As a KC wedding photographer, I get to travel all over Missouri for weddings, and Sedalia has become one of my favorite spots. Olivia and Zach's August wedding at The Venue was everything: a beautiful ceremony at Sacred Heart Chapel, portraits in downtown Sedalia, and a reception that never stopped moving.

Olivia is pure sunshine. Zach's more reserved, but you can see how much he adores her in every look. I've been lucky enough to photograph both Olivia's sister, Claire’s wedding last August and their friend Noelle's wedding the year before, so when Olivia reached out, I already knew this family knows how to celebrate. Referrals like this are the best compliment. When people trust me with their biggest day, then send their favorite people my way, that means everything.

Spacious banquet hall with round tables, chandeliers, string lights, and lofted second floor—perfect for a KCMO bride seeking top KC wedding venues.

A long table set for a formal event with white tablecloth, gold cutlery, menus, and an "ASTER" flower card—perfect inspiration for KC wedding venues or a Kansas wedding photographer.

A table with white cloth holds glass vases with flowers and candles, set against a brick wall—perfect inspiration for a Missouri wedding photographer or KC wedding venues.

Round tables with white tablecloths and black chairs set the scene for a KCMO bride in this bright, elegant event space with wooden floors.

Shooting at The Venue in Sedalia as a KC Wedding Photographer

I'm based in Kansas City, but some of my favorite weddings happen outside the metro. Sedalia is about an hour and a half from KC. It's close enough for an easy drive, far enough that it feels like a destination.

The Venue in downtown Sedalia is one of those spaces that photographs like a dream. Built in 1906 and renovated to keep all the original character, it's got exposed brick walls, punched tin ceilings, and original hardwood floors. The modern/industrial aesthetic gives you a clean backdrop without feeling cold.

The bridal suite has massive windows that flood the space with natural light, so I can shoot details and getting-ready moments without fighting harsh overhead lighting. The main reception space holds up to 250 people, and being in historic downtown means you're walking distance from Hotel Bothwell and great photo locations. For a KC wedding photographer who's always looking for good light and interesting backgrounds, downtown Sedalia delivers.

Meet Olivia and Zach

Olivia reached out about a year before their wedding, and I was thrilled before we even talked. She told me I'd photographed her sister's wedding and their friend Noelle's wedding. When someone trusts you enough to recommend you to their sister, that's everything.

Referrals are my favorite way to book weddings. There's built-in trust because they've seen my work in action. Not just the gallery, but how I move through a wedding day. Olivia knew what she was getting.

They wanted a traditional ceremony at Sacred Heart Chapel and a reception space that felt contemporary and fun. The Venue checked every box. Olivia's energy is infectious. She's excited about every part of the day. Zach's quieter, more laid-back, but when he looks at Olivia, it's everything. They wanted their wedding to feel like them: joyful, authentic, and full of the people who matter most.

A KCMO bride in a white gown smiles at her groom as they hold hands indoors at one of the elegant KC wedding venues, softly lit and modern.

The Venue Sedalia: Industrial Chic in Downtown Sedalia

The Venue does the heavy lifting for you. The exposed brick gives you texture, the punched tin ceilings add character, and the original hardwood floors ground everything with warmth. You don't need to go overboard on decor because the building itself is stunning.

When I walked in on wedding day, string lights and chandeliers hung from the ceiling, tables were arranged perfectly, and everything felt cohesive without being overdone. My advice for couples planning here: lean into what the venue already gives you. The modern/industrial look works with almost any color palette.

The high ceilings mean I can shoot wide and capture the whole scene. The brick walls provide texture without being distracting. The natural light from the windows is perfect. And if you're booking The Venue, take advantage of downtown Sedalia for portraits. You're across the street from great architecture and interesting doorways.

Getting Ready in The Venue's Bridal and Groom Suites

The Venue's bridal suite is massive. Seven vanities, separate dressing rooms, and windows everywhere. But the light is what matters. These huge windows let in the most perfect natural light. I shot all of Olivia's getting-ready photos using nothing but window light, and everything looked soft and editorial.

Olivia's attention to detail was incredible. She had custom button-down shirts made for each bridesmaid with hand embroidery. Each girl's role and the wedding date stitched on the cuff. She even made shirts for her mom and Zach's mom. These personal touches make detail photos meaningful.

A group of people are reflected in a mirror, gathered around a makeup station in a well-lit room; perfect inspiration for a KCMO bride or Missouri wedding photographer.

A KCMO bride sits on a makeup chair as her artist shows her a palette; both smile in a well-lit dressing room, ready for the big day.

Three gold rings, including a diamond engagement ring, displayed in a white oval box on a pastel floral background—styled by a Sedalia wedding photographer.

A white wedding dress hangs near exposed brick as white heels rest below—a timeless scene captured by a Kansas wedding photographer.

Floral wedding invitations, rings, pearl jewelry, and a boutonnière are arranged on a light blue surface with pink ribbon by a Missouri wedding photographer.

Four women in a makeup room smile and pose for a selfie, surrounded by mirrors and beauty products—perfect inspiration for any KCMO bride or Missouri wedding photographer.

A person wearing a light blue button-up shirt with "julie" embroidered on the pocket, perfect for a KCMO bride searching for KC wedding venues, and a phone number on the left sleeve.

A bride in a white gown is assisted by her bridesmaid as another woman holds the veil in a bright, gold-accented room—captured by a Missouri wedding photographer.

A KCMO bride in a white dress and veil is reflected in a round mirror, with her bridesmaid in yellow standing beside her, holding the veil.

A KCMO bride in a white dress holds a vibrant bouquet of roses, daisies, and dahlias, standing indoors near a window.

A smiling KCMO bride with long blonde hair in a white dress and veil stands against a plain white background, hands gently clasped.

A KCMO bride smiles warmly as she is embraced by her bridesmaids, one of whom holds a colorful bouquet of flowers.

A KCMO bride in a lavender dress smiles emotionally while opening a small package, appearing touched or surprised.

A joyful bride in a white dress twirls with her bouquet raised, surrounded by bridesmaids in colorful dresses—captured perfectly by a Missouri wedding photographer.

Six smiling women in pastel dresses pose with vibrant bouquets, perfect inspiration from a Kansas wedding photographer in a bright indoor setting.

A man with a beard helps another man put on a suit jacket in a sunlit room—a candid moment captured by a Kansas wedding photographer.

A man in a black suit and light blue tie has a gold boutonniere pinned to his lapel—captured perfectly by a Missouri wedding photographer. A light blue pocket square is visible.

A man in a black suit and light blue tie stands indoors, adjusting his jacket—perfect inspiration for a Missouri wedding photographer at elegant KC wedding venues.

A groom in a black suit stands in the foreground, while a bride smiles in the blurred background—captured by a Missouri wedding photographer at an elegant indoor venue.

A KCMO bride in a white gown and her groom stand indoors, holding hands and smiling on a wooden floor with industrial decor. Captured by a Missouri wedding photographer.

A bride and groom pose indoors with their wedding party in a decorated, rustic venue with string lights, perfect for KC wedding venues and captured by a Missouri wedding photographer.

I always tell couples to think about where they're getting ready because it impacts how your photos look. Dark hotel rooms with fluorescent lighting aren't ideal. A bright suite with big windows? That's where the magic happens. At The Venue, I had room to capture everything: the dress, the bridesmaids laughing, Olivia's mom helping her, all those embroidered shirts laid out together.

Sacred Heart Chapel: A Historic Sedalia Ceremony Location

Olivia and Zach got married at Sacred Heart Chapel, a beautiful Catholic church that's been around since 1882. Here's what made it special: Olivia's parents got married in this exact same chapel. When a couple chooses a ceremony location with family history, it adds meaning you can't replicate.

Church ceremonies have a different energy. I work quietly and unobtrusively, but I'm always watching for candid reactions. During Olivia and Zach's ceremony, I focused on the moments that mattered. Zach's face when Olivia walked down the aisle, her mom tearing up during vows, the quiet moment they shared before the kiss.

But let's talk about the real MVP: the flower petal exit. I LOVE a good ceremony exit, and so many couples forget to plan one. Olivia and Zach had flower petals ready, and as soon as they walked out of Sacred Heart Chapel, their guests showered them. The energy was incredible, and I got some of my favorite images during those 60 seconds. Ceremony exits are classic moments that never go out of style and give you this burst of joy that photographs beautifully.

Interior of a large ornate church with wooden pews, stained glass windows, and a chandelier—an ideal spot for KC wedding venues or a Sedalia wedding photographer to capture timeless moments.

A KCMO bride stands smiling as her bridesmaids help with her hair in a bright room, while others sit nearby chatting and preparing.

A smiling KCMO bride in a white gown holds a pastel bouquet, standing indoors in front of pale panelled doors.

A bride in a white gown holding a bouquet walks arm-in-arm with an older man down the aisle, captured by a Missouri wedding photographer.

A KCMO bride smiles and hugs an older man, likely her father, in a church as guests and the groom watch during a wedding ceremony.

A wedding ceremony unfolds inside a grand church, with a KCMO bride and her partner at the altar, surrounded by guests in one of the top KC wedding venues.

A KCMO bride and groom exchange rings at the altar in a church as a priest officiates their wedding ceremony.

A bride and groom kiss at the altar as their Missouri wedding photographer captures the moment, with a smiling officiant in white and gold robes standing nearby.

A KCMO bride in a white gown and her groom walk hand in hand down the aisle, smiling in a decorated church as guests and a priest look on.

A KCMO bride and groom embrace on a staircase by stained glass windows, the bride holding a bouquet—capturing the elegance of top KC wedding venues.

A KCMO bride and groom stand together on a stairway, dressed in wedding attire, holding hands near a large, ornate window.

A groom kisses his KCMO bride’s forehead by a stained glass window on a staircase; she holds a bouquet and smiles.

A newlywed couple smiles and holds hands outside a church as guests throw confetti—captured perfectly by a Kansas wedding photographer. The bride wears white; the groom, a black suit.

A joyful KCMO bride and groom hold hands, smiling as flower petals are tossed outside a church entrance. The bride holds a colorful bouquet.

August Wedding Portraits in Downtown Sedalia

After the ceremony at Sacred Heart Chapel, we walked across the street to the Sedalia library. The building has light-colored stone that acts as a natural reflector. When the sun hits it right, it bounces soft light back onto my couples. I don't need extra lighting because the building does the work.

We shot Olivia and Zach in front of the library, and the light was perfect. August sun can be harsh, but we timed it right. This is why I love shooting in smaller downtowns like Sedalia. You get beautiful architecture without crowds and traffic.

A KCMO bride in a white dress stands with bridesmaids in pastels and groomsmen in black suits, all smiling on grass before one of the top KC wedding venues.

A KCMO bride in a white dress smiles and shows her ring while standing with her groom in a black suit outdoors near white stone columns.

A KCMO bride in a white gown embraces her groom by a stone column as they gaze at each other lovingly outdoors.

A KCMO bride in a white dress and her groom share an embrace, smiling outdoors on a sunny day near grassy grounds—captured by a Missouri wedding photographer.

Soft Summer Nights

Golden hour in August is unreal. After family photos at the library, we headed back to The Venue and snuck out again for sunset portraits around downtown. The light was soft, warm, and flattering. If you're planning an August wedding, work with your KC wedding photographer to build golden hour into your timeline. It usually happens around 7:30 to 8:00 PM, so plan for a second portrait session before your reception. Those 20 minutes will give you some of the best images of your day.

A bride and groom in wedding attire embrace, hands gently overlapping to display their wedding rings—captured beautifully by a Sedalia wedding photographer.

A groom in a black suit hugs and kisses his smiling KCMO bride, glowing in her white dress, as they stand on a sunlit city street.

A KCMO bride and her groom hold hands and walk across a quiet street at sunset, casting long shadows in a charming small town setting.

A bride and groom hold hands and smile while walking outdoors on a sunny day, beautifully captured by a Missouri wedding photographer.

A bride and groom share a kiss outdoors at sunset, her white dress flowing in the warm sunlight—captured by a talented Missouri wedding photographer.

A KCMO bride and groom embrace at sunset, touching foreheads as warm sunlight shines between them, highlighting the bride’s ring.

Reception at The Venue

By the time we got back to The Venue, the space had transformed. Tables were arranged perfectly, and the whole room glowed with string lights and chandeliers. The industrial bones gave it an effortlessly cool vibe.

The toasts were heartfelt and funny. First dances are always emotional, but watching Zach (this strong, quiet guy) hold Olivia and be completely present was everything. Then the dance floor opened up and didn't stop. Olivia's energy was contagious. I shot everything from choreographed dances to chaotic, sweaty, end-of-the-night moments where everyone's shoes are off and nobody cares anymore.

Dance floor photography isn't staged. I'm watching, anticipating, and capturing moments as they happen. The surprise when someone's favorite song comes on. The way a mom grabs her daughter for one more dance. The pure joy of a couple surrounded by everyone they love. I stayed as long as they were celebrating because those final moments often give me some of my favorite images.

A newlywed couple, smiling and holding hands, enters a reception hall; the KCMO bride holds a bouquet and wears a white gown, the groom wears a black suit.

A woman in a light blue dress walks between tables with her arms raised, smiling, as guests at a Missouri wedding cheer and clap around her.

A three-tiered white cake adorned with pink and purple flowers sits on a gold tray, perfect for KCMO bride celebrations, with greenery at the base against a brick wall background.

Two older women smile behind a table with red velvet cake, dressed elegantly—captured perfectly by your Missouri wedding photographer against a charming brick wall.

A bride and groom share their first dance in a rustic, warmly lit reception hall as guests look on—captured beautifully by a Sedalia wedding photographer.

A bride and groom kiss while dancing at their wedding reception in a warmly lit venue, beautifully captured by a Kansas wedding photographer with guests seated in the background.

A KCMO bride in a white gown dances joyfully with a woman in blue at a warmly lit hall, as guests at tables smile—a beautiful moment at one of the best KC wedding venues.

Why Couples Hire a KC Wedding Photographer for Sedalia Weddings

I shoot weddings all over Missouri. When you hire a KC wedding photographer who's willing to travel, you're getting someone who's adaptable and experienced in different venues and lighting situations. I know how to work with whatever space and light I'm given.

If you're deciding whether to hire a local photographer or bring someone in from KC, here's my honest take: hire the photographer whose work you love, regardless of location. Your wedding photos are one of the few things you'll have forever. Find a photographer whose style matches what you want. Look at full galleries, not just Instagram highlights. And talk to them. You'll spend 8 to 10 hours with this person on one of the most important days of your life.

For me, referrals are always the best indicator. Olivia trusted me because I'd already photographed her sister and friend. That's the kind of relationship I want with every couple.

Planning Your Wedding at The Venue or Sacred Heart Chapel

Here's what I'd recommend based on photographing Olivia and Zach's day:

Build in buffer time between ceremony and reception. We had about an hour and a half, which gave us enough time for everything without feeling rushed.
Take advantage of downtown Sedalia for portraits. The library, Hotel Bothwell, and historic buildings are all walking distance.
Use The Venue's bridal suite for getting-ready photos and even wedding party photos if you want to avoid the mid-day heat!. That natural light is incredible.
Don't skip the ceremony exit. Flower petals, bubbles, whatever. Plan something.
For August weddings, here's a timeline that works: getting ready at The Venue in the morning, late afternoon ceremony at Sacred Heart (4:00 or 5:00 PM), golden hour portraits around 7:30 to 8:00 PM, and reception starting around 6:00 PM. This keeps you from being outside during the worst heat and maximizes the best light for photos.

A bride and groom sit at a decorated table, smiling and laughing in front of a brick wall during their reception at one of the top KC wedding venues.

Three people sit at a decorated table in front of a brick wall, raising glasses in a toast and smiling—captured perfectly by a Missouri wedding photographer.

A man in a suit with a beard speaks into a microphone as another man looks up at him, set against a brick wall—captured by a talented Missouri wedding photographer.

A man in a suit gives a speech to a KCMO bride and groom at their table, while guests watch in a warmly lit reception hall with brick walls.

Four women in formal dresses, including a KCMO bride in white, pose and smile together for a photo in front of a brick wall and photo booth at an indoor event.

A man in a suit holding a drink dances at an indoor event with other formally dressed guests—captured by a skilled Kansas wedding photographer.

Two women in dresses, one in a white bridal gown, dance together at a lively indoor wedding reception—captured by a Missouri wedding photographer with string lights overhead.

A bride, a man in a white shirt, and a man in a suit laugh and dance with party favors at a lively reception captured by a Sedalia wedding photographer.

A smiling KCMO bride in a light blue dress and a man in a white shirt hold drinks and sparklers at an indoor party, with other people dancing in the background.

A woman in a light green dress smiles and raises her arm while holding a drink, dancing at an indoor event with a Sedalia wedding photographer capturing the moment.

A bride and groom share a kiss while dancing at their wedding reception, captured by a Missouri wedding photographer in a warmly lit room filled with dancing couples.

A KCMO bride and groom share a kiss while dancing, surrounded by couples in a warmly lit reception hall with wooden floors and brick walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to hire a KC wedding photographer for a Sedalia wedding?

A: Wedding photography investment varies based on coverage hours, deliverables, and experience level. My packages start at $3,500 and include full-day coverage, an online gallery, and printing rights. Travel to venues within 2 hours of Kansas City (including Sedalia) is included. I recommend reaching out for detailed pricing and package information so we can customize coverage based on your specific needs and timeline.

Q: Do you charge extra to travel from Kansas City to Sedalia for weddings?

A: No, I don't charge travel fees for weddings within a 2-hour radius of Kansas City, which includes Sedalia. I regularly photograph weddings throughout Missouri and love shooting at venues outside the metro area. Travel time is built into my process, so you won't see surprise fees added to your invoice. If your venue is further than 2 hours, we can discuss accommodations, but Sedalia is well within my normal coverage area.

Q: What's the best time of day for outdoor wedding photos in August in Missouri?

A: Golden hour is your best friend for August weddings in Missouri. That's typically between 7:30 to 8:30 PM in August. The midday sun is harsh and unflattering, so I always recommend building your timeline to include portrait time during that softer evening light. If your ceremony is earlier in the day, we can do family and wedding party photos right after, then sneak away for couple portraits during golden hour before your reception gets into full swing.

Book Your KC Wedding Photographer for Your Sedalia Wedding

Olivia and Zach's wedding reminded me why I love what I do. Getting to document a day full of joy, history, and genuine connection: that's the whole point.

If you're planning a wedding at The Venue, Sacred Heart Chapel, or anywhere else in Missouri, I'd love to talk. I'm currently booking weddings for 2026 and into 2027, and I only take a limited number each year so I can give every couple my full attention.

My approach is straightforward: I'm there to document your day as it unfolds and give you images that feel authentic. I'm not going to make you do awkward poses or spend an hour on stiff family photos. I work best with couples who value experience and quality. Check out more of my work on my website, and when you're ready, reach out through my contact form. I'll get back to you within 24 to 48 hours.

Your wedding photos are one of the only things from your wedding day that last forever. Make sure you're hiring someone who gets that.