One of the first things couples do when they book a photographer: is book their venue! This comes first because it solidifies your wedding date. A lot of photographers won’t book you until you have a date and venue set to make sure you don’t choose another date and need to reschedule.
Over my years of shooting weddings, there are several venues that I’ve both loved photographing at, and love the owners and overall experience! There are a few in the mix that I haven’t worked with- but are high up on the list of places I’d love to work with and know are 100% reputable! I’ve linked the website of each venue in their title name- so all you need to do is click! Ya ready to dive in? Me too! 😉
Walker Homestead: Iowa City, Iowa. 
Walker Homestead: Iowa City, Iowa. One of my all-time favorite venues! Located outside of Iowa City on a beautiful farm. With their vineyard as the background of the ceremony space, their vineyards wines, and kombucha on tap, brick oven for catering onsite, doors that open up to the summer evening breeze, and beautiful getting ready spaces- this venue is perfect for the carefree wedding day!
The Teachout Building: East Village in Des Moines. The perfect venue for intimate urban weddings! Located on the top floor of a building in the Historic East Village, you can have weddings up to 200 people in the space! With an unfished urban look on the inside, you can really decorate and plan for your wedding with any vibe or vision! Whether you’re wanting an elopement or intimate wedding, or a full wedding- this venue can house all types of events!
The 1868 Farmhouse: Boone, Iowa. 
The 1868 Farmhouse: Boone, Iowa. With the gorgeous brick farmhouse as the backdrop to your ceremony, private getting ready suites, and even the bunkhouse to stay in the night before with your wedding crew- this venue fits any vibe, color scheme! They’ve thought of everything from a pool table for grooms getting a ready suite, to the bar area, and romantic patio perfect for cocktail hour or a summer dance floor!
The Prelude: New Virginia, Iowa. One of Iowa’s newest wedding venues, hidden away in the rolling hills of southern Iowa sits the beautiful mini-mansion and the Prelude! This is one of Iowa’s most unique venues; with classic vintage charm, black and white checkered floors, gold accents everywhere, a beautiful pond for an outdoor ceremony backdrop, and the most perfect golden light with every sunset. With a maximum occupancy of 170 people, this is an amazing venue for an intimate character-filled wedding day!
Rapid Creek Cidery: Iowa City, Iowa. 
Rapid Creek Cidery: Iowa City, Iowa. Not 15 minutes outside of town, the cidery is located right next to an apple orchard and beautiful land for your ceremony and photos! The rustic and romantic interior is perfect for a wedding of any size. Your perfect venue for a fall wedding!
The Driftless: Dubuque, Iowa. The beautiful crisp floor-to-ceiling white Magnolia room is a completely unique backdrop for your wedding day! A modern venue for the modern couple in downtown Dubuque, with the Champagne loft for getting ready, one of Iowa’s most beautiful venues hands down!
The Harmac: Cedar Rapids, Iowa. An urban industrial event space located in Cedar Rapids! Onsite getting ready suites for each of you, lots of natural lighting, and chair and table rentals included! Close to the river with beautiful locations for photos, hotels, and bars within walking distance of the venue.
Eagles Ledge: Madrid, Iowa. 
A few other venues I’ve worked with and loved:
Eagles Ledge: Madrid, Iowa. The Hidden Acre, Waverly, Iowa. Little Lights on the Lane: Iowa City, Iowa. Harpors Vineyard: New Virginia, Iowa.
And a few on my wishlist!
Willow Creek Glass Chapel: Near Omaha, but still Iowa. The Des Moines Heritage Center: Des Moines, Iowa. Toast: Ankeny, Iowa. The Des Moines River Center: Des Moines, Iowa. Surety Hotel: Des Moines, Iowa.
Good Luck!