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Salisbury House & Gardens
4.7 ★★★★★ 574 Google reviews · Garden wedding venue in Des Moines, Iowa
Furnished 1920s stone mansion housing an art museum, library, concert venue & botanical garden.
Plan your tour
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 515-274-1777
- Website salisburyhouse.org — most venues book tours right on their site
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 10 am–5 pm |
The setting
“The surrounding botanical gardens are just as spectacular as the mansion itself.”
“Our tour guide Jill was so informative and did a wonderful job explaining the history of this beautiful mansion and the Weeks family that lived there.”
“The manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and tranquil woodland paths are meticulously maintained, offering a peaceful escape right in the middle of the city.”
“Modeled after King John’s House in Salisbury, England, this 1920s stone mansion is an absolute masterpiece of historic preservation.”
What couples say again and again
“I recently took a tour of Salisbury House & Gardens in Des Moines, and it is a breathtaking 5/5 star experience that truly transports you back in time.”
From the reviews
As a wedding photographer, Salisbury House has been on my list of dream venues to photograph in Iowa. I was so excited to book a wedding here and the experience was amazing! Many newer wedding venues all look very similar.
Absolutely beautiful and not at all what I thought it might be like. I knew it was built in the 1920s, but has taken more elements from Gothic and Tudor style architecture. Of course, there were elements of Art Deco. All of the artwork was splendid, and the staff were very nice.
Getting married at Salisbury House & Gardens
Salisbury House & Gardens 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 Salisbury House & Gardens
Reviews and the venue's own info mention corporate events, retreats, or private parties at Salisbury House & Gardens — 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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