I'm a Kansas City wedding photographer with a deep love for storytelling. I love to work with couples that want a wedding gallery that is an authentic reflection of their love for one another.
If the vision of your wedding is one that feels personal and completely unique to you, an intimate wedding is what you’re dreaming of. Trish and Jordan’s wedding at Gather at Red Cedar Gardens was a beautiful example of how small celebrations can be just as breathtaking—if not more—than larger ones. Everything about this October wedding at Gather at Red Cedars provided an ideal setting for an intimate wedding – from the houses that can be rented out for getting ready, to the forest of cedar trees that demand a set up meant to bring everyone closer together. Smaller weddings let you focus on what really matters, and Kansas City has so many gorgeous intimate wedding venues that are perfect for any celebration. Let’s dive into what makes an intimate wedding special and where you can host yours!
First things first, the term “intimate wedding” does not have one specific definition or description. Generally speaking, an intimate wedding is one that has less than 100 guests, often 50 or less. These smaller ceremonies are often more untraditional, following a vision of a wedding that is more authentic to the couple getting married, focusing on the love and fun shared between them as opposed to the societal traditions of a wedding. They are also sometimes called a micro wedding, or even an elopement.
Because intimate weddings focus on creating a meaningful experience over tradition, many venues are specifically designed to accommodate smaller guest lists. These venues provide a setting that aligns with a couple’s vision, whether it’s a cozy garden, a historic home, or a modern industrial space. Choosing a venue that caters to intimate weddings ensures that every detail feels intentional and personal, allowing couples to stay true to their values while celebrating with their closest loved ones.
The Creamery, managed by Skyline & Co., is a hidden gem in Kansas City that’s perfect for an intimate wedding. With a max capacity of 25 seated guests or 35 standing, this loft-style venue offers a cozy yet upscale atmosphere. The space features a rooftop patio, firepit, outdoor bar, and a stylish indoor area. Whether you envision a small, romantic dinner or a relaxed rooftop celebration, The Creamery provides a unique and private setting for your special day.
The Crossroads Hotel’s rooftop bar with its skyline views is such an ideal spot for an intimate yet stylish wedding. This venue is slightly larger, with a max capacity of 80 seated guests or 160 standing. The rooftop setting provides breathtaking views of downtown Kansas City, creating a romantic and unforgettable backdrop. If you’re planning a sunset ceremony or a chic cocktail-style reception, this venue has that perfect blend of modern luxury and an effortlessly cool atmosphere.
Dreaming of a rooftop wedding with incredible city views? Three Points is an amazing choice. This modern venue offers a sleek, open-air space where you can exchange vows with the Kansas City skyline as your backdrop. With a capacity of 75 for seated events or 100 for a standing reception, it’s ideal for couples who want a sophisticated yet intimate celebration. Three Points definitely delivers a stunning and stylish setting for saying your “I do’s.”
The Juliet is another inviting venue located right here in Kansas City. With its warm lighting and modern design, it creates a truly romantic atmosphere for your special day. It can host up to 80 seated guests or 100 for a standing reception, making it a great choice for a cozy and sophisticated wedding. Overall, The Juliet offers a beautiful space to make your wedding feel both personal and unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a venue that blends modern elegance with a touch of rustic charm, The Brim might just be the place for you. Offering a recommended guest count of 75, but accommodating up to 150, this space provides flexibility for intimate gatherings with a spacious feel. What makes The Brim stand out is its open layout, which gives couples the freedom to design their event exactly as they envision it. Whether you’re picturing a romantic indoor ceremony or a relaxed reception with plenty of room to enjoy the celebration, The Brim delivers on style and versatility.
Swope Memorial in Swope Park is a great spot for couples looking for a venue that combines both nature and elegance. With space for up to 150 guests, it’s perfect if you want a larger, yet intimate feel for your wedding day. The venue is surrounded by lush greenery, giving you beautiful outdoor views for your ceremony and photos. Inside, you’ll find a modern space that’s ideal for your reception, providing a cozy vibe while still accommodating your guest list. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends outdoor beauty with a touch of elegance, this intimate wedding venue is a solid choice.
The Simpson House nails the perfect balance between intimate and spacious, with room for up to 150 guests. It’s full of character, with vintage details and lovely gardens that make for beautiful photo ops and a memorable atmosphere. Plus, you can take your pick between indoor or outdoor spots for your ceremony, adding a bit of versatility to your day!
For a truly romantic and luxurious intimate wedding, La Villa is an absolute gem. With a capacity of up to 150 guests, it offers an intimate yet spacious setting that’s perfect for couples wanting a refined, elegant atmosphere. The venue features beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, from its stunning gardens to its timeless, classic ballroom. La Villa gives off a warm, elegant vibe while still feeling personal and unique. If you’re looking to create a memorable, upscale wedding experience without losing that cozy, intimate feel, La Villa is a wonderful choice!
Longview Mansion is a versatile and beautiful intimate wedding venue, offering both micro and larger wedding options. For couples dreaming of a smaller celebration, the Library Room is an ideal spot, accommodating 60-70 guests. The space exudes a classic charm with its rich woodwork, high ceilings, and antique details, perfect for an intimate and sophisticated ceremony or reception. But if you’re envisioning a larger gathering, it also has stunning outdoor spaces like the Pavilion, Sunken Garden, and West Lawn, where you can host up to 270 guests. So whether you want an intimate indoor setting or a grand outdoor celebration, Longview Mansion can provide the best of both worlds, all while making sure the experience feels special and uniquely yours.
Check out this Mansion Wedding Styled Shoot to see all the details of this stunning venue!
With a max guest count of 175 inside, The Magnolia Brookside provides a gorgeous indoor space featuring natural light and modern design elements, creating a warm and inviting environment for you and your guests. For those looking to celebrate outdoors, the venue offers a stunning outdoor space that can accommodate up to 150 guests. Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful landscaping, the outdoor setting adds a refreshing and romantic vibe to your day. All in all, The Magnolia Brookside creates a seamless experience with a perfect balance of style, charm, and versatility.
“I’m crying. They’re so freaking gooooooood.”
“Sara is the most incredible photographer, and just an overall wonderful person! We used Sara for our engagement photos, boudoir photos, and our wedding – and we’re obsessed with every photo. My husband and I are not the most comfortable in front of a camera, but she truly made us so confident and so comfortable through every experience. She was so helpful planning the timeline of our wedding.
The day of, she did a great job keeping us on track, but also letting us just live in the moment and not overwhelm us with getting every shot. We really wanted our wedding photos to feel documentary-style and candid, and she did just that. Everything was so perfect, and our photos are amazing. Hire her! She will become your cheerleader, your rockstar photographer, and ultimately your friend. We will keep Sara in our life for all of our life’s photos now, we love her!”
Let me capture your intimate wedding in Kansas City next! I’m Sara, a destination wedding photographer based in Kansas City who believes that love between two people is pure magic. I give my whole self to photographing weddings in a style that shows raw, intimate, emotional love. Learn more about me here. If you think we’d be the perfect fit, then get in touch with me here! Until then, discover more helpful wedding planning tips and intimate wedding venues on the journal.
Venue: Gather at Red Cedar Gardens (@gatheratredcedargardens)
Bridal hair: Hailey Florence Hair (@haileyflorencehair)
Bridal makeup: Fix Beauty Co. (@fixbeautyco)
Wedding dress: Bridal Extraordinaire (@bridalextraordinaire)