So you’re thinking about getting married around Cedar Rapids or Iowa City, but not sure where to start? Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make! In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best Cedar Rapids wedding venues to help you find the perfect space for your big day. Before we get into my recommendations, I want you to consider the following, as these may help narrow your search.

• What’s your budget? How many people do you hope to invite? Will the venue be able to accommodate inclement weather plans? Do you like the Plan B plans available to you?
• Do you have a vision for your wedding day? Do you want a more modern look, rustic, or industrial? The venue will have a huge impact on how your photos turn out. If you want bright photos that maximize the natural sunlight, but you choose a venue with minimal windows or a rustic barn vibe, the photos likely won’t be what you envisioned. White walls photograph differently than wood, dark-toned interiors.
• Do you want getting-ready spaces? 
• Do you want a venue that has multiple spaces for photo ops?
• Do they allow outside catering?

Okay, now that we got that out of the way. Here are my top 10 recommended Cedar Rapids wedding venues (in no particular order). P.s. don’t be alarmed by the length of this piece – I’ve included lots of pictures 🥰

The Best Cedar Rapids Wedding Venues for Every Style

1. Little Lights on the Lane

• Style: Modern, Scandinavian-inspired
• Location: West Branch, 35 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids 
• Features: I’d be remise if I didn’t include Little Lights on the Lane as one of the best wedding venues around Cedar Rapids. Little Lights on the Lane sits at the top Cedars Edge Golf Course. It’s a stunning venue with high ceilings, gorgeous natural sunlight, and countless locations for photos, or simply to relax. It has an outdoor space for the ceremony centered in front of an 80-year old maple tree. For the warm-weathered days, the front front is perfect for an outdoor dance party!
• Favorite Part: Every detail is intentionally designed and interconnected from the door handles, decor, furniture, to everything in between. Inspiration can be drawn anywhere. 
• Space for: 300 guests

Top Modern Barn Wedding Venues Around Cedar Rapids

3. Walnut Ridge Venue

• Style: Modern Barn
• Location: Shellsburg, 20 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids
• Features: As a newer venue established in 2022, Walnut Ridge Venue blends modern design with a farmhouse feel for a stylish and elegant barn. On secluded property with walnut trees, prairie grass, and wildflowers in view, this venue is a perfect escape from the city. You get a large getting ready space, endless locations for pictures no matter the season, covered cocktail patio, large glass garage doors overlooking patio. Need I say more?
• Favorite Part: Pond + Fountain!!
• Space for: Up to 250 guests

9. Bella Sala Event Center

• Style: Traditional
• Location: Tiffin, 20 miles south of Cedar Rapids
• Features: The Bella Sala Event Center offers two hall spaces depending on your guest count. You can enjoy your entire day here as they have two suites for getting ready and multiple spots for an indoor ceremony. It has an open ceiling with wood beams and windows lining one wall. Fur babies allowed!  
• Favorite Part: The waterfall terrace! Perfect for pictures and ceremony
• Space for: Up to 650 guests

10. Palmer House Stable Weddings

• Style: Rustic
• Location: Solon, 20 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids
• Features: The Palmer House Stable Weddings is a perfect venue for those who love rustic, intimate weddings. Interior is a blend of brick walls and wood floors and ceiling. For smaller spaces, guests will enjoy their meal on two levels. Depending on the weather, the reception is typically held on the lower level or outdoor terrace. Ceremony is likely to be held in the courtyard due venue size. Given the smaller interior space, you may want to consider inclement weather plans if you’re planning a larger wedding. It’s also a 3 minute walk from the Boutique Literary Hotel.
• Favorite Part: I love the historic character of the exterior and the exposed brick. 
• Space for: 150 inside and 200 outside on the terrace.

Just remember, as you can see in these photos, there are many contributing factors that impact the end result of your photos:

• The photographers editing style
• The season (each season photographs differently)
• The lighting of the venue (natural light vs. overhead vs. ambient)
• The tone of the rooms (dark vs. light, wood vs. lighter materials)

There are so many amazing Cedar Rapids wedding venues to choose from, each with its own unique style. No matter which venue you choose, the key is finding a space that matches your vision and fits your needs and then find a photographer you trust to complement your style. If you think I might be the photographer for you, shoot me a message here!