The Best Historic Estate & Mansion Wedding Venues in Iowa

The Best Historic Estate & Mansion Wedding Venues in Iowa

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19 Wedding Venues in Iowa

Historic estates, mansions
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Castle Unicorn 

5.0

Pacific Junction, IA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $12,500

Castle Unicorn is located on a 400-acre private estate in the Loess Hills of Iowa and is located only 20 minutes from downtown Omaha. The Castle and outdoor Pavilion provide a breathtaking backdrop for both your wedding and reception. At Castle Unicorn, we have inclusive packaging that includes nearly everything you will need to make your planning and your wedding day less hectic.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Rustic-chic setting
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not for you if you prefer a more modern aesthetic
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
They went above and beyond. I strongly recommend. My wife and I are eternally greatful.
Benjamin F., 2 years ago
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Salisbury House & Gardens 

5.0

Des Moines, IA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Salisbury House & Gardens is a wedding venue and museum situated in Des Moines, Iowa. The original owner, Carl Weeks, founded liquid foundation and hypoallergenic makeup, so it is fitting that his 42-room mansion has received a magnificent makeover as a wedding venue and event center. The mansion was built in the 1920s and was inspired by The King's House in Salisbury, England, blending Tudor, Carolean, and Gothic architectural details. Today, to-be-weds can celebrate their romantic nuptials in style at this sophisticated estate. From intimate elopements to large-scale receptions, Salisbury House & Gardens is suitable for events of all styles and sizes. You can say "I do" in front of several beautiful indoor backdrops or outdoors, where tall trees envelope a traditional arbor and manicured garden spaces. Couples can curate their dream reception indoors, outside, or in an elegant marquee.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Does not have a dance floor
Unbeatable venue for a garden party style wedding. Beautiful, well-maintained, and a staff that was exceptionally helpful and easy to work with made this our dream location. Visit and you will fall in love.
Josh H., 3 months ago
Tamory Hall 

5.0

Pella, IA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $3,875

Tamory Hall, located in Pella, IA, is a refined full-service wedding venue. This luxurious space combines historical elegance with top-of-the-line modern amenities. Exposed brick walls are complemented by warm wooden floors, combining the industrial and the rustic. It is run by a team of creative professionals who are dedicated to helping you bring your dream day to life. When it comes to your wedding, everything from your rehearsal dinner to your reception is welcomed to an elegant indoor space. Tamory Hall contains 9,000 square feet of event space and happily welcomes celebrations with up to 300 attendees. The property features an elegantly appointed get-ready room for you to use with your wedding party, preparing for the day ahead in elegance and exclusivity. The hall is also within walking distance of Pella’s Central Park, for romantic outdoor photo opportunities. If you have guests who decide to stay in town for your wedding, they will have a wealth of hotels to choose from.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Has a chic vibe

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • No on-premises lodging options
We have such good things to say about Tamory Hall. Such a beautiful venue by itself. The old brick and natural light is stunning. It's so close to everything uptown, and a great location. The staff was WONDERFUL. Super flexible, helpful with details and kept things in order the whole night. The team was efficient, communicative and listened to what we wanted! We are very thankful for their dedication to make the day just what we envisioned! No question was a bad question in their eyes. Before we knew it, things were set up, cleared away, or where they needed to be -- the best behind the scenes team. Highly recommend Tamory for your wedding needs!!
Kaina, 6 months ago
GemHidden gem
The Prelude 

5.0

New Virginia, IA
  • Up to 165 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $6,500

prel·ude noun "An introductory performance, action, or event preceding a more important one." The Prelude was dreamed up by a couple who craved a feeling they had only experienced in far off lands and story books - They knew there were others out there who dreamed of running away to places that gave them that whimsical feeling again but couldn't see themselves ever doing it - So they decided to create a place that brought that whimsy and feeling to them - The result is one of the best & most unique venues in Central Iowa, located just 30 minutes south of Des Moines. The Prelude is for authentic people who crave a romantic dream from a vanished age. The Prelude isn't only a place that should be seen - It should be experienced.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Picturesque garden backdrop

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
We highly recommend The Prelude for any couple who is looking for something different for their wedding venue. With their black & white marble flooring, gold pillars and a vintage chandelier hanging from their high ceilings giving the space a glow. Its the perfect space for your dream wedding!
Terracotta Events, 3 years ago
Quick responder
The Tea Room 

5.0

Des Moines, IA
  • Up to 325 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor

Welcome to Iowa’s most historic and iconic venue. Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, the restored elegance of The Tea Room is captivating and the perfect venue for your special occasion. Reserve your date at The Tea Room to create memories that will last a lifetime. Since reopening in 2017, The Tea Room has upheld its reputation of making hosts and guests feel welcome. The restored beauty of the space leaves brides and grooms with iconic wedding photos and memories that will last a lifetime.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Space for a large guest list
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Exudes old-world charm

Venue considerations

  • No venue-provided food services
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Our wedding was over a month ago and we still have guests reaching out to us to comment what a beautiful reception we had at the Tea Room. Maddie and her team worked tirelessly to make our day perfect! The space is so special, and we know we will cherish the memories we made there forever. We could not recommend the Tea Room more highly!
Julie K., 2 years ago
The Crane & Pelican Cafe 

5.0

Le Claire, IA
  • Up to 100 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Our mission at the Crane & Pelican is to provide our guests with the highest quality, full service, fine-dining experience, in our beautiful & historic location, The Dawley House. Proudly serving the Quad Cities since 2009, we are family-owned & operated, women-owned, & LGBT-owned. We opened the Crane & Pelican Cafe in 2009. Our vision was to make real handcrafted food, with a full-service top-shelf bar, in this beautiful location. Any changes we have made to the property have been to restore it to its original glory. We added live Jazz in 2021 and we look forward to making some amazing new memories here at the Dawley house.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Has a glamorous vibe

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Does not allow pets
  • On-site parking not available
The Crane & Pelican Cafe was an exceptional choice for catering. From the very first interaction, Mandy and her team were quick to respond, set clear expectations, and ensured we felt supported throughout the entire planning process. Their catering service was incredible - the food was delicious and beautifully presented, and the service was impeccable on the day of our wedding. We received so many compliments from our guests on the incredible dining experience. Mandy and her staff went above and beyond to make our special day truly memorable. We highly recommend The Crane & Pelican Cafe to any couple looking for an stress-free, top-notch wedding catering.
Nicole L., 16 days ago
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Art Church Weddings 
Malvern, IA
  • Up to 75 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $1,200

1969 was the last Presbyterian service. In 2012, artist Zack Jones purchased this 1873 church as a artist live/work space. Today the studio apartment is available for the wedding party and preparations. Art Church Weddings is located in a 1873 de-sanctified Church in Malvern, IA. and is a permanent gallery to oil painter Zack Jones. Better known as Art Church Iowa, this unique building is coming back to life with exhibits, concerts, and private events.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a warm and cozy vibe
  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Historic touches

Venue considerations

  • No venue-provided food services
  • Not for you if you prefer a more modern aesthetic
  • Limited cleanup and setup services
Steeple Square 
Dubuque, IA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,600

The Steeple Square Community Event Center is a venue located in historic downtown Dubuque, IA. This venue occupies a former church and now proudly stands as a historic landmark and a community minded nonprofit. Their venue is nestled just north of the lively Millwork District. The Steeple Square Community Event Center offers three versatile spaces to host your entire wedding day. Their stunning main hall is their largest and most iconic space to host your wedding, comfortably accommodating up to three hundred guests. New additions to their campus include their colorful outdoor plaza and their bright and industrial lower-level space. All three spaces can be mixed-and-matched to host ceremony, cocktail hour, reception (and more!) with precision and ease. Couples who host their wedding at the Steeple Square Community Event Center can anticipate a hands-on experience with a Steeple Square representative. They are known for their above and beyond service and attention to detail.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Requires outside catering services
  • No on-premises lodging options
Waterloo Elks Lodge #290 
Waterloo, IA
  • Up to 375 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $16

Since our origin on October 12, 1894, the Waterloo Elks Lodge 290 has established itself as a charitable organization throughout our long and prestigious history. By incorporating the four stations of fidelity, brotherly love, charity and justice, the Waterloo Elks have played and will continue to play an active role in the community and Elkdom. As a nonprofit, all money we raise supports veterans, youth and community. The Elks purchased this property in 1917 from the Julian Richards estate. The building was one of the finest oil residences in the city, being well-constructed and large enough to accommodate the lodge temporarily. The building was remodeled to accommodate a ballroom; members bar and card room and billiard room. In the basement there were four bowling alleys, a gymnasium, grill, kitchen and serving pantry, along with showers, lockers and the boiler rooms. The building was dedicated with a cornerstone in 1924, the year the Elks started using it as their Lodge.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Space for a large guest list
  • Dressing room available

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • No on-site guest accommodations