How Much Is a Des Moines Wedding? Costs, Venues & Scores

Regions › Des Moines

Why it stands out

Affordability8.0Logistics8.0Lodging7.6

Des Moines offers genuine major metro wedding infrastructure at exceptional value. The aesthetic is more polished Midwestern city than scenic destination. Best for budget conscious couples in the central US who want urban polish without travel premiums.

Avg. wedding cost

$32,000

Weddings / year

7,500+

Annual rainfall

35 in / year

Read our blog entry on Des Moines

How Des Moines scores

Overall affordability8.0/10

Among the most affordable major-metro wedding markets in America.

Guest travel convenience6.8/10

DSM has decent regional service.

Weather and seasonality5.0/10

Hot humid summers and cold winters; late spring through early fall is prime.

Scenery and overall vibe6.4/10

Pleasant urban core, sculpture park, and surrounding farm country; less iconic scenery.

Venue options nearby7.0/10

Decent mix of urban venues and farm properties.

Lodging availability7.6/10

Solid hotel inventory at very favorable rates.

Legal and logistical simplicity8.0/10

Iowa has standard rules with 3-day waiting period.

Accessibility and inclusivity7.6/10

Generally inclusive in revitalized urban core.

Vendor ecosystem7.0/10

Solid mid-market vendor scene.

Explore destinations Map Compare

Venue spotlight ad

Featured venue

The Tea Room

Des Moines, Iowa

Restored after a historic department store fire, Des Moines’ 1913 Tea Room features art deco details, marble columns and floor to ceiling windows that bring vintage glamour to modern day celebrations.

View venue →

Editorially Curated

From the venue shortlist

4 of the 10 hand picked Des Moines venues our editors keep coming back to.

01
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
A gilded Beaux-Arts library hall on the Des Moines riverfront.
Visit website View on map
02
Hotel Fort Des Moines
The restored 1919 grand hotel downtown.
Visit website View on map
03
Salisbury House
A 42-room Tudor manor built from centuries-old English materials.
Visit website View on map
04
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The geodesic dome and riverside gardens downtown.
Visit website View on map