The French Way

The French Way is a historic wedding venue in Des Moines, Iowa. It is listed as a historic venue, and few details about its rooms have been published, so the best way to learn more is to visit and ask questions. The notes below set out what to check on a tour.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

The French Way is LGBTQ+-owned. When you book any venue, it helps to deal with a team that treats your wedding as ordinary business, and ownership by LGBTQ+ people is a good starting point. Ask about their experience with same-sex weddings and how they handle questions from guests, vendors and family.

Ceremonies

Historic buildings often have set ceremony spaces, so ask where your ceremony can be held, how many people the space seats and whether there is an alternative if the weather changes. Ask about sound for vows, restrictions on candles or decoration, and whether a rehearsal can be arranged.

Receptions and food

Ask whether catering is in-house, from a preferred list or open, and ask for a sample menu with current pricing. Ask about kitchen facilities, bar service, tables and chairs, and the end time for music. Historic buildings sometimes have limits on how many people can enter at one time, so ask about capacity for the ceremony and dinner. It is also worth asking about heating and cooling, restrooms and loading access for vendors. Ask for a written quote that lists every fee, the deposit schedule and the cancellation terms.

Getting there and the area

Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and sits in the center of the state. It has an international airport, hotels downtown and in West Des Moines, and a wide range of restaurants and activities for a welcome dinner or brunch. Ask the team about parking and the best access route for your guests.

Good to know

• Ask about access for guests who use wheelchairs or have mobility needs
• Confirm decoration and decor rules in writing
• Ask which vendors have worked in the building before