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Weddings

About

Stop by and visit the State Historical Museum of Iowa located in the Historic East Village Neighborhood in Des Moines!

Our museum offers a variety of event spaces to accommodate a group size from 10–400. Our sky-lit atrium is perfect for a wedding ceremony or reception.

Café Baratta’s is open Monday through Saturday for lunch from 11am–2pm, but can hold private dinners or receptions up to 50 guests on evenings and weekends. Our Café Terrace is connected to Café Baratta’s on the third floor of the museum and offers a beautiful view of the State Capitol and downtown Des Moines. The Café Terrace is available for wedding ceremonies and receptions!

Lastly, the State Historical Building’s Grand Terrace, which has street level access from Grand Avenue, can accommodate up to 500 seated for a corporate dinner or reception.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Yes

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

Yes

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Chairs
Parking
Tables

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

10

Describe your venue:

Museum

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception

What event services do you offer?

Event Planner
Wifi

What transportation and access is available?

Parking

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
November
December

Reviews of State Historical Museum of Iowa

Matthew
Matthew Sent on 06/18/2019
5 out of 5 rating

A unique venue with outstanding customer service.

As a person who works in the event coordination industry, I cannot understate how impressed I was with the customer service and professionalism of the staff that assisted with our wedding. Leading up to the big day they answered all of our questions and gave recommendations, that really put our mind at ease. Even though we had planned for an outdoor wedding on the patio overlooking the city, Mother Nature had other plans. The staff gave us until noon the day of to decide, and made the switch for the ceremony / reception to take place inside on the main level seamlessly. Baratta’s catered an outstanding meal with enough options for everyone to enjoy. During the reception they made sure the wedding table and guests were taken care of though the whole thing. Finally at the end of the night they took care of cleaning up without us having to lift a finger. I would highly recommend this site to anyone looking for a unique venue with amazing staff included.
U
User2392170 Sent on 10/26/2015
5 out of 5 rating
We had our wedding reception here and it was wonderful. The staff went above and beyond our expectations. We worked with Vania and she was awesome in helping us get our reception planned and set up. I would highly recommend using them!
M
Megan Sent on 10/30/2014
5 out of 5 rating
We had our wedding ceremony and reception at the State Historical Building. The staff--particularly Peri and Vania--were very in tune with how we wanted our event to look and feel. Their flexibility and professionalism were huge during a time that can be very stressful for a bride and groom. In many cases, we asked for their candid opinions on what to do or how to set something up, and they always provided great options to make the whole event catered to our guests. I would highly recommend the State Historical Building for a wedding, and any other event that is in need of a 'wow' factor. Thank you for making our day so memorable!
B
Brianne Sent on 10/28/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Peri and Vania were wonderful to work with and very accommodating! I planned our wedding from California, which was a bit stressful. But Peri and Vania were patient and kind. Our wedding day and night went very smoothly and worry-free. And, our guests LOVED the venue and had a great time! Thank you!
S
Shaunelle Sent on 07/03/2014
5 out of 5 rating
We can't thank the staff at the historical building enough. Peri worked with us from day one and made sure our day was everything we dreamed. Very easy to work with. I would highly recommend this venue to anyone. The views are stunning too!!
J
Julie Sent on 11/24/2013
5 out of 5 rating
Peri was great and answered all of my questions quickly and thoroughly. Zenia was easy to work with and made the ceremony run smoothly! Great team!
A
Amy Sent on 10/08/2013
5 out of 5 rating
Zenia was so helpful in all of the planning and question-answering leading up to the day of the wedding. She couldn't be there the day of our event but had a qualified "replacement" -- so helpful in getting things set up, and was a rockstar when it came to moving our outdoor ceremony inside at THE LAST MINUTE. couldn't have more great things to say about the service we received - loved it, and we loved having our wedding at the Historical Building. Thank you!!!
U
User1939445 Sent on 11/25/2014
4.8 out of 5 rating
Excellent atmosphere for a party. Loved it! Decorations are definitely needed, however, and do provide an additional expense. People at the Historical Building were fabulous to work with. Lighting was a bit of a challenge in the large room---too bright or too dark...
P
Pooja Sent on 06/11/2014
4.8 out of 5 rating
This venue was absolutely fantastic for our Wedding day. The catering company exceeded our expectations and was extremely professional, honest and fun to work with. Both Zenia and Peri were excellent to work with and made sure our wedding reception and wedding party was in the most excellent of hands and taken care of. Our only criticism has to do with something that was out of everyone's control, that being the lights. Not only would we have liked to have seen examples of the lighting settings beforehand, but it would be nice if there was some flexibility in when the light changed through out the night. The lighting was a touch dark near our food for the event, but other than that it worked out okay. Like I said, in the big picture this is the smallest detail; however it would be nice if there was some flexibility with it. All in all, I give the Historic Building a 110%. Thank you SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING!!!
U
User1583016 Sent on 04/12/2014
4.8 out of 5 rating
The Historical building was gorgeous! The staff was amazing, they did everything that we asked and helped us in so any ways! They were able to help us with ideas of ways to do our ceremony and reception! Great people to work with!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

17
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

3 Endorsements
Music Man Productions Music Man Productions Wedding DJs

The State Historical Building is one of my favorite venues in the Des Moines area. What a unique atmosphere for a wedding or other event! I've found the staff here very easy to work with, professional and organized. And as a DJ, it's always nice to be in a venue with such a great atmosphere. After all, where else could I work next to a mammoth?

Absolute Music DJ Service Absolute Music DJ Service Wedding DJs

A really cool place to hold your reception and ceremony, if you like. Weather permitting you can be outdoors. Recently remodeled on the main floor.

BCP Weddings BCP Weddings Wedding DJs

Beautiful venue and great staff!

Map

State Historical Museum of Iowa frequently asked questions

State Historical Museum of Iowa includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • Parking
  • Tables
The space offered by State Historical Museum of Iowa for wedding events is known for:
  • Museum
State Historical Museum of Iowa offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
State Historical Museum of Iowa offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
State Historical Museum of Iowa offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Event Planner
  • Wifi
State Historical Museum of Iowa is recommended by 93% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.6 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.7 in professionalism, 4.6 in average response time, 4.6 in value and 4.4 in flexibility.
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