Imagine Your Wedding at the Hall of Laureates
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Monica Gatrost
EVENTS DIRECTOR
The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a conference center and event venue in Des Moines, IA, for whimsical weddings. An architectural tribute to Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Norman Borlaug, this show-stopping structure is steeped in historical wonder. From its neoclassical pillars to its traditional marble floorings, this museum comes fit for only the most grandiose of wedding galas. After hosting hundreds of happily ever afters to date, the World Food Prize is fully prepared to help you live out yours.
The World Food Prize invites you, your soon-to-be spouse, and 300 of your nearest and dearest to the spellbinding wonder of its luxe and lavish interiors. And with an exquisite selection of celebration spaces at your complete disposal, you and your sweetheart are bound to fall in love at first sight. Host your al fresco "I dos" at the building's grand entrance, where its bright tulips and many other botanical blooms act as your altar. A stroll through the gardens with bubbly in hand is a wonderful way to while away the after-ceremony hours. And once the clock strikes party time, you and your guests can all retreat to the World Food Prize's magnificent ballroom. Complete with crystal chandeliers, soft, velvety curtains, polished wooden floors, and antique portraits for that classic feel, this debonair banquet hall promises one and all a night of pure delight. On-site accommodations are also available for out-of-town guests and indulgent overnight stays.
The World Food Prize strives for meaningful, memorable wedding experiences. With in-house catering, you get a first-class display of all the flavors that make The Hawkeye State a culinary capital. On-site parking and wheelchair facilities are also on the cards, allowing all your friends and family to delight in your declaration of love.
Speaks English
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
On-Site Accommodations
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Settings
Ballroom
Garden
Historic Venue
Museum
Park
Venue Service Offerings
Food & Catering
Planning
Any questions?
Meet the team
Monica Gatrost
Events Director
Monica assists the Foundation’s administration and facilities team in coordinating the management and execution of private events at the Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates. She also supports the overall function of the historic facility and the Foundation’s programmatic events.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.013 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help
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Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 8
Callie B
Highlighted review.
5.0
12/17/2025
We could not be more grateful that we chose the World Food Prize as our venue. Monica was a true joy to work with. She made us feel relaxed and excited for the entire process. The ...
building is so beautiful that decorations are just an extra cherry on top. We were lucky to have a gorgeous day to enjoy our ceremony in the gardens which are always kept up to a high standard, and the inside provided a perfect place for dinner and dancing.
Sophia S
5.0
8/26/2024
Having our wedding reception at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates was the best decision we made! It was truly the most perfect venue for our wedding. The building itself is so...
naturally beautiful. All of our guests loved the venue as well! We loved working with Monica as well! She was so sweet and helpful. The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates was so accommodating and is the perfect place to have your wedding! (Photos by Laura Wills Photography)
Any questions?
Tiana K
5.0
9/10/2023
I absolutely loved having my wedding ceremony here! Monica was AMAZING to work with and truly made all of my dreams come true. I can’t think of a better or easier venue coordinator...
to work with. This venue is so gorgeous that it truly does not require any decoration or florals. It was so stunning in pictures and I would recommend it to anyone!
Madeline M
5.0
10/13/2021
The most stunning venue in Iowa. We had people come from all over the country - NYC, California, Oregon, Washington, D.C. - they could not believe how beautiful and stunning our ve...
nue was. The team we had was fabulous at the WFP, and we had the best wedding day. Thanks!
Katie K
5.0
1/12/2018
ur wedding reception could not have had a more STUNNING venue!!!! It is so gorgeous and the different spaces available really helped make the flow of the day flawless!!! We had sep...
arate areas for cocktail hour, dinner, and the dance! The World Food Prize staff, wedding planner Jamie Collette, and Windsor Catering created the most beautiful, fun, stress-free day ever! I would not hesitate in recommending this venue for your wedding or event!!!
Heidi D
5.0
2/23/2017
The World Food Prize couldn't have been a more perfect venue for our Winter Wedding. This place is just GORGEOUS... straight out of a movie! Not to mention, the staff is so helpful...
and easy to work with. The building is easy to get around and has such great options when it comes to your wedding ceremony and reception! The classic and historic feel was exactly what I wanted and everything was perfect! I highly recommend this venue!
Trisha B
5.0
1/27/2017
My husband and I were married here October 22, 2016. Our wedding was amazing and went off with out a hitch! We used Windsor Catering and they did an absolutely amazing job. The g...
ardens were full of mums and they were so pretty on our day. We couldn't have asked for a more beautful venue, beautiful gardens, and just all around wonderful day.
Sarah S
5.0
12/19/2016
The World Food Prize was the most beautiful setting for my bridal shoot! I am so glad I went with them. The background of my photos is breathtaking and I couldn't be happier!
sadhaf p
5.0
9/15/2016
I would recommend having your wedding at the World Food Prize. The whole building is absolutely gorgeous and it saves you a ton of money with trying to add extra decorations becaus...
e you do not need them at all. The staff was amazing and on point any time we needed anything. Our pictures are priceless because there are so many picture options to chose from. We had our ceremony and rehearsal dinner there. Which made it very easy for guests to just sit back and enjoy the evening.
Allissa G
5.0
9/12/2016
From the sunlight pouring through the stained glass windows to the elegant, perfectly maintained gardens, everything about our wedding at the World Food Prize was wonderful. The bu...
ilding and grounds are rich in history, full of breathtaking views and architecture and were easily accessible by our older guests. And the ever-helpful staff were both organized and flexible as my husband and I planned our wedding from abroad. The World Food Prize is truly a top-notch location.
Lauren D
5.0
6/19/2016
If you are looking for a venue that stuns, look no further! The architecture, history, and views make this place a no brainier! Do not pass up at least looking at this venue! Our g...
uests were floored!
Tip: make sure to get the list of can and can nota prior to planning your big day.
Courtney O
5.0
4/25/2014
I had never been to the World Food Prize Building until I was looking at wedding venues. My little sister has taken photos there before and said we must go see it. From the momen...
t I walked in the door I knew that it was the place! The building it self is so classic and beautifully detailed that there is no reason to decorate it. Classic brides will find that it is the perfect back drop. We had guests from all over the country and the world come to our wedding and they were all blown away by the building. Many people commented that they "Could not believe a place like this was in Iowa". The staff was great to work with and went out of their way to make the building "ours". They opened the building for us on off days so that we could have our engagement pictures taken there and also so that I could have a private Bridal session of photos taken there as well. The best part of the building might just be the grand staircase that will make any women feel like a princess on her wedding day. The price is a little higher than other venues but if you think of what you will save on decorations and rentals for the tables / chairs you will be way ahead!
Allison S
5.0
6/12/2012
The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates was an amazing wedding venue! The building underwent a multimillion dollar restoration from the old library in downtown Des Moines to the Wor...
ld Food Prize headquarters and was the most beautiful setting for my wedding! The entire building including the gardens and riverwalk were open for guests and we got nothing but compliments on the setting. The building is elegant and beautiful and the staff were amazing to work with!
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World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Monica Gatrost
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Events Director
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World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
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