12 Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Iowa for Your Big Day

Planning a wedding in the great state of Iowa? You’ve got a wide variety of options!

From rustic barns to upscale country clubs, we’ll be discussing the best outdoor wedding venues near major cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids (just to name a few), as well as some gems located off the beaten path.

The average cost of a wedding in Iowa is actually pretty affordable compared to other states. Clocking in at roughly $22,600, according to Maroo, getting hitched in Iowa is definitely doable.

So without further ado, let’s dive into all the wonderful outdoor wedding venues in Iowa where you can take in all the bucolic wonders.


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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

If you’ve been hunting for the perfect outdoor wedding venue, you’ve probably already put the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden on your shortlist.

This award-winning venue is conveniently located just north of the heart of Des Moines on the Riverwalk and includes stunning views and generous options for ceremony and reception spaces.

This venue offers covered and uncovered outdoor settings, which is perfect if you’re getting married in the spring, because we all know the weather can be hard to predict!

The wedding packages include tons of rentals and set up/tear down services, making this venue a no-brainer if you want a seamless outdoor wedding experience!

Bonus: Guests also get complimentary admission to the Gardens during public hours! There’s plenty of time to show your out-of-town guests the beauty of this iconic garden.

Price Range: $4,000+ for outdoor rentals.

Capacity: Up to 500 outdoors

Find Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Salisbury House and Gardens

Dreaming of an outdoor wedding that takes place in a historic landmark venue? Look no further than the Salisbury House and Gardens.

This unique venue was built in the 1920s and is located on 10 gorgeous acres of woodland, expansive lawns, and supremely well-maintained gardens.

Regardless of the size of the event, you’re planning for, your special day’s ceremony will take place with the idyllic scenery of the Salisbury Oaks neighborhood as an unforgettable backdrop.

Elegance is the game’s name, and for brides looking for someplace iconic to host their outdoor wedding, the Salisbury House and Gardens is a strong choice.

Price Range: Please contact the venue for pricing info here.

Capacity: 250+

Find Salisbury House and Gardens at Salisbury House and Gardens or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Harpor’s Vineyard

Located in New Virginia, Harpor’s Vineyard is a must-visit if you’re seeking an outdoor wedding venue to host your modern wedding. With stunning, lush greenery in the background, Harpor’s boasts classic suites for the bride and groom to get ready.

There’s plenty of entertainment for your guests as they explore the grounds; yard games can be enjoyed while sipping cocktails, or your guests might prefer hanging out around the fire pit and courtyard.

And before I forget… all packages include unlimited alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) beverages for your guests! It honestly doesn’t get better than that!

Price Range: Please contact the venue for pricing info here.

Capacity: Up to 2,000 guests.

Find Harpor’s Vineyard at Harpor’s Vineyard or check out Facebook or Instagram.

The Celebration Farm

Planning a rustic, classic, barn wedding? Take a gander at The Celebration Farm. It boasts a double round barn, a timber frame barn, and an amphitheater built into the hillside that features jaw-dropping stone arches that make the perfect setting for photos.

Sitting on an intimate 5.5 acres conveniently located just outside Iowa City, you can choose your preferred local vendors to make the big day uniquely yours.

Flexibility is a huge perk when it comes to this venue, and they’ll be able to make your dream woodland wedding come true no matter how big or small your plans are!

Price Range: Check out the pricing list here.

Capacity: 150-300 guests seated.

Find The Celebration Farm at The Celebration Farm or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Glen Oaks Country Club

Located in the West Des Moines area, the highly-rated Glen Oaks Country Club and golf course is the place to go for a picturesque, classic country club wedding.

There are gorgeous outdoor verandas that offer plenty of photo opportunities, and just imagine a tented outdoor wedding overlooking the trees and scenery.

With impeccably kept grounds, an impressive clubhouse, and an overall elegant vibe, you have your pick of the space and amenities to make your night completely customizable and a dream come true!

Price Range: Click here for the Glen Oaks Country Club pricing sheet.

Capacity: Up to 300 guests.

Find Glen Oaks Country Club at Glen Oaks Country Club or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Honey Creek Resort

If you’re in the Moravia area, I’m sure you’re familiar with the award-winning Honey Creek Resort near Rathbun Lake. With its relaxed environment and lovely panoramic views of the lake, Honey Creek Resort could be the wedding venue for you!

Over 8,880 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space are available for you to choose from.

You can take in all of the glory of 850 acres of southern Iowa wilderness from the resort lodge or spend your evening feasting and dancing by the glittering shores of Lake Rathbun.

Price Range: View their package offerings here, or contact the venue for pricing options here.

Capacity: Up to 350 guests.

Find Honey Creek Resort at Honey Creek Resort or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Rollins Mansion

This impressive mansion was built in the 1920s and is chock full of historic charm.

If you’re hoping for an outdoor wedding with photos taken in front of one of the most recognizable buildings in Des Moines, this venue could be the one for you.

Host your intimate garden ceremony within the walled courtyard of the mansion grounds- your guests will love the quaint fountain and peaceful views of the trees.

The Rollins Mansion is an elegant choice for couples seeking a stunning outdoor space with just as lovely interiors.

Price Range: Please contact the venue for pricing here.

Capacity: 300+

Find Rollins Mansion at Rollins Mansion or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Ushers Ferry Historic Village

Looking for something charming, quirky, and with a lot of “old world” charm? Consider the Ushers Ferry Historic Village, next to the Cedar River.

The event site is uniquely decorated to reflect the rustic ambiance of turn-of-the-19th-century era Iowa. Hearken back to the days of yore, but don’t worry… the venue has all modern amenities!

The center of the village has a darling gazebo that can host your outdoor wedding with seating for up to 150 people.

If you’re craving the wilderness, you also have the freedom to choose your own unique spot on the 10 acres- will it be in front of the barn or a secluded wooded area? The choice is yours!

Price Range: $3,400 to $4,600

Capacity: Up to 300 guests.

Find Ushers Ferry Historic Village at Ushers Ferry Historic Village or check out Facebook.

Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

Want to take in all of Mother Nature’s glory on your big day? The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is an excellent and affordable option.

With three popular ceremony venues, you honestly have your pick of the entire property (160 acres!)- choose from any of the lovely gardens, gazebo, or pavilions.

No outdoor wedding would be complete without a beautiful background, and the Arboretum grounds are a strong contender if you’re looking for loads of green space for your guests and a hefty dash of tranquility.

Price Range: View the Arboretum’s pricing sheet here.

Capacity: Up to 200 guests.

Find Iowa Arboretum & Gardens at Iowa Arboretum & Gardens or check out Facebook.

Carper Vineyard and Winery

Tucked away in Norwalk, Carper Vineyard offers exclusive wedding packages for those looking for an intimate and romantic experience.

This serene vineyard includes idyllic pergolas, cafe lighting, and an exquisite patio to really soak in the moments. With lots of amenities, you’ll be able to customize the space to fit your layout needs.

This picture-perfect venue offers amazing views and a unique experience just outside of Des Moines, so if you’re looking for something that feels like a destination but is still in your neighborhood, check out Carper Winery!

Price Range: $6,000 and up.

Capacity: Up to 300 guests.

Find Carper Vineyard at Carper Vineyard or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Bella Sala Event Center

Bella Sala is well known in the Iowa bridal community for its spacious outdoor wedding accommodations.

This venue is conveniently located in Tiffin, Iowa, and offers all-inclusive pricing for the wedding of your dreams!

There’s a romantic waterfall terrace for photographs, gorgeous landscaping, and intimate patio spaces for guests to mingle.

If you’re dead set on an outdoor wedding, the thought of bad weather will always linger around your decision-making process… but fear not.

Bella Sala offers a variety of indoor rentals too! The inclusive wedding package makes Bella Sala an attractive option for couples looking for a one-stop shop with less stress and more of a streamlined wedding experience.

Price Range: Please contact the venue for pricing here.

Capacity: Up to 650 guests.

Find Bella Sala Events at Bella Sala Events or check out Facebook or Instagram.

Experience Baqara

Rustic chic brides, rejoice! Surely you’ve heard of Experience Baqara Coliseum in Newton. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of Jasper County and offers a wonderfully blank canvas for many creative wedding ideas… I mean, have you seen that gorgeous Roman backdrop?

If the Coliseum isn’t your style, perhaps you’re looking for the expansive, natural look- in which case, soak up all the country vibes with the pastoral, romantic views of the Des Moines farmland. Either way, you can’t go wrong with hosting your outdoor wedding at Baqara.

Price Range: $2,000 to $7,000

Capacity: 275 guests.

Find Experience Baqara at Experience Baqara or check out Facebook or Instagram.

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