Are you a lover of nature? A self-described country girl or country boy? Do you enjoy getting out in the wild? Have you always dreamed of having an open air wedding? Are you looking for something a little outside of the metro area? If you answered “yes” to any of the above, scroll on for our list of seven amazing venues in the great outdoors around the Des Moines metro area.
Written by Jackie Hunter, DSMG Contributor
Red Acre Barn
Photo Cred: Sherry Peterson (@spphotographydesign)
Twenty minutes south of the Des Moines metro lies a big, red barn on 24 acres of land in Prole. Red Acre Barn and Vineyard incorporates 5,632 square feet of venue space and was voted the “Best Barn Venue in Central Iowa” in 2019 and 2020. It was also voted the “Best of Warren County Event Venue” back in 2018. In addition to use of the indoor and outdoor spaces, your rental fee includes security, bartenders, set up and tear down assistance and post-festivity professional cleaning. Easy peasy!
Carper Vineyard & Winery
Out in the quiet countryside of Norwalk sits Carper Vineyard & Winery. Carper offers an array of packages ranging in price from $6,000 to $12,000 to accommodate everything from a single day only ceremony and reception rental to an entire weekend (think Friday rehearsal, Saturday ceremony and reception, and Sunday goodbye brunch) of fun! Each package encompasses exclusive use of the grounds, changing suites for the bridal party, tables, chairs, linens and so much more!
1868 Farmhouse
A relative newcomer on the wedding scene, the 1868 Farmhouse located in Boone features a wraparound porch, brick courtyard, two changing suites, and several outdoor ceremony space options. Newly renovated in 2020, the reception hall holds up to 300 guests in a climate-controlled environment to ensure you can celebrate the night away no matter what the weather outside is doing! Reserving the farmhouse means you get unfettered access to the venue all weekend long and a stress-free experience!
Irishman Acres
Located on 8 acres of land in Bondurant, the 6,600 square foot Clover Barn on Irishman Acres is quickly becoming a favorite venue. In 2021, Irishman Acres received a Gold Award at the Central Iowa Wedding Choice Awards in the barn/rural venue category. Amenities as part of the wedding package comprises everything from an onsite manager to decor and design service. They’re already fully booked for 2022 so if you want this charming, rustic style venue for your wedding in 2023, you better move fast!
Harpor’s Vineyard
Photo Cred: @nicolelaingphoto
Think outdoors, but make it luxe. That’s what you can expect from Harpor’s Vineyard. Every event package includes a wedding coordinator, unlimited drinks, late night provisions à la handmade Neapolitan-style pizza, and House Harpor’s – onsite sleeping accommodations for up to 20 of your friends and family. The house is a great place to keep the after party going with its full size movie theater and jacuzzi. If there’s such a thing as an all-inclusive wedding venue, this is it!
Three Sisters Barn
Newly constructed in 2018, Three Sisters Barn in Dallas Center, features a 6,400 square foot raised center aisle barn with 31-foot tall ceilings and custom made chandeliers. The rental fee allows you to have the space for three days (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) which leaves plenty of time for rehearsing, decorating, and cleaning up without having to rush around! Also included in the cost of the rental fee is exclusive use of the grounds, a portable bar, a catering kitchen and a variety of seating options to fit all your needs!
The Prelude
Photo Cred: @kmpphoto
Located thirty minutes south of Des Moines in New Virginia sits The Prelude. If you’re looking for an intimate, fairytale venue, straight out of a storybook, this is the one for you! With a maximum occupancy of 150 guests, indoor/outdoor ceremony and reception options with heat or A/C, a mini mansion for the bridal party to get ready, and an open catering policy, you can truly put together the wedding of your dreams at The Prelude!
It’s wedding season! 💍
Whether you’re celebrating your engagement, finishing the final touches of wedding planning, or just daydreaming, we’ve working on all the content you’d need to help making wedding planning in Des Moines easier. Check out all of our current live wedding articles at the link below including other types of wedding venue guides, dress shops, unique wedding vendors and more!
