TOP 10 WEDDING VENUES IN KANSAS CITY 2024
BY OLIVIA TARKOWSKI PHOTOGRAPHY
Starting your wedding venue search for Kansas City?
Well you have come to the right place!
I'm going to go through the top 10 wedding venues that I believe are in Kansas City based on a bride’s perspective (I GETCHU! Was a past bride myself), as well as a photo perspective (as a photographer, myself). Keep scrolling to see my top list!
I’m a Kansas City local photographer but love to travel around the world to help couples have their unique love connection and story be captured authentically. Sitting at coffee shops, people watching, and creating little, cute stories for them is one of my favorite pass-time hobbies. With my documentary style wedding photography approach, I make sure to not only make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, but also make sure that you are able to relive your wedding day stories through images. There is nothing worse than having a gallery full of awkward prom posed images
Meet your Kansas City wedding photographer.
Hello y'all , I’m Olivia!
(aka the storyteller 😉)
- Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, and He is the foundation of my business.
- I LOOOVVEE MOVIES + SOUNDTRACKS!!! That is where I gather all my inspiration for "movie scene" photos
- I was a bride back in 2022!!! So I completely understand the stress + excitement
- My Roman Empire is the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Mass
- My first language is Polish, and I started to speak English when I was 4 years old.
- I have two crazy, sweet kitties - Parmi + Toothless (yes - he looks like the dragon from How To Train Your Dragon)
- Traveling is one of my biggest passions. If I could, I would love to see and spend a night at every airport in the world
- Born in Chicago, raised in the suburbs of Chicago, but recently moved to Kansas City!
A Few Fun Facts:
I hate to break it to you, but if you want romantic, moody photos but pick a bright, white venue, the photos will fail to represent the aesthetic that you were trying to go for. That’s why I break down the venues based on style, so you can get a full picture on what to expect with not only how your day looks, what o think about as a bride, but your photos as well! With Kansas City, there are also many places both in and close to Kansas City that will provide you with that upscale feeling while also having unbeatable rental packages and EPIC photo area.
Throughout the whole wedding prep process, I will also be sending various documents to aid with your planning.
STYLE, PRICE, AND WHAT'S INCLUDED
Important things to remember when venue searching:
01. The Oliver Building
From the bride point of view - One of Kansas City's historic event venues! The management on board no only really care about your wedding experience, but also want you to have a wedding that feels like you. Their wedding packages include e a venue coordinator, multi private suites, full weekend rental, and so much more. Best thing to note is the the space is MASSIVE!! 3 full floors, over 30,000 square feet, and can fit up to 500 guests. You are able to create any unique wedding that you want at The Oliver Building.
From a photography point of view - you can truly create image that are uniquely tailored to you! What do I mean by this? I mean that the venue space is so big with so many nooks and crannies that you are able to have so many bride + groom portrait opportunities that would look different from anyone else who have had their wedding there. Check out this blog featuring a styled shoot that I hosted!
BUDGET: $25,000 - $40,000 full wedding budget
ADDRESS: 1321 West 13th St. Kansas City, MO 64102
CONTACT: best way is through their website
Historical and elegant meet brick, city aesthetics
From the brides point of view - A new, luxury style, elevated wedding venue here in downtown Kansas City, MO. The building is full of beautiful history and has a European timeless presence to it, and the history behind the venue is that it used to be an old, Swedish church. The venue can accommodate up to 180 guests which is perfect for those who want a grand, styled wedding in a more intimate space. On top of that, the Melrose Abbey also have all inclusive wedding packages that have amenities such as all day access, bar service, bridal + groom suites, and chair + tables.
From a photo perspective - STUNNING!! From a moody grooms suit, a bright, open bridal suite, and a stunning chandler for the ceremony space, this venue has so many beautiful rooms that you are definitely able to create some truly, authentic documented photos. The outside also has opportunity to get those "city vibe" shots, and we would be minutes away from the Plaza. All around, amazing!! Can definitely make each gallery feel uniquely different for each couple
BUDGET: $5,000 - $9,750 for venue rental
ADDRESS: 3931 Washington Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
CONTACT: contact page or by email at info@melroseabbeykc.com
White and open meets European style architecture
02. The Melrose Abbey
03. White Iron Ridge
From the bride point of view - A beautiful, big, open space wedding venue right outside of downtown Kansas City! One of the best upcoming bright looking venues in the KC area. White Iron Ridge has many perk included in their wedding rental packages some of them being private honeymoon suite for the night of the wedding, indoor and outdoor availability, getting ready suites, and so much more. You want to know the best part? They are putting in a WILDFLOWER patch for their 2025 and beyond weddings! The best part?!?! Not only can you have your wedding there, but it also acts like a mini Airbnb! The basement has many rooms that you can rent out to your family members or bridal party who want to continue partying after hours, and you are able to rent out the upstairs honeymoon suite! But if you are looking for a more private first night get away, the White Iron Ridge does have a partnership with the Lowes Hotel in downtown KC. Make sure to ask about that!!
From a photography point of view - this venue is STUNNING. You are definitely able to customize the details to fit you and your vibe. Any color scheme or details will compliment will with this mostly white interior and green exterior. There are also many unique places to get stunning images for you to relive ages from now, such as the grand staircase, the wildflower fields, stunning bridal + groom suites, and the main, ceremony space. The grand staircase has amazing opportunity to have beautiful florals and candles to be cascading down the railing that would provide the ultimate backdrop for bride + groom plus family photos. The outside property is MASSIVE with forest, rolling, green hills, and the best opportunities for golden hour photos!
BUDGET: $5,500 - $13,000 peak season venue rental (non peak season would be slightly lower investment)
ADDRESS: 815 State Rte 92 Smithville, MO 64089
CONTACT: best way is through their website or by email at amanda@whiteironridge.com
Elegant, modern barn meets open, rolling hills
From the brides point of view - Located in Richmond, Missouri and only 30 minutes away from downtown KC, this is the perfect venue for those looking for a more modern, white barn venue vibe with easy customizations, and a big open space for golden hour photos! Both bridal and groom suites are spacious for any size party, and the ceremony/reception spaces are huge with lots of customization opportunities. They also have a one of the best planning companies that works closely with them – American Sweetheart Events
From a photo perspective - Absolutely breath taking!! The way everything is set up allows for beautifully documented photos that would capture your way authentically, and allow lots of natural light to come in. My favorite is definitely the big open green spaces and forest behind the venue. It is the best for bride and groom photos for any time of day plus also allows my couples to have a quick breather from the craze of the wedding day. Check out this blog gallery post from a recent wedding! Check out this blog for a summer wedding that I had!
BUDGET: $5,000 - $8,000
ADDRESS: 42497 E 92nd St Richmond, MO 64085
CONTACT: Best way is through their contact page on the website
White and open meets beautiful county side
04. The Ridge
04. The Ridge Wedding + Event Venue
Wedding + Event Venue
05. Hotel Kansas City
From the bride point of view - Located also in the heart of Kansas City, this hotel is definitely for those couples who are looking for that “old money”, timeless, romantic, elegant vibe. Absolutely stunning hotel! There are many rooms to chose from to make your wedding feel like YOU. The hotel is also steps away from the main part of the city, not far from the airport, and had easy parking for guests.
From a photography point of view - this is perfect for any luxury wedding style! You are able to access the majority of the hotel (minus guest rooms unless purchased ahead of time). The bar, the Starlight room, rooftop accessibility, the hallway, luggage carts, you are able to play around with almost anything here! This hotel venue is perfect for those couples who are looking for editorial, documentary style photos with fun direct flash moments (remember to hire me for this one ;) ).
BUDGET: starting at $10,000 for venue rental
ADDRESS: 1228 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, United States, 64105
CONTACT: best way is through email at hotelkc@privatelabel-marketing.com
Historical, elegant, and timeless meet stunning, city views
From the brides point of view - Located in Ottowa, Kansas, this old post office was renovated into a stunning, intimate, timeless style wedding venue. Perfect for weddings that want an elegant feel but away from the heart of downtown Kansas City. A groom’s suit, bridal suite, indoor and outdoor ceremony options, and my personal favorite, a speakeasy in the basement! I mean how cool is that?!? On top of that, wedding rentals have everything included, including the ENTIRE venue. Plus, with the venue being nestled in the middle of downtown Ottowa, you are able to get some “city feel” vibes without the noise.
From a photo perspective - From a photographer perspective – stunning, gorgeous, and so perfect! It has everything that you would need included! The inside allows you to have beautiful, timeless photos with the limestone background. The speakeasy in the basement allows you to have those more moody, fun, spicy direct flash moments that we all love. 10/10 space!
BUDGET: $4,000 - $6,000 venue rental
ADDRESS: 122 E 2nd Street, Ottawa, KS 66067
CONTACT: best way is through their website or email at info@thelincolneventspace.com
Timeless + intimate meets small town aesthetics
06. The Lincoln Event Space
07. The Guild
From the bride point of view - Not only is the location amazing, but the Guild stive to make sure your day is truly one of a kind! It is the perfect combo of both elegant yet rustic, and they also added in an epic garden room for cocktail hour -- partnership with Paradise Gardens Club. The venue has an all inclusive package that has a bridal + groom suite, indoor + outdoor ceremony spaces, and a large indoor room for the reception with chairs and basic color linens included. Great space for those looking for a more elevated private venue feel in the city that isn't a hotel!
From a photography point of view - Obsessed!! I love how there are a few different moods tied into the space yet all on an elevated, luxury level. I love the white walls in the cocktail space with the more moody, brick in the reception space. The bar area has amazing potential for some direct flash photo moments. And I'm obsessed with the Paradise Garden Club addition!! Tall, green plants are always so fun to incorporate into any wedding photo. Plus that chandelier in the ceremony space is stunning!
BUDGET: Average minimum cost is $7,000 for venue rental -- prices do vary per time and season
ADDRESS: 1621 Locust St. Kansas City, MO 64108
CONTACT: best way is through their website
A mix of luxury, city vibes with a garden
From the brides point of view - Largest bridal and groom suites, best lighting and sound system, and has one of the most enthusiastic, friendly management teams out there! The Haven is perfect for those looking for a venue in Kansas with some land, have full private event rental with an all inclusive package with zero hidden fees. The venue also has options for either an outdoor or indoor wedding ceremony, which is awesome! The Haven also offer golf carts to wheel you or your family members to and from the ceremony or any outdoor family photo spot.
From a photo perspective - Love love love this place! The space in incredible both inside and outside and the bridal suites are amazing. I love the large pond on property that can give unique photo opportunities plus an incredible backdrop for a wedding ceremony! Of course, there is massive potential for any golden hour moment as well as any outdoor photos that you would want to take!
BUDGET: $6,500 - $10,500 venue rental
ADDRESS: 2210 W 247th Street, Louisburg, Kansas 66053
CONTACT: best way is through their website
Green barn aesthetics on large, open land
08. The Haven
09. 8th and Main
From the bride point of view - Located in Grandview, Missouri, 8th and Main allows you to have a romantic yet modern feel to your wedding. An old bank vault door as the backdrop for your indoor wedding ceremony gives you this stunning, elevated look to your day. There is also an outdoor wedding ceremony option as well that is fenced off from the public to allow a more private feel to your wedding.
From a photography point of view - very timeless, unique space that you are truly able to make it feel like you! Like most venues, they have a great preferred vendors list that you can start your wedding vendor research with. The streets and cute ally ways around the venue are perfect for any outdoor photos you may want. Including great golden hour opportunities!
BUDGET: $3420 - $4850 venue rental
ADDRESS: 724 Main Street, Grandview, MO 64030
CONTACT: best way is through their website
Timeless and elegance meets intimacy
From the brides point of view - Located near the Crossroad district, Union station is a stunning venue for those wanting a more luxurious, timeless, elegant wedding vibe! Easy parking and access for all, the team there will make sure you hire all the right vendors to help make your dream wedding a reality!! The best part?!?! They have a partnership with Brancatos which is one of the best catering companies in the KC area. The only downside would be that your event won't be 100% private since the station is opened to the public everyday all day. But no worries there! There are measures put in place to help make your day as private as it could get!
From a photo perspective - STUNNING. TIMELESS. ELEGANT. This is what comes to mind whenever I go through the doors on Union Station. Weddings here are a dream, and the space has so many little corners for perfect photo opportunities! Plus, it is minuets away from any of the iconic wedding photo locations.
BUDGET: $10,000 -- minimum starting venue rental cost
ADDRESS: 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108
CONTACT: Best way is through their website
White and open meets beautiful county side
10. Union Station
Having a venue is one thing...
I want your photos to feel like the movies.
I have a more storytelling, cinematic, “fly on the wall” mentality that allows you to be fully immersed in your wedding day. Yes, there will be times where I will need to step in and direct!!! But overall, I want to preserve your wedding day with authentic images that tell your story in a more natural, colorful, true to life image style while incorporating direct flash, motion blur, and filmy edits.
...having the RIGHT photographer capture it is another.
50+
love stories captured
200,000+
images taken
500+
hours spent perfecting galleries
unlimited
cups of coffee consumed creating artistic imagery
Click here
Summer wedding outside of Kansas City, MO.
Some of my recent Kansas City Weddings & Engagements:
1. The Ridge - Kansas City Wedding
click here
Moody, romantic engagement session in downtown Kansas City, MO
2. Rainy Kansas City Engagement
CLICK HERE
Documentary style engagement session in downtown Kansas City, MO.
3. Elegant Engagement in Kansas City
“We felt that we had an experience that was so 'US'. We were able to be our full silly and authentic selves - Olivia was able to capture those moments in a beautifully raw way. “
- Colleen + Jacob
Someone who observes/notices the little things
The art of capturing authentic moments as they unfold throughout the entire day
Tells your unique wedding day story with little to no direction
It’s more than just “candid” moments.
Documentary style wedding photography means capturing the imperfect, real moments that unfold during the full wedding day. Of course, I will always be there to help and propose prompts if needed. But overall, you should be living in the moment of you wedding day -- not feeling stiff and staged during the full wedding day. Allowing the day unfold authentically with some direction when needed (I PROMISE I will be there to direct whenever needed!)
