Best Midwest Wedding Locations

For most people, getting married is an occasion that calls for big dreams and big plans. If part of your dream is to have a wedding in a place that caters to your every whim, the Midwest offers a wide variety of choices for your wedding.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas- Eureka Springs has made its name by being wedding-friendly. If you want a small ceremony there are many small inns that cater to brides. If you want an all-inclusive package, A Wedding at Hidden Acres offers the convenience of a wedding, reception and honeymoon all on the grounds. Many couples marry in the Crescent Hotel, which is reputed to be haunted. Even though Eureka Springs is in the Ozarks, it is still in Arkansas, so the weather gets extremely hot in the summer. To avoid the heat, schedule you wedding during the more pleasant months of April and May. Wedding packages go fast, so book at least six months in advance.

Branson, MO- Branson may be known as the Entertainment Capital of the Midwest, but many couples also choose Branson for their wedding. One of the more unique locations for a wedding is the Titanic Museum. Couples can be married on an exact replica of Titanic's famous Grand Staircase. For a more traditional wedding, Branson's Treetop Chapel is a rustic chapel featuring a stone fireplace. Branson stays busy year-round and it can be difficult to book a date. To increase your chances of a Branson wedding, it helps to book at least six months in advance and to be flexible when choosing your wedding date.

Gatlinburg, TN- Set in the Smokey Mountains, Gatlinburg is a popular place for summer weddings. The temperatures are mild and the picturesque setting makes for great outdoor weddings. The Chapel at the Preserve is a traditional church-type wedding chapel with on-site reception room and honeymoon cabin rentals. They also offer Christian wedding officiants. Christmas weddings are also popular in Gatlinburg. There are many different options for the bride seeking a Smokey Mountain wedding, so with some persistence and flexibility, you can make reservations as late as a month before your big day.

Kansas City, MO- If you are seeking a more cosmopolitan wedding experience, the Kansas City metropolitan area has a wide variety of wedding locations and services. The Loretto is Kansas City is one of the most popular chapels in the city and is noted for its elegance and charm. For a unique wedding, the Uptown Theater offers four distinct rooms for weddings and receptions. They offer custom catering packages and help with wedding day coordination. All religious faiths are represented in Kansas City, so finding a suitable wedding officiant is easier than in smaller towns.

Lexington, KY- Lexington, KY is as full of charm as many smaller towns, but as all of the conveniences of a large city. Wedding chapels are easy to find, with the Berry Mansion at Juniper Hill being one of the most popular places in Lexington to wed. Winter weather in Lexington can be a little tricky, so spring and summer weddings are more popular. For popular chapels, make sure you book at least four months in advance.

Shelbyville, IL- For weddings off the beaten track, you can't beat Shelbyville, IL. The Best Wedding Chapel has made a name for itself for providing themed wedding packages that fit withing any budget. A full wedding package with up to 75 guests is available for $200. The Best Chapel also has an open top 1942 fire truck that newly married couples can ride through town in. It has become a town tradition.

Omaha, NE- For a true fairy tale wedding, you can't type Omaha's Joslyn Castle. Weddings take place year round, but outdoor weddings on the grounds are more popular in the spring and fall. Joslyn Castle works with local caters that have been approved to work inside the historic building. The Joslyn books up fast, so plan on making reservations at least six months in advance.

Memphis, TN- For a wedding that people will still be talking about on your silver anniversary, plan your wedding in the Chapel in the Woods at Elvis Presley's Graceland. The Chapel provides a private dressing room for the bride. Perfect for smaller wedding, the Chapel only seats 50 guests and does not provide clergy, but you will be guaranteed a wedding to remember. The basic package is $650 for an hour and a half. The Chapel is booked up six months in advance, so make your calls early.

Tulsa, OK- Tulsa, OK is a perfect mix of western charm and southern sensibility. Whether you pick the downtown Tulsa Crowne Plaza or the more elegant Chapel in the Woods, Tulsa offers temperate weather year round, ensuring that your guests won't swelter in intense heat or get stuck in heavy snow. Many faiths are represented in Tulsa. Tulsa isn't a premier wedding destination, so you can plan your ceremony with less than one months notice.