Lodge and Retreat Wedding Venues in Ames, IA

The Alta House Event Center is a hidden gem conveniently located off I-80 and 37 minutes East of Des Moines. Conveniently located near several hotels within minutes of your venue for your guests, overnight accommodations are also available right on site. We are surrounded by plenty of photo ops, such as our on-site pond, heavily wooded areas, the Thirty-acre park, open fields, and breathtaking sunsets as your backdrop. We have several packages available no matter your budget; we will find the right package for you. The most popular package is our "Wedding Weekend Package," providing full access for 48 hours, allowing you the freedom to host rehearsal, ceremony, reception, and even brunch the following morning, all in one convenient location. Day of Coordinator, Shuttle Bus Services, on-site accommodations, setup/teardown, linens, over 2000 decor options, and more! Our high standard of care is unwavering, and our passion for our couples shows through and through.

Our Double Round Barn features an extraordinary domed ceiling, functional limestone fireplace and covered patio that was all created by a local craftsmen, this one-of-a-kind space is sure to wow your guests! Holds up to 300 guest and is great for weddings, banquets, and parties. The Timber Frame barn is bursting with rustic charm inside and out. It's a beautiful space for ceremonies and receptions with ample outdoor space on the wrap around deck overlooking our wooded acreage. Holds 150 guests. Three stone arches frame the Amphitheater ceremony space unlike any other. Surrounded by evergreens and framed by woodlands, a pond and a fountain, the Amphitheater will be the perfect setting and has terraced seating for up to 300 guests.

Why rush off? Turn your best day ever into your best weekend ever! Celebrating together for 4 days would be so much more fun! You’ll Love… 4 days/ 3 nights of mansion fun 40 friends & family stay & play all weekend full use of indoor basketball court exclusive use of the whole estate & venue decorate before & enjoy your day indoor & outdoor ceremony options choice of your own caterers Conrad mansion + carriage house venue = so much more fun! The Weekend Celebration Includes: Exclusive access to the charming Conrad Mansion for 40 friends and family to celebrate the weekend away, multiple spots for photos that will last a lifetime, tables and wedding chairs setup to your specifications, two beautiful dressing areas, ideal for pictures, professional parking lot with lights, Indoor bathrooms (wheelchair accessible), and a large bar area with refrigeration for drinks.

Stoney Creek boasts a warm, cozy atmosphere that will leave your guests feeling like they just escaped to that family cabin on the lake. Our rustic wedding experience will add character to your event, from your rehearsal dinner to your reception! Our venue locations feature unique log home interiors and warm fireplaces, giving your family and friends a place to catch up and relax before the big event. We make sure to customize your wedding event to the size of your party, and our variety of upscale conference spaces will be transformed into your picturesque reception hall where memories are made.

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.