Let’s face it. A lot of Iowa wedding venues have a rustic feel. That can be beautiful, but what if you want a wedding venue with a more sophisticated city atmosphere? The River Center Des Moines is located close to downtown and has amazing options for modern weddings. The venue’s unique features (including a trolley) made it an ideal spot for Jeff and Amanda’s lively wedding.
The River Center Des Moines
The River Center Des Moines is located in a beautifully renovated brick building near Principal Park. Big windows let in plenty of natural light. A spacious patio provides the perfect spot for cocktail hour after your ceremony. The clean lines of the industrial architecture make it an understated backdrop for any style of wedding.
Generally, ceremonies are held in one of two locations inside The River Center Des Moines. It can be held at the foot of the stairs leading down into the main floor or against a beautiful antique wooden barn door. Jeff and Amanda went with the latter, and it added a nice organic element to their ceremony space. Whichever ceremony spot you choose, natural light illuminates the area. It makes photography easier and creates an airy atmosphere.
Although The River Center Des Moines no longer lists its prices on its website, it previously posted packages ranging between $3,500 and $9,000. The prices include use of a gated parking lot for your wedding guests, bar service, and in-house catering tailored to your tastes.
An Iowa Wedding Venue with City Vibes
One of my favorite things about this Des Moines wedding venue is that it comes with the use of a trolley! On Jeff and Amanda’s wedding day, we took it around downtown for portraits. The River Center Des Moines is just blocks away from where the Raccoon River meets the Des Moines River. There’s so much to see.
Jeff and Amanda had a great time snuggling on the trolley benches together then toasting with their wedding party as we drove around. We ended up with some really fun, sweet photos. It also gave everyone a chance to relax between things.
The River Center Des Moines was the perfect wedding venue for Amanda and Jeff for several reasons. They wanted an Iowa venue with the urban feeling of their current home, New York City. This venue also makes things simple so you can focus on being present with your people. The transition from the ceremony space into cocktail hour and then into the reception is so seamless. It takes a lot of guesswork out of the experience for you and your wedding guests.
Amanda and Jeff’s Lively Wedding
Amanda and Jeff’s path to their wedding at The River Center Des Moines was a little unconventional. They met while living in different states. After meeting at a mutual friend’s birthday brunch, they decided they liked each other enough to make the trips between Philadelphia and New York. Earlier in the pandemic, they moved into a Brooklyn apartment together.
Jeff’s proposal was as heartfelt as the rest of their relationship. They went on a drive to see the house Amanda grew up in. While they were standing in the front yard, he proposed.
When it came to their wedding photography, Jeff and Amanda wanted to document that genuine emotion, not just the day’s events. They told me, “We wanted a photographer who would capture more than just the people who attended, but rather the emotion of the day. As we continued our search, we wanted to find someone who we could also feel comfortable with and who sees the value in the work they do in what they provide a couple or family on their wedding day.”
I’m so honored that Amanda and Jeff chose me to document their wedding at The River Center Des Moines! Documenting those candid moments came more easily because they went with the flow all day. The smiles never left their faces.
Would you like me to be your Iowa wedding photographer? I would love to document your joyful moments with photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Inquire here!
Thank you to the vendors who made Jeff and Amanda’s wedding amazing:
Venue: The River Center Des Moines
Photography: Olivia Katherine Photography
Live Music: B2wins
Florals: Midwest Blooms & Co
Attire: Country Way Bridal
Caterer: Trellis Cafe
Rentals/Decor: Vintage Love Rentals
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