We meet with many brides every week. Some brides get married outside in various gardens or courtyards around town. Some get married at various event sites here in Kansas City, which can be great if you want to have your wedding and reception at the same place. Some get married in one of the local country clubs. And some get married in one of Kansas City’s beautiful churches.

St. John’s United Methodist Church

This posts is about one of those churches. In the last month, we have met with a whole string of brides that have chosen the exact same church for their wedding: St. John’s United Methodist Church in the Brookside area. It is located at 6900 Ward Parkway.

Part of the church’s charm has to do with the fact that its very appearance presents a contrast of two seemingly contradictory styles. The church has both a classic appearance, with its red brick, pristine romanesque columns, and towering steeple, as well as a homey or comfortable appearance, with its large trees and spacious lot off Ward Parkway.

The exterior of the church is certainly attractive, but it is the inside lobby area, courtyard, and sanctuary that make St. John’s United Methodist Church a great wedding location. The sanctuary is large enough to seat 350 people, but at the same time, it feels intimate, as if it was built for wedding ceremonies, with its two rows of pews and one simple aisle down the middle. The dark wood pews, light marble tile floor, and large clear glass windows give the sanctuary a very classic feel for a wedding.

The Facts

At first, we thought it nothing but coincidence that so many of our brides were having their weddings at St. John’s United Methodist Church. But after we did our first wedding there, we realized it was no coincidence at all. – Owen Carr

The church can be reserved for weddings by both members & non-members. For a non-member, the cost is extremely affordable at $1,650. This fee includes the use of the Church’s Coordinator Paula Rector, organist Gary Adams, a custodian, three candelabras, a unity candle table, and six sessions of premarital counseling with the pastor. It is expected that one of the pastors appointed to serve St. John’s will officiate the wedding. However, approval can be obtained to invite another pastor, priest, or rabbi to officiate the ceremony. The fee also includes access to the church up to three hours prior to the start of the wedding. If more time is needed, a $100/ hour fee is charged.

The church does have a space that can be used for a rehearsal dinner or even a reception. It’s called Brookside Hall and may be rented at very reasonable $70 per hour. This amount includes the church coordinator and custodian. A $250.00 deposit is required and is deducted from the total fee.

Tours of the church are available by appointment or you can stop by between the hours of 9:00am and 3:00pm, Monday through Thursday, and between 9:00am and noon, on Friday. You can pick up an informational packet at the tour or the church will mail you one. Visit the church’s website, www.stjohnsumc.org.

St. John’s United Methodist Church is a great option for a classic wedding, and it is in a beautiful part of Kansas City too. After visiting the church and its lovely chapel, you’ll realize why it’s no coincidence that so many KC brides are getting married at St. John’s UMC.

Some images of the church