5.0
Praised by couples for:
Amenities
Guests comfort
Unique aesthetic style
ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER
Casual, Classic and Affordable!
Holds ceremonies and receptions
The Alta House was truly the most amazing venue — I couldn’t have asked for a better place to get married. From the moment we toured it, we knew it was something special.
The entire space is absolutely gorgeous. The ceremony site, reception hall, dinner area, and bar are all beautifully designed — classy, spacious, and so well thought out that minimal decorating is needed. It’s a venue that truly speaks for itself. There are also so many stunning photo locations, from the pond on the property to little hidden spots all over the venue.
The bridal suite was more than spacious enough for all of us to get ready comfortably, and the Carl’s Cabin space for the guys was equally great. One of the biggest perks was their Borrow Closet — they offer a huge variety of décor items to use at no extra cost, including ceremony arches, table runners, vases, signage, card boxes, centerpieces, and more. It saved us so much time and money and really helped bring our vision to life without having to source a ton of things on our own.
Now for the staff — Phoebe and Rachel were truly incredible. I cannot say enough good things about them. They were beyond helpful every step of the way. From answering every random question I had, helping us build our timeline and day-of schedule, to literally decorating the entire venue for us — they went above and beyond.
Their support made wedding planning feel manageable, and having them there on the big day gave me total peace of mind. They were also so fun and kind to be around and ready to help with anything that came up so we never had to worry.
If you’re considering The Alta House — do it. It’s a beautiful space with an amazing team behind it. I would choose it again and again, and I truly cannot recommend it highly enough.
It's difficult to know where to start with this venue, staff, and overall experience. I was the sister of the bride & matron of honor this weekend at Alta House.
When I was helping my sister and her now husband find a venue, I put everything I knew about each venue into a spreadsheet. From there, the couple narrowed it down to five venues and my mom took over with calls/emails to each venue. Alta House wasn't really at the top of their list, but the experience my mom had with Dana, the owner, was so positive they decided to tour anyway.
Upon arrival, the energy Phoebe had was incredible. She was positive and upbeat and excited to show us all the venue had to offer, and it had a LOT to offer. My notes were extensive - indoor/outdoor space, Carl's Cabin for the groom & his friends, the Bridal apartment, a shuttle van, tables & chairs, parking, RV spots on site, additional cabins on site, space for roughly 200 people, and most notably: a HUGE borrow closet full of free-to-use decor. (List is not inclusive of all amenities... I could keep going).
Despite all these incredible features, they aren't the venue's best features. It's corny, but it's true. The best part of this venue is the staff. General shoutouts to the amazing team: Phoebe (manager, planner, sorceress), Rachel (assistant manager/sorceress, decorator), & Kristen (bar manager, decorator)... and so many more.
About this venue
Phoebe Gutierrez
MANAGER
Typically responds within 24h
Alta House Event Center hosts quarterly open houses. RSVP Required. To RSVP, please go to the website. We hope to see you soon!
Located in Newton, IA, Alta House Event Center is a rural wedding venue. This rustic farmhouse is complemented by all of the modern facilities you have come to rely on. Situated less than an hour from Des Moines, this setting feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our team is there to support you every step of the way.
Owners Dana and Curtis VanGilder purchased this property in 2018 and renovated every aspect of it. They wanted to turn Alta House Event Center into a boutique space for various gatherings and celebrations. It was named for Dana’s grandmother, showing the respect the owners have for honoring their loved ones. The decor of the house is inspired by Dana and Curtis’s parents and grandparents, alongside their Iowa heritage. The main goal for this venue was to design a chic, intimate event space in a convenient location for everyone in the surrounding communities to enjoy.
Alta House Event Center welcomes celebrations with up to 250 guests while maintaining an air of spaciousness. Dana and Curtis want to create as much joy as possible for you on your special day. This venue is available for weekend-long wedding events. Starting on Friday afternoon, you are granted access to the great room, upper deck, and the garden patio. A get-ready room in a private apartment is also available for the wedding party to use. The great room and patio are both available to hold your wedding events, depending on whether you have envisioned an indoor or outdoor wedding. The subtle water feature on the patio provides a gentle accompaniment to any ceremony held outside. The house and grounds are ideally appointed for memorable wedding photos, with plenty of trees and landscaping to enjoy.
ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER is a wedding venue located in Newton, IA.
Meet the team
- Dana and Curtis VanGilderOwnersThe name Alta House stems from owner, Dana VanGilder’s, Grandma Alta Nelson. Alta was a 6 foot tall Danish farmer’s wife. When choosing a name and home for the event center, the discussion centered around descriptions for a home on a tall hill. The logo designer suggested Alta House without knowing that was Dana’s beloved Grandmother’s name! Choosing the Alta House name also helped to determine the decor’ theme and is an ode to parents, grandparents and their Iowa heritage. It took nearly two years to complete the Alta House reconstruction. Dana and Curtis VanGilder are grateful to all the construction companies and their employees for making their dreams a reality. The goal was to purchase a much needed event center that combines convenience and location with style and charm to serve the Central Iowa communities. Come on over, take a tour and see for yourself… mission accomplished!
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ALTA HOUSE EVENT CENTER
Phoebe Gutierrez
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Manager
Typically responds within 24h
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