How to Plan an LGBTQ+ Wedding in Kansas City

Planning a wedding as an LGBTQ+ couple can be both incredibly joyful and unexpectedly complicated. In a perfect world, every vendor would be affirming, every form would say “Partner 1 & Partner 2,” and no one’s family would make things weird, but we’re not quite there yet. The good news? Kansas City has an amazing community of inclusive pros, welcoming venues, and thoughtful ways to create a celebration that’s fully, unapologetically you. At Philosofi Celebrations, we’ve had the honor of planning and managing weddings for queer acouples across the KC metro, and creating spaces where you can feel seen, supported, and celebrated is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re going big or keeping it intimate, this guide is here to help you navigate planning an LGBTQ+ wedding in Kansas City with confidence, clarity, and joy.

Finding LGBTQ+ Affirming Wedding Vendors

A lot of people outside of Kansas City might have a hard time imagining how LGBTQ+ inclusive our midwestern city is, but I find that the majority of vendors in the metro are welcoming and affirming to all. Some of our favorite LGBTQ+ owned and/or affirming vendors include Lauren Benson Photography, Jenny Jolley Photography, Sweet Chamomile Floral, Designwise KC, and Dutzel’s Catering. We trust that these vendors (along with many more) go beyond just being willing to take your money and will truly celebrate you the way you deserve.

We have a full guide on how to find LGBTQ+ affirming wedding vendors, but here’s a quick run down on red flags vs. green flags when you’re vetting vendors:

• Green Flags
  • Explicitly stating that they are LGBTQ+ inclusive/affirming or “welcoming to all”
  • Including their pronouns and/or asking for yours on their website/social media
  • Featuring queer couples on their website and social media
• Red Flags
  • Only ever using “bride and groom” in their marketing
  • Being vague if/when you ask if they work with LGBTQ+ couples
  • Lack of diversity in their portfolio

Some of these red flags may simply inducate that a vendor doesn’t have a lot of experience with LGBTQ+ weddings and not necessarily indicative of them being anti-LGBTQ+. They may be absolutely loving and thrilled to celebrate you but lack experience. If you’re ever drawn to a vendor and would like clarification on their beliefs, shoot me an email and I will reach out on your behalf, regardless of if you’re a Philosofi couple.

Here at Philosofi Celebrations, all of our preferred vendors have confirmed that they celebrate all couples. We won’t recommend vendors who we know are not affirming, even to our cis/het presenting couples. 1- It just doesn’t sit right with us. In the business of love, everyone should celebrate all love. If you can’t do that, find a different industry. 2- We don’t know how your guests identify or sometimes even how you identify (shoutout to my fellow bi women married to men), and we don’t want to put your safety and joy at risk by recommending someone who would give you or your guests an experience that’s less than stellar.

Legal Requirements for LGBTQ+ Weddings in Kansas City

I’m writing this blog in April of 2025, and the current administration is threatening the future of same-sex weddings. As of right now, they are legal and recognized in both Kansas and Missouri, as well as federally. There are no special considerations, so follow instructions from your county to get your marriage license. If either/both of you plan to change your last names, your marriage certificate will be proof of your name change.

Navigating LGBTQ+ Ceremony & Family Rituals

We love breaking traditions here at Philosofi Celebrations, and LGBTQ+ weddings give us freedom to really play with them. Provenance can help you write a ceremony script with language and customs that fit you and your partner.

Unfortunately, not every queer couple has the love and support from their family, which can make some traditions feel awkward. Walking down the aisle together, assigning chosen family to sit in the front row, and skipping traditional parent dances are all simple ways to switch up some of those family traditions. We love coming up with creative ideas to honor both partners in a way that’s not so prescribed.

If you’re looking for guidance on the rest of the planning process, check out our wedding planning checklist series.

If you’re searching for an LGBTQ+ affirming wedding planner who will love, affirm, and celebrate you, please reach out!