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Budget-Friendly & Pet-Friendly Elopement Locations in Iowa

If you and your partner are dreaming of an intimate, adventure-filled elopement in Iowa, you’re in luck! The state is full of breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns, and hidden gems that make for the perfect backdrop to say “I do.” 

Even better? Many of these locations are pet-friendly and free (or very low cost), making them perfect for couples who want a stress-free and budget-conscious celebration. As an elopement photographer and videographer, we know the best spots to capture your love story.

Whether you’re looking for rugged cliffs, serene lakes, waterfalls, or charming urban parks, Iowa has something for every couple. Here’s a list of stunning, affordable, and pet-friendly places to elope in Iowa!

State & County Parks (Scenic & Secluded)

  1. Backbone State Park (Dundee, IA) – Iowa’s oldest state park, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, wooded trails, and beautiful lakeside spots.
  1. Ledges State Park (Boone, IA) – Towering sandstone cliffs and winding trails make for a breathtaking, adventurous elopement.
  1. Maquoketa Caves State Park (Maquoketa, IA) – Unique caves and lush greenery provide a magical, otherworldly setting for your ceremony.
  1. Palisades-Kepler State Park (Mt. Vernon, IA) – Overlooks, forests, and the Cedar River create a romantic, nature-filled atmosphere.
  1. Lake Macbride State Park (Solon, IA) – Lake views, water recreational activities, and wooded areas make for stunning elopement photos.
  1. Pike’s Peak State Park (McGregor, IA) – Offering some of the best scenic overlooks in Iowa, with sweeping views of the Mississippi River.
  1. Wildcat Den State Park (Muscatine, IA) – Sandstone cliffs and rock formations give this location a unique, rustic charm.
  1. Bellevue State Park (Bellevue, IA) – A quiet park with stunning bluff-top views of the Mississippi River, perfect for a sunset ceremony.
  1. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area (Lehigh, IA) – A peaceful lake and scenic woodlands make this a romantic and private spot.
  1. Big Creek State Park (Polk City, IA) – Close to Des Moines & Saylorville Lake, this location offers open fields, lakeside spots, and wooded areas.
  1. Kent Park (Oxford, IA) – Close to Tiffin & Iowa City, this park is a great spot for photos – lots of open fields, wooded trails, and ponds for relaxing.
  1. Winterset City Park, (Winterset, IA) – Close to Des Moines, Winterset City Park is a scenic 76-acre park featuring wooded trails, the historic Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, a limestone tower, picnic areas, and the whimsical Clark Tower with panoramic views.

Waterfalls & Unique Natural Areas (Hidden Gems)

  1. Dunning’s Spring Park (Decorah, IA) – A gorgeous waterfall nestled in a lush forest setting, perfect for a dreamy elopement.
  1. Malanaphy Springs (Decorah, IA) – A hidden spring-fed waterfall with a fairy-tale feel.
  1. Beulah Spring Falls (McGregor, IA) – A small but beautiful waterfall tucked away in nature.
  1. Lake Red Rock Overlook (Knoxville, IA) – Stunning views of the lake with picturesque cliffs and peaceful surroundings. Very close to the cutest little Dutch town – Pella, Iowa. Known for biking, tulips, and much more!

Lakes, Rivers & Scenic Overlooks (Romantic Views)

  1. Spirit Lake & Okoboji Area – Gorgeous waterfront locations with quiet, sandy shorelines for an intimate ceremony.
  1. Rathbun Lake– Large reservoir known for its boating, fishing, and camping opportunities, surrounded by scenic parks and wildlife areas. Honey Creek Resort is a great place to vacation!
  1. Decorah Fish Hatchery & Trout Run Trail (Decorah, IA) – A peaceful and unique setting featuring a waterfall and charming bridges.
  1. High Trestle Trail Bridge (Madrid, IA) – A dramatic and modern elopement location, especially breathtaking at sunset.
  1. Dolliver Memorial State Park (Fort Dodge, IA) – Towering bluffs and forested trails create a secluded, picturesque atmosphere.
  1. Wapsipinicon State Park (Anamosa, IA) – A beautiful park with scenic riverside spots and historic stone bridges.
  1. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (Prairie City, IA) – Wildflower-filled prairies and bison sightings make for a unique elopement experience.
  1. Hitchcock Nature Center (Honey Creek, IA) – Located in the Loess Hills, this park offers breathtaking rolling hills and stunning vistas.

Urban Parks & Gardens (For a Charming City Vibe)

  1. Gray’s Lake Park (Des Moines, IA) – A scenic lakeside park with beautiful skyline views of downtown Des Moines.
  1. Raccoon River Park (West Des Moines, IA) – A pet-friendly lakeside park with trails and beach-like areas.
  1. Iowa Arboretum & Gardens (Madrid, IA) – A serene garden setting with blooming flowers and scenic walking paths.
  1. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens (Des Moines, IA) – A lush urban oasis featuring a striking geodesic conservatory, diverse plant collections, and beautifully curated themed gardens.
  1. Vander Veer Botanical Park (Davenport, IA) – A hidden gem with fountains, lush gardens, and historic charm.
  1. Pappajohn Sculpture Park (Des Moines, IA) – A unique, artsy setting for couples who want something modern and different.

Historic & Rustic Locations (Full of Character)

  1. Fort Madison Santa Fe Train Depot (Fort Madison, IA) – Picturesque river town known for its stunning Victorian architecture, historic railroad heritage, and the impressive double-decked Fort Madison Toll Bridge spanning the Mississippi River.
  1. Grotto of the Redemption (West Bend, IA) – A one-of-a-kind setting featuring hand-built grotto formations with intricate rock and gemstone details.
  1. Danish Windmill (Elk Horn, IA) – A historic windmill with a charming Scandinavian feel for a truly unique elopement.
  1. Clinton’s Eagle Point Park (Clinton, IA) – Breathtaking bluff-top park with sweeping views of the Mississippi River.
  1. Downtown Iowa City (Iowa City, IA) – Vibrant mix of historic architecture, charming alleyways, and modern city energy.
  1. The Amana Colonies (Amana, IA) – Charming and historic backdrop for elopements & engagement sessions, with their timeless brick buildings, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

Secluded & Off-the-Grid Locations

  1. Loess Hills State Forest (Western Iowa) – Rolling hills with a remote, peaceful vibe.
  1. Stone State Park (Sioux City, IA) – Wooded bluffs and scenic prairie views for an intimate escape.
  1. Union Grove State Park (Gladbrook, IA) – A quiet, lakefront setting with wooded picnic areas.
  1. Neal Smith Trail at Saylorville Lake (Near Des Moines, IA) – A lakeside trail with hidden, romantic ceremony spots. The Cherry Glen Campground nearby is a great spot for camping!

Bonus: Backyard, Airbnb, Restaurant Elopements… And More!

  • Private Cabins & Airbnbs – Many rental properties in Iowa allow pets and provide scenic backdrops for a private and intimate elopement. 
  • Family Farms & Backyards – If you have access to a beautiful outdoor space, a DIY backyard elopement can be a meaningful and affordable option.
Photo Credit: Kenzi Peterson Photography
Photo Credit: Kenzi Peterson Photography
  • Activity Based Ideas – If you can’t quite decide on a location, think about what activities you’d both enjoy on your elopement day, then base your locations off of those! Need ideas for elopement day activities? Check out our blog.

Plan Your Perfect Iowa Elopement!

No matter what kind of scenery speaks to you, Iowa has plenty of pet-friendly and affordable options to make your elopement unforgettable. Whether you envision exchanging vows beside a waterfall, on a cliffside, or by a peaceful lake, these locations offer the perfect mix of beauty and privacy. As an Iowa elopement photographer and videographer, we’d love to help capture your day in a way that feels true to your love story.

If you’re looking for an Iowa wedding venue or other vendors, our “25 Best Iowa Wedding Venues & Best Iowa Wedding Vendors” blog is a great place to start!

And once you’re ready to fully dive in to planning your elopement in Iowa, you can check out this blog: Ultimate Iowa Elopement Guide 2025-26

Need some help planning your dream elopement in Iowa? Contact us today to learn more about elopement photography and videography in Iowa, and we’ll help you begin your wedding planning journey (big or small).

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