Example: Firestone Baars Chapel at Stephens College
Example: Firestone Baars Chapel at Stephens College
Missouri wedding venues are as diverse as the state itself, and range from the rustic to the elegant. Missouri is in the heartland of America and while one may associate it with golden cornfields, The Show Me State can show you a surprisingly vast array of options for your special day. Banquet halls, ballrooms, hotels, wineries, parks and golf courses are all potential locations, and each one has a unique blend of Midwest charm, elegance and cultural diversity.
St. Louis lies on the western bank of the Mississippi River and is known for it's avid baseball fans, incredible hot air balloon races and local cuisine (like gooey butter cake!). It's been ranked as one of the most generous cities in the country, most likely due to that well-known near-southern hospitality. The couple looking for more excitement need not look far, as the city also hosts Mardi Gras parties that rival those of New Orleans. You can choose from a wide selection of modern ballrooms and banquet halls, and this 250-year-old city also boasts many historic venues.
Kansas City, as one might guess by the name, is on the border of Kansas and Missouri. Fun fact: although it's bordered by farms and boasts the country feel of the heartland, it was also ranked the #10 best city for hipsters. With an Irish fest and two Little Italy sections of town, it's not the gateway to Oz one would imagine when they hear the word Kansas. Lovers can choose from indoor venues during the city's long winter or tie the knot in one of several simple parks with stunning backdrops of beautiful fountains, Romanesque marble columns or cute bridges.
Columbia is called the “Athens of the West” for it's amateur Olympic style sports events held every summer. Another college town, and one known for it's great sports teams across all disciplines, the home of the homecoming has small town community spirit and big city venue variety. Elegant banquet halls will make the bride feel like a Greek goddess, or the couple may choose to say their vows in more simple outdoor ceremony.
Springfield is the US city with the most varied weather, so check the forecast before your big day. Springfield has a bustling arts scene and an array of farmers markets. The low cost of living and college town vibe make it a less expensive place to plan your nuptials than other cities. Theaters, clubs and even castles are among the wedding venue options.
Branson was incorporated in the early 1900s with the intention of transforming it into a tourist town—a very successful endeavor. The town of just over 10,000 hosts over 8 million visitors each year, so it's well equipped for hosting your wedding, reception, and out-of-town guests. Branson is known for the Silver Dollar City attraction which sits atop the incredible Marvel Cave, and famous for its large selection of theaters with a collection of shows and performances. Wedding venues include charming wineries, fairy tale gardens, rustic farms, and classy banquet halls.
Missouri wedding venues range from $6 to $138 per person for 100 guests. Be sure to budget in sales tax, which is 4.225% in Missouri, but more depending on the municipality. This brings St. Louis to 8.679%, Kansas city to 8.475%, Columbia to 7.975%, and Springfield and Branson to 7.6%. Also ask potential venues about their service fee, which may be around 18% to 22% and suggested gratuities between 15% and 20%.
To apply for a marriage license in Missouri, both parties must apply in person and present valid id that shows their date of birth. Both parties must also provide their social security number, and pay the fee, which varies by county.