A historic house museum and garden located in a private residential neighborhood of downtown Des Moines, Iowa, the Salisbury House and Gardens is a 42-room estate surrounded by nine acres of beautiful gardens and woodland. The Salisbury House and Gardens is perfect for couples looking to host a bridal shower, ceremony, engagement party, reception, or rehearsal dinner. With a rich and meaningful history, the Salisbury House and Gardens is the perfect spot for an unforgettable day, no matter what month or season. The estate is recognized as a treasure by the National Register of Historic Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Facilities and Capacity
The Salisbury House and Gardens features old world-style architecture with Tudor stone work, Gothic arches, and Carolean brickwork originally inspired by the King’s House in Salisbury, England. The elegant and unique estate, which has seven event spaces, also incorporates various British architectural elements, such as stonework, fireplaces, woodwork, and flooring of the fifteenth and sixteenth century. Couples can host up to 300 guests for their wedding and have access to both indoor and uncovered outdoor spaces.
Services Offered
Couples have access to event rentals to enhance their day. Event rental items include both round and rectangular tables of various sizes and heights, projector screens and stands, and wireless Internet. They also provide you with the option to use black folding chairs with padded seats or white plastic garden chairs for your event. There is on-street parking and the Salisbury House and Gardens also has a small on-site parking lot. Additional services included with your rental:
History
The Salisbury House and Gardens was the home of Carl and Edith Weeks and their four sons. Carl, a native Iowa pharmacist who created an international business empire with his breakthrough innovations in the cosmetics industry, built the home in the 1920s. The historic museum showcases various books, art, historic documents, musical instruments, and decorative items that Carl and his wife collected throughout their 30-year residency.
14 Reviews for Salisbury House & Gardens
Recommended by 91% of couples
6 User photos
Emily · Married on 09/15/2018
We had a wonderful day at the Salisbury House. Although a tad warm, for the middle of September (95 degrees). Our outdoor ceremony was beautiful. Bonnie was wonderful to work with as well as the rest of the staff. The grounds are worth every penny for beautiful pictures / video!
Sent on 09/18/2018
Ali · Married on 05/25/2018
The ladies at Salisbury House and Gardens were a DREAM to work with! Owning an event company in Charleston, SC, I wasn't able to visit the venue prior to the wedding, and they were VERY resourceful and always willing to help. The venue was stunning and I cannot recommend Salisbury House and Gardens enough!
Sent on 08/08/2018
Salisbury House & Gardens's reply:
Hi Ali! We appreciate your kind words! You were such fun to work with! We'd recommend A. Caldwell Events in a heartbeat. Thank you for bringing your southern charm to Iowa! We sincerely hope our paths have an opportunity to cross again someday.Annie · Married on 09/16/2017
I absolutely ADORE the Salisbury House and Gardens in Des Moines, IA. What a dream location! We had our ceremony and reception all on site. The wedding coordinator of the house, Bonnie, was amazing to work with as she would keep in touch with us throughout the year leading up to the big day. Bonnie kept us updated on rules of the house as well as all the options we had for our special day. Bonnie also helped us create a Plan B for weather, which had to be put into effect. Bonnie and her team did an amazing job of setting up chairs and helping direct vendors. I know many of our guests were impressed with the wedding venue and enjoyed exploring the gardens and the first level of the house. I would highly recommend the Salisbury House for any size wedding. Ours was small (less than 100 people) so we had more options to move it indoors and avoid using an outdoors tent, but I know there have been beautiful weddings that have been on site as well, so it's really a dream site for any bride and wedding party! Thank you to Bonnie and the Salisbury House for a magical day... I wish it didn't have to end!
Sent on 09/27/2017
Salisbury House & Gardens's reply:
...and we absolutely ADORE you and Lance! Congratulations! We wish you much love and happiness.1 Endorsement
A hidden gem deep within an historic Des Moines neighborhood. Lots of options for wedding events, from intimate to grand! Bonnie and the sales staff are wonderful to work with. -Lisa & Michelle
