For years, couples have flocked to big-name wedding destinations like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami to say “I do.” But a new trend is emerging—more couples are choosing Kansas City for their dream wedding. With its mix of affordability, stunning venues, a vibrant cultural scene, and guest-friendly accessibility, KC is quickly climbing the ranks as a top wedding destination.
If you’re planning a wedding and want a location that offers big-city charm without the big-city price tag, Kansas City should be at the top of your list. Here’s why.
1. Kansas City Weddings Are More Affordable Than Other Major Cities
Weddings are expensive, but where you get married can make a huge difference in cost. According to The Knot, the national average cost of a wedding is around $33,000, but Kansas City offers a much more budget-friendly alternative.
💰 How Kansas City Stacks Up to Other Cities:
Kansas City: $28,003 (average wedding cost)
New York City: $63,000
Chicago: $56,000
Los Angeles: $48,000
Dallas/Fort Worth: $35,000
That’s a savings of $5,000 to $35,000—which could go toward an upgraded honeymoon, a down payment on a house, or just more room in your budget!
Kansas City gives couples the luxury wedding experience without the sky-high costs of major metro areas.
2. A Wide Range of Stunning Wedding Venues
Kansas City is home to some of the most unique and breathtaking wedding venues in the Midwest. Whether you dream of a grand ballroom celebration, an industrial-chic loft wedding, or an intimate garden ceremony, the city offers a variety of stunning settings to match your vision.
✨ Historic Elegance – If you’re drawn to vintage charm, Kansas City has century-old buildings with ornate architecture, stained glass windows, and grand staircases that bring timeless romance to any wedding. These venues are perfect for formal affairs and black-tie weddings.
🌿 Outdoor & Garden Venues – For couples who love nature-inspired weddings, Kansas City has picturesque garden spaces like Loose Park, rooftop terraces, and open-air courtyards that create a romantic, organic feel.
🏙 Industrial-Chic & Modern Spaces – Exposed brick, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sleek urban designs make modern loft-style venues a favorite for trendsetting couples.
💎 The Best of Both Worlds: The Guild
Ok, we may be biased, but if you're looking for a venue that seamlessly blends elegance, greenery, and modern charm, The Guild is a perfect choice. With a stunning indoor ballroom featuring high ceilings and an iconic chandelier plus a lush outdoor urban garden strung with café lights, The Guild offers a versatile space that can be tailored to any wedding theme.
3. Kansas City is a Foodie’s Paradise
Let’s be honest—one of the biggest things guests remember about a wedding is the food. And Kansas City does not disappoint.
🥩 Kansas City BBQ: A wedding menu featuring burnt ends, ribs, or brisket? Yes, please! Kansas City is world-famous for its barbecue, like Q39 and Jack Stack and many catering companies offer elevated, wedding-worthy BBQ options.
🍽 Fine Dining & Farm-to-Table Menus: For a more upscale experience, KC has an incredible lineup of award-winning chefs and elevated options, like Farina and Antler Room. Many wedding venues work with local culinary teams to create custom menus that wow guests.
🍸 Craft Cocktails & Local Brews: Kansas City has a booming craft beer and distillery scene. Couples can feature locally brewed beers from BKS Artisan Ales or custom cocktails from The Campground or Fern Bar inspired by their love story.
The food and drink scene alone makes KC a dream location for food-loving couples.
4. A Photographer’s Dream: Iconic & Scenic Backdrops
From modern cityscapes to lush gardens and historic landmarks, Kansas City is a paradise for wedding photography.
📷 Best Photo Locations in KC:
Union Station – Timeless architecture with grand staircases and stunning indoor settings.
Liberty Memorial & National WWI Museum – A panoramic skyline view perfect for sunset shots.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – Classic white marble columns and a gorgeous sculpture garden.
Crossroads Arts District – Colorful murals and trendy urban backdrops for a fun, modern vibe.
With so many gorgeous locations, couples can capture jaw-dropping wedding photos that rival any major wedding destination.
5. Easy Accessibility for Guests
If you have guests traveling from out of town, Kansas City is one of the easiest places to get to.
✈️ Brand New Kansas City International Airport (MCI) – The recently renovated airport makes flying in easy and stress-free.
🏨 Plenty of Hotel & Lodging Options – From luxury hotels like No Vacancy and Crossroads Hotel to budget-friendly Airbnbs, KC has accommodations for every guest.
🚗 Easy to Get Around – Unlike cities with overwhelming traffic, Kansas City is easy to navigate, with plenty of walkable neighborhoods, Ubers, and even a street car!
Guests will appreciate the convenience of getting to your wedding without the hassle of high travel costs or complicated logistics.
6. A Fun Destination for Wedding Guests
Your wedding isn’t just a one-day event—it’s an experience for your guests, too! And Kansas City offers plenty of entertainment to make your wedding weekend unforgettable.
🎶 Live Jazz & Music Scene – KC is known for its legendary jazz history. Guests can enjoy live music at spots like The Green Lady Lounge or The Phoenix.
🍷 Rooftop Bars & Breweries – Whether it’s a pre-wedding welcome party or post-reception drinks, Kansas City has dozens of craft breweries and rooftop lounges.
🎨 Unique Art & Culture – The Crossroads Arts District is filled with galleries, street murals, and art installations that guests can explore.
🛍 Shopping & Local Markets – Guests can check out Country Club Plaza for high-end shopping or visit the River Market for local finds.
Your wedding guests won’t be bored in KC—there’s plenty to see, do, and explore.
7. The Guild: One of Kansas City’s Top Wedding Venues
If you’re looking for a stunning venue in the heart of Kansas City, The Guild is a perfect choice.
✨ Indoor Ballroom: A 6,500-square-foot event space featuring exposed brick, modern chandeliers, and an elegant atmosphere.
🌿 Urban Garden: A 5,000-square-foot outdoor garden with café lighting and lush greenery, perfect for ceremonies and cocktail hours.
📍 Prime Location: Situated in Kansas City’s vibrant Crossroads District, near top hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
The Guild combines classic elegance with modern charm, making it one of Kansas City’s most sought-after wedding venues.
👉 Want to see it for yourself? Schedule a tour today!