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I know it’s hard to imagine now (in the heat of July!) but Kansas City winters are COLD. As a Kansas City photographer I’m shooting weddings year round, so I’ve seen my fair share of winter weddings. If you’re planning a winter wedding this blog is for YOU.

If your dream is to have a wedding ceremony with white snowflakes floating through the air, wearing the ice queen dress of your dreams, with snow frosting the trees, as your guests bask in the beautiful oasis of your love, I get it. 

Here are 5 tips to planning a winter wonderland wedding sucessfully.

1. Provide warmth for your guests

Be crystal clear on your wedding invites that the ceremony will be outside so that everyone can dress accordingly. I’ve seen some couples offer blankets as wedding favors. I’ve also been to a couple weddings where they set out space heaters! I promise your guests will appreciate the forethought. 

2. Plan a short wedding ceremony

Work with your officiant to plan a wedding ceremony that doesn’t last more than 30 minutes or so. Everyone is excited about your big day and wants to focus on that without the distraction of numb fingers or toes!!

3. Rent a tent

This is a cute way to get the outside vibe while providing coverage from any inclement Kansas City weather. Make sure to ask if the tent rental company needs insurance! Also ask if they’ll set it up for you. If not, plan accordingly to have some friends set it up the morning of or the day before. You can use cute lights to decorate the ceiling, or hang lanterns around to add to the ambiance. 

4. Work with your wedding vendor team on a backup plan

I definitely recommend an indoor wedding reception venue so your guests can be comfortable while they eat, mingle, dance, & hang out. If your dream has always been a beautiful outdoor ceremony, ask your wedding venue what their backup plan is in case of inclement weather.

Last minute weather situations are why I always suggest hiring a wedding planner as well! They can work with the staff & the team of vendors on the backup plan. Planning ahead and delegating jobs means you can enjoy your winter wonderland wedding day worry free. 

5. Hot chocolate bar

You could even have this available before the wedding ceremony! This is a fun way to keep everyone warm and to really make it a winter themed wedding. Offer toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy canes. It’s a cozy and memorable treat everyone will love.

 You deserve to have the wedding of your dreams. No matter the season, your wedding will be beautiful and your love will be everlasting. For more wedding planning tips check out these blogs; How to Prepare for Rain on your wedding day, How to choose your wedding photographer, Wedding Planning Advice from real brides, and much more!

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Planning a Winter Wedding in Kansas City

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Planning a COVID-safe wedding reception might look different, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be difficult or any less fun. You can still have the day of your dreams with all the people you love! Keep reading to see ideas on how to entertain your guests while still keeping them safe.

Outdoor Wedding Reception Games

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For crowds that aren’t big into dancing, or to follow COVID-19 safety protocols, yard games are super popular. You can get cornhole, ladder toss, or giant Jenga to set outside for your guests to play. I’ve even seen some couples use trash cans or buckets to make giant beer pong!

If you anticipate bad weather, or if you don’t want to risk it, you can plan to set up the games inside. If you want people to stay at their assigned tables but want entertainment, here’s an idea that is sure to blow your guests away.

dueling pianos at a covid safe wedding reception
dueling pianos at a covid safe wedding reception

Dueling pianos.

I seriously recommend Felix and Fingers. Your wedding will be the talk of the town for years, if not DECADES to come. They took song suggestions from the crowd, sang things from all genres, and even brought their own colored lights. They encouraged people to sing along, so it was not only a great show, but super interactive!  This is perfect for a socially distanced wedding.

Alicen & Brenton got married in November at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, so their guests’ safety was their number one priority. The dueling pianos entertained the guests after dinner at the Arterra Event Gallery in Lawrence.

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dancing guests at a covid safe wedding reception

Serving Food at a Socially-Distanced Wedding

Instead of the traditional buffet-style dinner, consider having pre-portioned food at various stations throughout the room. This prevents people from all touching the same serving utensils, and your ushers can direct a couple of tables at a time to prevent crowding.

Ask your caterer if they have servers that will bring plates to each guest at their tables.

Food trucks are gaining popularity in the wedding industry as well! This makes it easier for the caterer to distance from the guests.

If your venue has an outdoor option, see if you can make a few campfires. Set out a table with marshmallows, chocolate bars, & graham crackers. I’ve seen S’mores at a couple of weddings and they’re always a big hit.

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smores at a covid safe wedding reception

At the Table of a COVID-Safe Wedding Reception

You’ll definitely want assigned seats at a COVID-safe wedding reception. To avoid awkward silences or restlessness, offer some table games! I’ve seen tic-tac-toe, decks of cards or even question starters to spark conversation. If you’ll have lots of kids at your wedding, print out coloring pages!

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Include These in Your COVID-Safe Wedding Reception

  1. Get personalized masks for your guests as party favors – you could even make them themed to match the decor!
  2. Set up hand sanitizer stations throughout the area.
  3. Make cute signs that encourage social distancing.
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COVID-Safe Wedding Ceremony

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Congrats to the Hilbigs!

Check out more Covid safe weddings here on the blog Dakota + Jake; How They Went From a Large Wedding to Intimate an Elopement or How to Downsize Your Wedding

Covid-19 Safe Wedding Reception Ideas

Choosing Your Getting Ready Space: Tips From a KC Wedding Photographer,

You’ve found the perfect wedding venue for your ceremony and reception but don’t forget about the morning of your wedding! The getting ready space for the morning of your wedding is a fun place to spend your last moments as a single gal preparing for the day of your dreams. Choosing your getting ready space is easy once you know what to look for.

You want cute pictures with your best friends PLUS you need a practical space to do your hair and make-up. Don’t stress or wonder about what to look for. Here’s a simple guide on choosing the PERFECT getting ready space for the morning of your wedding.

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Features in a Perfect Getting Ready Space

Look for a space with natural light: big windows & lots of open space for the inevitable pre-ceremony dance party with your girls. A good photographer can shoot in any light but natural is always best!

Look for a house that has big counter space, lots of plugs, and lots of mirrors. You might need to bring some mirrors from home, depending on how big your party is! Bonus points if there’s a full-length mirror.

My brides always love to find a big couch or bed to take cute pictures on with them and their bridesmaids in their robes or matching shirts. Plus this is a cozy place to relax if someone needs a minute to sit down.

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A space with plenty of chairs or tables to sit down at is helpful if you have any moms or grandmas getting ready with you – and for a sweet spot to write your vows or a letter to the love of your life. This is also helpful to sit down and put your shoes on.

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For an iconic wedding dress picture, find a place to hang your wedding dress. Some brides find a place outside, in a closet, or in a room somewhere. While this makes for a gorgeous and memorable photo, it’s also important to have a designated spot for your dress so it doesn’t get in the way.

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Choose a place with neutral backgrounds – no tacky art on the walls, nothing distracting, and no crazy or bright wallpaper. We don’t want anything in the back of your photos to take away from the moment.

Wedding Morning Tips From a Kansas City Wedding Photographer


Another way to prevent distracting photos is to keep your area clean. I always suggest keeping all your stuff on one side of the room so there’s space for everyone to move around. Doing this also means there’s less clutter in the back of your photos.

If the weather is nice, take the party outside for a few shots with a different background.

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Find a place that is close to your wedding venue to save time and gas money.

Look on Air BNB or VRBO for houses that have the features you want. If your wedding party needs a place to stay for the weekend, book the house for an extra night!

It’s actually pretty common for venues to have a bridal suite for getting ready the morning of your wedding. Check with your Kansas City venue to see if their space works for your group and unique needs!

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You don’t need to spend more money than you need to. If any of your friends offer, get ready at their house!

These are just some tips to choosing your getting-ready space for the morning of your wedding. As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all. Feel free to DM me on Instagram or shoot me an email if you have any questions!

At the end of the day, you’ll be married to your best friend and the love of your life, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Enjoy your morning preparing for the most romantic day ever. Let yourself be spoiled by your loved ones! The photos from the morning of your wedding will be authentic and take you right back to the moment before the best day of your life.

Check out these blog posts for more inspo on great getting ready spaces: Summer Wedding at The Hawthorne House, How to Elope in Kansas City -Advice from a Real Couple, and Wedding Photos at the Museum at Prairie Fire Overland Park, Kansas.

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Once you begin planning your dream wedding you’ll start reaching out to various vendors. The vendor most couples are looking forward to hiring the most is their photographer. You want to make sure your day is documented from start to finish and captured authentically. These images will be your looking glass back to your wedding day, photos you’ll share with generations (no pressure) but how do you know how to choose your wedding photographer?

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Here are the top 3 things to look for when hiring your wedding photographer:

Style

Does their style of work align with what you’re looking for?

Look through their portfolio and take note of how they use light throughout different times of day and different types of weather. Light can not be fully controlled during an entire wedding day so it’s important your photographer knows how to get the best images possible with what they have to work with! Request to see full wedding galleries not just the favorite instagram worthy pics.

Do you like how they edit the images? I suggest imagine you’re looking back on your photos 20 years from now, will they still look amazing because they are natural and timeless? or will it be like when your mom shows you clothes from the 80’s – trendy then but outdated now.

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Professionalism

I can not stress this enough- make sure you hire a professional photographer for your wedding. There are no re-dos for wedding day photos. I have heard so many horror stories of couples wanting to save money so they hire a cheap photographer or someone that’s never photographed a wedding before then sure enough the photos don’t turn out well or worse…. the photographer bails at the last minute with no solution or replacement.

I would hate for that to happen to anyone. Stay on the safe side and hire a professional. Someone that has a portfolio of work, experience with weddings, and knows how to run their business. A true professional will have a contract, back up gear, and will be prepared for any sort of situation that could happen on your day.

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Personality

This may be the most important element when searching through photographers. Choose a photographer that you genuinely get along with. You will be spending so much time with them during the planning process and even more time with them on the day of. Depending on the schedule of your day you might even spend more time with your photographer than your partner! Pick someone that makes you feel comfortable, understand your vision, and has your back on your wedding day.

Once you’ve read these tips on how to choose your wedding photographer check out what questions to ask your wedding photographer.

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How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer

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This year I asked my past brides to share their advice for future brides. All of the lovely ladies planning their weddings can take tips from brides that recently planned their own weddings. They all learned what is most important when it comes to wedding planning and making sure you enjoy your day of. Whether you’re planning a big wedding or an elopement these words of wisdom will be useful for you.

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Advice from Hannah

“I think my day went so perfectly because I didn’t freak out about small things. I didn’t even freak out about big things. I kept thinking, at the end of the day I will be married to my best friend, and whatever happens today is what was meant to be! I think having an easy going attitude during the whole thing helped a lot.”

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Loren’s advice on eloping

“Do what you want and do not plan too much! You should have a simple idea and schedule of the day, but planning it to the T takes away the fun of it! What worked for us was the simplicity of it all. We stayed at our hotel to prepare, the hotel was extremely close to the elopement location, we allowed the scenery and skyline to be our decorations, trusted in our pastor for the vows and ceremony, and focused on us. This was a decision that we would absolutely choose again and would recommend others to do as well!”

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McKenna’s Suggestion

“It [the wedding day] really does go by so quickly and it’s over and done before you know it. Hire a day-of coordinator so you can leave all the details and worries to them and really soak in every moment of the day!”

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Ann Marie’s tip

“There are so many things to figure out, but if you can find the right vendors, who you feel you work well with and whose vision meshes with yours, it is a game changer.  Don’t be afraid to ask vendors for advice on other aspects of your big day.  Keep in mind they have typically done this many times and have likely seen things go right or not so right.  A little professional advice never hurts.”

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Destiney’s Adivce

“Don’t stress it will all work out in the end. Just go with the flow and expect little bumps in the road.”

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Amanda’s tips if you have to change your wedding plans

“If anything, wedding planning during a pandemic taught me to be much more go with the flow and embrace everything with a sense of humor. It allowed me to just say “whatever happens, happens.” I know it sounds cliche but what they say is true. Once you are up there with the love of your life, nothing else matters. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and just lean on each other, your families, and if you luck out like us, your amazing vendors. Take in every single moment standing up there. This is it, it’s here, you made it.”

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These brides wanted to share their advice to soon-to-be brides to inspire them and give them the opportunity to learn from their experiences. Overall they all express the importance of not stressing over things you can’t control. Let whatever happens, happen. Just focus on enjoying your day to the fullest.

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For more wedding inspo check out other wedding day blog posts.

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6 Past Brides Share Their Advice for New Brides

questions to ask your wedding photographer

There are tons of things to consider when you start looking for your wedding photographer. As a Kansas City wedding photographer here are the essential questions to ask your wedding photographer.

questions to ask your wedding photographer

How would you describe your photography style?

I personally describe my editing style as “true to color”. I want your images to be a reflection of what your wedding day actually looked like. When you open up your gallery the photos should inspire you to relive your day all over again.

My shooting style is a mix between poses, promts, and candids. I love to be a fly on the wall during intimate moments to capture your emotions without even noticing I’m there, but I also know how important traditional posed photographs are (everyones Grandma cherishes a pic of their grandkids facing the camera and smiling for their refrigerator!) Let’s get the best of both worlds and mix it all together. This will give you a wide range of photos to choose from and a variety throughout your wedding gallery.

How long have you been working as a professional photographer?

This year (2020) will be my second official year as a professional wedding photographer. I’ve started taking pictures and learning how to use a camera back in high school. Right before college I realized how big of a passion it was for me so I decided to study the art of photography at Missouri State University. In 2019 I graduated from Missouri State with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography and a minor in art history. Throughout all those years I had been photographing all sorts of things until my heart found weddings early on in 2019.

What type of equipment do you use?

Currently I’m using two canon 5D Mark IV bodies.

What if you have an issue with your gear?

This is the advantage of shooting with two camera bodies because I already have a backup on hand ready to go!

If both my cameras are having issues I typically bring my older camera a canon 70D as an additional backup.

What’s your backup system?

Right when I leave a wedding, (sometimes at the reception before I leave a wedding) I immediately upload all my images to an external hard drive. Then as I’m edited the images are constantly backed up to my cloud storage system, I use Backblaze. The final images are then kept on the external drives, backed up to cloud storage, and stored on your personal online gallery.

  1. Original files on SD/CF cards
  2. Original files backed up on external drive
  3. Original files backed up to cloud storage
  4. Final images on external drive
  5. Final images backed up to cloud storage
  6. Final images uploaded to online gallery

Have you ever shot at our wedding venue?

If I haven’t shot at your venue before I will gladly go on a tour with you for any venues in the Kansas City area! If your venue is further away and we aren’t able to tour ahead of time, I can assure you that I am fully capable of all lighting situations and will come fully prepared! I’ll also arrive early the day of and explore all our options and locations within the venue.

How do you handle difficult lighting situations?

There are so many ways to work around difficult light! Between school and my education from additional lighting courses I have learned many tips to work with light. I have an understanding of how light works and how to work with what we have! Sometimes it’s as simple as twisting one way or another to find the most flattering light. Trust me! -I got your back. You’ll look good I promise.

Do you have a portfolio we can review?

YES!! There are images on my website and my blog. I would also love to send you some full wedding galleries so you can get an idea of a full day! -Just send me a quick email and I’ll get those galleries to your inbox ASAP.

Do you offer different packages?

Absolutely. Every wedding day is unique which means your photography needs will be different. To take care of each of my couples I create custom packages for them. You guys will get to enjoy your day stress-free, knowing that I have the photography part covered!

How long until I get my final images back? How many images will be included?

First thing you’ll receive from me after your wedding day will be a sneak peek of images within 48 hours! A little taste of the day. Then you’ll receive your final gallery within 3-6 weeks after your wedding. The size of your gallery will depend on the amount of coverage you booked- typically it averages about 100 images an hour. BUT! I never withhold amazing images. You’ll receive edits of everything besides blinks, blurrys, and duplicates.

Do I get a print release? How can I order prints/albums?

Yes you have printing rights for personal use! You’ll also be able to order professional quality prints directly through your personal online gallery. If you are interested in an album please let me know, I will help you with choosing your album and designing it.

If our event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?

If the event goes longer than expected I can definitely stay! I won’t leave before all the magic is over. If we need to add on additional coverage time it will be an additional $200 an hour for just me to stay or $250 for me and a second photographer to stay. You will be invoiced a few days after your wedding, you will not receive your final gallery until it has been paid.

Will you be photographing other events on the same day as our wedding?

Nope! Your wedding will be the only event that day!

What happens if you are ill, or there is an emergency?

Ugghh hopefully this never never ever happens… but if something happens and I can not cover your wedding my second photographer will take over as the lead or I will find another trusted photographer in the Kansas City area (I have a lovely network of amazing photographers that I trust completely!) They will cover your day, deliver the images to me and I will edit them and deliver your final gallery as planned.

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes! My business is insured by State Farm. I have up to 1,000,000 in liability insurance.

Can you share some recent testimonials?

Of course! Please check out My google business page for the most current reviews.

If you have any other questions I am happy to answer! Contact me here

questions to ask your wedding photographer

Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Courthouse wedding

If you opt in for a elopement at the courthouse this blog post is for you! Plan with these Kansas City courthouse wedding pro-tips in mind.

Courthouse wedding

Make Your Appointment

Be sure to call your local courthouse to make your appointment. My KC people; I went ahead and found the phone numbers for you for both sides of the state line – Jackson County (MO) (816-881-3191) and Johnson County (KS) (913-715-3428).

courthouse wedding pro-tips

Get Your Marriage License

Depending on which courthouse you go to you might need to apply for your marriage license ahead of time. Double check all the requirments on the county government websites – Jackson County (MO) and Johnson County (KS)

couple on green couch

Decide Who Will Officiate

When getting married at a courthouse you have the option of having a Justice of the Peace or a Judge preform the ceremony, but you also have the option of bringing in your own private officiant.

Pro-Tip: If you bring in your own private officiant choose someone that is special to you and your soon to be spouse. Possibly an official from your church or a close friend that can become an officiant for the day.

unique wedding ring

Hire Your Photographer

Even if your wedding will be on the more simple side your photos can still be EPIC.

PRO-TIP: You don’t have to only stick around the courthouse for your photos! There might be some hidden gems a couple blocks away or hire your photographer for some additional hours and somewhere with a breathtaking view.

courthouse wedding

to hire Natalie Nichole Photography please fill out my contact form here or at the bottom of this page.

Week Day ceremonies = $500
-an hour of coverage
-sneak peek photos the same day
-50+ final images delivered 3-5 weeks after your wedding

Weekend ceremonies (Nov-Feb) =$700
-two hours of coverage
-sneak peek photos the same day
-50+ final images delivered 3-5 weeks after your wedding

additional hours can be added on to any package.

courthouse wedding pro-tips
courthouse wedding pro-tips

Hire Professional Hair and Make Up

Hiring professional hair and makeup is a great way to pamper yourself before your ceremony. You’ll be able to look your best without all the stress of having to do it yourself.

Pro-Tip: Make sure you have a hair and make up trial with your beauty team, you want to make sure the look still feels like you and sometimes the best way to know is to take it for a test run!

courthouse wedding pro-tips
courthouse wedding pro-tips

Flowers are Always a Good Idea

If you love flowers don’t forget to bring some for your special day! You can get a gorgeous bouquet from a local florist with all your favorites.

Pro-Tip: If you don’t feel like carrying around a bouquet as a florist for some little blooms to add to your hair. All the flowers with less hassle.

boho couple

Add a Personal Touch to the Day

Add a little something that truly reflects you two as a couple. Some ideas; bring a special getaway car or motorcycle for after the ceremony, grab something to eat afterwards at your favorite restaurant, or have your closest friends and family waiting at the next location ready to celebrate your new marriage with you!

bride and groom on motorcycle
boho bride and groom on motorcycle

Pro-Tip: Keep your photographer around for the special events- you’ll want to look back on those memories.

Keep these Kansas City courthouse wedding pro-tips in the back of your mind while you plan your special day.

Not wanting to elope at the courthouse but still want to keep it low key? – here’s how to plan a simple wedding

Kansas City Courthouse Wedding Pro-Tips

You can choose any music genre for your first dance song. It doesn’t matter if it’s an old school classic, a new pop song, some homegrown country, or a little alternative. What matters most is that you feel a special connection to the song. If you close your eyes while the song is playing you immediately see your partner. The rhythm should bind your hearts together, the lyrics should remind you of each other.

Here are my top picks of perfect songs from every genre for your first dance

couple dances their first dance at wedding

Classic

  1. Can’t Help Falling In Love With You – Elvis Presley (sooooo many good remakes of this song as well!)
  2. This Will Be [An Everlasting Love] – Natalie Cole
  3. At Last – Etta James
  4. My Girl – The Temptations
  5. This Magic Moment – The Drifters

Pop

  1. Perfect – Ed Sheeran
  2. All of Me – John Legend
  3. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
  4. Give Me All Your Love – Brighton
  5. I Am Yours – Andy Grammer

Country

  1. Holding On to You – Miranda Lambert
  2. You Had Me at Hello – A Day To Remember
  3. Amazed – Lonestar
  4. My Best Friend – Tim McGraw
  5. I Want to Dance with You – George Strait

Indie/Alternative

  1. Love You For A Long Time – Maggie Roger
  2. Nothing Matters When We Dance – The Magnetic Fields
  3. All My Love – George Ezra
  4. I’m With You – Vance Joy
  5. Someone To You – BANNERS
choose any genre for your first dance at your wedding

Honorable Mentions

  1. Aquaman – Walk The Moon
  2. Overwhelmed – Tim McMorris
  3. Dreams – The Cranberries
  4. Yours to Keep – Jordan Mackampa
  5. Incredible – James TW
  6. Hooked On A Feeling – Blue Swede

For my fellow How I Met Your Mother fans: I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) – The Proclaimers

check out my full playlist of first dance songs here I’ll be adding to it constantly so go ahead and “follow” if you’d like.

genre for first dance
outdoors first dance at wedding

Before you pick your first dance, make sure your wedding day timeline is set- here’s how to plan the perfect wedding day timeline

The Perfect Songs from Every Genre for your First Dance

a simple wedding in kansas city

If a big wedding ceremony isn’t your thing, you might consider having a smaller ceremony or an intimate elopement. Here is how to have a simple wedding in Kansas City.

a simple wedding in kansas city

The key to making your marriage legal – Your Marriage License

In the state of Kansas (Johnson County)

You’ll have to go to the County Clerk’s office twice. Remember your IDs

Clerk of the District Court:
100 N Kansas Ave
Olathe, KS 66061
Hours: Monday- Friday 8am-5pm

-Apply for your marriage license

The application portion is a sworn affidavit. You’ll give basic info about both of you; name, age, city you live in. Then you’ll go under oath that you’re not related to each other, neither of you are currently already married, and that you don’t know of any other reason you shouldn’t get married.

-Wait three days

The state of Kansas requires applicants to wait three days for their marriage license to be processed.

-Return to pick up your license

Hot Tip: Technically only one of you needs to go to the Clerk’s office to apply, but going to get your marriage license together is a memorable moment I recommend you share together.

In the state of Missouri (Jackson County)

You can go to the Jackson County Courthouse, Historic Truman Courthouse, or you can apply online. If you go in person be sure to remember your IDs.

Jackson County Courthouse- Recorder of Deeds Department
415 East 12th Street
Room 104
Kansas City, Missouri 64106

Historic Truman Courthouse
112 W Lexington
Suite 30
Independence, Missouri 64050

apply for your marriage license

You’ll give basic info about both of you; name, age, city you live in.

-Pick up your marriage license

If you apply in person you can get it right then but if you apply online you’ll need to both go to pick it up.

a simple wedding in kansas city

The Fun Part -Your Ceremony

Both Johnson County and Jackson County will happily give you a list of judges that can perform your ceremony, you will need to reach out them and decide on a location. Your officiant can also be a religious official; a minister, a priest, a rabbi, etc. Nowadays you can have a friend or relative become a temporary officiant or become ordained which can add a personal touch to your ceremony.

Location Ideas:
Possibly in the court house (they don’t seem to be offering this very much)
Your backyard
A local park (check with each park about their fees and required permits)

Kansas (Johnson County)

Your ceremony will have to take place within 6 months after you receive your marriage license. All you will need for a ceremony is someone to officiant and two witnesses. Your officiant must turn in the license within 10 days of the ceremony.

Missouri (Jackson County)

Your ceremony will have to take place within 30 days. You’ll need an officiant and two witnesses. Your officiant must turn in the license to the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds Department within 15 days of the ceremony.

Hot Tip: Your wedding ceremony must take place in the State that you got your marriage license.

courthouse wedding

How much will it cost to have a simple wedding in Kansas City?

-License
Kansas $85.50 (additional $4.95 if you pay with a card)
Missouri $50.00

-officiant most likely between $100-200 (maybe free if your friend or relative is offering!)

-Venue will depend on where you choose! There are plenty of free options

courthouse wedding
backyard wedding in kansas city

How much will it cost to have a photographer at our simple wedding?

*quotes for Natalie Nichole Photography for a simple ceremony within 20 miles of Kansas City*

Week Day ceremonies = $500
-an hour of coverage
-sneak peek photos the same day
-50+ final images delivered 3-5 weeks after your wedding

Weekend ceremonies (Nov-Feb) =$700
-two hours of coverage
-sneak peek photos the same day
-50+ final images delivered 3-5 weeks after your wedding

Additional hours can be added to packages

a simple wedding in kansas city

Love KC? Have a simple wedding in Kansas City on a rooftop. The skyline makes for the perfect backdrop.

How To Have A Simple Wedding In Kansas City

If you’re like a majority of the country right now, or let’s get real – if you’re like a majority of the world right now, you’re probably somewhere between slightly nervous to full blown panic. If amidst all of the coronavirus drama you’re also engaged, you’re probably wondering “will the coronavirus affect your wedding”?

Regardless if the media is just trying to create hysteria, there still is a lot of panic going around.

If your wedding is coming up within the next few months it is important to think about your options.

As of right now in the midst of every major sport cancelling their seasons, schools closing for the rest of the semester, and large companies encouraging employees to work from home…. I think the main risk you’d face for your wedding would be creating too much of a “crowd”. Italy has officially banned people from gathering. The governor of Kansas has declared no groups larger than 100 people. BUT there are solutions to this problem.

Condense your Guest List

I know, I know easier said then done. Your family and friends will completely understand if you change your huge party into an intimate gathering. You can does this easily by only inviting your immediate family. If you’re immediate families still make a group larger than the size restrictions consider eloping! Just you, your partner, your officiant, and your photographer. Keep the ceremony incredibly small and host a large party for everyone once the world is healthy again.

Live Stream your Wedding Day

Hold your wedding exactly as you planned but have your guests celebrate with you from the comfort of their own homes. With todays technology you can live stream any event just at your finger tips. You can set up a Zoom call or Facebook Live right into a fb group. Everyone will get to share in the day in real time.

Reschedule

Now to everyone’s least favorite option. If your wedding is scheduled in an area that’s high risk the best option might be to push back your date. (I truly think this is only a worst case scenario option). BUT we never know so let’s prepare ourselves just incase. If none of the other options work for you, consider choosing a date that falls on a weekday. That will be the easiest way for you to reschedule with all of your vendors at an earlier date instead of having to wait until 2021 or even 2022.

Hopefully in a couple weeks the coronavirus and all it’s drama will blow over. Once the world can start turning again everything will go back to normal. For most couples the coronavirus won’t affect your wedding but it’s never a bad idea to be prepared.

the coronavirus affect your wedding

A Note to my 2020 Couples

I have to admit, I was one of the people at the grocery stores buying an extra pack of toilet paper (only 1 though!), some more hand soap, and a couple cans of soup. I might have let the panic get to me ever so slightly. Even though I took a little precaution I am still 110% prepared to cover your wedding day. Even if plans have to be adjusted I am here to help. Wether we keep the big party or switch to an intimate ceremony I will be there. I can even help set up a live stream for you and your guests! I am here for you, to serve you, and to help alleviate some stress – let me know what you need.

The most important thing to remember is – virus or no virus the wedding will still happen one way or another! You two will get married and spend the rest of your lives together. We won’t let the coronavirus affect your wedding day.

What a crazy story to tell in the future though, right?!

p.s. please wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds (happy birthday 2x – that’s all it takes!)

Interested in having an intimate ceremony – here’s how to plan a simple wedding in Kansas City

Will the Coronavirus Affect Your Wedding?