8 Bright & Airy Wedding Venues in Iowa I LOVE

Iowa Wedding Venues

Iowa is known for its rolling plains and cornfields. Among this countryside, which can sometimes seem to go on forever, lies a collection of bright and airy Iowa wedding venues! From sprawling estates to modern converted barns, from elegant industrial spaces to romantic conservatories, they all offer sweeping views, high ceilings, stunning white interiors and a sense of a grand occasion. 

This day symbolizes so much light and beauty that has come into the lives of everyone who’s been part of your love story, and a venue that’s bright and airy can help embody these sentiments! I’ve put together some of the best wedding venues in Iowa that match the symbolism with their heavenly composition and style.

1. Ashton Hill Farm – Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids is the original Ashton Hill Farm wedding venue located in Vernon Valley. Founded in 2016, it’s run by an award-winning female entrepreneur, Megan Knatz.

This venue is fantastic because it can host exquisite outdoor ceremonies, elegant receptions in the bright, ultra-modern Grand Barn, cocktails on the versatile veranda and it has superb preparation rooms.

The interior is chic, boasting three-meter-tall chandeliers and an all-white palette creating a perfectly bright and airy wedding venues in Iowa. This is where countryside serenity and class intertwine!

This Cedar Rapids wedding venue can host up to 300 guests and rental ranges from $5,000 – $7,000. Their packages can also include bar services, and coordination on the day to ensure the optimum experience. In the out-of-season months, they also include a $1,000 bar credit. I’ll toast to that!

They do require an outside caterer and can guide you fully on the process, as their vast wedding experience will ensure that creating your wedding is a dreamlike process. Check out their Instagram here

2. Ashton Hill Farm – Galena Venue

This is the second venue to come from Ashton Hill’s Farm and is my personal fav. (It’s actually in Illinois, but I like it so much that it snuck onto this list.)

The property’s design combined with the sweeping beauty of the Illinois rolling hill countryside creates a breathtaking experience for anyone enjoying a wedding here. Ashton Hill Farm Galena opened in 2020 and quickly rose to glory as is seen throughout its gallery that looks like a highlights reel of the best Illinois wedding photography. 

It also has The Grand Barn, adorned with contemporary chandeliers and elegant fittings (definitely not your typical barn!) which can host receptions or indoor ceremonies.

There’s an outdoor ceremonial location overlooking Galena and Gateway park, stunning preparation rooms and a magical festoon-lit patio perfect for cocktail hour with a view.

Packages are structured the same way as its sister location and the pricing ranges from $6,000 – $8,000 depending on the time of year booked. There’s plenty of room in this gorgeous location – enough for 300 guests. It’s an extraordinary place! Head to their website gallery for a bit of a teaser here.

3. Farmhouse 1868

Built in 1868, this special farmhouse has tons of historic flair and design – making it especially inviting for a wedding venue! Recently renovated, it has been fitted with glamorous preparation rooms, a brick courtyard, a wrap-around porch and not one, but three, outdoor locations.

The new building smoothly blends modernity with historic charm and has a reception room for up to 300 guests. Just three miles from Boone, it’s one of the top Iowa wedding venues around! 

Something that makes the Farmhouse 1868 wedding venue so special is that it’s family-owned and the service from the team is super friendly and personable. This makes your wedding planning a one-of-a-kind process.

To find out more information about their packages and pricing, they ask that you send them an email, where they can take care of you personally. Have a look at some photos of this stunning location on their Instagram feed here.

4. Little Lights On The Lane

Little Lights on the Lane wedding venue is located in West Branch Iowa and surrounded by Cedars Edge Golf Course, making it the perfect venue for anyone wishing to get on the green before tying the knot. 

They have a magical maple tree which you can exchange vows under, so it’s a popular choice to ensure you get the best Iowa wedding photography on your special day. The venue has a farmhouse porch to celebrate the ceremony or reception, come rain or shine.

The extra touch this venue offers is a fantastically fun food truck, and the option of an outdoor dance floor where you can let loose under the Iowa stars!

What’s amazing about this venue is that they have no minimums on guests or catering, they are inclusive and hand-curate their wedding package making it a personal experience. They also have an inventory of decor for use at no additional charge! Wow! 

They can host up to 300 guests, and offer full planning and coordination services at an extra fee ranging from $2,000 – $5,000. Their venue rental pricing is $8000-$10000 depending on when and how far in advance you book! Here’s a link to their website and social media page so you can immerse yourself in this venue!

5. Willow On Grand

Willow on Grand is one of the best high-end Des Moines wedding venues. It’s only seven minutes from downtown Des Moines, Iowa and is run by an amazing team of goddesses that will take care of you with full service and a smile!

The elegant interior of this venue features high beams, chandeliers and an all-white pallet creating a dreamy and airy feel. This venue can be styled and embellished with sensational floral arrangements or anything you desire!

The grand room, cottage and courtyard are all available to throw intimate as well as sizable weddings hosting up to 300 guests. 

Pricing is organized on request, and tailor-made packages can be created for you with the personal touch of one-on-one assistance when you email the venue. Willow On Grand wedding venue has amazing service and they’ll always treat you with special care and attention.

Follow their Instagram to stay updated with their venue news or see pictures of where the dreams come alive.

6. The Magnolia (Dubuque, Iowa)

The Magnolia wedding venue is a labor of love that was created by Bobby and Taylor Koneru to add something special to the historic Millwork district in downtown Dubuque, as well as to commemorate its previous owner Jim Avery.

This Dubuque wedding venue is bright and airy with an all-white interior, high ceilings and expansive windows giving an abundance of ambient lighting – which, as an Iowa wedding photographer, I can tell you is essential!

Contrastingly, they also have their B-Spoke Bar with exposed brick and dark iron fittings, creating a more dimly lit and warm ambience to enjoy a few spirits and take photographs. 

The venue requests that you contact them to walk you through their packages. They’ll give you full service and personal touch to help you establish a deal that suits your needs. You can contact them on their website here and check out their media page to see The Magnolia wedding photography.

7. The Toast (Ankeny, Iowa)

The Toast wedding venue is situated in Ankeny, a short distance from Des Moines downtown.

It’s the baby of two sisters, Tiffany and Tara, who wanted to create a space that’s inviting to all guests to create cherished memories. It was cleverly designed to be the perfect canvas to adapt to your aesthetic desires for your wedding day! 

The Toast has a luxurious interior main event space, a bridal suite and a rooftop patio. The Toast wedding venue is lavish and large enough to host both intimate weddings and gatherings of up to 425 people.

The amazing thing about this venue is its beautiful indoor ceremony space covered in a ceiling of plants and lights, making it an enchanting place to exchange vows without having to worry about the weather!

To see The Toast wedding photography, check out their social page for a sneak peek. 

8. Iris Aisles (Winterset, Iowa)

Iris Aisles wedding venue is something to behold. Secretly tucked away in the heart of a Winterset cedar forest you’ll find an enchanting Victorian conservatory surrounded by wildflowers and herbal gardens – perfect for more intimate weddings! They can host 75 or fewer guests, allowing your truly nearest and dearest to gather and witness something special and memorable. 

Iris Aisles can do weddings, elopements, vow renewals, photoshoots or bridal showers. This venue was created by two married wedding photographers who wanted to create a space unlike any other, to hold special moments. The amenities include a whimsical couples cabin, conservatory and lotus bell tent – the novelty of these carefully curated spaces is an experience in itself. 

There are various wedding packages and the pricing ranges from $2,250 – $6,000. You can itemize what you need on your wedding day making it super convenient to plan with Iris Aisles. Take a look at this special venue on their social pages, or check out their website here.

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As you can see, there are lots of beautiful wedding venues that create that feeling of heavenly lightness – these venues can be your personal cloud nine for the day! I’ve shot weddings at these venues and I’d love to share my personal experiences with you.

If you’d like more guidance or personalized venue recommendations, send me a message! I’d love to help you in any way I can, to ensure your wedding day is as happy and full of love as possible.