Is it possible to capture the spirit of Des Moines in a wedding venue? We certainly think so! Scroll on and check out our six picks of iconic and historic venues that capture the heart of Des Moines. You know them, you love them, and your guests will too!
Looking for more intimate or unique wedding venues? Those guides are coming soon!
Featured Image: Matthew Shankles, Hidden DSM
Written + Compiled: Jackie Hunter, DSMG Contributor
Rollins Mansion
Photo Cred: Brent Isenberger Photography
The owner of Rollins Hosiery Mills, Ralph Rollins, built his mansion in the mid 1920’s. A good friend of Carl Weeks (who built the Salisbury House), Rollins was also quite inspired by Tudor style architecture. In fact, he even brought 16th century ceiling beams from England to be incorporated into the home. A Gold winner in the category of Historical or Religious Venue at the 2021 Heartland Wedding Awards, Rollins Mansion will take you and your guests back in time.
The Tea Room
Photo Cred: Jared Heidemann
The original Younkers Tea Room and its Victorian decor may be long gone, but the restored Tea Room is certainly giving all that 1920’s glitz and glam a run for its money. With its grand 16-foot ceilings and 14-foot windows that look out over downtown Des Moines, the Tea Room is a stunner. Whether you’re looking to accommodate a large number of guests in the 5,175 square foot Tea Room or for a smaller, more intimate ceremony in the Garden Room, they have the space for you.
The Scottish Rite
Photo Cred: @dmscottishrite
This iconic Des Moines landmark began construction in earnest in 1926 and was wrapped up by late 1927. In 1983, the Scottish Rite Consistory was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Scottish Rite Masonry organization utilized the building as a meeting place and its Consistory members still use and maintain the space today. The Langdon Auditorium, while able to seat up to 1,000 people, feels intimate and romantic. Also available for rental are the Grand Banquet Room which holds up to 450 guests and the Tapestry Lounge that holds 300.
Salisbury House & Gardens
Photo Cred: Salisbury House & Gardens
Built in the 1920s by Carl Weeks and his wife Edith, Salisbury House pays homage to the King’s House in Salisbury, England. Salisbury House is adorned with the family’s antique collections, original artworks, and 16th century English oak woodwork. The house is now operated by the Salisbury House Foundation and underwent major renovations back in 2005. One of their most popular events, Shakespeare on the Lawn, is returning in July of this year. This Tudor style home and its gardens are sure to wow your guests!
Des Moines Botanical Garden
Photo Cred: Ivory + Bliss
Who says you have to leave Des Moines to find your own tropical oasis? Opened in 1979, this ten-acre public garden hosts thousands of visitors every year. The best part is that it looks different every time you go! You never know what’s going to be in bloom. Whether you’re in the gardener’s grow house, inside the dome or in front of the outdoor waterfall, your wedding pictures are sure to turn out beautifully in this natural landscape.
The Temple for Performing Arts
Photo Cred: Laura Wills Photography
The Masonic Temple of Des Moines is a Beaux Arts style building located at 1011 Locust Street. Built in 1913, the Temple was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 and underwent renovations in 2002. The Temple Theater hosts many performances throughout the year including concerts, musicals, symphonies, and comedy shows. Available for private rental is the groom’s room, bridal suite, and the 4,000 square foot Grand Hall that can accommodate up to 450 guests.
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.
