If you’ve ever wanted to get married in a castle, at a vineyard, or even among the animals at the zoo, there are some amazing wedding venues in Omaha calling your name. As a wedding photographer, I’ve photographed weddings all over but these are the venues I keep coming back to over and over because couples love them that much.
No matter what vibe you’re looking for, Omaha has it. And I’m giving you the scoop on which Omaha wedding venues could be right for your wedding. From outdoor venues to ballrooms, gardens, and art museums, you’ll find it right here.
Best Omaha Wedding Venues:
- Best Outdoor Venues
- Omaha Zoo’s Harper Event Center
- Belle Terre Vineyard
- Castle Unicorn
- Best Ballroom Venues
- Leo Ballroom and Holland Performing Arts Center
- Empire Room
- Best Historic Venues
- Joslyn Art Museum
- Magnolia Hotel
- Lucile’s Old Market
Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Omaha
As a wedding photographer, my personal favorite outdoor venues in Omaha are the Omaha Zoo, Belle Terre Vineyard, and Castle Unicorn. They’re perfect for larger weddings that have 200-400 guests, and all include indoor-outdoor spaces that let in gorgeous natural light.
Michelle and Devin’s Omaha Zoo wedding at the Harper Event Center
Omaha Zoo Harper Event Center
If you’ve ever visited Omaha Zoo, you know there’s a good reason it’s often rated as the best zoo in the country. And really, it’s just as impressive for weddings. I don’t have to spell it out: if you’re looking for a unique wedding venue in Omaha, getting married at the zoo is pretty up there.
Omaha Zoo has the world’s largest indoor animal habitats, which means built-in entertainment. Who wouldn’t want to watch the penguins and elephants during cocktail hour or dinner?!
When Michelle & Devin got married at the zoo, we photographed their first look near the elephant enclosure and took portraits near giraffes, which are the bride’s favorite animal. Their wedding ceremony on the sunlit lawn was nothing short of magical, and their cocktail hour at the Garden of the Senses meant their guests got to interact with animals over drinks. Not an experience you can get anywhere else in Omaha, or a lot of the Midwest.
Since I’m a true-to-color photographer, I love all the natural light because it translates to the most beautiful wedding photos. Plus, having animals in the background of your wedding photos is pretty cool. My own wedding was at the zoo’s aquarium, so anytime a couple wants to celebrate at Omaha Zoo, I’m always in.
3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE
Accommodates up to 350 guests
Natalie and Tyler getting married at Belle Terre Vineyard in Glenwood, IA.
Belle Terre Vineyard
About 25 minutes outside downtown Omaha, you’ll find Belle Terre Vineyard, a Tuscan estate and vineyard. If you’re a wine lover or just think cocktail hour by the grapevines sounds pretty damn romantic, you’ll absolutely love this one. The views of the Loess Hills are unreal, whether you’re getting ready in their suites or saying vows in front of the iron and stone gate.
If you crave the feel of a destination wedding in Italy or Napa Valley but want to stay close to home, Belle Terre is an obvious choice. At Natalie and Tyler’s wedding, you’d never believe that their first look in front of the winery was even in the Midwest.
Even though Belle Terre can accommodate really big guest counts (not quite Taylor Swift’s 1,000+, but still) , they make a point of offering a micro wedding experience for couples inviting family and their closest friends.
23375 Barrus Rd, Glenwood, IA
Accommodates up to 400 guests
Kaitlyn and Eric’s Fairytale Castle Unicorn Wedding
Castle Unicorn
Who hasn’t daydreamed about getting married in a castle like a romantasy character? Castle Unicorn is an incredible choice for your wedding. Located on a 400-acre private estate about 15 minutes outside Omaha, the castle has a beautiful outdoor space to say your vows right on the lawn. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful greenery and trees that will make you feel transported to another place.
The brick entry gate is a beautiful spot for photos, and the indoor-outdoor feel of the pavilion means you’ll have natural light all evening long. Kaitlin & Eric’s reception took place at golden hour, which made their photos as they walked into the pavilion absolutely glow.
57034 Deacon Rd, Pacific Junction, IA
Accommodates up to 250 guests
Best Ballroom Wedding Venues in Omaha
If you’re going for a ballroom feel for your wedding, I always recommend Leo Ballroom and Empire Room. Both woman-owned and operated by the team behind Omaha Event Group, these venues have gorgeous details and a timeless feel you’ll love for your wedding.
Molly and Lewis couples wedding portraits at Holland Performing Arts Center
Leo Ballroom and Holland Performing Arts Center
Crystal chandeliers, black-and-white checkered dance floor, and decorative balconies lend the Leo Ballroom an old-world, classic vibe that never goes out of style. Between the drinks and dancing, the entryway has a beautiful staircase and grand arches, perfect for couples’ photos. There’s even a full-on stage, perfect if you’re hiring a wedding band for dancing. The doors dividing the reception and cocktail hour spaces mean event staff can set up for dinner while guests sip and snack.
High school sweethearts Molly and Lewis started their festivities with private vows and ceremony at Holland Performing Arts Center in a beautiful hall with floor-to-ceiling windows. Then we took the party down the street for cocktails and reception at Leo Ballroom.
2027 Dodge St, Omaha, Nebraska
Accommodates up to 250 ceremony guests and 350 reception guests
Theresa and Brandon’s Chic Blue and White Wedding at Omaha’s Empire Room
Empire Room
I love the reception space at Empire Room because it gives so much drama. The grand piano, (working!) fireplace, and chandeliers feel festive and lend the whole place a celebratory vibe. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Turner Park mean photos of speeches and toasts during dinner turn out absolutely stunning. You can get married indoors, outdoors, or simply enjoy cocktail hour and reception at the Leo. Either way, you’ll love the experience and the photos that come out of your wedding day.
Theresa and Brandon had their reception at Empire Room, and some of my favorite photos from their wedding were of the two of them clinking glasses at the (impressive!) bar before toasts and speeches.
200 South 31st Avenue, Ste 4107, Omaha, NE
Accommodates up to 150 for indoor ceremony, 200 guests for cocktail hour, and 300 guests for reception
Best Historic Wedding Venue in Omaha
For couples looking for a historic venue in Omaha, I recommend The Joslyn, Magnolia Hotel, or Lucile’s Old Market. They’re all great if you can’t imagine your wedding without beautiful architecture.
Austin and Cole taking groom portraits at Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, NE.
Joslyn Art Museum
Established in 1931, The Joslyn is an award-winning art museum, perfect for couples who love art, culture, and architecture. If you’re looking for iconic, you’ll find it at this Omaha institution. Every time I’m there, I’m impressed by the grand columns, sweeping spaces, and natural stone details. I don’t think it’s possible to take a bad photo here! There are so many spaces for photographs that you’ll have a hard time choosing your favorites.
The Fountain Court, an art deco space with (you guessed it) a fountain in the middle, is the perfect place to host a reception. The super-high ceilings and skylight photograph beautifully. Like at Austin and Cole’s wedding, which I’m still obsessed with. The dramatic staircase in the entry atrium was perfect for groom photos, while their ceremony in the Sculpture Gardens in front of the Roman columns was incredibly romantic. Their ceremony gave me so many feels. There’s just something about The Joslyn that makes an emotional ceremony even more magical.
2200 Dodge St, Omaha, NE
Accommodates up to 300 guests
Maggie and Colin say their vows at Magnolia Hotel in Omaha, NE.
Magnolia Hotel
Built in 1923 in the style of an Italian palace, Magnolia Hotel is a great place to get married if you want a venue with beautiful architecture. A highlight is the historic brick outdoor courtyard, which is great for ceremonies and receptions. At Colin & Maggie’s wedding, Maggie made a grand entrance on the sweeping staircase, and their couples’ photos on the balcony and by the entry gate turned out absolutely gorgeous because of all the natural light.
There are a ton of upsides to the Magnolia Hotel: not only can you and your guests stay there, but you can also get ready onsite and host everything from the ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. If you’re looking for a place that includes it all, Magnolia Hotel is the one.
1615 Howard St, Omaha, NE
Accommodates up to 250 guests
Brit and Tony’s first look at Lucile’s Old Market in Omaha, NE.
Lucile’s Old Market
For smaller weddings and intimate elopements, Lucile’s Old Market feels like you just escaped to a secret garden in the Italian countryside. The ivy-covered brick walls, stained glass windows, dreamy garden paths, and string lights give your wedding a romantic, intimate feel.
Brit & Tony had their first look in the courtyard, with a beautiful outdoor ceremony in the gardens. Even though it was raining that day, the weather made it even more beautiful. Their hand-painted table illustrations and cute dog-turned-ringbearer only added to their heartfelt wedding day.
510 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68102
Accommodates 80 guests seated, and 140 guests cocktail-style
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do wedding venues in Omaha cost on average?
TBH, it depends greatly on where you get married, how many guests you have, and what day of the week you want to get married. Some venues also require catering or beverage minimums, which can impact the price, too. You’ll usually find that…
- Intimate weddings, elopements, or micro weddings start around $1500-$4000 for a venue rental.
- Midsize weddings (75-150 people) start at $4500-$8000 but can go up to $10k-$20k with catering and bar packages included.
- Large celebrations usually start around $7k-$12k but again vary depending on food and bar costs.
The most desirable day of the week to get married is on a Friday or Saturday, and venues charge more for these days.
When should you book a wedding venue in Omaha?
Short answer: as early as possible. Because wedding season in Omaha typically runs from May through October, there’s a limited window each year for weddings. Most venues book 1-2 years in advance, so it’s always a good idea to plan as far in advance as you can.
Which Omaha wedding venues offer indoor and outdoor options?
Pretty much all the venues on this list are indoor-outdoor, but I’d personally recommend Joslyn Art Museum, Lucile’s Old Market, and Belle Terre Vineyard.
Ready To Get Married in Omaha?
As a true-color photographer, I don’t edit the life out of your images. I preserve how your wedding felt and looked like with emotion-driven images that feel like the day you experienced.
If you believe love is for everyone, details matter, and that candid photos are often the best ones, I’d love to hear from you. Tell me how your partner proposed, what you’re imagining for your wedding, and what venue caught your eye.
