The Harmac Cedar Rapids: Intimate Jewish Wedding

The Harmac, a Cedar Rapids wedding venue, is an industrial event space that combines historic interior details with modern minimalism. With big airy windows and neutral walls, The Harmac is a great backdrop for a small wedding featuring bright florals and colorful details. Sarah and Daniel made the most of the rooftop views and roomy dance floor at their intimate Jewish wedding.

The Harmac Cedar Rapids

From the outside, The Harmac Cedar Rapids looks like any number of brick warehouses built in the early twentieth century. That only makes the fresh, bright interior all the more of a surprise. From the wide open floor plan to the big windows, the space feels airy and light – a great place to celebrate an intimate wedding.

When The Harmac was repurposed as a venue, the designers highlighted its industrial origins while keeping a sense of warmth. Custom brass light fixtures update the exposed brick walls and white pillars. It’s a perfect combination of old and new.

Although the space may feel empty at first glance, it’s easy to create a beautiful, no-fuss ceremony and reception at The Harmac Cedar Rapids. Potted plants and florals really pop in the neutral setting. Jewel-toned decor, like Sarah and Daniel’s, bring the space to life and stand out from standard white and beige wedding decorations.

A bride and groom read during their wedding ceremony at the Harmac Cedar Rapids

A favorite feature of The Harmac Cedar Rapids is the neon sign that reads “And so it begins.” The neon sign brings an element of playfulness to the venue. It’s a popular spot for photos with friends and family.

A blue, white, and gold invitation suite. A mother puts her hands on her daughter's shoulders beneath a neon sign that say "and so it begins" at the Harmac Cedar Rapids

Becoming a Cedar Rapids Wedding Venue

The Harmac’s history is a microcosm of the city’s development. The Cedar Rapids wedding venue is located in the historic Harper and McIntire building, which was completed in 1922. The building originally served as Harper and McIntire’s industrial hardware warehouse and shipping facility. This explains the open layout and spaciousness. In 2015, the property was restored to its current state, and in 2020, the second floor was repurposed as a venue.

A bride and groom sit on a couch in the corner of the Harmac Cedar Rapids. Floral arrangements sit atop dinner tables with gold plates.

Although The Harmac can accommodate up to 400 guests, the smaller of its two spaces is ideal as a small Cedar Rapids wedding venue. The venue has an on-site catering kitchen and bar as well. The bar offers curated cocktails to make your intimate wedding even more memorable.

Packages at The Harmac Cedar Rapids include two on-site suites, so you can do all of your preparations and celebrations in one spot! This can take a lot of stress out of your wedding day and allow you to focus on what actually matters – being with your favorite people. It helps that there are plenty of great spots for a first look from the rooftop to the bright interior.

A bride and groom have their first look at the Harmac Cedar Rapids

An Intimate Jewish Wedding

Sarah and Daniel’s love story is the perfect prelude to their intimate wedding at The Harmac, and it had a very unlikely start! Sarah moved to Morocco for six months. In that time, Daniel became her pen pal. When she came back to the States, Sarah moved to Iowa to be with Daniel. They got engaged at their favorite spot in Cedar Rapids, atop “Mount Trashmore.”

During the pandemic, Sarah and Daniel got married in their backyard with just their parents as witness. A year later they were able to celebrate with 60 of their closest friends and family!

The bride's parents walk her down the aisle at the Harmac Cedar Rapids

A Jewish wedding ceremony and rooftop portraits at the Harmac Cedar Rapids

Before and after their wedding ceremony at The Harmac, we were able to capture some sweet portraits. The wide open interior was the perfect place to show off Sarah’s sweeping veil. Taking a few quiet moments on the rooftop led to some cozy sunset portraits.

A couple embraces at sunset at the Harmac Cedar Rapids

Their Harmac wedding ceremony included some Jewish traditions, such as the breaking of the glass. At the reception, Sarah and Daniel’s friends and family enthusiastically joined in the horah! The couple danced the night away, proving that the perfect small wedding was worth the wait.