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Weddings

The River Center

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Up to 250 guests
Ceremony/Reception
Outdoor/Indoor
Clean Up

About this venue

The River Center is a historic wedding venue located in Des Moines, Iowa. Offering the perfect mix of rustic and industrial style, this beautiful building features high ceilings, exposed brick, and ample natural light. It makes a stunning backdrop for any celebration.

Facilities and Capacity

The River Center boasts over 16,000 square feet of event space, including two get-ready suites, two private patios, and plenty of amenities for larger groups. It features two separate sides, River Center North and River Center South, that may be rented individually or together, depending on your event size. Each side can hold up to 300 guests for a seated dinner, while the entire venue can accommodate up to 450. Four bars are available, as well as the option for patio bars, giving you flexibility in the flow of your event. You can kick things off with a cocktail hour on the private patio, or on one of the upstairs mezzanines overlooking the main floor. If you rent just one side of the venue, unique glass garage doors will shut to separate the two sides, along with heavy sound-proofing curtains. Each side features a large mezzanine, a private get-ready suite, two bars, a private patio, and restroom facilities.

Services Offered

The River Center is a full-service venue, offering catering and bar services on-site. Their sales, kitchen, and operations teams will work together to ensure a smooth, seamless experience for you. What's more, you can avail of their list of trusted vendors to help you find a planner or coordinator, decor and rentals, florals, and entertainment. The property is ADA-accessible and offers ample parking, including handicap parking. To find out more about holding your special day at this one-of-a-kind venue, contact the friendly team at The River Center today.

Features

Small team (2-10 members)

Experience

  • 8 years in business

  • We speak English

Links

Visit website

FAQ

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?

$1,000

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

$1,000

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

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Flatware
Glassware
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Set Up
Tables

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

Server(s)

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

1

Describe your venue:

Banquet Hall
Historic Building

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?

Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Liability Insurance
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
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?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Shuttle
Valet
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March

Still have questions?

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4.3/5 62 reviews
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The River Center frequently asked questions

The River Center includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Lighting/Sound
  • Linens
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The River Center includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Server(s)
The space offered by The River Center for wedding events is known for:
  • Banquet Hall
  • Historic Building
The River Center offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
The River Center offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
The River Center offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Liability Insurance
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
The River Center offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Tables
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