Planning your dream wedding in Iowa often starts with finding the perfect city and venue—and Iowa City is one of the best-kept secrets for couples who want a celebration filled with history, charm, and convenience. Known for its vibrant downtown, rich cultural heritage, and picturesque architecture, Iowa City offers a unique blend of small-town warmth and big-city amenities that make it an ideal destination for weddings. Among its many venues, Old Brick in Iowa City stands out as one of the most popular and timeless places to say “I do.” This historic wedding venue combines romantic character with modern amenities, offering couples a stunning backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions. With space for up to 300 guests, an outdoor patio for cocktail hour, and all the essentials—from tables and chairs to a professional sound system—Old Brick makes wedding planning simple while giving you a space that’s completely unforgettable. If you’re searching for the best Iowa City wedding venues, Old Brick should be at the top of your list.

Walking into Old Brick feels like stepping back in time. Built in 1856, this beautiful building has been lovingly preserved, earning its spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Its exposed brick walls, tall windows, and original architectural details create a warm, romantic atmosphere that makes every wedding feel one-of-a-kind.

Instead of a blank ballroom, couples get a backdrop full of history and character—perfect for photos and for making guests feel like they’re part of something truly special.

Old Brick is more than just a pretty building—it’s designed to host weddings seamlessly from start to finish.

Ceremony: Exchange vows on the raised stage, framed by rustic brick and bathed in natural light.
Cocktail Hour: Step out onto the spacious 2,000 sq ft outdoor patio, where guests can mingle with drinks in hand.
Reception: Dance the night away in the expansive main hall that can comfortably host up to 300 guests.

Couples love how easy it is to keep everything in one place, giving their day a natural flow and making it stress-free for family and friends.

Old Brick Wedding Decor

When it comes to planning a wedding at a historic venue, the right décor can transform a beautiful space into something truly unforgettable. For Megan and Seth’s July wedding at Old Brick in Iowa City, their soft blue and white color palette paired perfectly with the venue’s timeless character, creating a romantic and welcoming atmosphere for their guests.
Guests were greeted outside with a custom welcome sign nestled against the iconic brick exterior of Old Brick. Decorated with white hydrangeas and vibrant blue roses, the sign immediately set the tone for a joyful celebration. Personalized with the couple’s names and wedding date, this décor detail made the historic venue feel even more intimate and unique.
Inside, the reception was arranged with crisp white tables and chairs, keeping the design classic while letting the couple’s colors shine. The natural light streaming in through Old Brick’s tall arched windows created a bright, airy atmosphere that made the blues pop even more. Paired with simple greenery accents and soft-toned florals, the décor felt timeless yet fresh—perfect for summer.
Old Brick’s historic charm is versatile enough to fit many wedding styles, but it was especially stunning for this blue-and-white color palette. The wooden stage, tall ceilings, and vintage organ framed the celebration with character, while the couple’s décor choices softened the space and made it feel romantic and inviting. The open layout also allowed for a seamless transition from ceremony to reception, keeping guests comfortable and connected throughout the day.

St. Mary’s Church in Iowa City Was the Perfect ceremony venue

Every wedding ceremony seeks a space that speaks not only to the hearts of the couple but also to their values, beauty, and personal story. For Megan and Seth, St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Iowa City was all of that—and more. Here's why this historic and sacred venue served as the ideal backdrop for their deeply meaningful “I do.”
St. Mary's parish has a remarkable legacy—founded in 1841 by missionary Father Samuel Charles Mazzuchelli, it's one of Iowa’s earliest Catholic congregations. The present church building, constructed between 1867 and 1869 and consecrated as St. Mary of the Visitation, brings nearly two centuries of spiritual history to every wedding held within its walls. Choosing this venue allowed Megan and Seth to marry not just in a church—but amid generations of devotion and community.
Walking into St. Mary’s is an immediate invitation into architectural artistry. The building embodies a harmonious blend of Romanesque Revival and Gothic Revival styles—highlighted by red brick construction, limestone trim, a soaring bell tower crowned with an octagonal spire, and majestic stained-glass windows. Inside, the sanctuary features a broad, open nave—the ceiling vaulting supported by sculptural arches, free of obstructive columns, guiding every guest’s view toward the exquisitely crafted high altar. Crafted by Alert and Kloustie of Cincinnati, the altar depicts the Visitation and is surrounded by statues of saints—the spiritual centerpiece where Megan and Seth exchanged their vows, framed by beauty and grace.

Cocktail Hour at Old Brick

When it comes to creating an unforgettable wedding experience, the little details during cocktail hour make all the difference. Megan and Seth’s wedding at Old Brick in Iowa City was the perfect example of how couples can blend tradition with creativity. Their choice of a record guestbook turned their cocktail hour into not just a social gathering, but an interactive memory-making experience.
Instead of a traditional book, Megan and Seth asked guests to sign a framed vinyl record—a meaningful nod to their love of music. Displayed beautifully during cocktail hour, the record guestbook quickly became a conversation starter. Guests loved the chance to leave personal messages directly on the album, creating a keepsake that Megan and Seth can proudly hang in their home long after the wedding day.
Not only did this add a fun and modern twist to the wedding tradition, but it also reflected the couple’s personality and passions. Choosing a record guestbook gave their wedding a personal touch that felt both stylish and sentimental.
Cocktail hour isn’t just about passing drinks and appetizers—it’s about giving guests something fun to enjoy while the couple is away. Megan and Seth nailed it by pairing a lively atmosphere at Old Brick with an unexpected guestbook idea that guests loved. The result was a cocktail hour that felt engaging, personalized, and unforgettable.
The charm of Old Brick enhanced this creative detail in every way. Its blend of historic character and modern amenities gave guests a comfortable space to enjoy the couple’s unique touches. From the brick exterior where guests were welcomed with personalized signage to the open reception hall where the record was displayed, the venue complemented Megan and Seth’s vision beautifully.

Wedding Reception at Old Brick in Iowa City

The reception décor brought together soft blues, whites, and lush greenery that perfectly matched Megan and Seth’s elegant summer wedding vision. The head table was framed by cascading drapery in pale blue and ivory, accented with twinkle lights and floral arrangements of roses, hydrangeas, and hanging greenery. Against the backdrop of Old Brick’s warm wood tones and tall ceilings, the design felt both timeless and fresh.
One of the highlights of the evening was the round of toasts given by family and friends. With glasses raised and laughter filling the room, the couple sat surrounded by their wedding party at the head table, basking in the love and joy of their closest people. The historic stage at Old Brick gave every toast a special spotlight moment, ensuring all eyes were on the couple as they were celebrated in style.
No reception is complete without the cake cutting, and Megan and Seth’s was as sweet as it gets. Sharing bites of their simple yet elegant white cake, the couple’s joy was contagious. Guests cheered as the newlyweds shared a laugh and a tender moment, framed beautifully by their floral backdrop. This timeless tradition was made even more memorable in Old Brick’s light-filled reception hall.

Megan and Seth’s wedding day was the perfect blend of timeless tradition and modern celebration. From their sacred ceremony at St. Mary’s Church to their joyful reception at Old Brick in Iowa City, every detail reflected their love story beautifully. Old Brick’s historic charm, versatile event space, and elegant backdrop allowed them to host a celebration that felt warm, personal, and unforgettable.

With heartfelt toasts, laughter during cocktail hour, and sweet memories like their cake cutting and record guestbook, Megan and Seth created a wedding experience that their guests will remember for years to come. For couples searching for an Iowa City wedding venue that combines history, romance, and functionality, Old Brick is truly one of the best choices.

If you’re planning your own wedding and dreaming of a venue with character, space, and heart, let Megan and Seth’s wedding day be your inspiration—because Old Brick is more than just a venue, it’s a place where love stories become part of history.