What is the history of the venue?
The Celebration Center opened in August 2021! It’s an extension of the Mississippi River Distilling Company (MRDC), and is located right on the river in LeClaire, IA. MRDC is a family business that opened in 2010. They make award-winning small-batch craft spirits from local ingredients all sourced from farms within miles of our location!
The building itself has been around longer than that though! The brick portion of the venue was built in 1845 and operated as a butcher shop which profited highly from sales to passing steamboats. But that was the only tenant of this building, and it sat vacant for quite a long period of time.
The other half of The Celebration Center was constructed in 2018 and was meant to house local shops and restaurants. But, 2020 took its toll on local businesses. Eventually, the distillery owners purchased the building in 2021 to turn it into the venue it is today!
Overview
Celebration Farm is truly unique. Located in Iowa City, it promises memorable events. The timber-frame barns exude rustic elegance. Gorgeous for weddings and gatherings. The farm blends tradition with modernity. Surrounding nature adds a serene touch. Gardens burst with colors in bloom. Majestic trees offer cooling shades. The team is professional and attentive. They prioritize making events special. Numerous happy couples have celebrated here. An ideal backdrop for timeless photos. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, it fits all. Explore their Facebook for insights. Pictures, testimonials, and updates await. Dreaming of a rustic wedding? Consider Celebration Farm. It’s where memories are made.
How did you get started in the wedding industry?
I’m pretty new to the wedding industry specifically! I grew up in Massachusetts, and in my senior year of college, I worked as a cocktail server every weekend at a popular wedding venue in Nahant, MA. Near graduation, I was promoted to a Wedding Coordinator position. But that was pretty short-lived as I was offered a full-time position with the non-profit river cleanup organization, Living Lands & Waters, as their Marketing Director and Event Coordinator. I lived full time on their river cleanup barge and was constantly traveling, which I loved. But after 4 years of that, I decided to settle on land and was hired to work as the Venue Manager for the Celebration Center in April 2021.
It was exciting to be a part of the business during the construction and opening of the venue. The owners applaud outside the box thinking. So, even though I didn’t enter as an industry professional per-say, my ideas were always valued. I’ve definitely grown into my role organically throughout this past year.
What are some features you offer?
The Celebration Center is a three-story, 9,000 square ft venue, which accommodates intimate ceremonies and receptions of 150 guests or less. The main level reception space features an open banquet floor area, complete with large windows for stunning views of the river, high ceilings, exposed beams, and beautiful exposed brick which houses our cocktail bar.
The upper level is where you’ll find our bridal suite which offers amenities such as exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and tons of natural lighting! It also features a private restroom, full-length mirrors, lounge furniture, salon setup, a wet bar, private lockers, and electronic door code for entry.
Also upstairs is our rooftop patio, the “Pilot’s Lookout”, which is popular for onsite ceremonies, as well as cocktail hour! This open-air space has room for 150, a second bar, a restroom, and more gorgeous river views.
The lower level of the venue has another suite that we call the “Barrel Cellar”. This room is housed in the original 1840s rock foundation and has a killer speakeasy vibe. It features a wet bar, mirrors, projector, and seating for 20!
It’s just a super unique spot for a wedding or event – especially for cocktail lovers!
What packages do you offer brides for their wedding?
Our wedding rentals include the full venue from 10 AM to midnight. We also provide tables, chairs, linens, setup, teardown, bartenders, and a venue coordinator. But we also have great enhancement options such as onsite ceremonies, whiskey barrels for decor, distillery tours and tastings, spirited wedding favors, custom bar menus, and more!
And, of course, we pride ourselves on our bar packages which include our local small-batch spirits and delicious signature craft cocktails! We encourage couples and clients to tailor their bar menu to suit their unique vision.
Complete Weddings + Events Quad Cities
If you’re ready to get your party started, Complete Weddings + Events Quad Cities is ready to help. For photography, videography, DJs, photo booth, or lighting, contact Complete Weddings + Events. We would love to help you celebrate your special day!