The University of Iowa

Your day, the Iowa way.

Your wedding day will be filled with excitement and a lifetime of memories. As a full service catering company, we work with venues in the Iowa City, Coralville and surrounding areas. At University Catering, we understand the importance of this day and would love to partner with you. 

Get Started

Partnerships That Last

Located in the heart of Iowa City, we've played an important role in the community for years, working to build and maintain strong relationships on and off campus. Whether you're looking to host your wedding on the University of Iowa campus or at an off-campus venue, we'll work with you to ensure you have an unforgettable day no matter what location you choose.

A Day as Unique as You

We know that you have envisioned everything about this day from the look, style, and setting of your wedding. Our team takes the time to understand your unique vision and personal taste, to ensure your day is the perfect reflection of you. When your wedding day arrives, you can enjoy the moment knowing that everything has been taken care of.

Exceptional Staff

Providing beautiful and creative experiences is what drives our team forward. It's our goal to create an experience that truly captures the unique style of your wedding day. Our team of caterers, bartenders and on-site event specialists will be available to ensure your evening goes seamlessly for you and your guests, while allowing you to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

Included in Your Day

From wedding planning services to complementary hors d'oeuvres, we strive to create a stress-free experience for you and your guests.  View our wedding menus and find out more about what is included in your day. 

Two complimentary hors d'oeuvres

Winter wedding tasting show (invite up to 4 guests)

On site event supervisor and catering waitstaff

Complimentary bar attendants

Complimentary china and glassware service for events in the Iowa Memorial Union ($3.75 per person at all other locations)

Complimentary Linen Package in IMU Only

Black or White Table Linens

Black or White Napkins

Beverage stations or beverage service to guest tables

Table numbers and holders

Complimentary centerpieces in IMU only (subject to availability)

Battery operated votives

Candles and mirror tiles

Flexible floor plan- for weddings held at IMU (includes set up and tear down)

Food and Beverage Menus

Add on food and beverage items to enhance your wedding day experience. Find out more about what items you can add onto your wedding package.

View Food and Beverage Menus

Rental Items

Need additional items that help you upgrade your wedding day? Rental items can be purchased through University Catering or through the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU). For rental items, you will need to consult event services for more information on the updated pricing, AV equipment, lighting, and draping.

Please note that prices are subject to change and have a 25% service charge. All items and rental are subject to availability. 

Frequently Asked Questions

As you continue the planning process, we've highlighted a few of the most common questions that our team receives. 

University Catering will assist you with any questions in regards to the timeline, food service, beverage service, bars, linens, and décor elements. Many items can be rented through University Catering. This means our team is responsible for the setup of those items. Examples of this include: chiavari chairs, chargers, decorative linens, etc. 

You, your family, and those you designate as helpers are responsible for any personal setup. Examples of this include: meal cards, centerpieces, lighting, signs, photo booth props, etc.

University Catering approves of outside cake, cupcakes, and pie as long as it is from a licensed vendor. These items cannot be stored in University Catering refrigerators and must be delivered the day of. Any dessert items purchased from University Catering will include refrigeration space, décor details and will be set out by University Catering staff.

Final numbers and any major changes to your catering order are due eight (8) days out from your big day to ensure product can be ordered in time. Final payment will be due 15 days out from your big day. 

University Catering routinely works with guests who have celiac disease, lactose intolerance, and other food-related allergies. We are happy to accommodate any guest that needs a specific meal and will work with you to ensure we get that meal to the right person. These details should be included at least eight (8) days out from your big day.

We allow up to four (4) total guests to attend the show at no charge. Each additional guest will be $25.00 and needs to be verified two (2) weeks in advance to assure product is ordered in. We cannot accept guests that show up the day of with no prior commitment.

University Catering is happy to do a custom menu for you and your guests. Since these items would not be on our wedding menu, they will also not be featured at the winter wedding tasting show. You have the option to do a private tasting in place of the tasting show. This includes a limited selection of items to be prepared for up to four (4) guests.  

The bar menu on our website includes the bottled beer, wine, and liquor available at every wedding bar. If you would like to have something that is not available on this list, an additional charge will be involved and will depend on the availability of our distributors.

Have additional questions for another partner with University Catering? Feel free to reach out to them below.

Event Services: John Cory (john-cory@uiowa.edu or 319-335-3629)

Iowa House Hotel: Amber McNeal (amber-mcneal@uiowa.edu or 319-335-3513)

Old Capital: Shereena Honary (shereena-honary@uiowa.edu or 319-335-2010)

Hancher Auditorium: Danielle Wilbanks (danielle-wilbanks@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1148)

Kinnick: Megan Lilly (megan-lilly@uiowa.edu or 319-335-9410)

Some of Our Favorite Weddings

Below are examples of some of our favorite weddings. 

Bride and Groom standing and kissing one another
Hancher Wedding

Modern views and an artistic atmosphere.

Learn More

Wedding ceremony by river
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) Wedding

Campus scenery and historical settings.

Learn More