The best weddings are experiences. They’re filled with a sense of ease and comfort even amid the butterflies. That’s how Elizabeth and Justin’s wedding at Hotel Fort Des Moines felt. Every part of their simple but intentional day felt authentic to their love.
Beautiful Hotel Fort Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines is a beautiful example of early twentieth century American architecture. It has incredible woodwork and details and sweeping open spaces. There are endless spaces for beautiful portraits regardless of the weather. The hotel has almost 300 guest rooms and suites, too. There’s plenty of space for you and your out of town guests to stay.
You get your pick from multiple venue spaces at the hotel. For large weddings, you can choose the Grand Ballroom or the Wedgewood Ballroom. Elizabeth and Justin held their wedding in the Wedgewood Ballroom. Both are beautiful with tall ceilings and windows.
If you’re considering getting married at Hotel Fort Des Moines, here is some helpful information to keep in mind.
- Average cost: $25,000
- Capacity: 800 guests
- Venue type: Indoor
A few other considerations:
- This venue offers catering. People tend to love the food!
- Basics like tables and linens are included in the rental fee. You can keep your vendor list small.
- If you want to save a little money, consider having your wedding during off-peak season (January through March).
Since it was established in 1919, Hotel Fort Des Moines has hosted celebrities and politicians. Everyone from Johnny Cash to John F. Kennedy stayed here. The Hob Nob Restaurant, whose awning is visible in some of Elizabeth and Justin’s portraits, opened in 1946.
Between the restaurant and hotel, this venue has been a fixture of Des Moines life. In 2021, the hoteliers completed renovations that modernized the space while maintaining the integrity of the historic architecture.
This hotel is one of the gems of downtown Des Moines. It’s close to the city’s best theaters, restaurants, and bars. Guests visiting from out of town will have fun experiencing the best of Des Moines.
A Wedding Day Full of Meaning
Elizabeth and Justin’s story is really sweet. They met through church, and it’s a big part of their life. They brought their whole church family to Hotel Fort Des Moines to celebrate with them. As part of the ceremony, guests took part in a portable communion service.
One reason Elizabeth and Justin chose Hotel Fort Des Moines for their wedding is that they wanted to keep things simple. The venue is gorgeous on its own, so it doesn’t require a ton of decor. That allowed Elizabeth and Justin to prioritize celebrating their love for their families and the support everyone has shown them.
I love the approach Elizabeth and Justin took to wedding planning. If something wasn’t an automatic yes, it got thrown out. For example, first dances (and dancing in general) just didn’t feel true to them. Instead they wanted to have a dinner party. They spent the whole night eating good food and chatting with friends and family. Those moments of connection meant the world to them.
Hotel Fort Des Moines was ideal for this kind of celebration. Elizabeth and Justin got ready at the hotel, so they were able to have every part of their wedding day in one spot. It gave the day a more relaxed feeling. They found lots of quiet moments to connect with each other. It just goes to show that your wedding day doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of nonstop events if that’s not what you want.
Would you like to see more beautiful Iowa hotels that host weddings? Check out these blog posts:
- Beautiful Hotel Blackhawk Elopement with Sweet Surprises
- The Surety: A Blend of Modern History and Elegant Energy
- Intimate Spring Wedding at Hotel Millwright
Documentary Wedding Photography
For Elizabeth and Justin’s wedding, I leaned into my documentary style of wedding photography. I believe your photos should feel lived in. They’re the favorite moments you didn’t necessarily expect to happen.
My fly on the wall approach allows you to get comfortable having a camera around so you can really be present with your people. That sense of presence shines through in Elizabeth and Justin’s photos.
Would you like me to photograph your wedding? I’m an Iowa wedding photographer, and I’d love to document your day. Inquire with me!
Thank you to the vendors who helped make this wedding so meaningful.
Photographer: Olivia Katherine Photography
Venue: Hotel Fort Des Moines
Caterer: Proudfoot and Bird
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