Q. We're just starting to plan our Des Moines wedding. Can you give us the scoop on some of your favorite reception sites?
A. Of course -- it would be our pleasure! If you want to give your wedding guests the royal treatment, it's only fitting for you to wed in a castle. Salisbury House, a 42-room mansion situated on ten acres in the heart of Des Moines, looks like it came from another era. Built in the 1920s, the fancy manse takes its style from the King's House in Salisbury, England. Indoor and outdoor celebrations can be accommodated -- and it may be hard to choose. While the gardens and lush lawns offer views of towering oaks and the house itself, the house's intimate interiors boast beautiful old woodwork, an extensive art collection, tapestries, and rare books. No matter what feel you're going for, there's a stylish setting that'll work for you. Salisbury House, (515) 274-1777, salisburyhouse.org
Looking for a super-intimate affair, where you whisper vows to your betrothed (and your guests can still hear you?). Try the Wallace House, an Italianate Victorian gem in Des Moines' historic Sherman Hill, where you'll feel like you're graciously entertaining your guests in your own beautiful home. Capacity is only 40 (and that's seated), but if it's a romantic ambiance you're after, this is definitely the place. Wallace House, (515) 243-7063, wallace.org
Couples who long to get creative will find the ultimate canvas for their work-of-art wedding at Hoyt Sherman Place. Built in 1877 as a manor home, the building later became Des Moines' first public art gallery when it was converted by then-tenants the Des Moines Women's Club. Today, it's still an amazing gallery space, and now has a theater as well -- and best of all, the galleries are undergoing a mega-renovation, making them an even more picturesque setting for your wedding (oh, and the art collection, too!). Check in on their progress before you set your heart on the site. Hoyt Sherman Place, (515) 244-0507, hoytsherman.org
Want your wedding to be a walk on the wild side? Let your guests do just that with a celebration at the Blank Park Zoo. With a range of outdoor spots to choose from, or the indoor Discovery Pavilion (which still boasts cool jungle views -- quite an eyeful for Iowa!), you'll be able to find the perfect place to showcase your love of nature (and of each other) while treating your guests to lions, tigers, and bears -- oh my! Blank Park Zoo, (515) 285-4722, blankparkzoo.com
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