The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Iowa

The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Iowa

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6 Wedding Venues in Iowa

Beaches, waterfront settings
The Bend Event Center 

4.0

East Moline, IL
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,500

The Bend Event Center is a state-of-the-art facility located at The Bend, on the Mighty Mississippi River, next to the Hyatt Place | Hyatt House Quad Cities, The Rust Belt and many other local attractions. Floor to ceiling glass windows allow for natural light and views of River Bend Park and The Bend property. The Bend Event Center features 4,400 square feet of versatile venue space and can be configured to accommodate small or large groups of up to 300 guests. Our landscaped grounds and River Bend Park can be utilized for outdoor ceremonies and events as well. Our first-class professionals will guide and assist you from initial contact through the conclusion of your event. Our facilities will wow you and your guests when they walk through the doors. The in-house food and beverage team, featuring Combine Catering, will offer exquisite culinary tastes and selections. We look forward to making your day special and successful. Get planning and contact us today!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Versatile for various event styles
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Does not allow pets
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
We had our wedding on October 12, 2019 and it was a dream come true. Throughout our entire planning process, The Bend was so incredibly helpful with every single part of it and made everything so much less stressful. From the big details all the way to the smallest little details everything was PERFECT. Mykenzie made us feel like we were truly living a fairytale on our wedding day! I will ALWAYS recommend booking your wedding or event at the bend if you want your event to be everything and MORE!
Annie and I., 4 years ago
Pilgrim Heights Camp & Retreat Center 

5.0

Montour, IA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,500

Just one hour away from Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Ames, Pilgrim Heights is one of the many hidden gems in Central Iowa. With 100 acres of wooded bliss, 80-acre private lake, a stunning outdoor chapel with an envious view, a 3-story reception venue, and lodging for up to 90 people, Pilgrim Heights offers a completely unique experience second to none for couples looking to celebrate their love.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Has onsite accommodations
  • Feels like a getaway

Venue considerations

  • No venue-provided food services
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Does not allow pets
We loved having our wedding at Pilgrim Heights Camp & Retreat Center! Mckenzie and the staff were so friendly, quick to respond to any questions, and truly seemed happy to host our special day. The camp was beautifully maintained with tidy cabins and gorgeous natural surroundings that perfectly fit our outdoorsy vibe. Mckenzie went above and beyond to ensure the venue accommodated my grandpa's wheelchair, exemplifying the caring spirit of Pilgrim Heights. From the planning process to the big day itself, they contributed so much warmth while also handling logistics smoothly. We highly recommend Pilgrim Heights for their beautiful, nature-filled venue and outstanding service - especially shout out to Mckenzie Hinegardner for putting such care into coordinating everything!
Kayla S., a year ago
Quick responder
Parks Marina Boat Club 
Okoboji, IA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,500

Parks Marina on East Lake Okoboji was established in 1983 when Leo “Butch” Parks purchased the then Gibson Sporting Goods. What was once a small fishing boat sales and repair facility. Parks Boat Club is located in Okoboji, Iowa, with views overlooking spectacular East Lake Okoboji. This one of a kind lakeside venue is the perfect location to host any wedding, with facilities to have your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and more! Our venue boasts indoor and outdoor access to the panoramic views of East lake Okoboji, making it perfect for weddings in all seasons.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • No on-site bridal suite
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium 
Dubuque, IA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

The Museum & Aquarium can help you create all the details for the perfect event, from beautiful tables to a delicious menu served by our exclusive caterer. The Museum & Aquarium includes ideal settings for indoor or outdoor ceremonies, mingling over cocktails, or dancing the night away. Located on the Mississippi River in charming Dubuque, Iowa, the Museum & Aquarium is also ideal for wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, anniversary parties, and corporate events.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Bridal suite on site
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
Off Shore Event Center 
Bellevue, IA
  • Up to 350 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Off Shore Event Center has recently undergone an extensive renovation to bring you one of the most beautiful venues in the area for your special day. Not only do we offer this state-of-the-art facility, we also have a hotel onsite. This will allow your out-of-town guests to arrive in advance and settle in before your event. Guests who arrive early or want to stay an extra day will also be thrilled with the excellent food and service featured at our on-premise restaurant, Off Shore Bar and Grill. During the summer months, we also offer a state-of-the-art outdoor aquatics area which is included with each hotel stay. The Off Shore property features all the accommodations you and your guests will require for a perfect wedding day or an extended weekend experience. You will find a complete package of guest accommodations typically found only in large city convention centers – but tucked away in a relaxing, picturesque, small river town setting.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Has a sophisticated vibe
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Does not allow pets
  • No built-in audiovisual options
The Port 

5.0

Panora, IA
  • Up to 125 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor

Beautiful lake front venue in small town Panora, Iowa. We do outdoor wedding ceremonies with the capability to move inside or rent an outdoor tent with notice. Buffet style menu that is diverse and customizable. Attached to a 22 room hotel with outdoor pool. Some wedding packages include hotel stays as well.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a glamorous vibe
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • No free parking
  • No on-site guest accommodations
The Port is a staple in this small community. No one else has the view or the quality of food and service. The venue is gorgeous and the staff is kind and accommodating. Everything was very smooth and stress free. I recommend this place all the time.
Vlad and K., 2 years ago