Getting engaged is one of life’s most exciting moments! More than 40 percent of couples get engaged between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, which makes winter the start of wedding planning season. If you are searching for the best wedding venues in Iowa right now, you are likely thinking about guest count, setting, flexibility, and how the day will actually feel. Small wedding venues continue to grow in popularity, allowing couples to focus on meaningful details instead of managing a massive event.
When couples look at the options for Iowa wedding venues, many want something that feels personal and polished. The best places to get married in Iowa offer natural beauty, thoughtful spaces, on-site lodging, and experienced planners. From outdoor ceremonies to intimate indoor receptions, smaller venues give your guests a unique perspective, and they feel more a part of your big day. This also allows couples to spend more time with their guests, family from out of town, and create memories all together.
Okoboji weddings have become especially appealing for couples who want a destination feel without leaving the Midwest. The Great Lakes Region brings together scenic landscapes, easy travel for guests, a fantastic list of things to do in Okoboji, and memorable settings for ceremonies and celebrations. Choosing a boutique hotel in Okoboji as your wedding venue offers the added benefits of lodging, privacy, and an extended experience rather than a single-day event. We can’t wait to meet you and start planning. Book a tour today!
Wedding Venues in Iowa: Small, Intimate, & Romantic
Choosing the right venue shapes your entire wedding experience. Before you start touring places, it helps to understand what makes smaller wedding venues in Iowa so appealing and what details matter most when comparing your options. And even more importantly, envisioning your theme, guest list, and how you want your magical day to feel.
The first step is to visit for a tour. You’ll get to see our beautiful property and well-appointed guest rooms. You’ll meet the Innkeepers, who are also the owners and dedicated wedding planners. Having hosted many weddings over the past ten years, you’ll be in their skillful hands.
At our B&B, outdoor ceremonies take place among gardens, a gazebo, and a peaceful natural setting that photographs beautifully throughout the season. Many couples choose to exchange vows outside, then move indoors for dinner and celebration. The main floor dining room offers a warm, refined atmosphere, complete with a fireplace and space for shared meals and conversation. This flow allows the day to feel relaxed and well-paced.
The Oakwood Inn is ideal for intimate weddings and elopements, with guest attendance limited to 100 people. This size allows for a complete celebration without feeling crowded. Out-of-town guests appreciate staying on site, and couples value having their closest people together for more than just a few hours.
FAQ’s About Small Weddings at The Oakwood Inn:
- How many guests can the Oakwood Inn accommodate for a wedding? Our space is most conducive to micro weddings (up to 25), intimate celebrations (up to 100), and elopements in Iowa. This size allows couples to host a meaningful event without the space feeling crowded.
- Is lodging available on site for wedding guests? Yes, the Oakwood Inn functions as a boutique hotel in Okoboji. All guest rooms are rented the day before and the day of the wedding for a full house buyout, which allows your closest friends and family to stay together on site. We have 13 rooms on site, some with double queen beds that can sleep up to four.
- Are outdoor and indoor ceremony options available? Couples can choose an outdoor ceremony surrounded by gardens and a gazebo. Weather permitting, dinner can continue outside as well. For those who prefer to be indoors for dinner, we can host it in the main-floor dining room. This flexibility also provides a backup plan in case of weather changes.
- What are the food and beverage policies for weddings? Caterers must be pre-approved by the Inn. The Oakwood Inn holds a license to sell beer, wine, and champagne, and all beverages must be purchased through the property. Hard liquor is not allowed, and bartender fees apply.
- How does parking work for wedding guests? Overnight guests may park on site at the Inn. All other wedding guests are required to arrive by shuttle from another location, which helps keep the property organized and comfortable for everyone.
Here’s a beautiful recent review from a Mother of the Bride:
“Oakwood Inn is immaculately kept, and the service is as lovely as the grounds. Truly an exceptional experience. We just celebrated our daughter’s marriage there, and the wedding was absolutely gorgeous with not one detail overlooked, just perfect. We are already planning to spend time there again in December!”
With more than 350 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, you can read more about our welcoming hospitality here.
Book our Boutique Hotel in Okoboji for Your Big Day
The Oakwood Inn is one of the most distinctive bed and breakfast wedding venues in Iowa. Located near Lake Okoboji, this grand estate welcomes guests onto beautifully maintained grounds that feel private and welcoming from the moment you arrive. Couples often choose this venue because it feels like a destination while still being accessible for guests traveling from across the Midwest. Our guest rooms are beautifully equipped and comfortable.
The innkeepers bring years of experience hosting high-end weddings and hospitality. Each morning, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast, all made from scratch and award-winning recipes. Enjoy a morning with your closest family and friends after your wedding day is such a special time to relax and recap the big event with very little stress.
For couples planning Okoboji weddings, The Oakwood Inn offers something rare. It is a boutique hotel in Okoboji that functions as both venue and lodging, creating a complete wedding weekend. From the first walk through the gardens to the final goodbye brunch, the experience feels intentional, personal, and well cared for. If you are beginning your search for wedding venues in Iowa, this is a place worth seeing in person. Contact us today to book a tour!
