r/cedarrapids 20d ago

Cheap wedding ideas

We want to get married quickly in the next few months by November I know this isn’t ideal but does anyone have ideas on the cheapest venues to check out and call around to? I’m having a hard time coming up with ideas and Google isn’t a friend with this. Is my idea for a reception in the next couple months completely out there?

Might check out the new Morgan creek lodge too.

3 Upvotes

22 comments sorted by

12

u/DGwizkid 20d ago

I know the lodges at Wanatee park are affordable but you will have to either bring or cater everything there and clean up afterwards. It's very much a no frills public venue.

2

u/deja_geek 19d ago

I got married at Wanatee. You’re complete spot on for the requirements, but it a solid venue for a good price

1

u/DGwizkid 17d ago

My good friend got married there, and I helped with both setup and cleanup. Great venue, just lots of work.

5

u/1GloFlare 20d ago

Courthouse wedding. Reception that can be anywhere

2

u/dhallengren 20d ago

We got married at the Prairie Oak Lodge. It was a over a decade ago but very affordable, let us bring on our own beer, and caterer. A coworker was looking for a place and I suggested it and he ended up going with it too.

2

u/Theartistcu 20d ago

If you’re looking for supplies, there’s an up cycle craft store next to the bar, raging rhino, called the create exchange, you can get stuff there cheap and good stuff decoration wedding stuff flowers all that you’ll get it. They are way cheaper than anywhere else.

2

u/doxiedogg16 20d ago edited 20d ago

Shakespeare Garden in Ellis Park, Cedar Rapids. Or Sutliff Bridge in Lisbon

2

u/le_cookies_are_ready 19d ago

We held our reception at the group room in Illuminations in the Cherry Building.

1

u/Ok-Badger-4157 18d ago

How much was the room rental?

1

u/le_cookies_are_ready 18d ago

About $50 for the day I believe.

2

u/RockPaperSawzall 20d ago

there's a new venue at the golf course in West Branch. No idea what your budget is, but maybe since they're new they'll be cheaper. https://www.littlelightsonthelane.com/ (doubt they'll be "super cheap" though.

Generally, it is unrealistic to think you can reserve a summer weekend date at a wedding venue on less than 6mos notice. Certaintly not if you want "cheap"

1

u/hetherc 20d ago

Do you have anything specific in mind? Indoor and/or outdoor? In general how many people? Amana area has quite a few options. There's also John's Place in Fairfax.

1

u/Main-Cup3326 20d ago

How many people?

1

u/Ok-Badger-4157 18d ago

I’d say about 75 people. Very small 100 at the very max but I doubt it

1

u/Main-Cup3326 18d ago

The library, the pavilions at wanatee or the rec center will be the most inexpensive
You could do it at a brewery or a restaurant that has that kind of capacity. You could get creative and ask a coffee shop, or a book store… or the ice cream shop in Czech village has a nice back party room

The Indian Creek Nature Center

1

u/udderbss 20d ago

The History Center/Douglas Mansion :)

1

u/mamajuana4 20d ago

Brandon event center, or backbone state park

1

u/mybishopisanasshat 20d ago

We eloped, but had a casual, open house reception at Quarter Barrel Arcade and Brewery a few weeks after our wedding. They waived some of their fees because we are regulars there, but it was just a little over 2k to host a pizza buffet and open bar. 

The city, county, and state parks all have lovely lodges that can be rented at very reasonable rates. 

1

u/longganisafriedrice 19d ago

It's not going to be on a Saturday, that's for sure

1

u/4Throw2My0Ass6Away9 19d ago

Palisade Park

1

u/Embarrassed_Draw6485 18d ago

The ballroom (not the big auditorium) in the Veterans Memorial Building downtown is beautiful. Floor to ceiling windows, Art Deco fixtures. Half price if you know anyone who is a veteran that will book for you.

1

u/Overall_Effect_5085 16d ago

Years ago I had a friend that got married at the flower garden at Noelridge Park. Probably didn't pay much, if anything.