The Best Historic Estate & Mansion Wedding Venues in Des Moines, IA

The Best Historic Estate & Mansion Wedding Venues in Des Moines, IA

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2 Wedding Venues in Des Moines, IA

Historic estates, mansions
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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
Quick responder
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., 10 months ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Des Moines, IA

About wedding venues in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines brings together historic charm and modern sophistication for your wedding day. You'll find VOWS DSM in the Historic East Village offering an intimate, all-inclusive experience that covers planning, coordination, officiating and photography for smaller gatherings of 2-65 guests; perfect if you're looking for a streamlined celebration without sacrificing quality.

What Makes Des Moines an Ideal Wedding Destination?

Des Moines wedding venues offer that warm Midwestern hospitality alongside an impressive variety of architectural styles. The Tea Room showcases stunning old-world charm with multiple indoor spaces and balconies that can welcome up to 300 of your guests. Most couples start their venue search in November and typically book about 16 months before their big day, giving you plenty of time to secure your dream location without feeling rushed.

How Much Do Wedding Venues in Des Moines Typically Cost?

Wedding costs in Des Moines scale with your guest count and venue choice. A small wedding with 50 guests runs about $18,774 while a gathering of 100 guests averages $31,102. Medium-sized celebrations with 150 guests typically cost $42,693 and larger events with 200 guests come in around $53,057. For even bigger celebrations, expect to pay about $63,422 for 250 guests or $73,786 for 300 guests.

Guest CountAverage Total Cost
50 guests (small wedding)$18,774
100 guests$31,102
150 guests$42,693
200 guests$53,057
250 guests$63,422
300 guests (large wedding)$73,786
Venues themselves average $8,101 or about 19% of your total wedding budget. That's actually a better value than the national average where couples typically spend 25% ($6,500-$12,000) on their venue alone.

Which Des Moines Venues Offer Accessibility Options?

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden provides beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings of all sizes with fully accessible facilities throughout. You can also check out Country Lane Lodge just 20 minutes west of Des Moines if you're planning a larger gathering; they accommodate up to 400 guests with climate control and great accessibility options. Both The Tea Room and Surety Hotel feature accessible entrances, restrooms and event spaces so all your guests can comfortably celebrate with you.

What Types of Wedding Venues Can I Find in Des Moines?

# Historic and Elegant Venues

The Rollins Mansion showcases Des Moines' historic charm with its stunning European-inspired gardens that make for incredible photo backdrops. Downtown you'll find The Tea Room offering multiple indoor spaces with timeless ambiance for up to 300 guests, giving you that classic elegance many couples dream about.

# Modern and Urban Spaces

The Monroe gives you a highly customizable space with a unique ceiling system that lets you create personalized décor exactly as you envision it. If you're looking for downtown sophistication, the Surety Hotel delivers modern details with exceptionally high service standards that will impress even your most discerning guests.

Which Des Moines Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Willow on Grand delivers luxurious customized food experiences in an elegant modern cottage setting your guests will remember. You'll hear consistent praise for both the Surety Hotel and The Tea Room for their excellent service and high culinary standards. Salisbury House and Gardens works with top local caterers and chefs to create memorable dining experiences that complement their historic setting beautifully.

Can Guests Participate Remotely at Des Moines Wedding Venues?

Mainframe Studios offers a contemporary light-filled event space where local artists can become part of your celebration, creating richer experiences for remote guests beyond standard video. You'll find sophisticated virtual capabilities at both the Iowa Events Center and Embassy Club that go well beyond basic streaming, allowing distant loved ones to feel truly present on your special day.

What Wedding Services Impact Your Des Moines Budget?

Your venue will likely be your biggest expense at about $8,101 (19% of total budget), followed by catering at $6,481 (15%) and bar services at $5,185 (12%). Photography usually runs around $4,078 (10%) with videography at $3,641 (9%) and flowers at $3,422 (8%). Wedding planners typically cost about $2,185 (5%) while entertainment from bands or DJs averages $1,383 (3%). The finishing touches like cakes and desserts average $709 (2%) and hair and makeup services run about $530 (1%).

Des Moines brings together historic charm and modern sophistication for your wedding day. You'll find VOWS DSM in the Historic East Village offering an intimate, all-inclusive experience that covers planning, coordination, officiating and photography for smaller gatherings of 2-65 guests; perfect if you're looking for a streamlined celebration without sacrificing quality.

What Makes Des Moines an Ideal Wedding Destination?

Des Moines wedding venues offer that warm Midwestern hospitality alongside an impressive variety of architectural styles. The Tea Room showcases stunning old-world charm with multiple indoor spaces and balconies that can welcome up to 300 of your guests. Most couples start their venue search in November and typically book about 16 months before their big day, giving you plenty of time to secure your dream location without feeling rushed.

How Much Do Wedding Venues in Des Moines Typically Cost?

Wedding costs in Des Moines scale with your guest count and venue choice. A small wedding with 50 guests runs about $18,774 while a gathering of 100 guests averages $31,102. Medium-sized celebrations with 150 guests typically cost $42,693 and larger events with 200 guests come in around $53,057. For even bigger celebrations, expect to pay about $63,422 for 250 guests or $73,786 for 300 guests.

Guest CountAverage Total Cost
50 guests (small wedding)$18,774
100 guests$31,102
150 guests$42,693
200 guests$53,057
250 guests$63,422
300 guests (large wedding)$73,786
Venues themselves average $8,101 or about 19% of your total wedding budget. That's actually a better value than the national average where couples typically spend 25% ($6,500-$12,000) on their venue alone.

Which Des Moines Venues Offer Accessibility Options?

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden provides beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings of all sizes with fully accessible facilities throughout. You can also check out Country Lane Lodge just 20 minutes west of Des Moines if you're planning a larger gathering; they accommodate up to 400 guests with climate control and great accessibility options. Both The Tea Room and Surety Hotel feature accessible entrances, restrooms and event spaces so all your guests can comfortably celebrate with you.

What Types of Wedding Venues Can I Find in Des Moines?

# Historic and Elegant Venues

The Rollins Mansion showcases Des Moines' historic charm with its stunning European-inspired gardens that make for incredible photo backdrops. Downtown you'll find The Tea Room offering multiple indoor spaces with timeless ambiance for up to 300 guests, giving you that classic elegance many couples dream about.

# Modern and Urban Spaces

The Monroe gives you a highly customizable space with a unique ceiling system that lets you create personalized décor exactly as you envision it. If you're looking for downtown sophistication, the Surety Hotel delivers modern details with exceptionally high service standards that will impress even your most discerning guests.

Which Des Moines Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

Willow on Grand delivers luxurious customized food experiences in an elegant modern cottage setting your guests will remember. You'll hear consistent praise for both the Surety Hotel and The Tea Room for their excellent service and high culinary standards. Salisbury House and Gardens works with top local caterers and chefs to create memorable dining experiences that complement their historic setting beautifully.

Can Guests Participate Remotely at Des Moines Wedding Venues?

Mainframe Studios offers a contemporary light-filled event space where local artists can become part of your celebration, creating richer experiences for remote guests beyond standard video. You'll find sophisticated virtual capabilities at both the Iowa Events Center and Embassy Club that go well beyond basic streaming, allowing distant loved ones to feel truly present on your special day.

What Wedding Services Impact Your Des Moines Budget?

Your venue will likely be your biggest expense at about $8,101 (19% of total budget), followed by catering at $6,481 (15%) and bar services at $5,185 (12%). Photography usually runs around $4,078 (10%) with videography at $3,641 (9%) and flowers at $3,422 (8%). Wedding planners typically cost about $2,185 (5%) while entertainment from bands or DJs averages $1,383 (3%). The finishing touches like cakes and desserts average $709 (2%) and hair and makeup services run about $530 (1%).

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