What comes to mind when you think of the word, “elopement?”

Is it a quick ceremony in a Vegas chapel? Exchanging rings at the courthouse? Getting married in secret?

That may be what eloping used to mean – but not anymore! Nowadays, eloping is all about being intentional in how you get married, and doing what truly feels right to you! If a big white wedding with 200 guests isn’t your thing, or the thought of planning a giant party stresses you out, eloping might be perfect for you.

But a small ceremony doesn’t make your wedding day any less meaningful! This is still the day you commit to the love of your life, and it deserves more than the courthouse. Here are 8 beautiful places to elope in Kansas City!

Loose Park

Loose Park is the third largest park in Kansas City, and a great place to elope! You can choose between saying your vows in the colorful rose garden, by the quaint duck pond, or amongst the trees that line the pathways of Loose Park. If you’re planning to elope in the fall, you’ll get the chance to see the leaves as they erupt into shades of orange and red, and the fall foliage will make a stunning backdrop for your elopement photos!

Cedar Crest Lodge

This lodge is located in Pleasanton, an hour south of Kansas City. But, this quaint, rural getaway is an incredible place to elope. Stretching over 100 acres, the grounds give you endless options for the perfect spot to tie the knot! The Lodge even offers elopement packages, which include a wedding cake, champagne, dinners, and lodging. This is one of the best places to elope in Kansas City (well, right outside of it), for couples who want to get away from the hustle and bustle and spend their elopement in a rustic bed and breakfast in the countryside.

Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors’ Park

This scenic park sits on a cliff overlooking Swope Park and the Kansas City Zoo, and has an inspiring history. Richard Bloch overcame lung cancer that was deemed terminal, and he and his wife Annette opened the Cancer Survivors’ Park as a symbol of strength. This is one of the most private parks that you can choose for your elopement ceremony, especially if you elope at sunset!

The Vow Exchange Chapel

This tiny chapel features a barn wood interior that gives it the rustic charm that traditional wedding venues charge thousands for! While this space can seat up to 50 guests, they frequently host tiny elopement ceremonies with just a few people. This is the perfect place to elope for the couple who doesn’t want anything too outlandish, but who knows that their wedding day still deserves a little something special.

Kessler Park

This park is perfect for an intimate, small elopement ceremony! Kessler Park’s south side features pergolas covered in picturesque hanging vines, making it the perfect spot to say your vows. This little oasis is located in a convenient plaza, so if you want to combine your elopement with a honeymoon and stay in a hotel (or even throw a post-ceremony party), this park is ideal!

Chapel on the Corner

Located in the historic Liberty Square Neighborhood, the Chapel on the Corner embraces its vintage roots with arched windows, high ceilings, and wood accents. They offer packages ranging from a simple ceremony for couples who elope without guests to 70-person parties. The intimacy and elegance of this little chapel makes it one of the best places to elope in Kansas City.  

Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

An art museum may not be your first thought when it comes to picking the perfect place to elope in Kansas City, but Nelson Atkins has a gorgeous lawn that features archways covered in vines. These structures make an incredible backdrop for elopement photos, and the dramatic architecture of the museum in the background will add a unique touch!

Swope Park

Swope Park is especially beautiful at sunset, and eloping amongst the grassy meadows and woodlands is an experience you’ll never forget. You can hike through the park and enjoy the community gardens, fountains, and greenery, and tie the knot in this perfect nature oasis in Kansas City.

Ready to Elope in Kansas City?

As your resident Kansas City wedding photographer, I’m ready to capture all the warm and fuzzies of your elopement day! For help with finding the perfect location and all the elopement planning tips (and great photos of course), contact me!