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Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,814 Google reviews · Garden wedding venue in Des Moines, Iowa
Seasonal blooms showcased outdoors & in a geodesic dome, plus educational programs & art shows.
Plan your tour
- Climate a climate-controlled indoor space — comfortable for a July reception or a crisp autumn ceremony
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 515-323-6290
- Website dmbotanicalgarden.com — most venues book tours right on their site
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10 am–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–4 pm |
The setting
“The outdoor garden area is emense and packed full of fantastic botanical species.”
“Formal gardens, bonsai, water gardens, indoor houseplants, tropicals under the dome, waterfalls, it really is amazing.”
“Formal gardens, bonsai, water gardens, indoor houseplants, tropicals under the dome, waterfalls, it really is amazing.”
“The Greater DSM Botanical Garden is a beautiful downtown facility along the Des Moines River, suitable for all ages and enjoyable in all seasons.”
“Formal gardens, bonsai, water gardens, indoor houseplants, tropicals under the dome, waterfalls, it really is amazing.”
Amenities couples mention
“So many beautiful plants and the koi fish are amazing as well.”
“Stroller and wheelchair friendly but also both were available at the front door and we didn't even realize we didn't need our own.”
What couples say again and again
“The Greater DSM Botanical Garden is a beautiful downtown facility along the Des Moines River, suitable for all ages and enjoyable in all seasons.”
From the reviews
It’s a beautiful place for a short weekend getaway. I love the atmosphere, and it will be especially great in the summer perfect for taking pictures, weddings, or any special occasion.
Getting married at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden comes up for weddings — confirmed on their own site. Two things make the tour worth it. First, see the garden at the time of day and season you'd actually get married — a garden that glows at golden hour in June can look very different at noon in March, so ask what's in bloom for your date and walk the path your guests take from parking to ceremony to reception. Second, bring your real questions: the rain plan (where does the ceremony move, and does it hold everyone?), shade and bugs for a summer afternoon, the catering and bar policy, the music curfew, and exactly what's included — tables, chairs, setup, and teardown are where quotes quietly diverge. Popular garden dates book 12–18 months out, so if the tour feels right, ask what's open in your season before you leave.
Corporate events & private parties at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Reviews and the venue's own info mention corporate events, retreats, or private parties at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden — garden venues often have real weekday availability since weddings claim the weekends. A quick call answers the three things that matter: weekday and off-season rates, whether the space works for your headcount and A/V needs, and what catering is allowed. If your event lands on a Friday or Saturday in wedding season, ask early.
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