Eagle’s Ledge wedding venue opens in rural Madrid, near Ames and Des Moines suburbs
Longtime caterers John and Heidi Baratta have taken their years of experience working weddings and running their own restaurant to launch Eagle’s Ledge barn venue located at 1892 330th St., Madrid.
The couple also operates Baratta’s Steakhouse in The Carrollton Inn in Carroll and the Lincoln Club Catering and Banquet Center in Glidden. They reside in Glidden.
About two years ago, they searched the Ames area for land on which to build a new events center. They purchased a five-acre property along the High Trestle Trail and got to work constructing the venue they’ve named Eagle’s Ledge.
“We had an idea of what we wanted,” Heidi Baratta said. “We knew it had to be big because nothing around here was big enough to hold more than 400 people. I knew I wanted a blank slate. It also has tons of parking and is located on paved roads.”
Baratta also said she knew she wanted the venue to have a black exterior.
She expects 90 percent of the business will be catering weddings.
“We’ve taken all the good things and bad things we’ve seen at all the places we cater at or other venues,” she noted of their vision. “Eagle’s Ledge is 20 minutes from everywhere: Boone, Ames, Ankeny, and not far from Grimes and Polk City,” she said. “There’s tons of hotels in the area. It’s the perfect spot. I don’t think we could have found anything better.”
More in business news: Cup of Joy Coffee Truck now open in Madrid
Eagle’s Ledge seats 420 comfortably and more if necessary. The 8,000-square-foot space is also ideal for corporate events, open houses and parties. Madrid, Perry and Woodward-Granger’s proms have already been booked at this location.
Eagle’s Ledge is more than a building — the space also offers a full bar, catered meals, tables, chairs and glassware, dinnerware and silverware. She added that their custom-made oak tables don’t require tablecloths.
The bridal suite and groom’s room offers space for the wedding party to dress and hangout before the nuptials, complete with wide-span mirrors.
Outdoor space provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photos and enough area for games and activities to be held.
John grew up in the restaurant business, and Heidi has years of experience in the bridal industry.
“I’m very invested in weddings,” she said. “I’ve been doing it a long time. I used to have a wedding decorating business and sold it a few months before Covid. I’ve worked every aspect of the wedding business.”
The couple also has contacts within the industry and can help you find photographers, DJs, transportation services, other wedding service providers.
“I’m booking well into 2023 now. I only have a few Saturdays left in 2022 — we have a lot of Fridays and Saturdays,” she said.
She also noted that Friday weddings are becoming more popular.
To book the venue, email her at Heidi@eaglesledgeevents.com. They may also be reached at 712-249-0658.
To learn more, visit www.eaglesledgeevents.com.
Eagle’s Ledge is located one mile east of the Casey’s store in Madrid on Highway 210.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Wedding planning in Iowa? Eagle’s Ledge event venue opens in Madrid
