Des Moines Heritage Center

The Des Moines Heritage Center offers historic event spaces in Des Moines' East Village for weddings, receptions and other special gatherings. Its main Event Center has an open layout for dining, dancing and different seating arrangements, with capacity for up to 300 guests. Organisers can choose hourly or full-day weekday rentals, or select from weekend packages. The outdoor plaza provides an additional space for guests to mingle or enjoy a social hour, and indoor and outdoor ceremony options are available for weddings.

The venue provides practical event amenities including tables and chairs, set-up and teardown, a bridal suite, Wi-Fi, an audiovisual system, projectors and a screen. Bar packages and cash bar options are available, with bartenders, event staff and an onsite manager. A catering kitchen is also on site, giving organisers flexibility when planning food service.

For smaller occasions, the historic Depot offers a more intimate setting for gatherings such as small weddings and showers, with seating for up to 70 guests. The former East Des Moines Union Depot dates from 1909 and has been renovated, retaining its historic character for contemporary events. The Depot is available for hourly or full-day hire on specified days, with a five-hour minimum for hourly bookings. It does not offer audiovisual equipment, and linens are not included.

Together, the two spaces give event planners a choice of settings for celebrations of different sizes, from an intimate gathering in a heritage depot to a large wedding or reception in the Event Center.