Calling all Des Moines area brides and grooms! The pandemic allowed for collective rethinking of modern wedding celebrations including weddings that suit small, intimate guests lists. In the metro, intimate weddings are more popular than ever. If you’re planning on 100 guests or less, you won’t be disappointed by touring VOWS DSM in the East Village, and the other intimate wedding venues in the area listed below sorted by size.
Featured Image Photos: VOWS DSM
Sponsored by VOWS DSM
VOWS DSM: Gorgeous City Vibes for 70 or less!
If you’re looking for a stunning setting for your wedding with gorgeous city vibes, newcomer VOWS is the venue to check out in the East Village. This brand new urban, intimate venue is focusing on a fresh, effortless, alternative to the traditional wedding option. Specializing in two hour or four and a half hour celebrations, six days a week for parties of 2-70. Think micro, mini, sequel, intimate, elopement, renewal – you get the idea!
While Iowa is in the midst of the busiest wedding season in 40 years, this new-comer can accommodate your wedding months, weeks and in some cases days in advance. VOWS is particularly unique because they have options that include a day of coordinator, an officiant, and a photographer. They streamline the planning process so couples can relax and truly enjoy their wedding experience.
Mother and daughter Linda and Liz deliver value, style and all professional services for your celebration. “Our collaboration with Boesen The Florist for floral and LaValle Hospitality for catering – will ensure a high level of quality. Both have extensive experience and are leaders in their respective fields. We are very proud to be working together,” said owner, Linda Carlson. “It’s unusual for intimate groups to have access to this level of quality at the price-point VOWS offers.” Packages range from $895 – $8,750+.
Photography credits in order: @ninainaction, @jamscreativephotography, @ninainaction, @slightlygreyyphoto
“My daughter, Liz, and I have some big plans for the upcoming year,” Linda says. “For those of you that love photography and want an immersive experience you can add on to our base option – we will be highlighting a handful of talented photographers, moving forward. We’re also developing a “progressive wedding” concept for groups of 2-30. Get ready to bring your guests to Des Moines, enjoy VIP treatment, and experience what downtown has to offer.
Not native to Des Moines? This is the perfect destination if you’re coming from other areas in Iowa as well. VOWS is located just two blocks East of the Des Moines River at 111 East Grand Avenue, Suite 109, in the heart of the Historic East Village. It is situated inside of Iowa’s first modern mass timber constructed building steps from first class hotels, restaurants, independent shops, and nightlife.
Wedding planners and vendors? Don’t sleep on touring VOWS as well. The space is easily transformed and the team can’t wait to see how it comes to life with your creative ideas. Tune in to Head Table Talk to hear Linda’s recent podcast about VOWS.
Other Intimate Wedding Venues
Greenhouse Vibes in Stunning Madison County: Iris Aisle
Image by Raelyn Ramey Photography
Capacity: 80
This beautiful conservatory is nestled back in the heart of a cedar tree forest with a private hammock area, a couple’s cabin, a Lotus Belle tent, and a beautiful reception site with custom farm tables. The max occupancy is 75 people in and outside of the conservatory. For the most expensive package of $8,000, you receive three walkthroughs for planning, the Couple’s Cabin, the Lotus Bell Tent, and 10 dry camping spots (bring your own tent) for you and your family and friends to stay in for the weekend (and for getting ready and storing personal belongings during the wedding), farm tables and white resin chairs. This includes up to 5 hours of photography on Saturday by Earl + Raelyn Ramey, online gallery with edited images, and a 30 page leather bound album. Packages get cheaper from there will all options for micro weddings and elopements.
Cozy, Romantic Victorian Home With Impeccable Food: Aposto
Capacity: 80
At Aposto, everything is right. That’s literally what the name means and is the perfect sentiment for your wedding day. Located in a charming Victorian mansion, Aposto is one of Des Moines’ most intimate and romantic restaurants. Just west of Downtown, Aposto at the Scala House boasts a James Beard nominated kitchen and an internationally recognized wine cellar that’s rooted in Italian and American wines. If your priority is impeccable food, drink, and a romantic setting, consider Aposto for your rehearsal or reception dinner.
Indoor/Outdoor Vibes: Surety Hotel Courtyard and Solarium
Capacity: 98
It’s no secret that The Surety Hotel is one of our favorites. We love the idea of using their courtyard and solarium for an indoor/outdoor vibe for as many as 98 guests. You may either have your ceremony in the solarium and then move to the Courtyard for food and drinks, OR have your guests start out in the courtyard, and turn the solarium into a beautiful long table for a fancy dinner. The food and drink is sure to be good from Mulberry Street Tavern, and your guests will have the perfect trendy place to stay overnight.
It’s wedding season! 💍
Don’t worry. This is NOT the end of our wedding content. Whether you’re celebrating your engagement, finishing the final touches of wedding planning, or just daydreaming, we’ve working on all the content you’d need to help making wedding planning in Des Moines easier. Check out all of our current live wedding articles at the link below.