Ruth MoralesHome of the Hawkeyes, Iowa City, Iowa is a college town where the performing arts prospers. This destination is the county seat of Johnson County and the home of the University of Iowa. It’s also home to gorgeous Iowa City wedding venues for couples to celebrate their love!
Known to be the state’s first capital city, this college town contains several historic landmarks and tourists attractions, such as the Old Capitol Museum and The Englert Theater.
You may consider many factors before deciding on a venue. For example, you may think about the average cost of wedding venues, the amenities/services offered, or the venue’s history. The location is also one of the most important factors that you should consider before booking your venue. Fortunately, Iowa City has many nice-looking venues that you may want to consider for your unforgettable wedding.
Read on to find the top-rated wedding venues in Iowa City. From buildings with a rich history to barn style venues surrounded by rolling hills and pastures, Iowa City’s wedding venues are ideal destinations for your wedding. Check out my list of the best Iowa City wedding venues below!
12 Iowa City Venues for Your Big Day
- Old Brick
- The Celebration Farm
- First Avenue Club
- Bella Sala Event Center
- The Kirkwood Room
- Iowa Memorial Union
- Paul W. Brechler Press Box
- Orchard Green Restaurant and Lounge
- North Ridge Pavilion
- Little Lights on the Lane
- Walker Homestead
- Englert Civic Theatre
Old Brick
26 E Market St, Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone: (319) 351-2626
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Constructed in 1856 in Iowa City, the Old Brick is a historic building that was originally the North Presbyterian Church. This Civil War structure has been called the city’s “crown jewel of historic preservation” and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The restored venue features stained glass windows, a dressing room, a renovated kitchen, new hardwood floors, a wooden stage area with lighting, a landscaped exterior, and more!
The beautiful venue provides a churchlike setting, making it ideal for an indoor church wedding ceremony. With a capacity of 300 guests, this historic landmark also provides high ceilings, 3000 square feet of open space, and a 2000 square foot outdoor patio area.
Besides access to the main hall or ballroom, the venue also includes tables and chairs, a sound system, a grand piano, and more!
The Celebration Farm
4696 Robin Woods Ln NE, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 800-9212
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The Celebration Farm is a gorgeous venue that is situated in the midst of trees, greenery, and a fertile farm. The beautiful venue offers three unique indoor/outdoor spaces that provide a beautiful backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Plus, the venue’s scenic natural setting only adds more of a romantic ambiance to your wedding day.
The flexible Double Round Barn features a domed ceiling, a limestone fireplace, and a covered patio that will wow you and your guests. Another stunning area for a wedding ceremony or reception is the Timber Frame Barn, which features rustic touches and a spacious outdoor wrap-around deck.
With a capacity of 300 guests, the Amphitheater is a one-of-a-kind wedding ceremony site that features three stone arches. This beautiful ceremony site is surrounded by woodlands, a pond, and a fountain, making it the perfect outdoor wedding backdrop.
First Avenue Club
1550 S 1st Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 337-5527
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The First Avenue Club is a budget-friendly event venue that has been serving Iowa City since 1994. This hangout space welcomes comedians, concerts, and other special guests from around the city and country. Apart from hosting various events, they usually host pool leagues during weekdays.
With a capacity of 400 people, the banquet room offers a versatile space, allowing you to set the room up with the wedding style you have in mind.
The venue comes equipped with a 2000 square foot dance floor, projection screen televisions, flatscreens, a full-service bar, and a full-service kitchen. The club also offers onsite and off-site professional catering services for your event.
Bella Sala Event Center
205 S Park Rd Suite B, Tiffin, IA 52340
Phone: (319) 545-4255
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A short drive from Iowa City, Bella Sala Event Center is an eye-catching event space and wedding venue. The locally-owned venue boasts a waterfall terrace and patio and onsite deluxe suites that will impress you and your guests. The luxurious venue offers plenty of indoor and outdoor space for both small and large weddings.
They offer services that you will enjoy, including full-service decor, linens, and uplighting. Plus, an event manager will be onsite on the day of your wedding to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
The guest capacity depends on which room or outdoor space you choose from, but just know that their biggest reception area can accommodate up to 650 people!
The Kirkwood Room
515 Kirkwood Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 337-7778
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The Kirkwood Room at Governor’s Ridge welcomes various events, including family gatherings, rehearsal dinners, and weddings. This lovely wedding venue offers an intimate, elegant space that is perfect for small wedding ceremonies and receptions. Their professional service and great attention to detail will help make your wedding a memorable event.
They offer multiple event packages to choose from. Event servers and cleaning services are also available at an extra cost. With a capacity of 100 guests, the charming venue provides a full kitchen, state-of-the-art visual and audio equipment, tables, chairs, china, a covered patio with furniture, a piano, and more!
Iowa Memorial Union
125 N Madison St, Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: (319) 353-4468
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Located at the University of Iowa, IMU has many indoor and outdoor event spaces to choose from, including two elegant ballrooms. The venue accommodates both small and large wedding events. The Iowa Memorial Union also has the Iowa House Hotel which can comfortably accommodate guests.
With a capacity of 80 guests, the Danforth Chapel at IMU offers a lovely space to host your intimate wedding ceremony. Plus, this 1950s building is adjacent to the Iowa River, which provides a romantic backdrop for your wedding.
All of their indoor venues include set up and tear down services, customized lighting, tables and chairs, a facility coordinator, catering, and more.
Paul W. Brechler Press Box
Stadium Dr, Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone: (319) 384-2964
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Located in The University of Iowa’s historic Kinnick Stadium, the Paul W. Brechler Press Box offers four event spaces to choose from. With a capacity of 225 guests, the McCord Club Lounge provides a 3,200 square foot climate-controlled space that provides breathtaking views of The Iowa Hawkeye Football playing field.
With a capacity of 225 people, The Mediacom Outdoor Club is a 3,600 square foot space that features a 20’ ceiling and a window wall that provides a spectacular view of the Hansen Football Performance Center as well as the playing field.
The other event rooms are perfect for small intimate weddings as they can accommodate fewer guests.
Orchard Green Restaurant and Lounge
521 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 354-1642
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Orchard Green is a unique restaurant that provides an outstanding fine dining experience. With the aid of their excellent staff, the venue welcomes local events and live music.
With a capacity of 150 people, the restaurant provides gourmet classics and American Mediterranean cuisine. The food is prepared with fresh ingredients by the restaurant’s owner/executive chef.
The restaurant’s dining area provides an elegant atmosphere for your event. The venue also has an intimate downstairs lounge that you and your guests will enjoy.
North Ridge Pavilion
2250 Holiday Rd, Coralville, IA 52241
Phone: (319) 248-1750
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A short drive from Iowa City, North Ridge Pavilion is a year-round event venue that is adjacent to a beautiful fishing pond. The 1,700 square foot venue features large window walls that let in a lot of natural light. It contains a veranda deck overlooking the pond and North Ridge Park, where you can enjoy some fresh air and relax on the day of your wedding.
The walking trail among the landscaped grounds makes for a nice walk while taking in scenic views of the natural surroundings. The venue’s amenities include a gas fireplace, a kitchen, a playground, audio-visual equipment, tables and chairs, and a small picnic area. The beautiful facility can seat up to 100 guests.
Little Lights on the Lane
2 Ember Ln, West Branch, IA 52358
Phone: (319) 330-4607
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Less than 20 minutes from Iowa City, Little Lights on the Lane is a female-owned and operated wedding venue overlooking the Cedar’s Edge Golf Course. This charming venue provides a romantic ambiance, making it ideal for a magical wedding event. This picture-perfect venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for your wedding.
Exchange vows under their enchanting tall maple tree and then head over to the beautiful main hall for the wedding party. The two-story spacious hall features a huge sliding glass door, high ceilings, and more.
The 500 square foot bridal suite is a perfect place to relax, pop some champagne, and get ready for the wedding festivities ahead. It features vaulted ceilings, a private balcony, and a hair and makeup studio.
Walker Homestead
3867 James Ave SW, Iowa City, IA 52246
Phone: (319) 351-4791
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The Barn at Walker Homestead is an all-seasons venue that is situated on an 85-acre working farm and winery. The newly constructed barn-style venue boasts five glass doors that provide easy access to a covered patio, where you can enjoy the fresh air and take in breathtaking views of eastern Iowa’s farms.
The farm’s grapevines, rolling pastures, herb gardens, and movable fire pits create a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor ceremony and reception.
The sophisticated, yet simple venue provides 3,000 square feet of indoor space, where you can entertain your guests and host your wedding reception. This indoor area can accommodate up to 240 seated guests. In addition, the venue contains an attached bar, a wood-fired oven, an open kitchen layout, a state-of-the-art sound system, in-house catering, beverage services, and more!
Englert Civic Theatre
221 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 688-2653
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Established in 1912, The Englert Theatre is the last historic theater in Iowa City. The Englert provides a non-traditional offsite venue space for both small or large wedding ceremonies and receptions.
The theater makes an excellent ceremony backdrop for your wedding. This elegant venue is versatile, making it easier for you to transform the space into any ambiance you desire for your big day.
In addition, the trained staff has experience in making sure that everything runs smoothly for your big day. They can assist you in creating the look and feel that you desire for your wedding. They will take care of the details of your wedding to ensure you get the wedding of your dreams.
Final Thoughts
Iowa City has plenty of indoor/outdoor wedding venues to choose from, all of which have their own unique charms. From rustic barn-style venues to fine dining restaurants and historic theaters, this college town has plenty of wedding destinations for every couple and their tastes. Visit Iowa City and its surrounding areas to take a tour of these top-notch wedding venues.
Need more information on wedding venues? Find wedding aisle decor ideas that will fit any venue, or check out these 22 creative seating chart ideas for your wedding reception here on Yeah Weddings!
Did we leave a venue out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
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