Fairgrounds offers the perfect blend of convenience and charm.” Be sure to check out their wedding book to compare prices and square footage and find your perfect venue at the Fairgrounds! No matter the size of your wedding, the Fairgrounds can accommodate you. Think of all the fun you've had in the past at the Iowa State Fair, why not add your big day to all the wonderful memories made at the Fairgrounds?

West End Architectural Salvage
Address: 22 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Looking for the perfectly unique place to have your special day, somewhere your guests will find unforgettable? Look no further: “West End Architectural Salvage is more than just a store, it’s a one-of-a-kind events center.” Their full service coffee shop also serves muffins and other baked goods with plenty of seating. Find out more about their venue offerings here!

Science Center of Iowa
Address: 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Science Center is a beautifully modern venue with the right amount of attitude. Not only is the venue itself beautiful, but it is located in the heart of Downtown Des Moines, nearby Court Avenue, several hotels, and convenient parking options. Per their event planning page, SCI offers "preferred catering, bar service and accommodations for 20 to 500 people... [and] flexible options from the moment you walk down the aisle all the way to the bouquet toss." Put the Science Center on your tour list!

The Art Center
Address: 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Still looking for more ways to make your perfect day even more beautiful? Why not surround yourself and your loved ones with amazing pieces of art! The Art Center promises they "will make planning your event effortless. We take care of all the details. One of our premier preferred caterers will provide an exceptional culinary experience, whether passed hors d'oeuvres or a multiple course dinner. We will ensure that your event is exactly how you envision it."
World-class art + a lovely couple = wedding day bliss!

Marriott Downtown
Address: 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
This is the place for elegant and modern weddings, the Marriott "offers a refreshingly personal approach to planning your dream wedding that honors your wishes and family traditions." Plus, it's another location in the heart of the beautiful Downtown Des Moines, where your guests will love to explore. Not much can be more convenient that attending a wedding at the hotel you're staying in. Even for those family and friends that live in Des Moines, it'll be a great excuse for a staycation!

DM Social Club
Address: 900 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Think: art deco. "The Des Moines Social Club offers a variety of unique spaces for your next party, workshop, or meeting. The energetic and creative atmosphere of the renovated, 1930s firehouse is a perfect alternative to the typical venue. Though much of the historic integrity of the building has been maintained, the Social Club has a modern, industrial atmosphere that makes it suitable for a wide range of events." Des Moines Social Club is a great option for couples looking for something a little different with a venue feel you won't be able to get anywhere else.

Noah’s Events
Address: 1805 90th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
We couldn't have said it better, so we'll let them say it themselves: "NOAH'S weddings are stylish, modern, and one-of-a-kind. We're there with every couple for each step of the journey because we're committed to making sure that each wedding is perfect from start to finish. With dazzling ceiling designs, incredible accent lighting options, and top event packages, NOAH'S truly is the best event space and wedding venue Des Moines has to offer. Unlike some wedding venues in Iowa NOAH'S has an industry-leading open-vendor policy, allowing you to bring in your own caterer, decorator, or vendors to personalize the space in an affordable and unique way." Doesn't that sound like a dream? It sure does to us.

Hotel Winneshiek
Address: 104 E Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
This venue has such a powerful presence that you won't be able to help but be in awe from the moment you enter the building. As they describe on their website: "Hotel Winneshiek offers an array of spaces ideal for events ranging from weddings to business meetings. Full catering and bar options, as well as comprehensive event-planning assistance, are also offered. In addition to the attached Opera House, our Conference Center includes two acoustically refined, AV technology-equipped meeting spaces." They have over 5,400 square feet in space and each room can be selected and set up to your satisfaction to ensure you have the wedding of your dreams. Not to mention the Winneshiek's grand, three-story, 450 square feet lobby and 280 square feet foyer that can be used as a pre-wedding mingling space or as the room where you have your ceremony.