Congratulations! You're engaged, and you're embarking on the epic journey that is wedding planning. Welcome!
One of the first things you need to secure is your venue, and Lawrence has so many amazing options to offer. Narrowing it down can be a daunting process, so I'm here to hold your hand and offer my expertise on what I think are the best wedding venues in Lawrence, KS.
Whether you're looking for a place to have both the ceremony and reception, or just the reception, you can't go wrong with any of these incredible spaces.
Big Weddings
Planning on a large guest list? These are some of my favorite venues in Lawrence that can accommodate tons of people in a beautiful setting! These are also great options for indoor ceremonies and receptions, since the space can be flipped during cocktail hour.
8 E 6th St
Lawrence, KS
Situated on the Kansas River, this one has a lot to offer. Tall north-facing windows let in tons of natural light during the daytime, which makes for stunning portraits. The grand staircase lends drama to the processional, and couples can have their ceremony either on stage or in front of the windows. The patio overlooking the river makes a great space for a first look or family portraits, and upstairs, there are separate suites available for the wedding parties to get ready, which means less travel for everyone on the day of!
Plenty of parking and a hotel next door make this an incredible option for couples who plan to have a lot of out of town guests (they can seat up to 500!).
1031 New Hampshire St
Lawrence, KS
One of the longer-running downtown venues, Maceli's also offers full service event planning and on-site catering (their food is absolutely delicious). This venue is a great option for those planning a guest list of around 200, as they can seat 175 on the main ballroom floor and an additional 72 guests in their ballroom mezzanine. They offer two large suites for the wedding parties, and it's a great way to lend that downtown Lawrence wedding feel, without being right on Massachusetts St.
(Fun fact: both my sister and my best friend had their wedding receptions at Maceli's!)
1235 N 3rd St
Lawrence KS
With an industrial feel and clean, modern lines, Venue 1235 is a newer space in Lawrence. Located just off the I-70 exit for downtown, it is super easy to get to for guests coming in from Kansas City or the airport.
A wedding suite/getting ready area is available, and between the covered patio with heaters, private fenced-in backyard, and large garage doors letting in tons of natural light, this space lends itself to allowing guests to easily transition from indoors to outdoors.
Rustic Weddings
Rustic chic weddings are very in, and for good reason. There's something about being out in the country, surrounded by nature, to give your wedding a relaxed, cozy feel. Some of my favorites are:
1431 North 1900 Rd
Lawrence, KS
A short drive north of downtown sits Veranda Venue, and it is an absolute showstopper. Located on eight acres, the victorian style house has a gorgeous and spacious bridal suite, and is furnished on the inside with thoughtful antique furniture and deep, luscious colors. If you are a romantic who likes to watch period pieces on Netflix, this is worth checking out.
401 Kiowa
Ozawkie, KS
Okay, this one isn't in Lawrence, but I had to include it in my list. I've had the pleasure of doing multiple weddings here, and each time has been absolutely fantastic. Previously owned by Rena and Jeff Kilgore, it is under new ownership as of 2024 (Erin Rider and Justin Pittenger are the new stewards). A cottage built in 1915 houses 2 bedrooms, the bridal suite, and a kitchen for use during your event, while a converted barn houses the reception space with plenty of room for tables and dancing. An outdoor space also allows for additional seating, and make sure you bring marshmallows to roast in the firepit!
Classic Weddings
For the couple looking for a simple and beautiful space for their reception, you can't go wrong with a vintage or historical building. I've really enjoyed photographing weddings at:
200 W. 9th St
Lawrence, KS
Built in 1904 and serving as the original public library for the city, the Carnegie Building is owned and rented out by the City of Lawrence. The Heritage room, which is over 2,000 square feet, can be easily utilized for both the ceremony and reception, with guests heading to the East Gallery room for a receiving line while the space gets flipped. The main entrance provides a beautiful natural light setting for a first look and portraits, while the Heritage Room is tastefully understated with its white curtain backdrop for a ceremony. With plenty of room for a dance floor, newly married couples will have no problem employing their Mick Jagger dance moves without fear of bumping into other guests.
1266 Oread Avenue
Lawrence, KS
Located just north of the Kansas Union on the KU Campus, the Alumni Center was renovated in 2022. Up a very grand staircase you can find banquet rooms and a pub, with nods to classic style. There is plenty of room for dancing, a jazz trio, ample seating, you name it.
810 Pennsylvania St
Lawrence, KS
Nestled in the Warehouse Arts district, Cider Gallery is a favorite for couples who want an urban spot that can provide both and indoor and outdoor space. Let's face it, that's also helpful for a Kansas wedding since you never know what the weather will bring.
The outdoor courtyard is a gorgeous mix of brick facade, vivid ivy, green lawn, and string lights, supplying beautiful spaces for both the ceremony and the reception. The indoor space with its rich wood floors, stone walls, and large windows, provides the perfect space for an indoor exchange of vows or a raging reception.
Once you have locked down the venue (and effectively set the date), your next steps are to book your wedding planner (believe me, you want one), and YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER!