Frequently Asked Questions

Please see the details found here for complete pricing and included items. Click Here for more info.

Alta House can easily accommodate weddings and receptions for up to 225 people.

Please contact us at info@altahouse.com to check available dates.

Yes.  When the venue agreement is signed, to hold the date for you, we require a $1,000 non-refundable fee.  The "save the date" fee is applied towards your total venue rental price.  Nine months prior to the event, 50% of the remaining rental fee is due.  The final balance is due 90 days prior to the event.

To reserve a date email us at info@altahouse.com saying you are ready to book your preferred date if it is still available.  We suggest you email us stating you are ready to book your preferred date and then include a backup date in case your preferred date is unavailable.   Prior to booking a date, we hope you can come out in person to visit Alta House. You can request a tour (or a Zoom tour if you live out of the area) by filling out our Tour Request Form.  Dates are reserved on a first booked basis.  "Booked" means the venue agreement is signed and the "save the date" fee is paid.  If two couples are requesting the same date prior to booking, the couple that emailed their requested date first gets the date.  Always include an alternate preferred date in your email just in case your first preferred date is taken.

We kindly request that all tours are by appointment only. You can request a tour here.

In general, we believe the average budget of a couple getting married at Alta House is between $15,000-$25,000 for all wedding expenses (venue, food, dress, DJ, photographer, etc.).  Creative couples with smaller guests lists host beautiful weddings in the $10,000 - $15,000 range.

Catering: At present time Alta House has an open catering policy.  You are welcome to use whomever you choose provided they are licensed and can produce proof of insurance. Bar services: Alta House Event Center is licensed to provide bar services. Bar packages are fully customizable to suit any budget. 

At Alta House we only host one wedding each day to ensure that each couple's event is special and receives our full attention.  The majority of Alta House weddings are part of the Wedding Weekend package which gives the couple exclusive occupancy of Alta House, the Bridal Salon Apartment, and Carl's Cabin for 48 hours.

Yes. For the Wedding Weekend package we provide the Bridal Salon Apartment and Carl's Cabin for the bridal party. Alta House is conveniently located on the Newton/Des Moines East KOA campground where we have Deluxe Cabins and Vintage Row campers available for rent so your guests can stay within walking distance to the venue.  There are also several hotels nearby.  You can view a map of hotels here.  

95 cars.

We have several 8 foot farm style tables for use as a gift table, head table, cake table, DJ table, etc.  6 and 8 foot straight folding tables are also available. 60" rounds are ordinarily used in the main floor Great Room but can be utilized anywhere.  40" cocktail tables are generally used for Barbershop Lounge dinner to dance floor conversions. Emily's Patio comes with 50" round spool tables, all on casters for easy maneuvering.  

Alta House provides table covers at no additonal charge for the Wedding Weekend package in a variety of colors such as white, black, cream, navy, maroon, emerald, etc. For one-day wedding rentals, there is a linen fee. For cloth napkins, seat covers, and similar linen items, you can bring your own or rent them. We can provide glassware from our Borrow Closet at no additional charge. Silverware and table service should be rented or provided by your caterer.

If your ceremony is scheduled to take place on Emily’s Patio, it can take place rain or shine.  Emily’s Patio is sheltered by a large patio cover with automated louvers that can be open or closed as weather dictates.  This beautiful and unique option will leave you, your wedding party and guests covered and dry regardless of Mother Nature.

Because we only host one event per day, our fee structure remains the same whether you hold your ceremony, reception, or both onsite.

We are dog friendly, with some specific stipulations.   Dogs are allowed (only with pre-approval by Alta House ownership) at the ceremony and pictures.   Animals, other than service animals, are not allowed under roof.  Dogs must be on a leash and someone must be responsible for them other than the bride and groom.

We accept checks, cash and credit cards.  Quick and easy online credit card payments are available for your convenience.  

Access to the venue varies by wedding packages. Our highly popular Wedding Weekend package includes Friday noon access. 

Although Alta House does not provide a Wedding Planner, our goal is to ensure your wedding is as stress-free as possible! Our staff assists with developing your timeline, floor layout, and general planning, to help your vision come to life. 

Yes, candles are allowed if the flame is completely contained in a candle holder.   

Four weeks

Alta House has a lovely, conveniently located caterer’s kitchen for your vendors to use. We currently have an open catering policy for licensed and insured vendors.  Alta House does not provide in-house catering at this time.