Calling all Des Moines area brides and grooms! The pandemic prompted a collective reimagining of modern wedding celebrations, including those that embrace small, intimate guest lists. With fewer guests, there’s more room for meaningful moments, and more couples are opting for intimate gatherings with 100 or fewer people. If this is your vision for your special day, you won’t be disappointed by a tour at the stunning VOWS DSM in the East Village and the other intimate venues in the Des Moines area listed below!
Featured Image Photos: Photography credit: Christina Ney Photography
Sponsored by VOWS DSM
VOWS DSM: Gorgeous City Vibes for 65 or less + progressive elopements!
Photography credit: Christina Ney Photography
If you’re looking for a stunning city setting for your wedding, VOWS is the venue to check out in the East Village. This urban, intimate venue has established itself as a frontrunner in a short period of time. VOWS is uniquely focused on a fresh, effortless, alternative to the traditional wedding option. This specialty wedding venue offers all-inclusive packages with customized time frames, six days a week for parties of up to 65. Think elopement, micro, mini, sequel, intimate, renewal – you get the idea!
Linda and her team deliver value, style and all professional services for your celebration. “Our collaboration with Boesen The Florist for floral and Franka Pizzeria, St. Kilda, Fresko and LaValle Hospitality for catering options– will ensure a high level of quality. All 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 easy access to numerous services coupled with this level of quality at the price-point VOWS offers.” Packages range from $995 – $12,500+.
Thought you couldn’t get married this year? The VOWS team can accommodate your wedding months, weeks and in some cases days in advance. VOWS is particularly unique because all packaged options include pre-event planning, a day of coordinator, an officiant, and a photographer. Whether you want a private elopement for two or an intimate wedding for 65 – all services remain the same. VOWS streamlines the planning process so couples can sit back, relax and truly enjoy their wedding experience from beginning to finale.
Photography credit: Beth B Photography, @jamscreativephotography
“My assistant Jenna, and I have some big plans for the upcoming year,” Linda says. We’re developing a weekday “progressive elopement” concept for groups of 2-16. Get ready to bring your guests to Des Moines, enjoy VIP treatment, and experience what downtown has to offer. As the night progressives, you move to different businesses.
There’s also a little rumor about an expansion into Omaha. Maybe an Old Market location?
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. It is welcoming to all LGBTQ+ couples!
Wedding planners and vendors? Don’t miss 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.
Other Intimate Wedding Venues
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.
Greenhouse in Stunning Madison County: Iris Aisle
Image by Raelyn Ramey Photography
Capacity: 75
This beautiful conservatory is nestled back in the heart of a cedar tree forest with a private hammock area, a couple’s cabin, new cabin, 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 $8,500, you can reserve the grounds for the weekend. In the package you receive three walkthroughs for planning, the Couple’s Cabin, new cabin, 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. Packages get cheaper from there with all options for micro weddings. Iris Aisle recently introduced its “Whim & Wed” Elopement package which includes an hour of private access to the grounds for you and two witnesses and can be booked all the way up to 48 hours in advance.
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.
