Best Kansas City Photography Locations for Couples, Weddings & Families
Kansas City is home to so many stunning and unique locations perfect for your photoshoot. Whether you’re planning an engagement session, a wedding, or a family portrait, choosing the right spot is key to creating authentic, meaningful images. As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless moments at some of the city’s most picturesque locations. On this page, I’ve gathered some of my favorite spots to help inspire your photoshoot. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, you’ll find the perfect backdrop for your story.
Where I am inspired to shoot?
I am based in Lakewood in the town of Lee's Summit, Missouri, not far from Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake. I enjoy the great lifestyle that the Kansas City metro has to offer.
I am inspired to take photographs in:
- The charming, historical downtown Lee's Summit that looks like a village, to the grandiose downtown Kansa City,
- The peaceful nature surrounding us, the calm green prairies, the lakes, or at sunrise when the birds are just beginning to sing,
- The majestic downtown towers, or the Kauffman Center, especially when the sun is low and the light reflects on the building,
- The view of Union Station from the Liberty Memorial at night, reminding us that the KC Chiefs are the best,
- The beautiful skyline from wedding venues like Union, Corrigan Station, 3 points, or On Broadway,
- The night life and energy from the Power and Light District or The Westport Entertainment District,
- The Seville Touch, a southern Spanish city that I love visiting, at the Country Club Plaza especially during the art fair, or during the holiday season,
- The historic downtown of West Bottoms or Crossroads with its red brick wall, its old buildings, and its vibrant and colorful street art.
Ideas of where to take photographs in Kansas City?
If you want to take pictures in Kansas City outside of your venue, here are some ideas open to the public:
For old urban feel in downtown KC:
- Crossroads for a brick or its wall art,
- Outside Union Station for the iconic building (going inside require a photo permit).
- West bottoms is also a popular place to take pictures with its old, almost abandoned factories or under the bridge on W 12th St.
- The plaza
For a modern urban feel :
- The Kaffman center for an iconic modern building,
- The Prairiefire Museum
For a view of the skyline of the city:
- WWI memorial
- Penn Valley park (statue of the native American Scout)
- Kaw Point Park
For a mix of nature and urban feel,
- The Nelson-Atkins museum,
- The National WW1 museum,
- Antioch park,
- Meadowbrook park in Prairie Village.
If you like parks there are many around the city, for a little fee you can have pictures taken in Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for example.
If you prefer wilder nature, you might like to go to Swope park or a lake like Longview or Jacomo.
If you like to travel back in time for your engagement session, you might want to check out Missouri Town Living History Museum (FYI, it requires a photo permit)
Also to consider for Engagement Photoshoots and Families:
The best location is a place that is specific and meaningful to you. It can be a special bar where you got engaged, a park you like to go, your "go to" playground, a specific location where you have an activity you like to do together, your house, etc.
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Reviews
He was so kind and helped us feel comfortable. Helped us with poses and taking the lead to ensure we had all the photos we wanted/needed. He ensured that we had time for everything we wanted and more!! He was truly incredible and we absolutely loved working with him. The photos he shared were truly beautiful and did not feel forced or uncomfortable; a very natural and fun experience. Thank you so much!
Erica