Wilson’s Ciderhouse is a beautiful wedding venue in Iowa City. Its combination of lush outdoor space and inviting interiors creates the perfect space for a seamless wedding day. Alison and Eddie’s wedding here featured Jewish traditions and family. I documented their celebration with candid photos rooted in connection.
Wilson’s Ciderhouse: An Iowa City Wedding Venue
Wilson’s Ciderhouse’s aesthetic is all about clean lines and natural materials. The reception space is a beautifully restored barn. The woodwork, high ceilings, and warm lights make you feel like you’re in your own world. Alison and Eddie chose to have long tables set up for a dinner with a communal feeling.
The outdoor ceremony area is beautiful, too. It’s lush and green, especially in the summer. Ceremonies take place on a shaded platform under a wooden arch. It looks beautiful draped with greenery and florals. The late afternoon light is perfect.
Here are some logistics to consider if you’re thinking about getting married at Wilson’s Ciderhouse.
- Getting Ready Space: one suite
- Venue Type: Indoor/Outdoor
- Capacity: 225 guests
- Peak Season Starting Costs: $6,500 May-October
- Off-Peak Season Starting Costs: $3,500, November-April
A Farm to Table Wedding Experience
One feature that sets Wilson’s Ciderhouse apart from other Iowa City wedding venues is that it offers a farm to table experience. You can use your own vendors for bar and catering services, but Wilson’s Ciderhouse offers a nice variety of food. All of it has great reviews on platforms like Google Reviews.
In addition to plated options, Wilson’s Ciderhouse serves family-style meals that get your guests talking and interacting. Family-style meals make a reception feel more like a cozy dinner party. The venue’s sample menus are definitely worth a look. They might even inspire tonight’s dinner!
A Heartfelt Wedding for College Sweethearts
The delicious food was just one reason Alison and Eddie decided to get married at Wilson’s Ciderhouse. Their wedding centered all the things that are most important to them, especially their family and culture.
Alison and Eddie met six years before their wedding when they were juniors at the University of Iowa. Alison’s roommate introduced her to Eddie at a party at the University of Iowa’s Hillel. They hit it off immediately. For the rest of the semester, they met up to study and talk. Fast forward a few years, and they decided to get married on a camping trip to Lake Macbride.
During their ceremony at Wilson’s Ciderhouse, Alison and Eddie incorporated some of their favorite Jewish wedding traditions. They displayed their beautiful ketubah at their ceremony. After their first kiss, Eddie stepped on the glass.
Everyone got on the floor during the reception for the hora! I love the photos of Eddie dancing with his friends and family as well as the one of Eddie and Alison holding hands as their friends lift up their chairs. These images are pure joy.
Candid Wedding Photos on Film and Digital
For their Wilson’s Ciderhouse wedding, Alison and Eddie wanted to work with a photographer who made them feel comfortable. They wanted to preserve the fun and real life moments of their wedding day. My documentary style fit their needs perfectly. I used a mix of film and digital photography to create this beautiful gallery.
Alison and Eddie shared this review when they received their gallery:
“Olivia is hands down the best wedding photographer we could have ever asked for!! She was able to capture all the best moments of both our rehearsal dinner and wedding day, and it ‘s so abundantly clear that she cared about us and making the day special! Not only are all of her photos absolutely STUNNING but she was always checking in with us and making sure everything was taken care of. We really feel that she captured not only us but our families in such a beautiful storytelling way. She went above and beyond for us and we cannot recommend her enough!”
This is exactly the kind of experience I hope to provide everyone I photograph. I love that my unposed, authentic style of photographing allows me to develop these connections and help my clients feel at home with me.
I’m Olivia, a documentary wedding photographer based in Iowa. Along with my husband Christian, I document weddings with images that are deeply human and unintrusive. Inquire with us here!
Thank you to the vendors who made this wedding so beautiful.
Photography: Olivia Katherine Photography
Venue and Caterer: Wilson’s Ciderhouse
Bridal Shop: Embody Bridal
Hair and Makeup: Aurora Blush
DJ: Energy Wave Entertainment
Florals: Iris & Ivy
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