Your Guide to Downtown Des Moines Wedding Planning

Planning a wedding? Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is the perfect place for your special day, with the best selection of wedding venues, ample hotel rooms for guests, tons of catering options, creative cake and dessert selections and all the suppliers you need to say, “I do!” without further ado.

Pictured above: A Downtown DSM wedding held at the Tea Room. Photo by Rush Street Photography.

Downtown Des Moines Wedding Venues

Picking the perfect venue is all in the details! Consider the needed space, the ambiance you’re looking to achieve and the type of photos you want to capture of your big day. Here are a few Downtown Des Moines venues for wedding ceremonies and receptions to consider:

• Bash Events & Catering – Bash’s exposed brick walls, beautiful tin ceiling and windows overlooking the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park make for a breathtaking wedding.
• The Conservatory – With space for 275 seated guests, this venue in the Historic East Village provides a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and reception, too.
• Des Moines Heritage Center – Historic charm meets modern clean lines, where two venues have combined to create old-and-new flair.
• Mainframe Studios – With tons of natural light and an industrial feel, the building itself is a piece of art and is full of more than 200 local artists that could make your day extra unique, as well.

 

Pictured: Photography by @laurawillsphotography; styling/planning by @burtsarahburt, catering by @tangerinefoodco and venue is Mainframe Studios (@mainframearts).

• The River Center – The rustic, industrial feel of this venue paired with natural lighting makes for a lovely and picture-perfect setting for your special event.
• Scottish Rite Consistory – The historic auditorium and newly renovated ballroom provide an elegant pairing for your ceremony and after party, too.
• The Tea Room – This historic and iconic venue has the wow-factor you’re searching for! The classic, upscale vibe captivates guests and creates jaw-dropping photos.
• The Temple for Performing Arts – Perfect for couples looking for a classic-themed wedding, featuring lavish two-story columns and sculpted architectural details with space for up to 500 guests.
• Vows DSM – A specialty wedding venue in Downtown Des Moines focused exclusively on intimate events for groups of two to 65. Choose from one hour, two hour, three hour and four-and-a-half hour events with packaged options that include officiant, photographer, coordinator, flowers and fare. Did we mention it’s located in the hip Historic East Village and includes 16’ ceilings, natural light and a private couples room?
• West End Architectural Salvage – This unique venue is a treasure! With interesting or quirky architectural finds to set the scene for your ceremony or reception, guests will enjoy exploring the four floors of vintage and salvaged finds during cocktail hour.
• World Food Prize Hall of Laureates – With beautiful spaces both indoors and outdoors including flower garden and riverfront views, the World Food Prize’s gilded ambiance is sure to create a memorable event.

 

Pictured: A Downtown Des Moines wedding at the River Center. Photo provided by ZTS Photo.

Additionally, many Downtown Des Moines attractions, museums and performing arts venues also double as wedding venues. For smaller receptions or your rehearsal dinner, consider using private dining spaces at a downtown restaurant or eatery. And don’t forget to explore Catch Des Moines’ facility search tool for more great wedding venue ideas in Downtown Des Moines.

Hotels for Weddings in Downtown Des Moines

Whether you’re needing a room block for your bridal party and wedding guests, or considering one of Downtown Des Moines' historic or upscale hotels as your wedding venue of choice — we’ve got you covered! Explore this list of Downtown Des Moines hotels for convenient places to stay.

 

Pictured: Hilton Des Moines Downtown Hotel.

Catering for Weddings in Downtown Des Moines

Once you have your venue nailed down, browse the list of preferred caterers and consider further leveraging the flavor of Downtown Des Moines within your food selections! In addition to Downtown Des Moines restaurants, these are just a few of the caterers located here:

• Gateway Market & Café – Partnering with 30 venues around Des Moines, Gateway provides catering with the culinary finesse of a George Formaro restaurant.
• St. Kilda Catering – Bringing the quality ingredients and presentation you love from their restaurant, St. Kilda Catering is suitable for large-scale events!
• The Tangerine Food Company – In addition to its flagship venue in Mainframe Studios, this catering company has relationships with nearly 20 venues around Downtown Des Moines and throughout the region.
• Trellis Catering – Highlighting fresh and locally sourced ingredients, crafted to meet your vision. (You may recognize the name, as the in-house café at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden!)

 

Pictured: Photography by @laurawillsphotography; styling/planning by @burtsarahburt, catering by @tangerinefoodco and venue is Mainframe Studios (@mainframearts).

Cake + Dessert in Downtown Des Moines

Why not get creative with your dessert selection? Serve your wedding guests with their choice of yummy, frosted goodness from ChuChu Donuts, a selection of cupcakes from Molly’s or a cookie dough bar from Dough Crazy. Or Doré Bakery can make your sweet treat dreams come true, customized to your needs! Check out even more ideas for treats and desserts you’ll find in Downtown Des Moines.

 

Pictured: Wedding desserts by from Downtown Des Moines' Doré Bakery.

Wedding Photo Locations in Downtown Des Moines

So, you need a few places to take iconic photos of the best day of your life? We’ve got a list for that! Check out these ideas for photoshoot spots in Downtown Des Moines:

• 10 Best Places for Downtown Des Moines Views
• Where to Find Artful Murals in Downtown Des Moines
• Downtown Des Moines' Photo-worthy Art Sculptures
• Top Spots for Fall Photos in Downtown Des Moines
• 6 Iconic Downtown Des Moines Bridges

 

Pictured: A couple photographed by ZTS Photo overlooking the Downtown Des Moines skyline from the Iowa State Capitol grounds.

Downtown Des Moines Wedding Dress Shops, Suits + More

• Amour – Shop for your wedding day undergarments and soft lounge clothing to feel cozy while getting prepped for the big day, too! A great shop for gift shopping for bridesmaids, also.
• Bridal Boutique – Here you'll find your wedding dress in Downtown Des Moines, plus bridesmaids' dresses, men’s tuxedos and accessories.
• Josephs Jewelers – Shop engagement rings, wedding bands, high-end gifts and more at this premiere high-end jeweler in Downtown Des Moines — located here since 1871.
• Leona Ruby – This Downtown Des Moines jewelry shop includes both national brands and jewelry from local artists.

 

Pictured: A Downtown Des Moines wedding held at the Tea Room. Photo Laura Wills Photography.

Downtown Des Moines Wedding Suppliers

Invitations and stationery

• Ephemera – Shop here for custom-designed wedding invitations and other personalized stationery that would make any paper lover swoon.
• Domestica – Buy local for your “Thank You” cards or special stationary for writing notes to your wedding party, parents or soon-to-be-spouse on your special day!
• Red Door Press – Find love-themed cards perfect for writing a heart-felt thank you surrounding your wedding day.
• Moglea – Explore their Wedding Collection including beautiful, hand-dipped cards to make asking your Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids extra special!

 

Pictured: A couple photographed by ZTS Photo on the Scott Avenue Bridge in Downtown Des Moines.

Downtown Des Moines Florists

• Petals + Moss – Unique plant varieties for potted centerpieces and both small- and large-scale custom floral available by request.
• Gateway Market & Café – Find fresh floral arrangements and flowers in Downtown Des Moines available for custom order at this grovery store and market, plus potted plants and succulents, too! Work with their floral designers to bring your vision to life.

Salon/Spa/Barbershops Near Downtown Des Moines

• Dapper DSM – This Downtown Des Moines barbershop specializes in short hair, and it’s inclusive for all!
• East Village Spa – Get pampered before your big day. Explore this Downtown Des Moines spa’s menu of nail services, facials and massages.
• Elevencherry Salon – This artful space for independent stylists is a pure vibe.
• Oliver+james Salon – Get your haircut in Downtown Des Moines, plus color, blowouts, barbering and bridal ‘dos.
• Paramount Barbering Co. – Located in the Historic East Village, services are by-appointment only! Browse their website and Instagram for ideas.
• Salon Spa W – Providing a full suite of services for bridal needs, ranging from bride and bridal party hair and makeup to rehearsal dinner blowouts, too!

 

Pictured: A bride puts on the finishing touches at the Tea Room in Downtown Des Moines. Photo by BettyAnn Photography.

Favors + Gifts from Downtown Des Moines shops

Shopping for something special to thank those you love for participating in your special day can feel a little daunting. Look no further for gifting for wedding gifts in Downtown Des Moines for groomsmen, bridesmaids, parents, grandparents — even a parting gift for wedding guests, too! Check out these Downtown Des Moines stores and local shops for ideas to make your loved ones feel extra special for being part of your big day.

Make your wedding stress-free for guests with these tips for parking and navigation in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), and discover additional restaurants and nightlife options, too! Follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown DSM.