Top Ten Kansas City Wedding Reception Sites

Remember two years ago when your best friend finally got married and you were “cordially invited” to attend their wedding ceremony and reception? You were thrilled for the happy couple and quickly returned the RSVP card informing them that you would be attending their glorious event (and eating the steak). You were excited, that is, until you got to the front desk; maybe a dreary church basement, or a converted moldy old “mansion”, or maybe you showed up and they were having their reception in an abandoned warehouse dimly decorated with paper streamers and cheap lighting. You felt so sorry for your friend that you stayed as long as he seemed polite, and then you left in a hurry. Well, now it’s your turn to get married, and you don’t want to make the same mistake your friend did. You want the best wedding reception ever, and it all starts with the venue you choose. In this article, we’ve taken his everlasting happiness to heart and brought you our top ten places for wedding receptions in Kansas City.

1. The Theater of Madrid

A recently renovated performing arts theater, The Madrid Theater has more magic than an event space can handle. Often overlooked, this reception site is conveniently located right in the heart of Kansas City with access and parking directly from Main Street in the 38 block. Your guests will enter your reception from the parking area within a minimum 20-minute walk. steps up to a whimsical and elegant piece of Kansas City living history, beautifully restored just for you and your guests. The first thing your guests will see when they walk through the door is a magnificent double staircase that will take them to the balcony level where there is a bar and round tables that overlook the theater stage and dining room below. After the cocktail hour is over, your guests will descend to the theater dining room where there is another bar at the back of the room and a magnificent stage, ready to highlight your chosen entertainment for your big night! When dinner is complete, the stage is literally set! ready to dance the night away!

2. The Overland Park Convention Center

If you have a large group, the OPCC is the best venue in town for the perfect wedding reception. Most impressive is the giant lobby just outside the main ballroom, which features large modern art statues and huge windows that look out onto the pleasant green grassy courtyard. Many couples choose to hold cocktail hours in the lobby and also use the lobby to set up buffet stations for dinner. The Overland Park Convention Center is conveniently located right next to the Overland Park Sheraton Hotel with a connecting walkway.

3 club 1000

Located directly in the center of Kansas City at 11th and Broadway, Club 1000 is unique in that it has several different floors to accommodate different phases of your wedding ceremony and reception. That’s right, you can have your ceremony AND reception in the same building at Club 1000. The ceremonies are held on the top level (6th floor) of the building called “Penthouse 1000” and the cool thing about it is that the roof is open after the ceremony for an incredible photo op in the downtown Kansas City skyline. After the ceremony is over, your guests take the elevator or stairs to the second level known as “Club 1000” where they begin to drink and dance. If you have a night party, there is also another level of the building known as “Studio 1000” (3rd floor) where there is a fully wired karaoke system.

4. The Overland Park Sheraton

Just a stone’s throw from Interstate 435 and Metcalf Avenue, The Overland Park Sheraton is a great venue for wedding receptions. The Sheraton has a choice of 6 ballrooms that can be used individually or joined together to accommodate groups of any size. There is a great lobby where you can have your cocktail hour and the staff at the OP Sheraton are second to none. Another great feature is the hotel itself, which is luxurious and has its own late-night bar inside.

5. President Hilton

With Kansas City recently opening its popular Power and Light District, The Hilton President is your best choice for a wedding reception venue located near the popular new downtown area. Within walking distance of the P&L District, this great site offers the convenience of a hotel, restaurant and bar with a grand ballroom.

6. The Boulevard Brewery

For smaller groups, Boulevard Brewery is a brand new facility that has a very modern look and feel. The main party room has a large center bar stocked with (what else) all your favorite Boulevard Beer products and has a small stage for a DJ or small band. The Brewery has a nice balcony that offers a great view of the downtown Kansas City skyline.

7. Oakwood Country Club

Don’t let the “country club” in the title fool you, this beautiful wedding reception site is available for rent to the public. Located on a beautiful golf course, the Oakwood has floor-to-ceiling windows set into a 1970s-style round ballroom. There’s also another section of the ballroom for your favorite band and lots of dancing.

8. Hallbrook Country Club

Although it’s a bit more difficult to rent without a membership, Hallbrook Country Club remains one of the most stellar wedding reception sites in Kansas City. Exterior access is the key attraction, as Hallbrook has doors leading from each part of the grand ballroom to spectacular outdoor patios overlooking one of the city’s most exclusive golf courses.

9. The Cadillac Room / Fleetwood Room by Cadillac Catering

If it’s freedom and style you’re after, this great reception site located in the heart of downtown Kansas City is a welcome break from the norm. Two adjoining rooms offer your guests a simple yet elegant place to dine and dance, while offering a great view of downtown KC.

10. The carriage club

For that country club feel without paying the country club fee, The Carriage Club, located just off the “nice part” of Ward Parkway, is a great choice for your wedding reception. It features a beautiful large cocktail area with oak accents and a raised dining room overlooking two bars and the dance floor.