Lauren and Jacob’s wedding at the historic Hotel Julien in Dubuque was nothing short of breathtaking. Set against the charm of the hotel’s grand architecture and timeless elegance, their day was filled with meaningful details, stunning décor, and unforgettable moments. From the romantic ceremony to the lively reception in the ballroom, every part of their celebration showcased not only the beauty of the venue, but also the joy and love they share. It was a day that perfectly combined classic sophistication with heartfelt, personal touches—truly a wedding to remember.

When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding venue, couples often dream of a space that feels both timeless and unforgettable—and that’s exactly what Hotel Julien Dubuque delivers. Nestled in the heart of Dubuque’s historic district, this landmark blends rich history with modern luxury, creating a one-of-a-kind backdrop for saying “I do.” From its elegant ballrooms and charming architecture to the full-service amenities that make planning seamless, Hotel Julien offers couples the rare opportunity to celebrate their love story in a setting that’s as romantic as it is iconic.

Planning a wedding at Hotel Julien Dubuque means having access to some of the most elegant and versatile wedding amenities in Eastern Iowa. Whether you’re envisioning a grand ballroom celebration or an intimate riverside gathering, this historic Dubuque wedding venue provides everything you need to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Venue Spaces
Hotel Julien offers several unique event spaces to fit your wedding vision. The Grande Ballroom is the crown jewel, featuring soaring ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and space for over 300 guests—perfect for a classic and luxurious reception. For couples seeking a more intimate setting, the River Room & Terrace overlook the Mississippi River and provide a stunning backdrop for cocktail hour or smaller receptions. Other options include the Harbor Gallery, with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Port of Dubuque, and the Julien Rooms, ideal for rehearsal dinners or brunches.

Included Services
When you book a Hotel Julien wedding, you’ll enjoy thoughtful inclusions designed to simplify planning and elevate your day. The venue provides professional service staff, complimentary linens, elegant china and glassware, votive candles, risers for your band or DJ, cake-cutting service, and a champagne toast for the head table. A spacious dance floor is included in the ballroom, ensuring your reception flows seamlessly from dinner to dancing.

Accommodations
Couples receive a complimentary whirlpool suite on their wedding night, while discounted room blocks are available for guests, making it easy to turn your wedding into a full weekend celebration. Hotel Julien also provides a room for rehearsal dinners or farewell brunches, giving you flexibility to host all your events in one convenient location.

Onsite Amenities
Beyond the wedding day, Hotel Julien Dubuque offers a full range of amenities to treat your guests. Relax at the Potosa Spa, enjoy the indoor pool and fitness center, or gather for drinks at the Riverboat Lounge. Caroline’s Restaurant offers locally inspired dining, perfect for pre- or post-wedding meals. With complimentary Wi-Fi, accessible parking, and private dining areas, every detail is taken care of.

Planning Perks
Hotel Julien goes above and beyond with planning perks like 50% off room rental fees and food & beverage minimums for Friday or Sunday weddings. Inclusive packages are also available, covering everything from A/V needs to hors d’oeuvres and beverage service—making budgeting straightforward and stress-free.

wedding ceremony at the Cathedral of St Raphael

For couples dreaming of a romantic church wedding in Dubuque, Iowa, the Cathedral of St. Raphael and St. Patrick offers one of the most breathtaking ceremony settings in the Midwest. As the city’s historic Catholic cathedral, dating back to 1861, it combines timeless architecture with deep spiritual significance. With its soaring Gothic arches, intricate stained-glass windows, and awe-inspiring sanctuary, this Dubuque wedding venue provides a dramatic and meaningful backdrop for saying “I do.” Whether you’re envisioning a grand, traditional Catholic wedding or simply want a wedding ceremony location filled with history, beauty, and reverence, the Cathedral of St. Raphael and St. Patrick delivers a truly unforgettable experience for couples and their guests.
Lauren and Jacob’s ceremony was filled with emotion, beauty, and timeless tradition. Surrounded by the soaring architecture and warm glow of the church, Jacob’s anticipation was written all over his face as he watched Lauren walk down the aisle, radiant in her elegant gown and holding tightly to her parents’ arms. The moment they exchanged vows was heartfelt and full of meaning, capturing the love they’ve built together and the excitement for the journey ahead. When the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, the joy in the room was undeniable—Lauren’s triumphant smile and raised bouquet perfectly captured the spirit of celebration. It was a ceremony that beautifully honored their love story and set the tone for the unforgettable celebration that followed.

Cocktail Hour at The Hotel Julien

One of Hotel Julien Dubuque’s most enchanting features is its light-filled **Atrium**, the perfect setting for a memorable cocktail hour. Surrounded by stunning architecture and elegant details, the Atrium creates a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can mingle, sip signature cocktails, and savor hors d’oeuvres before the reception begins. Its open layout and natural light provide a beautiful contrast to the grandeur of the ballroom, giving couples the chance to offer their guests a unique experience that feels both sophisticated and relaxed. Hosting your cocktail hour here not only maximizes the charm of the hotel, but also ensures your celebration flows seamlessly from one unforgettable moment to the next.

The Ballroom Reception at Hotel Julien

The Grande Ballroom at Hotel Julien Dubuque is the epitome of timeless elegance, offering the perfect setting for wedding receptions of all sizes. With its soaring ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and refined architectural details, the space exudes romance and grandeur from the very first step inside. The ballroom can comfortably seat up to 300 guests, making it ideal for couples who want to host a large celebration without sacrificing intimacy or sophistication. Whether you envision a lavish plated dinner or a lively evening of dining and dancing, the Grande Ballroom provides a stunning backdrop—paired with exceptional catering and attentive service—that ensures every toast, every laugh, and every dance feels magical and unforgettable.
One of the most memorable highlights was Lauren stepping up to the microphone, serenading the crowd with a heartfelt performance that left the room cheering. Surrounded by love, laughter, and a stunning backdrop of classic décor, their reception truly captured the spirit of celebration and sophistication that Hotel Julien is known for.

The Table Decor

The ballroom at Hotel Julien is truly a blank slate, offering couples the freedom to bring any wedding vision to life. With its high ceilings, neutral tones, and elegant architectural details, the space can easily be transformed to match a variety of styles—from classic and romantic with soft draping and candlelight, to bold and modern with vibrant florals and dramatic uplighting. Its open layout allows for endless possibilities in table arrangements, statement backdrops, and dance floor designs, ensuring every couple can make the space uniquely their own. Whether you dream of timeless sophistication or a celebration filled with color and personality, the Hotel Julien ballroom provides the perfect canvas to create a reception that reflects your love story.
This reception design is the perfect balance of elegance and timeless charm. Gold chiavari chairs and sleek white linens set the foundation for a refined look, while towering centerpieces overflowing with lush greenery and crisp white blooms draw the eye upward, creating a sense of grandeur. The tables are styled with glowing candlelight in varying heights, adding warmth and romance against the rich drapery and natural light pouring through the windows. The result is a clean, modern tablescape that feels both luxurious and inviting—an ideal setting for a celebration filled with love and laughter.

Lauren and Jacob’s wedding was the perfect blend of elegance, joy, and personal touches that reflected who they are as a couple. From their romantic ceremony to the laughter-filled reception at Hotel Julien, every detail came together seamlessly to create a day their guests will never forget. Surrounded by family and friends, they danced, celebrated, and soaked in every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. It was a beautiful reminder that weddings are not just about the décor and traditions, but about the love at the heart of it all—and Lauren and Jacob’s love story was truly the highlight of the day.

Vendors

Dress: Rhylan Laing Bridal

Suit: Jim’s Formal Wear

Jewelers: McCoy Jeweler

Invites: Minted

Ceremony Venue: Saint Raphael Cathedral

Reception Venue: Hotel Julien

Photographer: Christina Ney

Caterer: Hotel Julien

Desserts: Sprinkled Confections

Violinist: Emily Ott

Band: Twice On Sunday