Gala Affair — 8 Elegant Iowa Ballrooms, Banquet & Reception Halls

There’s so much to consider when choosing a venue for your upcoming gala — theme, guests, budget, décor, ambiance, service, and more. Add to that the number of venues from which to choose and the process can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of 8 of the most elegant ballrooms, banquet, and reception halls in Iowa. Now, planning that gala affair just got a little bit easier.

Living History Farms, Urbandale

What makes it special — The interactive outdoor museum educates, entertains and connects visitor to Midwestern rural life experiences. With seven indoor and outdoor spaces available, the beautiful grounds of Living History Farms ensure that your event will be unforgettable. The Flynn Barn accommodates up to 160 while the historic Flynn Mansion offers space for up to 50.

What to expect — Outdoor spaces are available across 500 acres of pristine farmland. Local caterers are available to provide you with your preferred cuisine.

Bridges Bay Resort, Okoboji

What makes it special — This special waterfront event venue is uniquely festive and an ideal gathering place. The Event Center has 9,700 square feet of space for up to 600. The flexible catering menu from onsite Waters Edge American Grille offers something for every palate.  

What to expect — The elegant space has many lodging options including condos and vacation cabins. Guests enjoy the Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark, Pickled Parrot Cantina, SkyRyder Zipline, Bracco Beach Bar, four outdoor pools, fitness center, game room, and fully stocked fishing pond.

RiverCenter | Adler Theatre, Davenport

What makes it special —The RiverCenter has 100,000 square feet of space with two large exhibit halls for your gala. The historic Adler Theater is a beautifully restored Art Deco space built in 1926.

What to expect — The architecturally stunning venues are in Davenport, a unique river city that offers a wide range of restaurants, breweries, live music, baseball, galleries, shopping, and more.  

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, Larchwood

What makes it special — With 12,000 square feet of elegant space, you’ll have room for as many as 550 guests to attend your gala. State-of-the-art AV equipment and award-winning catering make this venue a real winner.

What to expect — Your guests will love the opportunity to enjoy the luxury hotel, exciting gaming in the casino, indulgent Spa at Grand Falls, plus live entertainment, and three different dining options.

Glen Oaks Country Club, West Des Moines

What makes it special — Located in a charming Des Moines setting Glen Oaks Country Club is a state-of-art facility with five event spaces. Choose the Spencer Court for as many as 110 guests, or the Royal Oak, a 512 square foot covered patio for up to 50.

What to expect — The exceptional private club invites visitors to enjoy outstanding golf, breathtaking views, in-house AV, and five-star cuisine.

Grand River Center, Dubuque

What makes it special — The beautiful facilities at Grand River Center make it the ideal destination for your gala. Host up to 1000 guests in the Grand Ballroom or for a smaller gathering, gather your group in the all-glass River Room with its stunning views of the Mississippi River.  

What to expect — The Center’s many amenities include high-speed WiFi, AV rental, complete event coordination, and full-service catering, from simple snacks to elegant main courses.

Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, Des Moines

What makes it special — The newly renovated and historic hotel boasts an amazing location in the heart of Des Moines. The site features six event rooms totaling 12,285 square feet with capacity for 700. Exceptional event catering is available on site as well.

What to expect — The historic hotel is connected to the Des Moines skywalk and is within walking distance of many popular destinations including the Wells Fargo Arena, the Iowa Events Center, the Des Moines Performing Arts Center, and more. The hotel’s new Scopri Restaurant serves up delectable Italian cuisine.

Rhythm City Casino Resort, Davenport

What makes it special — The elegant Grand Ballroom will “wow” your guests with its high ceilings, exquisite chandelier, and stunning color scheme. With more than 16,000 square feet of event space, you’ll have more than enough room to comfortably entertain your guests.

What to expect — Visitors will love the opportunity to enjoy the guest rooms and suites in this luxury hotel, pamper themselves at The Spa, try their hand at Blackjack or slots in the Casino, or choose from four different dining options, both casual and fine.