One of the most challenging decisions a couple has to make when planning their wedding is choosing the wedding venue. With so many options, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the amenities and packages each one offers. If you live in or around Dubuque, however, we want you to know, we’ve got you covered! Any of these ten Dubuque wedding venues will be perfect for your big day! Feel free to reach out with any questions or leave a comment below!
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1. Grand River Center
One of the more modern wedding and event venues in Dubuque, the Grand River Center offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi rivers and the bluffs that sit behind it. The massive exhibit center offers an expansive list of room options for any wedding but the star of the show, without a doubt, is The River Room. Walls of windows create the ambiance of an outdoor wedding and the perfect backdrop for ceremony photos and wedding party portraits. Outside the center, couples and their guests can enjoy a walk along the mighty river or a stroll through the beautiful gardens. All in all, The Grand River Center is perfect inside and out! https://www.grandrivercenter.com/weddings
2. Hotel Julien
Nestled in the heart of the Old Main District in downtown Dubuque, Hotel Julien is a true Iowa treasure. The historic brick building towers nine stories tall over the city streets below. For weddings, Hotel Julien offers everything a couple has ever dreamed of and more. Depending on the size of the wedding, there are four different wedding venues within the Dubuque hotel – each one equally beautiful. In every room of the hotel, floor to ceiling windows allows natural light to flood in; creating the perfect atmosphere for pictures. If that’s not enough, the delicate architectural details found around every corner perfectly accent any decorative style. https://hoteljuliendubuque.com/weddings/
3. Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
For an outdoor Dubuque wedding venue in the summer, spring, or fall, there is no better location in Eastern Iowa than the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Flowing with lush gardens, peaceful ponds, and gorgeous features, multiple venues within the Arboretum make the perfect natural backdrop for a wedding. The most popular spot to say “I do” is the Lagen-Buelow Gazebo. At the Gazebo, an intricate rose arbor creates the perfect aisle for the bride and one-of-a-kind photos for any wedding album. The best part about the venue? No decorations required – they are already there! https://dubuquearboretum.net/weddings/
4. The American Lady
For a unique wedding venue that will keep guests talking for years, The American Lady is where it’s at in Dubuque! The American Lady is a luxury yacht that sets sail on the Mississippi a few times per week offering dinner and drink cruises for locals and tourists alike. When reserved for a wedding, the simple boat transforms into a beautiful sight with space for a ceremony and reception. With miles and miles of the Mississippi River to serve as a backdrop for photos, The American Lady is a no-brainer for couples who dare to defy the norm! https://americanladycruises.com/weddings
5. Mississippi River Aquarium
Situated alongside the Mississippi River and steps away from downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is a fun-filled wedding venue that never disappoints. From the outdoor Harborside Plaza to the indoor Gulf Aquarium Exhibit, every wedding backdrop offers unique details and surprises. Guests love this location because along with the ordinary fun that accompanies a wedding, they also get to enjoy everything the aquarium and museum have to offer. Oh, and there’s absolutely nothing better than an alligator swimming in a wedding photo. https://www.rivermuseum.com/weddings
6. Oak Hill Farms
Located just outside of Dubuque, Oak Hill Farms is a true farm-wedding destination. Over 170 acres of rolling hills and historic buildings make this venue a no-brainer for any couple that loves the outdoors and dreamy details. The farm features a variety of settings for weddings of every size. From a ceremony in the trees to a barn reception, there is ambiance everywhere, and the pictures prove it. Oak Hill Farms also wins extra points because it offers couples a wide variety of amenities to make the big day extra special. https://oakhillweddings.com
7. Au Clair Ramada Galena
Not too far from Dubuque in the historic city of Galena, there is a modern wedding venue that offers everything a couple needs to throw the wedding of their dreams. From expansive event space to top-notch food and drink options, the Ramada in Galena is the perfect location to throw a party that lasts all night long. Beautiful inside and out, the outdoor space at the Ramada is ideal for snapping photographs of the wedding party while the guests party inside. Stay overnight and rendezvous in downtown Galena the day after – it won’t disappoint. http://www.auclairgalena.com/weddings.html
8. Eagle Ridge Resort
A picture of luxury, Eagle Ridge Resort offers amenities galore, ideal views, and outstanding service. Couples who choose Eagle Ridge Resort value its expansive offering of suites, villas, and cabins for their guests to stay in – creating a true weekend-long wedding experience. The fact that a five-star spa, luxury dining, and top-notch golf are all on-site doesn’t hurt either. Whether indoors or outdoors is the location of choice for the ceremony, rolling hills and lush greenery are never far out of view – ensuring gorgeous photos in every season! https://www.eagleridge.com/galena-il-resort-weddings.php
Eagle Ridge Resort First Look 
Eagle Ridge Resort Reception Hall
9. Eagle Point Park
One of the more notable sites in Dubuque, Eagle Point Park is an expansive outdoor area with jaw-dropping views of the Mississippi River and an abundance of pavilions. No matter the size of the guest list, there is a venue at Eagle Point Park that will provide the perfect amount of seating. The outdoor bandshell creates a perfect backdrop for any ceremony, and the evening light, hitting the rushing waters of the river is the definition of romantic. For a memorable day and wedding photos any couple would love, Eagle Point Park never lets us down. https://www.cityofdubuque.org/1150/Park-Features-and-Facilities
10. Iron Works Novelty District
A newer wedding venue in Dubuque, the Iron Works Novelty District is an up, and coming neighborhood blocks from the river. With tall brick buildings renovated to showcase their historic charm, no location within the district isn’t perfect for a fun family wedding. For a weekend experience in the district, guests can stay in dreamy lofts or nearby hotels, and a local brewery makes for a great place to grab a bite! Completely customizable, this new wedding venue is sure to become one of the hottest places to get hitched in no time. https://www.noveltyironworks.com/weddings
No matter which Dubuque wedding venues you choose around the area, they will be perfect because you handpicked them!
REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING AND THE VENUE WITH PHOTOS BY LIGHT BURST PHOTOGRAPHY
At Light Burst, we specialize in documentary-style wedding photography for all couples and want to help you make the most of your memories. Contact us today to put your wedding date on our calendar!
