The Best Historic Estate & Mansion Wedding Venues in Council Bluffs, IA

The former Elk’s building was built in the colonial-revival style of architecture. Wide porches, supported by large columns, extend along the entire front of the building, with the upper balcony extending over the entrance in artistic architectural detail. On October 21, 1900, the cornerstone was laid for Lodge No. 531, B.P.O.E. on the north side of Bayliss Park in the heart of Council Bluffs. The inside of the building is furnished in classic Victorian style with rich burgundy and green hues. The original cigar stand and bundle counter is located immediately to the right of the front entrance. The grand oak stairway curves to the right and to the left and draws you up to the second-floor reception area and a ballroom that features a hard maple floor and mahogany-paneled walls. The second floor balcony provides guests with a breathtaking view of Bayliss Park and its beautiful fountain.

Important moments in life call for memorable settings. Lauritzen Gardens offers a variety of stunning indoor facilities and ever-changing outdoor settings that celebrate the brilliance and elegance of nature and combine to create an incredibly vivid experience. Our beautiful gardens and rooms are available for weddings, receptions, cocktail hours, engagement/prenuptial dinners, rehearsal dinners, and bridal showers, ranging from the intimate to the elaborate. Choose the perfect space or combination of spaces for your utterly unforgettable event. Abraham Catering is our exclusive caterer and offers inspired menu selections for your food and beverage needs. Don't need a venue? Lush, romantic backdrops for engagement and wedding photography may be found throughout the garden. Sessions can be done during regular business hours, or private sessions may be booked after hours for $125.

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 offer inclusive packages that include nearly everything you need to make your planning and wedding day less hectic. As an outdoor venue with a covered pavilion we have weddings from the last weekend in April through October.

Nestled in the heart of historic Plattsmouth, Venue 1883 is a timeless space where love stories come to life. Built in 1883 and rich with history, our venue blends rustic charm with modern elegance — offering couples a warm, welcoming backdrop for their most meaningful moments. With stunning indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, private bridal and groom suites, and the option to turn your celebration into a full wedding weekend, Venue 1883 is designed to make your day as effortless as it is unforgettable. From the moment you arrive until the last dance, every detail is thoughtfully curated with heart, heritage, and hospitality. We offer flexible, all-in-one packages that can include bartending, DJ/MC services, photography, videography, custom lighting, photo booth, and even overnight accommodations in our charming Carriage House. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate gathering or a celebration filled with energy, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Looking for character and charm? Our building is a staple in Omaha, first built in 1887 as the Bemis Brothers bag company. More than a century ago, the Ballroom was a loading dock for the Bemis company. The wood floors danced on are original to the space. Today, it's an Omaha Landmark and on the national register of historic places. Turn your wedding day into a weekend event. Our Ballroom is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and dance clubs. Begin the day at our neighboring salon and spa and follow it with photos of the surrounding natural brick backdrops. Choose from a number of outdoor ceremony options or say “I Do” in our temperature-controlled ballroom.

Joslyn Castle & Gardens serves as a physical reminder of the immense philanthropic legacies of its original residents, George and Sarah Joslyn.The Joslyns believed, "the possession of great wealth is a great trust and obligation." As stewards of their home and their legacies, Joslyn Castle & Gardens provides opportunities for our modern community to connect with our founders through historical, educational, and cultural programming for the community. Our programming calendar offers unique engagements with theater, art, history, nature, music, architecture, literary arts, and more.

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.