15 Gorgeous Outdoor Wedding Venues in Iowa
Want to get married surrounded by nature? These outdoor wedding venues in Iowa have beautiful scenery and lots of Midwestern charm.
Many couples dream of getting married surrounded by nature, and fortunately for Hawkeye State couples, there are plenty of outdoor wedding venues in Iowa to choose from. Before choosing a wedding venue in Iowa, it’s best to determine the approximate size of your wedding, as well as the style of venue you’re looking for. In Iowa, you can choose between romantic gardens, lush vineyards, historic homes, country clubs, and many more venues with both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Check out 15 of our favorite outdoor wedding venues in Iowa.
Salisbury House and Gardens
This outdoor wedding venue located in Des Moines, Iowa is a 42-room estate set on nine acres of colorful gardens and woodland. Smaller events of up to 100 guests may be held in the Tudor-style mansion, featuring Gothic arches and Old World-inspired brickwork. Larger events of up to 300 guests may be held completely outdoors or in a tent on the property. This venue is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, and wins raves from couples for the helpful staff and natural beauty.
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Buchanan House Winery
Located in Tipton, this outdoor wedding venue in Iowa is a totally romantic vineyard, featuring a charming gazebo where you can host your wedding ceremony and ample property a tented reception can be held. The historic vineyard has space for up to 300 guests, and you can select your own vendors to personalize your event, though bar services are provided by the venue. You’ll also love the 19th century brick mansion and the lush vineyards to serve as gorgeous backdrops to your photos.
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Grand River Center
If you’re looking for a more contemporary outdoor wedding venue in Iowa, this Dubuque space may be just the place. Featuring incredible views of the Mississippi River, the Grand River Center includes both indoor and outdoor spaces for your big day. Exchange vows with the Mississippi River as your backdrop on the patio or in the River Room, an all-glass room that can accommodate up to 160 guests. Receptions are typically held inside the elegant Grand Ballroom, which can host up to 550 guests, and other spaces may be included for smaller or larger events. This is an all-inclusive venue with a variety of menu options to choose from so your planning process is sure to be a breeze.
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Bella Sala
What could be more magical than getting married with a waterfall as your backdrop? This Tiffin event venue, located near Iowa City, has an outdoor terrace that can accommodate up to 400 guests who will be wowed by that gorgeous waterfall. Receptions are then held in one of three spaces—the grand Bella Sala, with space for up to 650 guests, the romantic Casata, with room for up to 350 people, and the more intimate Piccola, which can host events of up to 250 guests. Bella Sala can also provide rentals, such as décor, linens, and uplighting to make your dream wedding a reality, plus there’s even an on-site bridal salon, where you can find gowns, tuxedos, and more.
The Renwick Mansion
If you’ve always dreamed of getting married at an Italian villa, an event at this Davenport venue feels like a destination wedding in Europe. The Italian Revival mansion can host indoor and outdoor events, plus there are eight guest rooms on site where your loved ones can stay during your wedding weekend. You’ll love the Mississippi River views from the balcony, as well as the variety of spaces for all of your events (yes, this venue hosts rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, showers, and more!). Ceremonies are usually held outdoors on the property, with smaller receptions (up to 150 guests) held inside the mansion, and larger events (up to 250 guests) held inside a tent on the expansive property. You can select your own caterer for your event, though in-house bar services are provided.
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Ushers Ferry Historic Village
This outdoor wedding venue in Iowa (Cedar Rapids, to be exact!) is full of Midwestern charm set along the scenic Cedar River. You’ll love the historic buildings, as well as the variety of ceremony locations available, including a romantic gazebo for ceremonies of up to 150 guests, a country church for weddings of up to 75, or a variety of outdoor spaces on the village grounds. Receptions are typically held inside the 7,240 square foot lodge, which features a covered patio, rustic wood-beam décor, and a stunning stone fireplace. The lodge can accommodate weddings of up to 300 guests, and you can choose your own vendor team to personalize your event.
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The Chateau
This romantic banquet hall in Cambridge combines convenience with a serene and natural setting. Ceremonies are held on the beautifully-manicured lawn, complete with a gazebo and paved aisle. The 6,700 square foot event center features vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, ample natural light, and room for up to 300 guests. This is an all-inclusive venue, so you won’t have to worry about hiring an outside caterer, and you can choose between plated and buffet-style meals. The venue can also provide rentals, including over 60 color options for linens to ensure your wedding day is picture perfect.
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Harpor’s Vineyard
A Couples’ Choice Award winner, this New Virginia outdoor wedding venue is one of our favorite rustic barn spaces in Iowa, too. It’s particularly ideal for larger events, as it can host weddings of up to 2,000 guests. There are multiple scenic outdoor ceremony locations to choose from, and receptions may be held in the barn, complete with covered deck. You’ll also love the bridal suite and groom’s grain bin, both ideal for all of your pre-wedding festivities on the best day of your life.
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Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center
If you’re planning a destination wedding with lots of out-of-town guests, this resort and outdoor wedding venue on West Okoboji Lake is ideal. Say “I do” on one of the gorgeous event lawns, and then enjoy your reception in the Grand Event Hall, which features a lovely sundeck and space for up to 500 guests. There are also some truly spectacular settings for outdoor portraits. This is an all-inclusive venue with several wedding packages to fit your style and budget. And—major bonus—all of your guests can stay on premises and enjoy the many activities the resort has to offer, from golf to an indoor water park and much more!
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Honey Creek Resort
This outdoor wedding venue in Moravia, Iowa truly celebrates the natural beauty of the Hawkeye State. You’ll love this relaxed resort on Rathbun Lake, which has six outdoor, covered outdoor, and indoor event spaces to choose from and can host events of up to 300 guests. This venue offers in-house catering and can create a menu customized to your taste. And with 105 guest rooms and 28 luxury cottages (as well as several RV campsites), your guests can enjoy your full wedding weekend on premises.
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Rollins Mansion
Planning a Great Gatsby-themed event? This wedding venue in Des Moines is the perfect place for a Roaring 20s-inspired wedding. First built in 1925, Rollins Mansion can host up to 600 guests. There’s an outdoor courtyard and patio, ideal for outdoor ceremonies, as well as a ballroom, complete with terrace and lounge, for receptions. There’s an on-site event coordinator to ensure that your wedding day runs without a hitch, and in-house catering is available.
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Brenton Skating Plaza
An outdoor wedding located in the heart of Des Moines? This outdoor wedding venue in Iowa makes that dream a reality. Brenton Skating Plaza is an ideal venue for couples looking for a modern industrial-style venue. Available from May through mid-October, this venue features a 160-foot-tall canopy that creates a covered, open-air event space that can accommodate up to 430 guests for a seated event. You and your guests will love the panoramic views of Downtown Des Moines while hitting the dance floor, and the space’s contemporary, city-chic vibe.
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Summerset Winery
This Indianola, IA outdoor wedding venue has all the Napa Valley vibes. Exchange vows on an outdoor deck overlooking the 12-acre vineyard, following by cocktail hour underneath an oak tree on the property. Receptions are usually hosted in the Grand Banquet Room, which features a unique vaulted ceiling and large dance floor for your celebration of up to 250 guests. There’s also an inn on premises that can sleep up to 26 people so your wedding party can enjoy the winery all weekend long.
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Glen Oaks Country Club
Country clubs tend to be popular outdoor wedding venues as they offer both convenience and elegance. This event venue in West Des Moines has all that and more, particular if your wedding is on the more intimate side. The impeccably-manicured property is ideal for an outdoor ceremony, and there are several spaces for an indoor reception, including Spencer Court, which can seat up to 90 guests, and the unique Churchill Room for events of up to 200 guests. This is an all-inclusive venue, which provides catering, rentals, and more.
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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
If a romantic garden wedding in the heart of the city sounds like a dream, it’s actually a reality at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. The garden features both indoor and outdoor spaces for events, including the outdoor gardens with spectacular views and the Conservatory, which has a tropical feel (so on-trend!). This unique and gorgeous venue is ideal for weddings of up to 220 guests.
