Choosing your Iowa wedding venue is one of the most exciting parts of the whole planning process. And honestly, it sets the tone for everything to come! Whether you’re dreaming of a light-filled barn, a romantic garden, or a timeless estate, your venue becomes the backdrop to every photo, every memory, and every sweet moment of your big day. That’s why finding the perfect spot matters so much! Today, I’m so excited to walk you through everything you should consider when picking the venue that feels just right for you — because you deserve a space that brings your vision (and your love story!) to life in the most beautiful way!

Deciding on Your Iowa Wedding Venue Size

One of the first (and most important!) things to think about when choosing your Iowa wedding venue is size. Your venue needs to comfortably fit your guest list and leave enough breathing room for everyone to enjoy themselves. No one wants to feel crammed in during dinner or dancing! If you’re planning a smaller, more intimate celebration, a cozy venue can feel incredibly romantic and personal. But if you’re inviting a big crowd, you’ll want a space that feels open, welcoming, and ready to host an epic party. Keep in mind: bigger venues sometimes require more decor to make the space feel full, while smaller venues might have stricter guest count limits that you’ll need to double-check. Either way, it’s all about finding a venue that fits your people and your vibe, so everything feels natural and joyful from the second guests walk in.

Pros of a Larger Venue:

• Plenty of space for bigger guest lists
• Room for extras like lounge areas, photo booths, and big dance floors
• Easier to create separate areas for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception

Cons of a Larger Venue:

• May require more decor to make it feel warm and inviting
• Can sometimes feel too empty if the guest list is smaller than expected
• Typically higher rental and setup costs

Pros of a Smaller Venue:

• Feels cozy, intimate, and personal
• More intentional guest list
• Less decorating needed — the natural charm really shines!

Cons of a Smaller Venue:

• Limited guest list size (harder to invite everyone)
• May feel cramped if you’re planning dancing, buffet lines, or a band
• Less flexibility for adding extra entertainment or surprises

Natural Light is Your New Best Friend

When it comes to choosing the perfect Iowa wedding venue, natural light is truly everything! As a photographer, I might be a little biased, but trust me when I say that beautiful natural light can completely transform your photos. Bright, airy spaces help your images feel joyful, timeless, and full of life. If your dream venue doesn’t have quite as much light as you hoped, don’t stress! You can always consider hosting your ceremony outdoors, especially if it lets you take advantage of that dreamy golden hour glow. (Seriously, those sunset portraits are chef’s kiss.) If you want to dive even deeper into why golden hour portraits are a must, I actually wrote an entire blog post about it! Check it out here!

Overall Vibe of Your Iowa Wedding Venue

Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about the overall vibe you’re dreaming of! Your venue sets the stage for the entire day, and because your surroundings will be in almost every photo, it’s so important that it matches the feeling you want your wedding to have. If you picture something elegant and timeless, a classic estate or historic building might be perfect. If you’re dreaming of something more relaxed and playful, a garden, beach, or charming barn could be the right fit. The style, colors, and setting of your venue will all shine through in your photos, so choosing a space that feels like you will make every image even more special. I always tell my couples: when your venue fits your vision, the day (and your photos!) just come to life in the best way. Here are some helpful guides I’ve created for you below to kickstart your wedding venue search!

Best Des Moines Iowa Wedding Venues

Top Central Iowa Wedding Venues

Kind Words From Clients

“You are the absolute sweetest oh my goodness I can’t even believe it that I get you as my photographer! Grant + I got to have a date and look at the photos and we absolutely LOVE them!”

Feeling Confident in Your Search for the Perfect Iowa Wedding Venue?

I hope you found these tips helpful! As an Iowa wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how the right venue sets the stage for some of the most meaningful, joy-filled moments of your life. Your love story deserves a setting that feels true to you — one that holds space for every laugh, every tear, and every hug you’ll want to remember forever. If you ever need guidance along the way, just know I’m cheering you on every step of the journey. You can learn all about me here! If you’re ready to take that next step and book your wedding photographer, then get in touch with me here. I can’t wait to help you capture every beautiful chapter as it unfolds. Until then, discover this Iowa wedding planning guide blog post to help you get started! Chat soon!

Brooklyn G Photography | Iowa Wedding Photographer