the blog
If you’re searching for a wedding venue with history, character, and a unique charm, then Fire House KC might just be the perfect spot for you! Nestled in Midtown Kansas City, this beautifully restored 1931 fire station is now a stunning venue that blends industrial vibes with sophisticated elegance. Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor courtyard ceremony or a cozy, intimate reception, Fire House KC offers endless possibilities to make your wedding truly unforgettable!
A Little History: From Firehouse to Wedding Venue
Originally built in 1931, Fire House KC was Midtown’s only fire station and served the area for over 40 years. After closing in 1979, the building sat vacant for decades—until UC-B Investment Properties purchased it in 2019 and gave it a second life! Thanks to a meticulous restoration, this historic space has been reborn as a wedding and event venue, keeping much of its original charm while adding elegant, modern touches.
What Makes Fire House KC Unique?
Fire House KC isn’t just another wedding venue—it’s full of character! Many of its original features remain, making it a one-of-a-kind space.
- Original truck bay doors are now gorgeous, oversized windows in the main hall.
- A fire pole and hose shaft still remain, perfect for unique photo opportunities.
- The courtyard provides a rare outdoor ceremony option right in the heart of the city.
- Upstairs, the former captain’s quarters and locker room have been transformed into private getting-ready suites.
From romantic chandeliers to lofty ceilings, this venue offers a perfect mix of historic charm and modern elegance!
Spaces & Guest Accommodations
One of the best things about Fire House KC is its flexibility. Whether you’re planning a small intimate ceremony or a big celebration, there’s a space to fit your vision.
- Outdoor Courtyard – Perfect for ceremonies or cocktail hours, seating up to 150 guests.
- Main Hall – Ideal for ceremonies and receptions, accommodating up to 150 guests indoors.
- Bonus Room Upstairs – A cozy, stylish space for cocktail hours or intimate ceremonies for up to 80 guests.
Amenities & Services
Fire House KC offers all the essentials to make wedding planning stress-free:
- Tables, chairs, and linens included
- Sound system & prep kitchen with an ice machine
- Open vendor policy – choose from their recommended list or bring your own
- Two private getting-ready suites and a lounge area upstairs
- On-site staff to assist with heat/air, sound, and lighting
- Set-up and teardown of tables and chairs
- On-site and nearby parking for guests
Alcohol Service Options:
Fire House KC also offers flexible alcohol options to suit your needs! You can choose to bring in your own alcohol and hire a bartender, giving you full control over your drink selections. If you’d rather skip the hassle of handling alcohol yourself, the venue also offers an in-house bar package. This option takes care of everything, so you can relax and enjoy the celebration without any extra stress.
While their team helps with venue logistics, couples are encouraged to hire a wedding planner to handle day-of coordination.
Ceremony & Reception Options
Many couples love the idea of hosting both their ceremony and reception in the same place. Fire House KC makes this easy with multiple ceremony options and an upstairs lounge for guests while the space is flipped for the reception. The perfect excuse for cocktail hour with apps!
Outdoor ceremonies in the courtyard are a favorite, with the city skyline peeking through the trees. Indoor ceremonies in the Main Hall offer a warm, romantic setting under stunning chandeliers. Intimate ceremonies upstairs provide a cozy atmosphere for smaller weddings!
And don’t worry about Kansas City weather! Backup indoor options are available in case of rain.
Best Photography Spots at Fire House KC
As a photographer, this venue is a dream! Some of the best places for wedding portraits include:
- The grand staircase – an elegant backdrop for romantic moments.
- Under the chandeliers – adding a soft, glowing light to your photos.
- The outdoor courtyard – perfect for sunset portraits.
- The lounge area by the mini bar – stylish and modern.
- The getting-ready suites – capturing those final pre-ceremony touches.
Want something even more unique? The original fire pole and hose shaft make for playful and unforgettable photos!
Planning Your Fire House KC Wedding
Pricing & Booking: Weekend wedding pricing remains the same year-round. However, weekday weddings are significantly discounted, and last-minute bookings (within 12 weeks) may receive additional discounts.
How far in advance should you book? Peak dates fill up fast, so plan to book at least 6-9 months in advance, or 12+ months for prime wedding season dates.
Policies to know: A 50% deposit is required to reserve your date, and while it’s non-refundable, cancellations can be made at any time. Events must end by 10 PM on weekdays and 11 PM on weekends, with everything cleared out one hour later.
Memorable Moments at Fire House KC
One of the most special things about this venue? Firefighters who get married here! Given the venue’s rich history, it’s always extra meaningful when couples with connections to the fire service choose this as their wedding space. But every couple who celebrates at Fire House KC becomes part of its story—and that’s what makes it so special.
Final Thoughts: Is Fire House KC Right for You?
If you’re looking for a venue with historic charm, modern elegance, and a little urban edge, Fire House KC is an amazing choice. The flexible spaces, stunning architectural details, and indoor/outdoor options make it versatile, unique, and unforgettable.
Molly, the Venue & Event Manager, recommends checking out their preferred vendor list to make planning easier. Their recommended professionals know the space well and can help bring your wedding vision to life!
Schedule a Tour!
If Fire House KC sounds like your perfect venue, book a tour through their website and see it for yourself! It’s a place where history meets love, and where your story becomes part of something truly special.
A HUGE shoutout to Molly, the Venue & Event Manager for agreeing to collaborate on this Venue Spotlight by answering all my questions and being so wonderful to work with. I can confidently say that if you decide to host an event at Fire House KC, you will be in good hands!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
