From Mahanay Bells to Wedding Bells: Wedding Planning

Written By Emily Rohner

First of all, if you’re reading this as a newly engaged bride, YAY! Congratulations! This is such an exciting chapter, and we’re so glad you’re here!

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to go far to have the wedding you’ve always imagined. Jefferson has everything you need: the venue, food, flowers, music, photos, and all the little touches that make the day feel personal and unforgettable. Think of this as your insider’s guide to planning your celebration right here in town. (The only thing we don’t have yet is a bridal dress shop… but who knows, maybe one of our available downtown buildings will get scooped up for that someday. 😉🤞🏼)

 

Venues

Let’s start with the big one: the venue. Jefferson has plenty of options!

Jefferson has so many great spots to say “I do.” Here is a list of all the churches in town, if you want the ceremony to be at a church. For the reception space, there are many options, large and small. Located just outside Jefferson, The Era combines modern style with small-town charm, offering a full-service venue complete with lodging, décor, and a stunning indoor-outdoor setup. The Greene County Fairgrounds - Clover Hall offers a large open space with a full kitchen, garage doors, and plenty of parking, perfect for decorating to fit your style. The Wild Rose Casino & Resort features in-house catering, a stage with surround sound, and an attached hotel that makes celebrating and staying the night a breeze. And right on the square, The Courtyard offers an intimate, newly remodeled space with a cozy bar and inviting downtown charm. It’s perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, or gatherings that feel close to home.

Beyond those, you’ll also find smaller venues, including The Centennial Cafe, perfect for showers, rehearsal dinners, or even an engagement party. You could plan your entire wedding season without leaving town.

*Also: don’t forget to go to the Courthouse for your marriage license!

  • Come to the Greene County Recorder’s Office to apply for your marriage license! Both parties and one witness must be present. Everyone must bring a valid photo ID. The fee is $35, and the license is held for 3 days, starting the day after you apply.

  • 515-386-5670

    recorder@greenecounty.iowa.gov

    Recorder's Office-Courthouse 114 N. Chestnut St., Jefferson, IA 50129

 

Catering

Let’s be real: the food is one of the things your guests will talk about the most. Luckily, Jefferson delivers when it comes to options. 👏🏼

Bett & Bev’s BBQ is heaven for smoked meat lovers. Hy-Vee is another great option that can handle crowds with ease, with plenty of options. Ram Restaurant brings hearty, local comfort food, while Casa de Oro serves up tacos, fajitas, and all the Mexican flavors you crave, and Wild Rose Casino provides a wide variety of catering options.

A new experience would be Krieger’s Homegrown Woodfire Pizzas, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza highlighting homemade sauces and homegrown ingredients made in-house or grown on our farm, as well as those curated from across the Midwest for flavor and quality.

  • Catering parties, dinners, and receptions across the state via their mobile woodfired pizza oven.

  • They provide a complete dinner service as a single-serve event or pizza bar.

  • Prices range from $20-$35 per person.


No matter what you choose, nobody is going home hungry.

 

Music + Entertainment

Music sets the tone for the whole night. Live music with heart? Chad Elliot is your guy. Looking for DJs who know how to read the crowd, keep the dance floor full, and handle all the emceeing with ease? TG Karaoke (Tom Ganoe), The BassMakers, and The Shuffle Couple (Dan and Emily Rohner) all bring the fun. Whatever your style, Jefferson has talent that will keep the party going.

 

Photos + Video

The day flies by, but your photos and video? That’s what you’ll keep forever. Jefferson is stacked with talented photographers and videographers:

(Hover over each photo for the photographer info + contact!)

Art of Aries, Bridgette Heisterkamp, DNE, Emily Ostrander Photography, Katie Decker Photography, Kaylee Scribben Photography and Design, Northern Route Photography, Shelby Wiggins Photography, The Little Moments, T’s Takes, and Wilson Photography & Design are all local photographers who know how to capture a wedding day beautifully.

For video, check out Art of Aries, Northern Route Creative, and Sebourn Video and Drone Services. They’ll make sure the memories feel just as vivid years from now!

 

Attire

Finding the right look for your big day is easier than you might think here in Jefferson. Local shops offer everything from classic tux rentals to sparkling rings that tell your story.

ShineOn Designs has you covered for full-service suit and tuxedo rentals through their trusted partner, Jim’s Formal Wear. Whether it’s for the groom, groomsmen, or a special guest, their team helps you find a look that fits perfectly and feels effortless.

And just a few doors away, Royal Jewelers can help you find the perfect rings and accessories to complete your day. From timeless bands to meaningful gifts, their friendly staff makes every visit feel personal.

 

Florals

From stunning arrangements to the perfect setup for your venue, you’ll find everything you need right here in town.

Two local favorites, Fudge’s Flowers and Krieger’s Flowers, know how to bring a celebration to life with beautiful, thoughtful arrangements. Their work adds color, warmth, and a personal touch to every wedding day.

 

Wedding Coordination

To pull it all together, Abby McConnell, with Legacy Events, offers wedding coordinating to make your day run seamlessly. Abby helps couples turn their vision into reality. Her goal is to create a space that feels just right for your gathering and a day filled with love, laughter, and ease.

 

Beauty and Prep

Local salons and stylists offer professional hair, makeup, and nail services to help you look and feel your best on the big day.

Root of Beauty

Root of Beauty and Alli Katz Salon specialize in makeup, and don’t forget nails with Nails by Kate. For hair, options include Alli Katz Salon, Head & Body Masters, The Studio (left image), Rose Stoline, and Catherine’s Hairem. Together, these businesses ensure every detail of your wedding day is handled with care.

Sweet Treats

Dessert deserves its own spotlight. Jefferson has some amazing bakers who can make your vision come to life.

Indulgences by Vicki , Frosted Babe, Lucy Rose Cakes, Hy-Vee Bakery, and Ram Restaurant all offer delicious options. Whether you’re envisioning a traditional tiered cake, a tower of cupcakes, or a trendy dessert table, you’ll find something to satisfy every sweet tooth!

Stationery + Live painting

When it comes to wedding invitations and paper goods, couples can keep things local from start to finish. Purchase stationery and thank you card supplies at Warm Wishes. Custom wedding invitations are available through Kaylee Scribben Photography and Design, offering personalized designs that bring your wedding style and vision to life. For a truly unforgettable keepsake, book Chad Elliott with Elliott Art Studio to create a live wedding painting during your celebration, capturing the emotion and energy of your day in real time.

 

Why Jefferson? ❤️

When you plan a wedding here, you’re not just working with vendors. You’re working with neighbors. These are the people you see at the grocery store, wave to downtown, or chat with at Friday night football games. They care about your day because they care about you.

And let’s be honest, it’s fun! Instead of rushing to the city or juggling ten out-of-town appointments, you can relax. Grab a coffee, meet your florist, stop by to check on your cake order, and order your wedding bands all in one afternoon. That’s the beauty of keeping it local!

So, to all the brides out there: your dream wedding doesn’t have to feel far away. It might be right here in Jefferson.

 
 
 

More about the vendors:

The vendors listed below filled out our online questionnaire this past fall and shared more about their story and services. Take a look and get to know them!

More Time

“We provide full-service suit and tuxedo rentals through our trusted partner, Jim’s Formal Wear, offering premium styles from leading brands, including Michael Kors. Our team is committed to delivering a personalized experience from start to finish. We assist with selecting your look, taking precise measurements, coordinating fittings upon arrival, and ensuring every detail meets your expectations. For added convenience, we also offer direct delivery options for wedding party members who are out of town.

We also offer a selection of suits and tuxedos available for purchase if you prefer to own your formalwear. Our purchase catalog includes many of the same high-quality styles featured in our rental collection, along with additional exclusive options to help you achieve a polished, personalized look.”

Kaylee Scribben Photography & Design

“Kaylee Scribben Photography & Design wants to celebrate the start of your happily ever after! The focus is on capturing your unique love story with joyful and authentic engagement photography sessions. Beyond the camera, Kaylee Scribben Photography & Design also serves as your personal graphic designer, creating the entire suite of custom wedding stationery designs. This service includes beautifully designed files for your invitations, save-the-dates, RSVP cards, thank you cards, and wedding programs—you simply take the finished designs to your preferred printer. This ensures your vision for your wedding day is represented beautifully from the very first announcement!

Since I'm the only person behind Kaylee Scribben Photography and Design, I personally get to know every couple I work with. This isn't a big, impersonal studio; it's a dedicated space run by someone who truly loves translating the unique connections into beautiful images and heartfelt designs. I handle every detail, from initial consultation to the final design file, to make sure the creative side of a wedding is genuinely fun, stress-free, and perfectly tailored!”

Art of Aries

“Art of Aries Studios offers photography and cinematic wedding films that capture every special moment of your day so that you can relive them for the rest of your life. We have won multiple awards for our work, so you can rest assured your day will be preserved with the same magic as the day you say "I do.”

The Little Moments Photography

“We offer custom wedding packages with all the options. Do you want more time or less? Second shooter? Print options? We've got you covered with beautiful, timeless images. We've worked all over the country and also have experience with destination weddings, having photographed over 200+ weddings and over 10 years of experience.”

Root Of Beauty Skin Company

“I offer wedding makeup for the bride, bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom. My approach focuses on natural beauty enhancements, tailored to highlight your features while keeping you feeling like yourself. I also provide corrective skincare, personalized skin analysis to find the right products and routine, and skin prep to get you glowing before your big day. Bridal trials are available, along with plenty of expert recommendations to help make your day seamless. I’m happy to travel wherever your wedding takes me.”

Krieger’s Homegrown Wood-Fired Pizzas

“We offer wood-fired, homemade artisan pizzas featuring ingredients sourced from our greenhouse garden as well as those curated from across the Midwest for flavor and quality. We are a "movable" pizza party for engagement and wedding dinners, as well as bachelorette and bachelor parties. The ingredients are key to our quality. "When WE grow it and throw it, YOU know it!”

Now booking for summer and fall 2026.”

The Courtyard Wedding and Event Venue

“Where rustic charm meets modern romance.

Step into a space designed for unforgettable “I do’s.” The Courtyard Wedding Venue blends industrial elegance with soft, romantic touches — featuring a stunning wooden barrel roof, black iron rafters, and repurposed farmhouse tables that seat up to 250 guests.

  • Your experience begins with thoughtful details:

  • A bridal suite with a large mirror, cozy couch, and four hair & makeup stations.

  • A groom’s quarters with speakeasy-inspired style and relaxed vibes.

  • An outdoor courtyard with paver patios, an 8-foot water fountain, an arbor, firepit table, and inviting lounge furniture.

  • A welcoming front lounge with seating for 46 featuring a decorative fireplace and signature cocktails that make every toast memorable.

  • Plus, a kitchenette ready for your caterer’s magic.

Whether you’re dreaming of rustic romance or an intimate celebration under the rafters, The Courtyard Wedding Venue is the perfect blend of warmth, style, and storybook charm.”

The Courthouse - Marriage License

Come to the Greene County Recorder’s Office to apply for your marriage license! Both parties and one witness must be present. Everyone must bring a valid photo ID. The fee is $35, and the license is held for 3 days, starting the day after you apply.

Rose Stoline

For couples looking to simplify planning, Rose Stoline offers both wedding cakes and desserts along with bridal hair services. From beautifully crafted sweets to on-site hair styling for the big day, Rose brings creativity, attention to detail, and a personal touch to each celebration, helping couples feel confident and cared for from start to finish.

  • Email: rstoline@gmail.com

    Phone: (515) 370-5733

  • Lucy Rose Cakes on Facebook

    *Contact Rose by Facebook or by phone

  • Cakes + desserts and bridal hair

The Studio

“At The Studio, I provide formal hairstyles for weddings and special occasions, offering timeless, elegant looks tailored to each client. From bridal styles to hair for the wedding party and special events, every service is customized to ensure you feel confident and photo-ready on your big day.”

Elliott Art Studio

“Elliott Art Studio is a gallery and creation space owned by Chad and Alyssa Elliott. Chad is an accomplished painter and ceramicist. Chad offers live painting as a service for weddings. For this, he can create a work of art during a ceremony or reception for the happy couple. He is also available for commissioned art ahead of a wedding event. What better way to celebrate an important event than with original art!”

Chad Elliot

“International award-winning singer-songwriter Chad Elliott blends folk roots, swampy blues and soulful writing to deliver music that is unmistakably original. His live performances have been honed over 25 years on the road performing more than 200 shows each year. Elliott is lauded as “Iowa’s Renaissance man” by Culture Buzz Magazine and was recently inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Elliott offers live music performance at wedding ceremonies and receptions. He also offers original song commission, where he writes and records a song for the couple.”

BassMakers Mobile DJ and Live Sound Service

“We are a full service mobile dj and live sound company that has been in business since 1999. We offer a full light show and sound to make your special day one to remember. We can help with wedding and reception or just reception always available to taylor to whatever is needed to make your day perfect. We have a very good working relationship with the Courtyard here in Jefferson as well.”

Frosted Babe

“I offer a variety of different desserts that could fit into your needs for your big day. I’m very easy to work with and accommodating and willing to try to help you find exactly what you are needing or wanting!”

  • Email: kiarajwilson98@gmail.com

    Phone: (515) 370-4389

  • Frosted Babe on Facebook and @frostedbabeia on Instagram.

    kiarajwilson98@gmail.com or message me on my business Facebook!

  • Wedding cake + desserts

Greene County Fair Clover Hall

“Clover Hall offers a versatile, open space that can be styled to fit any occasion. The venue accommodates up to 480 guests with both 8-foot rectangular and 5-foot round tables available. Amenities include a full bar, a kitchen ideal for light prep or catering, and ample parking for guests. Weekend rental rates are also available, making it a convenient choice for weddings, celebrations, and community gatherings.”

Legacy Events

“Central Iowa wedding planning and coordinating services for busy brides who are ready to escape their never-ending to-do list. We make the wedding planning experience stress-free from engagement day to the big day! We believe in personal touches, seamless timelines, and rooms full of love.”

The Era Iowa

“We are a West-Central IA Wedding Venue providing an ultimate wedding weekend with your venue, décor, lodging, and rentals included! At The Era, we offer weekend & day rentals, two lodging areas accommodating 19 people, two wedding party suites, an outdoor ceremony space by the pond, a picturesque all-season indoor reception space seating up to 200 guests, and on-trend decor/ luxe linens and napkins included and all set up and torn down by Era staff.”

Wilson Photography & Design

“I don’t just show up with a camera — I’m there to document the real stuff: the giggles, the nerves, the chaos, the quiet moment, everything that makes your day uniquely yours.

I want every couple to have photos and/or videos they’ll cherish forever. 🤍”

Emily Rohner
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