12 Unforgettable Barn Wedding Venues in Iowa

From historic and rustic to modern and sophisticated, here are our favorite barn venues in Iowa.
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Brittany Barber
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Brittany Barber
The Knot Contributor
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Updated May 14, 2024

Looking for charming barn wedding venues in Iowa? Iowa's countryside offers a picturesque backdrop, with venues ranging from elegantly aged barns to more polished, modern adaptations. When looking at potential sites, consider the setting's proximity to major cities for ease of travel for your guests, and think about the season—those Iowa winters can be harsh, so if you're planning a winter wedding, your barn of choice should be well-heated.

To keep your venue hunt as stress-free as possible, arm yourself with a wedding venue checklist tailored to barn weddings. This might include items like ample parking, on-site accommodations and whether the venue offers a Plan B in case of rain. Prepare questions to ask wedding venue staff to make sure you cover all your bases. But before you do any of that, narrow down your options by having a look at these 12 highly recommended barn wedding venues in Iowa. Each one offers something a little different, whether it's aesthetic, location or amenities.

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The Barn on Heron Hill in Saint Olaf, Iowa

The Barn on Heron Hill is a dreamy wedding venue with its elegant, high-ceiling barn situated among classic Iowan landscapes. Managed by sibling duo Erin and Brent (who bring more than 20 years of event planning experience), this venue is designed to be customized to fit any wedding style. It has a slew of handy features like a well-equipped caterer's area, versatile table setups, chic dressing rooms and ample guest restrooms. The property also has a Victorian home which is perfect for photo ops, along with a spacious parking area. Whether you want an indoor barn ceremony with rustic flair or an outdoor event with scenic views, The Barn on Heron Hill accommodates up to 200 guests for a truly memorable experience.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 200

The Gathering Barn in Williamsburg, Iowa

Located in Williamsburg, The Gathering Barn is situated right along Interstate 80, making it a convenient spot to get to from other parts of the state. Surrounded by gorgeous farmland, the newly renovated barn seats up to 500 guests. Their packages include amenities including harvest tables and chairs, indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, full bar service and end-of-evening cleanup.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 500

The Barn at Brophy Creek Farm in De Witt, Iowa

The Barn at Brophy Creek Farm is a family-run barn wedding venue in Iowa, just 30 minutes from the Quad Cities. Surrounded by towering trees, sparkling ponds and wide-open spaces, this venue is ideal for nature lovers seeking a mix of outdoor and indoor celebration spots. Whether you choose to host your ceremony in the barn, greenhouse or by the property's waterfall, Brophy Creek Farm has several options for you to choose from. They also offer a variety of packages designed to simplify your wedding planning, providing in-house furniture and decor while also allowing the flexibility to bring in your own caterer.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 300

Clover Ridge Events in Charles City, Iowa

Originally built for the owner's daughter's wedding, Clover Ridge Events provides a variety of indoor and outdoor settings for receptions, allowing couples to craft a celebration that fits their unique vision. Whether it's a riverside banquet or a ceremony under the trees, this Iowa barn wedding venue has all kinds of options, including a beautifully decorated barn and additional sheds for indoor events. They also offer a range of furniture and equipment for use and allow outside vendors to help personalize your wedding day. This venue caters to both large celebrations and more intimate gatherings, making it a versatile choice for any wedding.

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From barns to ballrooms, discover reception venues that feel like you.
  • Guest Capacity: Up to 300

Ashton Hill Farm in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Ashton Hill Farm offers a beautiful barn wedding venue in Iowa, set against sweeping countryside views. The elegant 7,000-square-foot Grand Barn accommodates up to 300 guests, with high ceilings, neutral tones and lots of space for personalized decorations. Ceremonies can be held on lush lawns or under a covered veranda, with outdoor fire pits for evening mingling. For a streamlined and stress-free experience, the venue provides couples with a private suite, comprehensive planning support, day-of coordination and a wide range of vendor connections to bring your vision to life.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 300

Walnut Ridge in Shellsburg, Iowa

Walnut Ridge is a stylish wedding venue in Shellsburg, dreamt up by owners Jennica and Brandon after their own wedding experience. Situated among walnut trees with waterfront views, it provides a serene escape for celebrating a wedding. The black and white barn accommodates up to 250 guests, with 7,100 square feet of indoor space and a 1,500-square-foot cocktail patio. The space has a striking steel fireplace, large glass garage doors and an array of amenities like tables and chairs, linens, preparation suites, a kitchen and a bar area. Walnut Ridge also includes practical services like setup, teardown and end-of-event cleanup.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 250

Harpor's Vineyard in New Virginia, Iowa

Harpor's Vineyard offers a great mix of elegance and natural beauty for couples dreaming of a wedding with a large guest list. It's spacious enough to accommodate up to 2,000 guests, with nearby hotels and casinos to keep the party going. The venue, managed by owners Chelsie and Shay Dulle, has lovely outdoor areas for ceremonies and stylish indoor spaces, including a chic renovated barn. Reviews from previous couples consistently mention how the staff at this venue goes above and beyond, tweaking everything from the dressing rooms to the courtyard setup for optimal customization.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 2,000

Emerald Hills Events in Promise City, Iowa

Couples looking to have their Iowa wedding in an elegant, airy barn setting should look no further than Emerald Hills. The Iowa barn wedding venue has a range of spaces to suit different vibes and guest counts, each with its own charm. The Grand Room can easily switch from ceremony to dinner to dance floor, handling up to 500 guests with amenities like a full-service bar and air conditioning. For a cozier gathering, The Loft provides a comfy indoor area with stunning meadow and woodland views, accommodating up to 300 for a ceremony and 200 for dining. The Forest Lawn and West Lawn offer gorgeous outdoor settings for up to 500 guests, complete with all the necessary facilities and picturesque views.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 500

Three Sisters Barn in Dallas Center, Iowa

Three Sisters Barn, built in 2018 on a family farm, provides a combination of rustic and contemporary aesthetics. While it may look like a traditional barn from the outside, the inside, which accommodates up to 354 guests, reveals a spacious and elegantly designed event space. Thanks to its open layout, you can easily customize a variety of seating arrangements. It has wood interiors with large windows that flood the space with natural light, making photo ops easy. It also includes a caterer's kitchen with a separate entrance, wedding party prep rooms and is equipped with heating and cooling for year-round comfort.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 354

Country Lane Lodge in Adel, Iowa

Tucked away on 40 acres just outside of Des Moines, this Amish-built lodge offers a versatile space for weddings, complete with both indoor and outdoor options. The lodge is fully equipped with a dressing room, a getting-ready loft, a bar, catering kitchen, heated floors and audio and visual systems. When you book Country Lane Lodge, you get exclusive access to the entire property, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the day without interruption. The grounds feature everything from swings and bridges to wildflowers and barn doors, allowing plenty of gorgeous photo opportunities.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 400

Schafer Barn on the Hill in Adair, Iowa

Schafer Barn on the Hill offers charming country scenery for weddings, surrounded by dense woods and lush fields. This family-run venue has a deep-rooted history, with its original Century Barn renovated for family weddings, along with its newer, spacious Barn on the Hill designed for celebrations with a more modern aesthetic. An easy drive away from Des Moines, this venue provides a serene escape from city life without being too far away. It accommodates up to 600 guests for a lively celebration, complete with a fully-equipped kitchen for catering needs. There's even on-site furniture and a dedicated team to help with everything from setup to bartending.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 600

Red Acre Barn in Prole, Iowa

Surrounded by 24 acres of lush land, Red Acre Barn offers a scenic setting with a vineyard and a classic barn. This venue, with a capacity for 300 guests, pairs a minimalistic, traditional barn aesthetic with updated amenities, including a large kitchen, several bathrooms and luxe preparation rooms. The interior is built with reclaimed wood from old barns, which doubles down on the rustic appeal that many couples look for in a Iowa barn wedding venue. Available year-round, Red Acre Barn has both indoor and outdoor facilities, along with rental options like arbors and centerpieces. The venue includes services like setup, cleanup, security and a fully stocked bar managed by experienced staff.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 300

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