Best Wedding Venues in Des Moines, IA

One of the most important tasks a wedding couple must do is research. Whether it is for wedding cake, bridal apparel, or photography, research should start once the bride to be says yes.

Out of every task, finding a wedding venue is the most critical and should be researched, discussed, and agreed upon, at least 9 months in advance.

For the mid-west couple that will be saying "I Do," here is an overview of the best wedding venues in Des Moines, IA.

A history museum would probably be one of the most unlikely places to get married but the "Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center," is highly sought out by wedding couples.

Located at 75 East Army Post Road, the "Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center," honors the heroes of the United States Army during World War I and World War II, who brought gender and racial equality to the service.

Consisting of 4.6 acres and a phenomenal abstract monument including the names and hometowns of the 639 graduate captains and lieutenants from 1917 and the first 436 "Women's Auxiliary Corps" officers from 1942, wedding couples will find the area to not only be rich with history, but an honorable place to get married.

The simple and elegant facility at "Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center," provides wedding couples a beautifully restored, versatile, and intimate setting as they pledge their love for one another, making it one of the best wedding venues in Des Moines.

In addition, "Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center," is a historic landmark and national attraction featuring artifacts, period art, exhibits, and archival photographs, as well as a resource center for students and educators.

To learn more about "Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center," log on to www.fortdesmoines.org.

Being one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, "Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center" is very popular with not only Des Moines brides but throughout the state of Iowa.

Hosting over 2,000 private events per year and consisting of 14 acres of gorgeous scenery along the east bank of the Des Moines River, the "Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center" is one of the best wedding venues in Des Moines.

Because of its size and diversity, there are many areas where couples can exchange vows, such as the tranquil and serene atmosphere in the "Dome," the intimate and quaint area at the "Show House," the picturesque surroundings of the "Herb Garden" which provides a breathtaking view of the outdoor gardens, or one of the center's six meeting rooms which can also be used for the wedding reception.

In addition to being an ideal wedding venue, the "Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center" provides educational and recreational programs and community resources such as "Connecting Kids and Culture" and "Summer Education Programs."

"Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center" is located at 909 Robert D. Ray Drive and can be visited on line at www.botanicalcenter.com.

The charm of 16^th Century England, America of the 1920s, and the vibrant culture of the 21^st Century can all be discovered at the "Salisbury House & Gardens."

Located at 4025 Tonawanda Drive, the "Salisbury House & Gardens" is a 42 room architectural wonder and home to an amazing and eclectic collection of over 10,000 objects consisting of Native American crafts, rare books and documents, fine and decorative arts, and centuries old antiques.

The grand mansion and striking gardens create and elegantly beautiful atmosphere that can't be found any place else. With a gorgeous setting consisting of well kept landscaping as well as a Tudor England-style Castle as a back drop, wedding couples will be enamored by the "Salisbury House & Gardens," which proves it to be one of the best wedding venues in Des Moines.

In addition to weddings the "Salisbury House & Gardens" hosts many special events such as anniversaries, business events, private parties, and offers daily guided public tours.

To learn more about "Salisbury House & Gardens," log on to www.salisburyhouse.org.

Referred to as one of the "most endangered" historic buildings by "The National Historical Register," "The Temple for Performing Arts" was renovated in 2002.

Located at 200 10^th Street, "The Temple for Performing Arts" is home to the "Des Moines Symphony Academy" and the "Greater Des Moines Youth Symphonies" including the "Sinfonia Orchestra," "Philharmonic Orchestra," "Symphony Orchestra," and the "Chamber Orchestra," as well as the "Symphony Alliance's Instrument Loan Program" and the music library.

Offering 3 of the most breathtaking locations, "The Temple for Performing Arts" is very popular with brides and is one of the best wedding venues in Des Moines.

The beautifully restored "Grand Hall" features two-story columns, glass sky lights, a sculpted ceiling, ornate light fixtures, and impressively spans 4,000 square feet, accommodating up to 450 people.

Featuring an attractive hardwood floor, original fresco stencils, trompe l'oeil stone painting, and three large stained glass windows, makes "The Recital Hall" highly desirable. Measuring 1,200 square feet and able to seat between 80 and 100 guests, this area at "The Temple for Performing Arts" is popular with couples that are planning a smaller wedding.

"The Performance Hall" is positioned on the second floor of "The Temple for Performing Arts," measures 4,000 square feet, and is able to seat approximately 300 people. Although "The Performance Hall" is equipped for a wide range of musical and theatrical performances, it is still considered a great location to say "I Do."

To learn more about "The Temple for Performing Arts" including event and area information, log on to www.templeforperformingarts.com.

Although this is an overview of the best wedding venues in Des Moines, it's important that couples address their specific needs to the venue that interests them.

Getting as much information as possible always makes it easier to decide on a certain location and will prevent unnecessary stress on a couple's special day.