3 cheap, unique wedding venues around Des Moines

Earlier this year, I was on the hunt for a nearby wedding venue that didn't leave me saying "I do" to years of debt.

The big picture: After a pandemic-induced backup, weddings have come roaring back with bigger budgets, longer guest lists and grander ideas.

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Driving the news: To make sure I left no stone unturned, I toured over a dozen venues in central Iowa.

My criteria: 150+ person capacity, indoor and outdoor space and flexibility on food and drinks, which are the biggest expenses of many weddings.

• I also wanted to feel good about where my money went, whether it was a nonprofit or local city government.

Between the lines: My Pinterest wedding board inspo was rustic, supper club, Midwest vibes.

After all that research, I have rounded up three cost-effective contenders:

Simpson Barn

Interior of the upper level of Simpson Barn. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

State of play: Built in 1936, rentals at the Simpson Barn are handled by the city of Johnston.

• About 127 people fit comfortably inside.

What I liked: The warmth of the wood interior, as well as the outside green space overlooking several ponds. The historic home and windmill nearby also make a neat, outdoor ceremony spot.

• I loved the idea of a disco barn party and how the lighting could look against the curved interior.

Price in 2024: $1,500 for all day on a Friday or Saturday.

Izaak Walton League in Des Moines

Inside of the Izaak Walton League lodge. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

State of play: The Izaak Walton League is an environmental conservation group with a venue available to rent in Water Works Park.

What I liked: It can hold 300+ people. There's also a bar space with a cool, supper club aesthetic.

• Depending on timing, this could be a great spot for photos when Water Works crabapple trees are in bloom.

Price in 2024: $2,000 to include set-up the evening before and all-day ceremony and reception

The bar area at the Izaak Walton lodge. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

Whiterock Conservancy

The inside of the dance barn at Whiterock Conservancy

State of play: The idyllic nature conservancy stretches across 5,000+ acres and showcases both Iowa's outdoor recreation, as well as sustainable farming.

Zoom in: While it's over an hour's drive from Des Moines, there's plenty of lodging available at the conservancy , including an Airbnb .

What I liked: You can party at the Riverhouse Barn , which served as a "dance barn" during the Prohibition era.

• It showcases how beautiful Iowa can be — as well as a spot to have friends and family for a whole weekend and go hiking or canoeing.

Price in 2024: $2,750 for a two-hour rehearsal, a full day for ceremony and reception, plus clean-up the next day, as well as accommodation for the married couple.

The outside patio area of the dance barn. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios