The Best Wedding Venues in St. Marys, IA

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3 Wedding Venues in St. Marys, IA

Parks, gardens
Aquariums, zoos
The Prelude 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
New Virginia, IA
  • Up to 165 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor

A European wedding right here in Iowa | where the imagination finds its perfect companion in reality - The Prelude is a romantic dream from a vanished age. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a person in want of a most romantic wedding must surely rejoice upon discovering such a place as this — a curious marvel, hidden among the cornfields and modest country roads of Iowa. Here stands an estate so charmingly out of place that one might believe, for a moment, they had awakened in the hills of Tuscany or the gardens of Provence. The venue itself bears a noble air, as though it had been plucked from the pages of some Continental romance and placed here by accident or divine whim. Guests arrive not with the stiff formality of town society, but with a glow of delight, as though they too have been momentarily transported to another world.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Picturesque garden backdrop

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
“Ah!! The Prelude is the dreamiest venue! Not only are both Ashley and Nathanael two of the nicest and sweetest people you’ll ever meet, they have also created the most unique and intimate space for you to celebrate love! The Mini Mansion is everything you dream of to get ready in on your wedding day if you choose to, and The Hall and The Pergola will leave you speechless (as well as all of your guests). You will not regret celebrating your big wedding day, a family reunion, or whatever gathering it may be at The Prelude! You’ll feel right at home the second you arrive!”
Kylie McMurray, 5 years ago
Quick responder
Salisbury House & Gardens 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
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., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Ames, IA
  • Up to 400 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,550

Gateway Hotel & Conference Center is a premier and newly renovated Ames, IA, hotel wedding venue offering timeless indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies, receptions, and wedding weekend celebrations. From intimate gatherings to grand receptions surrounded by family and friends, we blend classic elegance with modern comfort for life's most meaningful celebrations. From the moment you begin planning, to the final dance of the evening, our experienced and passionate team is dedicated to making every detail feel effortless and every moment truly special. With more than 30 years of experience hosting weddings and special events, the Gateway offers a variety of in house accommodations and a team that truly understands what it takes to create a seamless and joyful celebration. We believe your love story deserves a beautiful beginning, and we would be honored to help you create a day that will be remembered for a lifetime!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Has onsite accommodations

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
“Gateway Hotel and Conference Center is a hidden gem in the Central Iowa area! Don’t picture the dated venue of yesteryear, it’s gone through a very thoughtful renovation that created spaces that have a “touch of ISU” rather than it being the forefront. At Gateway, we signed ONE contract that covered: the ceremony, reception, CATERING, rehearsal, room blocks, linens, dancefloor, chair rental, etc. Truly a full-service venue that knows weddings inside and out. I can’t mention Gateway without talking about the FOOD. I swear, prepare to have your guests rave about the food at your wedding for the next decade. The planning process covered every minor detail, right down to the napkin fold. At times I thought, there’s no way this is just included—yes, it was included—and yes, you can pick out exactly what you want. Zoie and the team were amazing to work with. My post-nuptial blues have me wishing that I could get married every year so I can continue to work with them. The Gateway Hotel and Conference Center is the perfect place to get married and have a party that will be talked about for a long time. From Friday morning until Sunday afternoon—you, your family, and your guests are treated to incredible service at a fantastic venue.”
Briar F., a month ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near St. Marys, IA

Quick responder
The Tea Room
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Des Moines, IA
TrendlineTrending
Toast
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Ankeny, IA
Curate
Des Moines, IA
The District Venue
Rating: 4.0 (5 reviews)
Ankeny, IA
Copper Creek Ridge
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Riverside, IA
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Salisbury House & Gardens
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Des Moines, IA
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Fort Frenzy
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Fort Dodge, IA
GemHidden gem
The Exchange On Vine
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Riverside, IA
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Des Moines, IA
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VOWS DSM
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
Des Moines, IA
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The Celebration Farm
Iowa City, IA
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Baqara
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
Runnells, IA

Event types for wedding venues in St. Marys, IA

About wedding venues in St. Marys, IA

Iowa offers some truly exceptional wedding settings that you'll fall in love with, from historic mansions with character to beautifully converted barns that blend rustic charm with modern amenities. You'll find specialized venues across the state that cater to specific needs; places like River Center in Des Moines provides outstanding accessibility features while The Chateau in Cambridge delivers a culinary experience that your guests will talk about for years.

What Makes Iowa Wedding Venues Special?

Iowa's rich architectural heritage creates wedding backdrops you simply can't find elsewhere. Rollins Mansion showcases historic detailing that photographs beautifully while The Temple for Performing Arts features stunning stained glass skylights that create magical lighting throughout your ceremony. Des Moines is home to premier venues like Northbridge Event Center with excellent food partnerships that will impress even your foodie friends. If you're looking eastward, The Harmac in Eastern Iowa offers an industrial atmosphere with handcrafted cocktails your guests will love. You'll typically spend between $7,100-$8,700 for Iowa venues, which falls nicely below the national average of $6,500-$12,000; giving you more flexibility with your overall budget.

How Much Does an Iowa Wedding Cost?

For a more intimate celebration with 50 guests, you're looking at roughly $18,338 total. Your costs will scale up naturally with your guest count. A 100-guest wedding typically runs about $30,382 while 150 guests pushes that to $41,708. Larger celebrations with 200 guests average $51,835 and if you're planning a big gathering with 250 guests expect around $61,962. The largest weddings with 300 guests typically reach $72,089. These figures help you set realistic expectations as you begin your venue search.

Which Venue Types Can You Find in Iowa?

Iowa gives you diverse venue options from elegant mansions to charming rustic barns that suit any wedding style you're dreaming of. Bella Sala Event Center can accommodate anywhere from 50 to 650 guests and offers beautiful outdoor spaces including a waterfall terrace and patio that creates perfect photo opportunities. The Exchange On Vine hosts up to 320 guests with flexible configurations that adapt to your vision, while VOWS DSM specializes in creating magical intimate celebrations for up to 65 guests; perfect if you're planning a more personal gathering.

How Do Iowa Wedding Venue Costs Break Down?

Venue costs make up about 19% of your total wedding budget with the average Iowa venue running $7,910. This gives you good perspective as you allocate funds across different services. Catering typically runs $6,328 (15%) while bar services average $5,062 (12%). Photography investments average $3,982 (10%) with videography close behind at $3,555 (9%). Your floral arrangements will likely cost around $3,342 (8%) and planning assistance averages $2,133 (5%). Entertainment costs about $1,350 (3%) with cake and desserts running $692 (2%). Hair and makeup services are relatively affordable at approximately $518 (1%).

ServiceAverage Cost% of Total (150 guests)
Venue$7,91019%
Catering$6,32815%
Bar Services$5,06212%
Photography$3,98210%
Videography$3,5559%
Florists$3,3428%
Planning$2,1335%
Entertainment$1,3503%
Cake/Desserts$6922%
Hair & Makeup$5181%

Where Are Iowa's Most Accessible Wedding Venues?

The River Center in Des Moines stands out with excellent ADA accessibility throughout plus two spacious bridal suites, private patios and convenient in-house catering that simplifies your planning. Wilson's Orchard in Iowa City offers accessible pathways with paved parking that ensures all your guests can navigate comfortably. You'll appreciate Bella Sala Event Center's comprehensive ADA accessibility throughout the facility, while The Temple for Performing Arts combines necessary accessibility features with modern amenities that don't compromise on style or atmosphere.

Which Iowa Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

The Chateau connects directly to a winery and features exceptional in-house catering that will impress even your most discerning guests. Northbridge Event Center partners with best-in-class food vendors while also supporting college scholarships in Kenya; so your celebration contributes to something meaningful. Glen Oaks Country Club delivers all-inclusive packages with exceptional culinary service that removes the stress of coordinating multiple vendors, letting you focus on enjoying your day.

When Should You Book Your Iowa Wedding Venue?

Most couples secure their venue about 15 months before their wedding date; giving you plenty of time to plan other details once your location is confirmed. October ranks as Iowa's most popular month for venue inquiries, so start looking earlier if you're considering a fall wedding. Popular destinations like The Celebration Farm and Glen Oaks Country Club often book well in advance, especially for peak season dates between May and October. Starting your venue search early gives you the best chance at securing your first choice.

How Can Iowa Venues Accommodate Remote Participants?

The Celebration Farm offers highly customizable spaces that work beautifully for integrating digital elements to include loved ones who can't attend in person. The Heights Rooftop can provide impressive Jumbotron displays that create an immersive experience for remote interaction. Venues like Northbridge Event Center and Bella Sala can accommodate technical installations for virtual engagement through augmented reality features or interactive experiences that bridge the gap between in-person and remote guests, ensuring everyone feels part of your special day.

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