Skip to main content
Weddings

Attributes highlighted by couples

Quality catering
Unique aesthetic style
Guests comfort
Amenities

About this vendor

Dana and Curtis VanGilder
Dana and Curtis VanGilder
Owners

Woman-owned

6 years in business

We speak English and Spanish

Small team (2-10 members)

Alta House is a wedding venue located in Newton, Iowa. The property offers those exchanging vows a modern and sophisticated setting in which to celebrate. Conveniently located a short drive from Des Moines, it warmly welcomes both local guests and those arriving from out of town.

Facilities and Capacity

Alta House Event Center is a venue defined by pastoral charm accented with modern, Scandi style elements. The property is full of character and features wrought iron accents throughout combined with a cool, restrained color palette. Its polished facade is undercut by concrete floors, woodwork, and exposed brickwork. This gives the space a refined, contemporary edge that welcomes photographers to snap a few pictures. The venue is well-illuminated by ample natural light and the chandeliers and stylish lighting fixtures that feature prominently throughout. The venue is a spacious setting for celebrations of up to 250 guests. Its stone fireplace provides a graceful focal point before which to say ‘“I do.” The Barbershop Lounge welcomes a sophisticated cocktail reception with ample standing room and space at the bar. Guests can step outside onto Emily’s Patio for a breath of fresh air. Its landscaped courtyard, covered patio with automated louvers in the event of inclement weather and water features also provide a great backdrop for a stunning wedding photoshoot. There is parking available on-site for guests, and ample furniture rental to ensure everyone is comfortable at the party.

Services Offered

The management of Alta House Event Center is happy to welcome events to the property. They offer parties full access to the venue which can include a full one-bedroom apartment as well as a fully-equipped cabin for couples to have that "pre-wedding" separation in a comfortable "live in" space.

The management consists of seasoned events experts who are happy to make recommendations as to the area’s best wedding professionals. Couples celebrating their wedding at this gorgeous venue can expect a warm welcome and top-notch service from start to finish.

FAQ

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$3,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$2,500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Clean Up
Event Planning
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables
Transportation

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$15

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

20

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

2 Event Spaces , 2 getting Ready Spaces , accommadations on sirte for up to 44 guests and 3 rooms for event spaces

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Banquet Hall
Campsite/Cabin
Farm/Ranch

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Aisle Markers
Aisle Runners
Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Centerpieces
Chairs
Chair Covers
Dance Floor
Decor
Drapery
Furniture
Lighting
Photo booth
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Shuttle
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

Alta House receives glowing reviews from multiple guests raving about the exceptional service provided by Phoebe, Rachel, and Nick. The venue's personalized attention, accommodating staff, and well-kept charm are highlighted, with guests praising the seamless transition from ceremony to reception and the abundant decor options. The venue's value, convenience for guests staying at the nearby KOA, and stress-free experience in wedding planning are also emphasized, making Alta House a highly recommended choice for intimate weddings under 200 people.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Alta House receives glowing reviews from multiple guests raving about the exceptional service provided by Phoebe, Rachel, and Nick. The venue's personalized attention, accommodating staff, and well-kept charm are highlighted, with guests praising the seamless transition from ceremony to reception and the abundant decor options. The venue's value, convenience for guests staying at the nearby KOA, and stress-free experience in wedding planning are also emphasized, making Alta House a highly recommended choice for intimate weddings under 200 people.

Weddingwire
5.0/5 8 reviews
Google
4.9/5 118 reviews
M
Megan Sent on 06/05/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Alta House Wedding

I recommend Alta house over and over again! It was such a gorgeous place to have our wedding and reception. Everything I ever wanted! Phoebe and her team go above and beyond. They are so great and accommodating to what you want for your special day. Special shout out for Phoebe for being a rock star, I don’t think she ever sat down. She is on the go to help your day run as smooth as possible. The wedding planner guideline she provides is so helpful too!
E
Emily Sent on 11/16/2025
5 out of 5 rating

The Alta House Event Center is amazing!

We just had our daughter’s wedding at the Alta house and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Phoebe and Rachel are nothing short of amazing. They truly care about every person and ensure every detail is perfect. I was honored for them to bring our daughter’s wedding dream to life. Thank you Phoebe and Rachel we couldn’t not have had a more beautiful wedding thanks to the both of you…..and even Nick! You all are simply the best!
Silvia
Silvia Sent on 02/08/2025
5 out of 5 rating

The party’s just begun!

Last night my fiancé and I toured our final venue here. It was late and to be honest I didn’t want to come after a long day. BOY WAS I HAPPY we came! This place seems too good to be true because it’s going to be! We are so excited to have our adult Halloween wedding party! We shed some tears and laughed a lot. Best part is … we’ve only just begun!
E
Ezra Sent on 06/30/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect wedding

The Alta House was the perfect place for our wedding! Phoebe and the rest of the staff made the day absolutely wonderful and worry-free! The location right next to the KOA was great for family to stay on location for the weekend. The value we got for the venue- check in as early as 12pm Friday and leaving before 12pm Sunday- is absolutely unbeatable!!
Sarah
Sarah Sent on 12/09/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Dream come true

I knew the minute phebe called me almost immediately after showing interested that this was the wedding venue for me, and after going to sit down and talk with her and looking at this beautiful place it was perfect for us! They say they help you almost more than having a coordinator. She made sure everything went smooth without letting me know the ups and downs. It was absolutely perfect. The wedding weekend gives you so much family time, There team is amazing. There borrow room saved me so much money, they have so much beautiful stuff in there! I can't even express how perfect my day was!!!!
P
Paige Sent on 08/25/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding Day

Our special day was absolutely stunning thanks to the wonderful staff and beautiful venue. Phoebe was incredible at making our visions for the big day come true. The bridal suite was gorgeous for prepping the party and capturing the perfect before wedding photos. The outdoor ceremony along with the indoor dining hall paired nicely to fit the needs of all guests in the heat of the summer. We highly recommend this venue for any special event!
E
Emi C. Sent on 06/11/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Highly recommend!!!

Alta House staff are friendly and fantastic to work with. The tools and resources they have are incredibly helpful and the venue speaks for itself: GORGEOUS! Dana, Jill, Phoebe, and Jessie really helped put the “special” in my special day :) They are all so willing to make your dreams come true and I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone to go through Alta House for any wedding or event you have planned!
C
Courtney Sent on 05/15/2024
4.8 out of 5 rating

Made our day so perfect!

I knew Alta House was going to be a great venue to host our wedding when their owner personally called me at 9pm on a weeknight to make sure I had any and all the information I needed when I initially inquired about them. From there, that personalized service feeling just continued. Phoebe Adams, their venue coordinator was so helpful throughout the planning process, always ensuring I felt secure, content and happy with the decisions and setup we went with. She really made me feel like she was part of my family and wanted our day to turn out as great as she would have wanted her own!

The week of the wedding, we had to make a decision to flip our space instead of using their outdoor patio for our ceremony and the Alta House team couldn't have made it go more smoothly. They took our ceremony space and flipped it into a beautiful reception space in roughly an hour and our guests kept raving about how amazing the reception space looked and how impressed they were with how fast they were able to make the vision all come to life.

The venue has so much charm and is incredibly well kept, organized and was stunning on our big day! They have an abundant decor closet that we used pieces from and that takes alot of stress off the decorating side of things as their team handles setting it up and bringing your vision to life at no extra charge.

I highly recommend Alta House to anyone looking for a venue or event under 200 people; their team is professional, organized and so genuine and kind. We will always remember how beautiful our special day was at Alta House! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

8
illustration message review

Are you interested?

Team

Dana and Curtis VanGilder
Dana and Curtis VanGilder
Owners
Phoebe Gutierrez
Phoebe Gutierrez
Venue Coordinator

Map

Location

Schedule a visit

Get an in-person vibe check and have your questions answered in real time.

Wedding couple

Why use Weddingwire to message vendors?

  • Messaging our verified vendors on WeddingWire is complimentary, safe, and secure.
  • Effortlessly manage vendor communications and planning details in one centralized location.
  • Our mobile apps ensure you can stay connected with vendors anytime, anywhere.
  • For customized pricing and package information, messaging the vendor directly is the quickest way to get the details you need.

ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER frequently asked questions

ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Lighting/Sound
  • Linens
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
  • Transportation
ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • Champagne Toast
  • House Beer
  • House Liquor
  • House Wine
  • Open Bar
  • Signature Drink
  • Specialty Beer
The space offered by ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet Hall
  • Campsite/Cabin
  • Farm/Ranch
ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Aisle Markers
  • Aisle Runners
  • Altar/Arch
  • Audio Equipment
  • Centerpieces
  • Chairs
  • Chair Covers
  • Dance Floor
  • Decor
  • Drapery
  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Photo booth
  • Tables
ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.
ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER currently offers 1 discount promotion for wedding services.
View next Banquet Halls

Other vendors in Des Moines for your wedding

Wedding Venues

Responds within 24 hours