The Best Wedding Vendors in Altoona, IA

The Best Wedding Vendors in Altoona, IA

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617 Wedding Vendors in Altoona, IA

GemHidden gem
The Farmhouse Studios 

5.0

Altoona, IA
  • Photographer
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,000

We have proudly been serving our couples and families for over 17 years, and every year we fall more in love. My name is Jen, the owner of Farmhouse Studios. At the young age of 17 we begin our photo journey with zero idea it would become what it is today. Having shot over 1000 weddings worldwide, we have been gifted with the most beautiful gift of sharing in the most joyous days of our couples lives. We cherish all of the memories, adventures, and creative moments we have shared!

Jenni Machir captured our wedding day so perfectly!! From the time she got there, until it was time for her to leave, she was very attentive to every single detail! I would so recommend The Farmhouse Studios to every one of our friends and family!! She kept the day flowing so well, and kept us all on task to get just the most amazing shots! I can’t say enough good things about Jenni! She does amazing work, you won’t be be disappointed!!
Stacy & K., 2 years ago
Jason Thomas Crocker Photography | Des Moines Wedding Photographer 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Altoona, IA

Hi, I’m Jason, a Des Moines wedding photographer who travels around the globe photographing weddings. After documenting over 500 weddings, I can honestly say that no two weddings are the same! I strive for epic compositions with my photojournalistic approach to wedding photography to capture the true essence of who you are as a newly married couple. In addition to my skills as a photographer, I’ve also built my client experience to infuse more fun and less stress into your wedding day.

Jason has an intangible gift for capturing love and emotion in a photograph. His talents are priceless to us, and we would hire him again without question. We even chose our wedding date based on his availability. Jason’s genuine vibe and kindness made it easy for us to feel comfortable in front of his camera. We had so many friends and family members make comments throughout the wedding day and after about how great Jason was. It truly means the world to us that Jason would spend time away from his family to share his talent with us on such a special day. We were speechless when the full gallery came back. The gallery was polished, full of emotion, and clearly told the story of our wedding day. We will cherish these photos for the rest of our lives. TLDR: Hire Jason. You will not regret it.
Emma K., 6 months ago
Quick responder
Marissa Williams Bridal Hairstylist 

5.0

  • Beauty professional
  • Team of 1
  • Starts at $380
  • Serves Altoona, IA

I am a Bridal Hair Stylist based out of West Des Moines! Styling hair is my passion along with everything that comes with being a Bridal Hairstylist. The busy mornings, laughter among friends/family, traveling to different venues- I love it all!

Awarded Best of Zola
Marissa was fantastic!! She was so easy to work with, flexible, and friendly. I have naturally wavy and frizzy hair, but she gave me a frizz free look without making my hair crunchy or stiff from product. My half up-do was super comfortable and stayed all night with no issues, even after taking my cathedral length veil out. She added a great vibe to the room getting ready and I knew from my trial that I didn’t need to worry about hair at all. Everyone else loved her work as well, she was super knowledgeable and confident in whipping up hairstyles the day of for the bridesmaids and my mom. She even worked with my maid of honor’s natural curls to touch them up and add a little style. Couldn’t recommend her more!
Sarah E., 7 months ago
Quick responder
Marquee Events DJs 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Altoona, IA

Marquee Events is a Des Moines based boutique DJ and lighting company creating modern and elevated events for the stylish couples who trust us with their celebrations. We are passionate, charismatic and focused on producing 'BEST WEDDING EVER!' celebrations that your guests will talk about for years to come.

Awarded Best of Zola
We could not have had a better experience than we did with Tyson and Marquee Events. After our first call with him, before we had booked, we hung up the phone and knew our search was over. We could tell we were going to be in the best hands possible for both us, and our guests. Tyson made everything easy from start to finish and helped us create the dream atmosphere that we envisioned. We want to do it all over again so we can relive the dance floor. Can't recommend him (or the CO2 cannons) enough - best entertainment in DSM, no questions asked.
Jordan and M., a year ago
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Haverlee Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $4,400
  • Serves Altoona, IA

I’m Haverlee, (hay-verlee). Based in Iowa, I serve the Midwest, Western NC, Denver, and beyond. With over a decade of experience in the wedding industry, and well over 150 weddings photographed, it still surprises me how my love for this industry grows each year. This work is not about me, it's about the individuals in front of my lens. I can’t tell an honest story if I’m constantly interfering, directing, and manipulating moments. I want your photos to render cherished memories from your day with your people, not memories of your photographer. I’m there to tell the beautiful and imperfect story as it unfolds.

Awarded Best of Zola
When we first got engaged, Haverlee Photography was a no brainer, and she lived up to everything and more. Every picture from our engagement session, rehearsal dinner, and wedding day is stunning and I have the hardest time picking my favorites. Hands down, best decision on wedding vendors was picking Haverlee. On top of delivering beautiful photos we will cherish forever, Haverlee made everything so fun and easy. My husband said our engagement session was like a date night, and Haverlee had me feel so at ease and beautiful through every step of our wedding day. She is the kindest human who gets the perfect shots of all the small moments, which truly matter to us and feel like us. Haverlee will always be our go to photographer for all the special moments for our family, and you can't go wrong with choosing her to be a part of your special day.
Olivia W., a year ago
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Des Moines Event Rentals 

5.0

  • Event extras
  • Custom dance floors
  • +3 more
  • Starts at $100
  • Serves Altoona, IA

Elevate Your Event with Des Moines Event Rentals At Des Moines Event Rentals, we specialize in transforming gatherings into unforgettable experiences. Whether you're hosting an intimate celebration or a grand corporate affair, our curated collection of premium tables, chairs, tents, and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment ensures every detail is flawless. With a commitment to excellence, impeccable service, and meticulously maintained inventory, we bring your vision to life with grace and precision. Your Vision. Our Priority.

I would highly recommend Des Moines Event Rentals for anyone planning a wedding, party, or gathering. Cory made my rental experience so easy between pick up and drop off. The tablecloths and hightop tables I chose were brand new and easy to assemble. The website is clear and intuitive to use and they offered additional tablecloth sizes which Cory talked me through on the phone so I could be sure I had the right length to drape over my hightops and tie with ribbon. Prices are competitive with other local vendors, but Des Moines Party Rentals offers the best deal for weekend rentals by only charging one day for Friday pick-up with a Monday return. I'm so glad I found Des Moines Event Rentals to help make our special day a success!
Claire S., 5 months ago
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Uniqu Co. Events & Planning 

4.7

  • Planner
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $850
  • Serves Altoona, IA

Uniqu Co. is a budget friendly event planner located in the Des Moines area. Our goal is to make the planning process seamless and worry-free. We focus on one of a kind events crafted solely for you. We focus on staying small which allows our business to stay budget friendly and focus on our couples. We are committed to creating unique experiences for our couples during the planning process and on their special day.

Awarded Best of Zola
OUR ORIGINAL WEDDING PLANNER UNFORTUNATELY HAD TO BACK OUT JUST I WEEK BEFORE OUR BIG DAY. WE WERE DESPERATELY SEARCHING FOR SOMEONE TO HELP US ON A BUDGET AND SO LAST MINUTE AND WE ARE SO THANKFUL THAT CONNOR STEPPED UP! SHE WAS ABLE TO MEET WITH US BEFOREHAND AND ORGANIZE EVERYTHING FROM TIMELINE, VENDORS, DECORATIONS, AND DETAILS I HADN'T EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT! SHE ALSO CAME TO HELP US DURING OUR REHEARSAL DINNER TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING RAN SMOOTHLY. ON THE WEDDING DAY. CONNOR WAS EXTREMELY PROFESSIONAL AND MADE SURE TO PRIORITIES MY WANTS FOR THE DAY OVER EVERYBODY ELSE! ONE OF MY PRIORITIES WAS THAT GUESTS DID NOT ENTER THE VENUE BEFORE A CERTAIN TIME, AND WHEN GUESTS STARTED SHOWING UP EARLY CONNOR RESPECTFULLY TOLD THEM TO WAIT OUTSIDE AS SHE KNEW THAT WAS IMPORTANT TO ME. SHE ALSO CONTINUALLY UPDATED ME THROUGHOUT THE GETTING READY PROCESS WITH HOW THE DECORATIONS WERE LOOKING, ASKED ME QUESTIONS ABOUT PREFERENCES, AND MADE SURE I ALSO HAD EVERYTHING I NEEDED! THE REST OF THE CEREMONY AND RECEPTION WENT INCREDIBLY SMOOTH AND SHE WAS QUICK TO HELP TEAR DOWN THE VENUE AND RETURN ALL THE DECORATIONS TO THEIR PROPER PLACE. SO THANKFUL FOR HER HELP AND WOULD ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND HER TO ANYONE
Jessica + K., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Amelia Renee Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $3,400
  • Serves Altoona, IA

✨WHY✨ I’m a professional photographer is because I believe that your life has PURPOSE. and a story to be captured & remembered. Life is short, and memories fade… but a photo can last for lifetimes. So, let’s hang out and eat pizza on rooftops or dance on a country road in the headlights! I want to help you make & capture memories of your unique & beautiful life, and slow down for a few minutes to enjoy the moments we're living in NOW! When I'm not working, I love a good book, chasing sunsets on beaches, skiing in the mountains, or watching Parks & Rec for the 8th time! Please email me via my website contact form to connect! ☼ ☼ ☼

Amelia was an absolute joy to work with for our wedding. From the very first interaction, her communication was easy, detailed, and incredibly helpful. She took the time to get to know my husband and I on a personal level, which made the photography experience feel so special and intimate. Amelia had a wonderful way of putting all of our guests at ease in front of the camera, capturing beautiful, natural moments throughout the day. The final photos were truly stunning - personal, artistic, and full of the love and joy we felt on our wedding day. We couldn't be happier with the exceptional service and incredible value from Amelia. She played such an important role in making our wedding day so unforgettable.
Karissa R., 7 months ago
Quick responder
Happy Days: Events 

4.5

  • Planner
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $1,250
  • Serves Altoona, IA

Happy Days is a labor of Love. My goal is that you feel like a guest at your own event. Let's make it a Happy Day. We are your one stop for all things wedding, planning, coordination, decor and more!....

I cannot say enough wonderful things about my day-of coordinator, Hillary. She was incredibly prompt, unbelievably helpful, and genuinely one of the kindest people I had the pleasure of working with throughout the entire planning process. From the moment she arrived, she made sure every detail was handled with care, professionalism, and so much heart. I truly appreciate her hard work, dedication, and calm presence—she made the day run seamlessly and reminded me to fully enjoy every moment. I am so grateful for everything she did to make our wedding perfect. I would recommend her to anyone!
Arielle P., 3 months ago
Baqara 

5.0

Runnells, IA
  • Venue
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,000

Our rustic mansion hosts intimate gatherings to grand celebrations! We are dedicated to making your event extraordinary. Let us help turn your dream day into reality! Over 400 weddings in 10 years have called Baqara home for their day. Let us be your wedding and event partner. relax with us!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Caters to out-of-town guests
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not for you if you prefer a more modern aesthetic
  • No all-inclusive dining options
My husband and I only have good things to say about choosing Baqara for our wedding venue. It is a beautiful venue inside and outside and we loved that we were able to have both the ceremony and reception in one place. Yvette is truly remarkable at what she does. She listened to what we wanted, gave ideas when we weren’t sure what we wanted, was available to answer questions throughout the whole planning process and she took the reigns on wedding day to ensure we got to enjoy every moment of our special day. If we had our wedding all over again we would still choose Baqara!
Courtney, a year ago
Quick responder
Rusted Rose Studios 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Altoona, IA

From my early years to now, I have consistently recognized the power of photographs and videos as timeless captures. My philosophy is to help families, and friends create moments that can be shared through the years and become an important part of your family's story to tell.

Awarded Best of Zola
Rusted Rose Studios is hands-down the best value photography you can find without sacrificing quality. Riley was so easy to work with from start to finish and made the entire experience feel natural and stress-free. I loved how they focused on candid, documentary-style moments while still giving guidance when we needed help posing. Their packages are incredibly budget-friendly compared to others we looked at, and the amount of photo quality we received was amazing for the price. Communication was clear, turnaround time was great (1 month vs my friends 3 month turn around…) and the final images captured the day perfectly. If you want beautiful photos wishing your budge and someone who truly cares about your experience, Rusted Rose Studios is it.
Taytum, 2 months ago
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DSM Dance Party DJs 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $1,250
  • Serves Altoona, IA

DSM Dance Party DJs is a collective of well trained DJs and professional production staff. We pride ourselves on being great communicators, coordinators and providing a reliable experience. Starting from our initial planning meeting, we strive to learn what makes you special (Culture, Music, Memories) so we can display these during your event. Allow us to change the rules of what you thought your event could be. We would love to be part of your event. Expect more, you deserve it.

Awarded Best of Zola
As the owner of DSM Dance Party DJs, I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built and the care that goes into every event we’re part of. What matters most to us is preparation, understanding the couple, the space, and the flow of the day so everything feels natural and well-paced. From the planning process through the final song of the night, our goal is to support the event without ever making it feel forced or overwhelming. We work closely with couples, planners, and venues to make sure communication is clear and expectations are met well before event day. That way, when the celebration starts, everyone can relax and enjoy it. Being trusted with weddings is something we don’t take lightly, and we’re grateful for every couple who allows us to be part of such an important moment.
Marty B., 2 months ago
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Everlasting Events 

5.0

  • Planner
  • Offers 3 services
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Altoona, IA

Our motto is proper prior preparation, prevents poor performance. We will set realistic expectations and goals for you at any stage of the wedding planning process, and we're here to work within your budget and needs. Wedding planning is hard work and can feel like a second job! Everlasting Events is here to work for the budget conscious couples needing someone to take on the time, responsibilities, and organization of planning your special day. Our goal is to make high quality wedding planning services accessible to every couple.

Awarded Best of Zola
Everlasting Events was an amazing wedding planning partner for our special day. They were very communicative, fast, and clear in all of their responses, which helped keep us on track throughout the planning process. On the day of the wedding and during the rehearsal the night prior, they took care of every single small detail, allowing us to fully enjoy the celebration without worrying about a thing. Considering the exceptional service and value they provided, we feel Everlasting Events was worth every penny and would highly recommend them to any couple planning their wedding.
Elizabeth M., a year ago
VOWS DSM 

5.0

Des Moines, IA
  • Venue
  • Up to 65 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

A STATE DESTINATION and one-of-a-kind venue focused on bringing new concepts to the wedding experience. Relax - enjoy your big day with intention. Vows is dedicated to providing a fresh, effortless, alternative. We can accommodate your wedding months, weeks and in some cases days in advance. 1HR, 2HR, 3HR & 4 1/2 HR WEDDING //RECEPTION OPTIONS 6 DAYS A WEEK. UNIQUE PACKAGES /PROGRESSIVE WEDDINGS 2 - 65 GUESTS /$995 - $12,500+ Venue Only /BYOVendors - Planner or GET IT ALL Photographer/ Coordinator/ Officiant/ Flowers + Fare INCLUDED ++

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Has onsite accommodations

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • On-site parking not available
Verry professional, versatile staff that can accommodate the needs of a forever love experience that will make a lasting memory. I was impressed with the organization and thought put into each wedding plan. The sound system is so inspirational allowing the perfect choices of correct music. I read one review that was very unfairly negative. This made me see the need to write a correct review to show some are wrong and unfair. I know that some invited cannot follow close planned direction and will create failure with people who get involved having no concept of keeping with original design and artistic genius. I can see where not everyone was pleased with their results. Reading this made me remember how lucky I was to have such support and create something my family will never forget. After having such a great experience with Vows and working with these great people that assisted me putting everything I had dreamed of wonderfully together, I thought it would only be appropriate to write my review to correct the poor review from someone that could ruin someone else from making a decision to have a fantastic Vows experience like we had, and stopping others looking for something very special. Please don't let others who don't follow set and planned wedding procedures by choosing last minute changes during the wedding then blaming Vows. My family, friends, and everyone in my wedding enjoyed the space in the high-end part of downtown Des Moines. The beautiful and romantic setting is perfect for starting a couples major life event. I loved the deep thoughts that was put into the planning and making every desire request work. Des Moines is very lucky to have a wedding venue like this. We were very pleased with our wedding. I can't tell you how much happiness this has brought to my life. The only problem found was reading one review where someone did not follow directions and caused problems for themselves and blamed Vows. I highly recommend this venue. Thank you!
Janet M., 2 months ago
Quick responder
Mic Man Entertainment 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $925
  • Serves Altoona, IA

Mic Man Entertainment provides wedding entertainment services, offering more than just music. We create immersive wedding experiences with personalized soundtracks and interactive elements like games, helping to entertain guests and create lasting memories. You can explore our wedding packages and add-ons on our website or Zola to start planning your dream day.

We had a great experience with Mic Man Entertainment. Planning was simple, communication was clear, and they listened closely to what we wanted for our reception. The DJ did a fantastic job keeping the night moving while adding a few moments that got guests involved and comfortable early on. When it was time to dance, the music selection was perfect and kept the dance floor full. If you want a DJ who knows how to balance fun and professionalism, this is it.
Lauren and A., a month ago
Whitney Long Creative 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Altoona, IA

My photography journey began in 2016 in Western New York where I grew up. Over the years, I started capturing weddings and officially embraced the title of “wedding photographer” in 2018. Though I didn’t initially set out to be a photographer, what started as a hobby at 13 has blossomed into one of my greatest passions. I am currently based in Des Moines but I’m always open to traveling wherever you are. My passion extends to both photography and videography, and I would to be your go-to girl for capturing genuine moments that make you feel loved, and like your authentic self.

Awarded Best of Zola
We are SO thankful for Whitney!! Our wedding day was seamless because she was so professional yet extremely personal! She was organized & experienced, yet still super flexible for whatever we wanted! Our photos came back super fast & we absolutely LOVE them!
Regan A., a year ago
Corah B Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Altoona, IA

I've been photographing weddings since 2019, and went full time in 2020. Helping people feel confident and beautiful is such a fulfilling part of this job, and being the go to on the day of your wedding is such a thrill- there's nowhere else I'd rather be! (Except maybe on a coffee date with my toddler- but thats beyond the point lol)

Awarded Best of Zola
We had an intimate ceremony and a small reception at a garden. Photos were very important for us, and Corah delivered more than we asked for! Corah made it so effortless for us, right from our first meeting where she carefully explained the process to us, our engagement shoot which she made so fun, to our wedding day shoot where she captured all our moments so thoughtfully! Our pictures reflect exactly who we are as a couple. They were romantic, elegant and a little quirky. She has amazing ideas on how to make you look good in the photos while keeping true to who you are! Our family (especially mine back in India) were raving about all our photos too. I didn’t even know she was capturing some of the moments that she did on our wedding , and I couldn’t be any more thankful! Be well-prepared to gain a friend and for those happy tears if you hire Corah!
Sujata S., 4 years ago
Quick responder
DJ DAS Entertainment 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Starts at $3,150
  • Serves Altoona, IA

DJ DAS Entertainment is a dependable, attentive, supportive DJ service company in Des Moines. DJ DAS Entertainment is a premium entertainment service for weddings, corporate events, school events, and private events. We have been in the entertaining field for more than 20 years. We are proud to create a fantastic party with all ages on the dance floor, ultimately making the event memorable for the couple and their guests. DJ DAS Entertainment is dedicated to offering the highest quality DJ services with style, elegance, and knowledge.

Awarded Best of Zola
DJ DAS is incredible to work with! He makes the whole process fun and stress-free!! He truly cares for the bride and groom and their families who he's working with as well. Freinds, family, and all your guests will have nothing but praise to share about how awesome DJ DAS made your wedding reception!
Natalie & D., 4 years ago
Quick responder
Yeti House Entertainment 

5.0

  • DJ
  • Serves Altoona, IA

What once started out as a favor for an old high school teacher has now turned into a thriving business for Ryan Schumacher in central Iowa. Ryan has been the emcee and DJ for many events in the midwest since 2014. Events have included high school dances, private parties, weddings, silent discos, Oktoberfest, Baconfest, and many fundraisers and events for Special Olympics Iowa. He has a passion for music and a love for people having a good time! Contact him today for your party needs with quality entertainment at a great price!

W head Frank from Yeti House and he far exceeded our expectations! He made our night run so smoothly and kept people on the dance floor all night long! 12/10 recommend!
Greta A., 2 years ago
29 Films 

5.0

  • Videographer
  • Cinematic style
  • Serves Altoona, IA

Hi! My name is Ashley Archer, also known as 29 Films! I love sharing and capturing these big life moments in a way that keeps them fresh in our minds. My favorite part of wedding videography is hearing about the couples' unique love story and being able to capture that love on film. I love making people smile, traveling, spending time with those I love, and watching Rom Coms :) . I moved to the Des Moines area in 2020 and have been pursuing my passion of videography ever since! ​

Awarded Best of Zola
I've worked with Ashley at 29 Films several times and have referred my clients to her as well. She is super approachable, authentic and easy to work with. Her films are top notch and I highly recommend her!
Tyson Greiner, 3 years ago
Quick responder
Salisbury House & Gardens 

5.0

Des Moines, IA
  • Venue
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Salisbury House & Gardens is a wedding venue and museum situated in Des Moines, Iowa. The original owner, Carl Weeks, founded liquid foundation and hypoallergenic makeup, so it is fitting that his 42-room mansion has received a magnificent makeover as a wedding venue and event center. The mansion was built in the 1920s and was inspired by The King's House in Salisbury, England, blending Tudor, Carolean, and Gothic architectural details. Today, to-be-weds can celebrate their romantic nuptials in style at this sophisticated estate. From intimate elopements to large-scale receptions, Salisbury House & Gardens is suitable for events of all styles and sizes. You can say "I do" in front of several beautiful indoor backdrops or outdoors, where tall trees envelope a traditional arbor and manicured garden spaces. Couples can curate their dream reception indoors, outside, or in an elegant marquee.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Does not have a dance floor
Unbeatable venue for a garden party style wedding. Beautiful, well-maintained, and a staff that was exceptionally helpful and easy to work with made this our dream location. Visit and you will fall in love.
Josh H., a year ago
GemHidden gem
Colby Campbell Photography 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Altoona, IA

I’m Colby (he/him), your local neighborhood dog parent/beer lover/former mascot/barbershop singer/wedding and elopement photographer. My love language is shouting compliments at you. I love people and hate crowds. I prefer long hikes in the mountains to ones on the beach, but both are better than sitting at home. I really, really don’t like having my photo taken - and if we have that in common, we might work really well together.

Awarded Best of Zola
We truly cannot say enough good things about Colby Campbell. From the moment we met him at a coffee shop here in Des Moines, Colby had a warm, welcoming presence that instantly made us feel comfortable and at ease. Throughout the entire wedding planning process, he went above and beyond our expectations. He was always attentive, quick to respond, and incredibly helpful during what can be a stressful time! Colby offers a complimentary engagement session, which was such a meaningful bonus, and his dedication to his craft is unmatched. Our final galleries exceeded every expectation. Between his use of film, drone coverage, and multiple camera bodies, he somehow captured every single moment of our day. I still don’t know how one human managed to be everywhere at once! He also kept us on schedule and moving smoothly throughout the day, which made a huge difference. His editing is warm, bright, and clean. I love his eye and the way he captures small moments, often ones that may have gone unnoticed. He has a genuine ability to notice detials and the beauty in passing moments, and it’s remarkable how clearly those memories come through in his work. On top of all of his talent, Colby donates a portion of his work to One Iowa, a queer rights organization in Des Moines, and is a genuine advocate and supporter of all humans. As a queer couples, that meant the world to us. We feel incredibly lucky to have these photos for the rest of our lives and would recommend Colby from the highest of mountains. If you’re considering him as your photographer, know you’ll be in the very best hands.
Kaitlyn, a month ago
Christiani's VIP Catering Service 

5.0

  • Caterer
  • Starts at $1,100
  • Serves Altoona, IA

Christiani's VIP Catering was founded over 40 years ago by lifelong partners Larry & Carol Christiani. These two, with family, have turned a passion into a profession! Originating from the east coast, Christianis has brought "New England Flare" to the Des Moines Metro!

We loved working with Christiani's VIP Catering Service for our wedding! Their communication was always fast, responsive, clear and detailed which made planning super easy. The quality and value were fantastic - the food was delicious with beautiful plating, and they offered great vegan and gluten-free options to accommodate all our guests. They were very timely in their setup and service the day-of, and we got tons of compliments from guests raving about the amazing food and service! There were so many positive remarks on their customer service as well. We would highly recommend Christiani's - they helped make our wedding day special and stress-free when it came to the food and catering.
Hannah H., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Laura Nichole 

5.0

  • Photographer
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $3,999
  • Serves Altoona, IA

I’m Laura Nichole! Welcome to my little nook of the web. From local Iowa venues to crossing state lines and flying over country boarders, I have had the blessing of capturing timeless moments of the most amazing humans you could ever meet! Can I be your biggest fan?? I want to capture your favorite memories, the highs, the lows, and everything in between, so that when you look at your images you can remember exactly how you felt in those moments. I want you to see just how captivating and special you truly are.

Laura did our engagement and wedding photos, and they always turned out stunning! I had to do a lot of photographer recon before choosing, as Joe and I are both pretty pale. I noticed some photographers wash out color. I chose Laura because her style didn't do that to us, and the depth of her colors really stood out to me! Joe and I have never been publicly affectionate, and Laura respected that and gave us great prompts to make us feel comfortable. Our photos turned out amazing, and I can't wait to frame some to have around the house!
Rebekah R., 2 years ago
The District Venue 

4.0

Ankeny, IA
  • Venue
  • Up to 350 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor

The District Venue is an elegant wedding venue in Des Moines, IA. This modern-chic space has been designed with countless amenities in order to create the perfect selection that fits any budget or style. We're proud to bring our neighbors in the greater Des Moines Metro Area this fashionable two-story, all-inclusive banquet hall located in the heart of Ankeny's Prairie Trail District. We want you to be able to share your special moments with as many loved ones as you wish. Our beautifully structured venue hosts up to 350 guests for any wedding celebration, corporate party, or special event.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Allows pets
  • Dressing room available
  • Blends luxury with trendiness

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No free parking
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
From the moment we first reached out to The District Venue, Erica and her team were prompt, efficient, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire planning process. They were so personable and friendly, making us feel at ease and excited for our big day. The venue itself was absolutely beautiful - cozy and classy, with a warm, inviting atmosphere that our guests raved about. The food was incredible, with generous portion sizes, and the nacho bar was a huge hit! Erica and her staff went above and beyond to ensure our wedding day was perfect in every way. We are so grateful to The District Venue for helping to make our special day truly unforgettable.
Bailey K., 4 months ago

Altoona, IA reception venues by style

Outdoor spaces
Outdoor spaces