Award winner
Award winner thanks to recommendations from couples on WeddingWire.com.
- 2019
Gateway Hotel & Conference Center
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"Gateway Hotel and Conference Center is a hidden gem in the Central Iowa area! Don’t picture the..."
"We went to tour the venue at the end of February and got married in front of the small waterfall..."
About this venue
Gateway Hotel & Conference Center is a premier and newly renovated Ames, IA, hotel wedding venue offering timeless indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies, receptions, and wedding weekend celebrations. From intimate gatherings to grand receptions surrounded by family and friends, we blend classic elegance with modern comfort for life's most meaningful celebrations.
With thoughtfully designed event spaces, exceptional service, and comfortable on-site accommodations, the Gateway creates a seamless and memorable experience for couples and their guests. From the moment you begin planning to the final dance of the evening, our experienced and passionate team is dedicated to making every detail feel effortless and every moment truly special.
Whether you're planning a cozy rehearsal dinner, a romantic ceremony, or a lively reception, Gateway Hotel & Conference Center offers versatile spaces to suit celebrations of every size, accommodating up to 430 guests.
With more than 30 years of experience hosting weddings and special events, the Gateway team understands what it takes to create a seamless and joyful celebration. Our venue offers a variety of convenient in-house services, helping couples simplify the planning process and focus on enjoying every moment.
We believe your love story deserves a beautiful beginning, and we would be honored to help you create a day that will be remembered for a lifetime!
Take a 360° Virtual Tour and enjoy an exclusive sneak peek today!
Experience
-
48 years in business
-
We speak English
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?
$1,850
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?
$1,850
Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?
Yes
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?
$700
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?
$700
Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?
Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables
Catering Services
Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?
Cake Cutting
Server(s)
Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?
Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?
1 large ballroom for up to 430 people - can be divided into 3 smaller rooms. 1 smaller ballroom - up to 220 guests. 1 outdoor patio - up to 200 for ceremony - can also be used for cocktail hours, etc. Multiple other smaller rooms for additional needs.
Describe your venue:
Banquet Hall
Garden
Hotel
Restaurant
What kind of settings are available?
Indoor
Uncovered 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
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi
What catering services do you offer?
Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings
What bar services do you provide?
Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine
What event items are available?
Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Centerpieces
Chairs
Chair Covers
Dance Floor
Decor
Drapery
Furniture
Lighting
Tables
What food and beverage items are available?
Barware
China
Chocolate Fountain
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
What transportation and access is available?
Parking
Wheelchair Access
What months are included in your peak season?
What months are included in your off-peak season?
Any other questions?
Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!Reviews of Gateway Hotel & Conference Center
Weddingwire
21 reviews
Google
1093 reviews
Briar Sent on 08/28/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Incredible service at a fantastic venue in Central Iowa!
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center is a hidden gem in the Central Iowa area! Don’t picture the dated venue of yesteryear, it’s gone through a very thoughtful renovation that created spaces that have a “touch of ISU” rather than it being the forefront.
At Gateway, we signed ONE contract that covered: the ceremony, reception, CATERING, rehearsal, room blocks, linens, dancefloor, chair rental, etc. Truly a full-service venue that knows weddings inside and out. I can’t mention Gateway without talking about the FOOD. I swear, prepare to have your guests rave about the food at your wedding for the next decade.
The planning process covered every minor detail, right down to the napkin fold. At times I thought, there’s no way this is just included—yes, it was included—and yes, you can pick out exactly what you want. Zoie and the team were amazing to work with. My post-nuptial blues have me wishing that I could get married every year so I can continue to work with them.
The Gateway Hotel and Conference Center is the perfect place to get married and have a party that will be talked about for a long time. From Friday morning until Sunday afternoon—you, your family, and your guests are treated to incredible service at a fantastic venue.
At Gateway, we signed ONE contract that covered: the ceremony, reception, CATERING, rehearsal, room blocks, linens, dancefloor, chair rental, etc. Truly a full-service venue that knows weddings inside and out. I can’t mention Gateway without talking about the FOOD. I swear, prepare to have your guests rave about the food at your wedding for the next decade.
The planning process covered every minor detail, right down to the napkin fold. At times I thought, there’s no way this is just included—yes, it was included—and yes, you can pick out exactly what you want. Zoie and the team were amazing to work with. My post-nuptial blues have me wishing that I could get married every year so I can continue to work with them.
The Gateway Hotel and Conference Center is the perfect place to get married and have a party that will be talked about for a long time. From Friday morning until Sunday afternoon—you, your family, and your guests are treated to incredible service at a fantastic venue.
899Fa7Dd429389D61Cb5E59D261C70C39260D24F Sent on 08/03/2022
5 out of 5 rating
Beautiful and relaxing
We went to tour the venue at the end of February and got married in front of the small waterfall they have outside late July. We told them upfront that we would be moving a couple days after touring there. They worked with us on price and late zoom meetings or phone calls. They responded well to texts and emails the day of the wedding. The price includes the meal, hors d'oeuvres, late snacks, the chairs and decorations, the venue itself, and for 3 rooms for 4 days.
Kelli Sent on 02/14/2018
5 out of 5 rating
We had our wedding at the Gateway this past summer and loved every minute of it. The gateway staff went above and beyond to make our day perfect! It’s the perfect venue to be able to have your wedding all at one spot and convenient for your guest to be able to stay.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Awards
You've seen what other couples are saying
Share what you're looking for and see if it's the right fit for you.Team
Zoie Kooiker
Catering Manager + Event Coordinator
Professional Network & Endorsements
One of the nicer banquet facilities in Ames. Great food and great service.
Great Venue!
Great place for a wedding! And wonderful staff to support you on your big day!
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Gateway Hotel & Conference Center frequently asked questions
Gateway Hotel & Conference Center includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
- Bridal Suite
- Chairs
- China
- Clean Up
- Event Planning
- Flatware
- Glassware
- Lighting/Sound
- Linens
- Parking
- Set Up
- Tables
- Catering Services
Gateway Hotel & Conference Center includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
- Cake Cutting
- Server(s)
The bar service starting price at Gateway Hotel & Conference Center includes:
- Bartender(s)
- Champagne Toast
The space offered by Gateway Hotel & Conference Center for wedding events is known for:
- Banquet Hall
- Garden
- Hotel
- Restaurant
Gateway Hotel & Conference Center offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
- Indoor
- Uncovered Outdoor
Gateway Hotel & Conference Center offers the following types of wedding events:
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Bridal Shower
- Engagement Party
- Elopements
- Rehearsal Dinner
Gateway Hotel & Conference Center offers the following services for wedding events:
- Accommodations
- Bar Services
- Catering Services
- Clean Up
- Event Planner
- Event Rentals
- Get Ready Rooms
- Outside Vendors
- Pet Friendly
- Wifi
Gateway Hotel & Conference Center offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
- Altar/Arch
- Audio Equipment
- Centerpieces
- Chairs
- Chair Covers
- Dance Floor
- Decor
- Drapery
- Furniture
- Lighting
- Tables
Gateway Hotel & Conference Center is recommended by 96% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 5 in quality of service, 5 in professionalism, 4.9 in average response time, 4.8 in flexibility and 4.6 in value.
Gateway Hotel & Conference Center currently offers 2 discount promotions for wedding services.