Cedar Ridge Winery, a Cedar Ridge wedding venue, gives destination wedding vibes without going far from home. The rolling vineyards, natural wood details, and delicious wine combine for a unique intimate wedding experience. Wes and Nick’s Cedar Ridge Winery wedding was full of romantic and funny moments that were heightened by the magic of the venue.

Cedar Ridge Wedding Venue

Cedar Ridge Winery offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for a relaxed wedding ceremony and reception. The venue does an amazing job of creating Napa Valley vibes in Iowa!

Outdoor ceremonies are popular with an arbor to offer shade over flagstone. The view from the ceremony space is gorgeous. Grape-covered vines grow in neat rows along the rolling hills, and a grove of trees add to the lush natural atmosphere. 

Oversized white hydrangeas line the path to the aisle. This is a great spot for portraits before or after the ceremony. It’s also a great place for your photographer to hide to get some creative photos!

The interior of this Cedar Ridge wedding venue is full of warm natural wood and tall windows that give a sense of continuity between the indoors and outdoors. Market lights make the space even cozier. 

I love the creative way Wes and Nick’s florals were used. Lots of greenery made it feel like the vineyard had come inside. The arrangement hanging over their table was especially lush and celebratory.

Of course, the interior details really made it a Cedar Ridge winery wedding. Barrels and distilling paraphernalia are used in all kinds of creative ways. Barrels held up tables with hors d’oeuvres. Wes and Nick even had their guests sign a barrel lid in lieu of a guest book. 

Just because you have a wedding at a winery doesn’t mean you have to miss out on any fun. Your Cedar Ridge Winery wedding reception can still include all the dancing with your favorite humans! 

Cedar Ridge Winery

Cedar Ridge Winery is a family-owned business. After the Quint family spent several generations farming and distilling, Jeff Quint founded the winery and distillery in 2005. Iowa is America’s biggest corn-producing state, so Quint thought it was time to bring Iowa’s bourbon to the world. 

This means two things: First, Cedar Ridge was the first distillery to be licensed in Iowa since Prohibition. Second, this Cedar Ridge wedding venue will please more than just wine enthusiasts!

With three different rooms available, Cedar Ridge Winery can accommodate weddings with anywhere from 40 to 200 guests. Wes and Nick’s reception was in the sunny Vineyard Room.

In its wedding packages, Cedar Ridge offers catering and a tasting bar. The bar features a variety of Cedar Ridge wines and will be a memorable experience for guests as they look out over the vineyard.

Wes and Nick’s Intimate Wedding

Wes and Nick’s romance has modern roots. The couple met on Tinder and knew from their first date in 2014 that they had something special. Several years later, Wes sealed the deal by proposing to Nick on a trip to New York City.

As you can see from their photos, Wes and Nick’s Cedar Ridge Winery wedding reflected their love and appreciation for each other. When asked what they love most about each other, Nick said Wes centers him and helps him be the best version of himself. Wes loves that Nick is very passionate about everything he cares about. 

Before their Cedar Ridge Winery wedding, I was able to get some portraits of Wes and Nick in the vineyard. I took advantage of the opportunity to get some film photos, and I just love how they turned out.

As you can imagine, there were plenty of happy tears on their wedding day! Their ceremony under the arbor celebrated the great community they gathered around them.

Wes and Nick’s guests were proof of their big hearts and love of a good time. After speeches, they had an unforgettable dance party!

Are you interested in having me photograph your intimate wedding at Cedar Ridge Winery? Let’s chat!

Thank you to all the vendors who made this day possible:

Venue and Caterer: Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery

DJ: Clife DJ Company

Florals and Decor: Unique Events 

Hair and Makeup: Moods Salon and Spa