The citizens of California have voted to take marriage rights away from same-sex couples; meanwhile, gay and lesbian couples in Iowa are happily tying the knot. Who saw that one coming?
Though the Hawkeye State is actually more liberal than many of its Midwestern neighbors (and more so than coastal city dwellers usually give it credit for), it was still a pleasant surprise to see it emerge as a pioneering state for marriage equality. If you’re still living in one of the 45 states that thinks it's ok to deny its citizens equal rights, consider planning your wedding at one of these gay-friendly venues in the heartland.
The Church of the Holy Spirit is part of the famously gay-friendly Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). The church’s senior pastor, Rev. Esperanza, is an out lesbian who performed the state’s first legal same-sex wedding this April. Though the church doesn’t have its own space officially, worship services and wedding ceremonies are held at the welcoming First Christian Church, on 25th St. and University Ave.
In late April, a group of ten same-sex couples (six gay and four lesbians) came from Minneapolis in a chartered bus to wed in a mass ceremony—wouldn’t you think states would want to legalize marriage for the revenue potential, if nothing else? Reverend Rich Hendricks is available to officiate weddings, and the church facilities are also rentable for $200 (or no fee for MCC members).
Kathy and James Love are interfaith ministers who have been welcoming same-sex couples for nearly a decade to their small chapel in Clive, Iowa, just outside Des Moines. Though their chapel can only fit about 30 guests, they are also available to officiate weddings off-site. They offer all-inclusive packages for $345, or customized packages depending on how D.I.Y. you want to get during planning.
This B&B located south of Des Moines offers wedding packages and actively markets to the gay community. During temperate months, it’s a beautiful location for an outdoor wedding, as it sits on nine acres overlooking the South River Valley. They can accommodate up to 120 people for an outdoor ceremony, or up to 35 for an indoor one. The inn is also a member of the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail, meaning at least six wineries are located nearby—maybe a fun idea for a reception or bachelorette party?
Extra friendly and helpful innkeeper Amy Boynton has proudly hosted several same-sex weddings already since the legislation passed in April. Built in 1908 as a family home, the Mandolin is an Edwardian-style eight bedroom mansion with extremely affordable, individually decorated rooms and a full gourmet breakfast each morning. Dubuque is Iowa’s fourth largest city, and though it hasn’t quite made a national list of tourist hotspots, there are plenty of attractions nearby to make it a worthwhile destination wedding locale: the Mississippi River, a picturesque historic downtown, a scenic railroad, golf courses, ski slopes, hiking trails, and—get this—the field where Field of Dreams was shot.
Unitarian Churches are always welcoming to gay and lesbian couples, and Iowa is home to eight Welcoming Congregations (meaning that they consciously strive toward inclusiveness of LGBT members), in Ames, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Gilbert and Jackson City. Reverend Kent Mayfield of the Dubuque congregation is openly gay and has been with his partner for over two decades. Reverend Mark Stringer of the Des Moines congregation actually officiated the very very first legal same-sex wedding in Iowa between Sean Fritz and Tim McQuillan, when it was legal in Polk County for only a few hours on August 31, 2007.
This stunning, 52-acre garden is among the most scenic wedding locales in the state—it hosts close to 100 ceremonies a year, including several same-sex weddings in recent months. Their Web site features gorgeous photos of the Rose Garden, the newly completed Japanese Garden, and the ponds and waterfalls that run through the park. When weather’s not cooperating, you can also host your wedding indoors at the onsite amphitheater. The arboretum is an all-volunteer-run venture, and rental prices range from $300-$400 depending on the exact facilities you wish to use.
This beautiful historic opera house, in the small town of Pella is a creative venue for couples seeking something a little different. The theater has a capacity of 324, and 250 people can fit into the building’s Great Hall for a sit-down dinner. The opera house staff is extremely welcoming to same-sex couples.
This is a small but growing list of gay-friendly resources for planning your wedding.
