Welcome!

Welcome! As you think about your wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or just a getaway we invite you to consider the lovely and small town of Decorah. Hundreds of same-sex couples from across the United States traveleled to Decorah to get married here before marriage equality became federal law. Many have come back for visit. Some have even moved here! Check us out and find out why. 

Decorah is a lovely and eclectic town.  We've got a vibrant and historic downtown, a stunning courthouse, a luxury hotel and B&Bs, incredible local, organic food, a magnificent food co-op, a vibrant arts scene, great wine, a couple of dive bars, canoeing,  tubing, kayaking, and gorgeous hiking and cycling trails.

We started this website to make your planning easier. We do not provide wedding packages (although you can find wedding planners listed on the site). We've checked out each vendor on this site.   Each of the businesses included here welcomes gay and lesbian couples and your friends and family.  If you've been here for a wedding or a vacation, please drop me a line about your experience.

To get started planning a wedding, check out the Marriage in Iowa tab to find out about Iowa's marriage laws and your first steps.  Second, check out the wonderful businesses in our community and start planning. You may also contact us with specific questions. Please note: we are volunteers and due to the volume of contacts, we cannot provide general information about how to get married or the legal implications of getting married. Please consult the resources on our Marriage in Iowa page for this information. Then if you have specific questions about vendors in Decorah, we'll be happy to help. 

Decorah is in the bluff country of Northeast Iowa, a little under three hours from the Twin Cities and five hours from Chicago.  Want to see more? Check out this photo & video gallery on the Visit Decorah website. Come check us out for your Iowa wedding or getaway — you are welcome in Decorah. 

Please note: Decorah's largest celebration, Nordic Fest, is the last full weekend each July. The town is extremely full during these times, and hotels are booked months in advance. We recommend avoiding this weekend for your wedding...unless you REALLY like gnomes!