Frequently Asked Questions

What is the max guest count at Little Lights?

We have enough chairs for 300 guests, but we see the most comfortable guest count at around 200 for the main hall. We really care about our couples and we find that 300 people can actually be more stressful for our couples to be able to visit with. The majority of our couples host from 175-250 guests. Winter dates max is 180 guests!

What is the deposit amount required to reserve the venue?

We require a $6,000 non-refundable deposit. The remaining payments are due 6 months before your wedding date. We offer a $500 credit towards the venue if you pay in full via check at the time of booking. We also offer a $1,000 discount off the venue if you book at the time of your tour.

Do you have restrictions on outside vendors?

When you book at Little Lights we provide you with a recommended vendor list. We give this to you because these are vendors we have seen work well with our couples, our space, and our team! We do not require you to use these vendors. We only give you this list to help you with the process. The only required vendor is our in-house bar, ELDR.

However, please note your caterer must be licensed in the state of Iowa. Handmade desserts are welcomed.

Do you require insurance?

Yes, as most venues do we require an event rider policy. We work with Nuptial to help you get set up with this. Once you book, they will reach out to you to help you obtain this. If you choose to have cold sparks, the policy required is a higher umbrella than a normal event.

Please do let us know if you wish to have sparklers for any event, so we can have safety measures in place. We cannot accommodate a sparkler send-off for your entire guest count out front to preserve our beautiful hydrangeas and any sparklers in the front of the venue past Labor Day are a liability / fire hazard.

Do you have tables and chairs for the venue?

Yes! We have handmade farmhouse tables and black chairs to go with them. Our team will always set up the tables and chairs provided with the rental. We will also help you decide on the best layout for you based on your guest count.
We do require you to utilize our chairs and farmhouse tables, if you are interested in bringing in others please chat with our team!

I’m from out-of-state, how do I plan a wedding with you?

Many of our couples live out-of-state so we got you covered! We provide many helpful tools to make your planning process a breeze including: an online wedding planner specifically for Little Lights couples, recommended wedding vendor list, and a team full of wedding professionals there to answer your questions!

If you need additonal help, we also offer three different wedding coordination packages - these coordinaton packages are not included in your venue rental cost.

I'm ready to schedule a tour, what next?

After you schedule your tour on our website, you will get a follow-up phone call from a Little Lights team member. You will also get an email with our full FAQs - this email often goes to junk so please keep an eye out for that.

Do you host public events?

Yes, we do! We love getting the opportunity to host our community and locals to show them the magic of Little Lights! Check our website for our upcoming events!

Can I rent out the venue for a private party?

Of course! Please email us to inquire for a private or corporate event!

The venue is not very close to a hotel, how does that work?

Great question! It's actually ~17 minutes~ from Iowa River Landing & ~20 minutes~ from Downtown Iowa City!

Yes, as a trade off for those amazing midwest views, we are not situated directly next to a hotel. We work with Windstar shuttle services on a very regular basis and would highly suggest you hiring them as your professional shuttle service!

What we love about this is that your guests can stay at either the Iowa River Landing or downtown Iowa City. This way your guests can get a great taste of the Coralville/Iowa City area while also having a safe and reliable luxury ride to get to and from your celebrations!

This is partially why our parking lot is not huge. We want your guests to come via shuttle and not be tempted to drink & drive so that they can enjoy the evening festivities with you!

Why should I choose Little Lights over another venue?

What sets Little Lights apart is not just one thing. It's the accumulation of various little things all focused on the best experience possible for both you and your guests. We truly have a passion for helping couples enjoy their wedding day AND the wedding planning process! We're not just a venue that unlocks the door and leaves. We're here for it and truly enjoy watching it all come to life. Our hope is that our couples come back to the venue to visit after the wedding and truly feel at home within our walls.