Hourly Rental Reservations

Book Iris Aisle for your photography session, or host your small event, bridal shower, or baby shower in our romantic Victorian greenhouse, just a short drive from Des Moines, Iowa, in the heart of historic Madison County.

Photography: Nicole Laing

Photography: Ashley Hinners

  • Event liability insurance is required for all photo rentals and any small event lasting more than one hour. You can purchase event insurance through your preferred insurance company. We also recommend www.eventsured.com as another option.

    You must choose the option to allow alcohol at your event, even if you don’t drink. We all know one guest will show up with something! Insurance must be paid in full with a copy of the policy sent to us at least 10 days prior to your rental date, but we recommend taking care if it ASAP to get it out of the way.

  • For small event rentals, we are legally rated for a maximum of 30 guests. For weddings, we can accommodate up to 75 people on the property in total.

    Our onsite parking area can accommodate about 35 vehicles, so we recommend carpooling to ensure enough parking is available.

  • Of course! Children must ALWAYS be accompanied by an adult. All guests, regardless of age, are asked to respect the natural elements of our space. Please stay on the paths, and do not pick anything unless agreed upon beforehand.

  • Dogs are welcome on the property as long as they remain on a leash at all times, and are cleaned up after. We recommend having someone designated to watch after them. Please keep them outside of the Conservatory.

    Note: We do have a dog, cat, and chickens fenced off from the venue area, just in case this is an issue for your pet.

    If you want to bring any other kind of animal, let’s chat about this in person!

  • Yes! You may use our chairs and farm tables located in the black shed next to the Conservatory.

    The farm tables are heavy, so be sure to have multiple people move and set them up.

    Any furniture used during your rental needs to be cleaned and put back in the shed before the end of your rental period.

  • Absolutely. We love to see how our guests customize our beautiful space.

    All alterations need to be discussed with and approved by us before your event.

    We don’t permit the use of tacks, nails, glue, tape, or other materials that could damage our property.

  • Yes you can! While we don’t have a prep kitchen, you are welcome to hire a small catering business, food trucks, or have a potluck for your event.

  • You may have beer, wine, and champagne on the property. If you want to serve liquor, you must hire an outside vendor like a mobile cocktail bar who can provide a valid liquor license for your event. Otherwise, no bottled liquor is allowed on the property.

  • We have an amazing Couple’s Cabin that sits back in our cedar forest. It’s air-conditioned and makes a great additional location for photo rentals and styled shoots. We also have a beautiful 16’ Lotus Bell Tent with a queen size bed and all the necessities for getting ready.

    The cabin and tent are not included in your rental, but you are welcome to add them on to your reservation a la carte if they are available! Just email us to book!

  • Yes, to a point. We have heaters available for the winter, and fans/vents for warmer summer weather. All the windows open as well to allow for good airflow.

    The Conservatory is a greenhouse (yay plant babies!), so it will be warmer inside during certain points of the day. In the hotter months, we recommend early morning or evening celebrations/photo shoots to avoid getting too warm. (If you ask us, those times make for the most perfect lighting inside anyways.

  • Yes! We have one handicap-accessible bathroom available for your rental inside the Conservatory.

  • No, we are currently only booking small event rentals for intimate, invitation-only events like bridal showers and baby showers. All event rentals must have a dedicated guest list and not be open to the public.

Rental Rules and FAQ

Reservation Guidelines:

  • Rental reservations at Iris Aisle are not intended for weddings, elopements, vow renewals, or ceremonies of any kind.

  • Bookings are considered complete only after signing your contract and paying your invoice.

  • Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your reservation.

  • Setup and cleanup must occur within the rental timeframe, as other reservations may be scheduled before or after yours.

Cleaning Responsibilities:

  • Clients and photographers are responsible for cleaning up after their reservation, disposing of garbage in the provided bins, and not leaving any items behind.

  • If using tables and chairs, wipe them down and return them to their proper place in the storage shed.

  • Clients are responsible for cleaning any mud or dirt tracked into the Conservatory – mop, broom, and other cleaning supplies are available in the hall closet next to the bathroom.

  • If cleanup is not done or extends beyond the rental period, additional hourly charges and/or cleaning fees will apply.

Insurance, Liability, and Damages:

  • Clients (and their guests/vendors/etc) and photographers (and their guests/staff/clients/etc) enter the property at their own risk; by submitting your non-refundable payment and signing your contract, you agree to not hold Iris Aisle, Earl Ramey, or Raelyn Ramey liable for any injuries sustained during your rental.

  • All photographers must supply a copy of their business liability insurance for any rental reservation, regardless of duration. Iris Aisle does not keep your insurance on file, your COI needs to be submitted for each rental.

  • Small event rentals exceeding one hour require event liability insurance.

  • Please respect the Conservatory and wildlife on the premises.

    • Do not move hemp or hanging plants in the Conservatory, and stay on paths without picking wildflowers unless granted permission.

    • Glitter, confetti, fireworks (including sparklers and smoke bombs) are not allowed on Iris Aisle property, absolutely no exceptions.

    • Vehicles on walking trails or beyond the designated parking area are strictly prohibited.

    • Clients or photographers are responsible for any damage to Iris Aisle property, including structures, windows, plants, and grounds.