Surety Hotel
206 6th Ave, Des Moines IA 50309
Surety Hotel is one of the most versatile venues in downtown Des Moines, and I’ve had the chance to photograph everything from music events in the ballroom and courtyard to wedding prep in the Marchande Suite. The building itself is historic—originally the 1913 Hippee Building—and today it’s been completely reimagined as a grand hotel with a modern edge. The mix of Beaux-Arts architecture, rich wood and stone details, and contemporary design makes it one of the most stylish and memorable places in the city to host a wedding.
I love how many different options Surety gives couples. The ballroom is perfect for an intimate ceremony or dinner reception, while the courtyard is a hidden gem for outdoor gatherings and cocktail hours. The Midland Room (pictured below), with its tall ceilings, feels expansive and elegant for a first look, and the Marchande Suite (pictured below) is an incredible place to get ready. One of my dream wedding setups here would be an intimate ceremony in the Solarium followed by a courtyard cocktail reception—it’s bright, inviting, and filled with character, from the glass ceiling to the original brick walls. Every corner of this venue photographs beautifully, and I’d love to keep documenting more weddings in this space year after year.
