Sprawling across 128 acres of Missouri prairie 30 minutes from Downtown Kansas City sits Lone Summit Ranch – a wedding and event venue. Pursuing her dream of running a wedding venue, Linda Sallee and her husband purchased the land and buildings in 2016. 

“My husband and I bought Lone Summit Ranch seven years ago,” says Linda. “Owning a wedding venue has always been a dream of mine! When my husband wanted to buy the farm I told him we were BOTH getting our dream!”

Bringing the Ranch to Life

The ranch founded in the early 1900’s, it wasn’t until the early 2010’s that it started to transition into a wedding venue. 

“When we bought the ranch, it had sat vacant for three and a half years,” describes Linda. “The property was nothing but weeds that were growing so high as to reach the gutters and deteriorating buildings. Everywhere we looked it was in need of repair!” Linda and her husband quickly began work on rehabilitating the property to suit their needs.

“We started tearing down the existing house and built our new home that stands today,” says Linda. “Then we literally brought in dumpsters and placed them throughout the property and just started going through every building.” After renovations were successfully completed, the property boasted the main house, a honeymoon cottage, a bridal cottage, four barns, and plenty of garages. The buildings and landscaping were styled in a manner that would reflect the robust and picturesque scenery – what Linda describes as an “elegant estate feeling”.

“You can’t replace the beauty of the property and now with the renovations it is breathtaking,” says Linda. “The 15 acre lake provides guests with a beautiful backdrop for any event, and our pristine green space is line no other venue in the Kansas City area.” 

Making a Statement in the Industry

Some included amenities are:

• All day access from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Indoor and outdoor ceremony sites
• Beautifully decorated reception hall
• Covered veranda with an outside patio
• Honeymoon cottage
• Pool area
• Bridal cottage
• On-site catering
• And plenty of space for engagement photo opportunities

With the many amenities available to couples, Linda hopes to streamline the wedding planning process by being flexible and accommodating.

“Our goal is to provide a streamlined, stress free day for all of our couples,” says Linda. “We provide a 30-day meeting to go over all the details of their day so that everything is taken care of and runs perfectly the day of their wedding.” Couples are also invited to attend a private tasting with the venue’s exclusive caterer to build custom food and alcohol packages.

Not Just a Wedding Venue

Weddings are not the only event-type Lone Summit Ranch hosts! Events range from weddings to corporate events and from Christmas parties to proms – and many more in between. But, Linda’s favorite event (not including weddings) is the Mother’s Day Brunch Lone Summit Ranch hosts every year.

“We start selling our tickets in March and sell out in two weeks or less,” describes Linda. We host 600 people and offer a delicious brunch, stunning dessert bar, live music, flower tuck for pre-ordered bouquets, a photographer, face painting, and a bouncy house.”

Linda’s Advice

When asked what advice she would give to prospective couples, Linda says:

“Pick a venue that when you tour you can’t imagine your dream day anywhere else! Pick a venue that offers a stress-free, seamless day with a staff that cares.” Creating a relationship with the couples is important to Linda. Making sure they have the perfect day is her top priority! She takes great pride in fostering a culture at Lone Summit Ranch that will create lasting relationships.

“When you drive in the entrance, through the tree-lined drive, there is something very special about Lone Summit Ranch, and you can feel it when you arrive,” says Linda.

Styled Session at Lone Summit Ranch

I had the opportunity to plan a styled session at Lone Summit Ranch and capture the wonderful amenities the venue has to offer! A day filled with fun and laughter led to some beautiful photographs. I was able to capture a “morning after” session at the honeymoon cottage, a couples sessions at the mini golf course and swimming pool, and wedding sessions throughout the venue!

Linda and her team are a pleasure to work with! I hope to capture many more moments at Lone Summit Ranch in the future!