Weddings in Branson, Missouri
For many vacationers, Branson is a place they enjoy visiting again and again. So, when it comes time to choose a place for a destination wedding, couples who have a soft spot for Branson see it as a perfect choice for their special day. Indeed, the city of Branson and the surrounding areas play host to thousands of weddings each year, some outdoors amidst the beauty of the Ozark Mountain region and others inside at a romantic B&B, a favorite theater, or even one of Branson’s unique museums.
Officially, getting married in Missouri requires little red tape. The couple must apply for a marriage license at the Recorder of Deeds office in any Missouri County, including Taney County where Branson is located. Applicants must present a valid driver’s license, passport, or visa but do not have to be a resident of the state. If recently divorced, a final divorce decree showing a date of more than 30 days prior will need to be presented. There is no waiting period in Missouri so couples can literally marry right after the license is obtained. The fees for the license are less than $75 and no blood test is needed.
Planning a wedding in Branson need not be difficult. First of all, there are a number of wedding planners in the city that specialize in destination weddings for individuals who are arriving from out of town to be married in this vibrant destination. In other instances, owners of various lodging establishments offer their services to help plan the ceremony and reception, assisting you with everything from securing a minister to finding the right band or DJ for the reception.
The options for location are many. For couples planning an outdoor celebration, there are a number of choices. Some brides and grooms want to marry near Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo while others prefer to be surrounded by the beautiful Ozark Mountains. For a ceremony like this, permission must be received if the ceremony is to be in a public place such as a state forest or park. However, there are a wealth of chapels and other venues in the mountains that offer outdoor wedding packages, such as the Ledge Stone Garden and Tree Top Chapel, created specifically for marriage ceremonies and providing breathtaking views of the mountains. Many bed and breakfast establishments and country inns also have outdoor wedding areas or gazebos as do several country clubs and a few local wineries.
If an indoor wedding is what the couple seeks, there are a number of fine locations in Branson. For church weddings, choices are abundant and include a variety of denominations. For something more unique, however, guests can choose from a number of hotels and quaint lodging establishments including, for example, the Emory Creek Victorian Bed and Breakfast, where couples can marry amidst a flourish of Victorian elegance. Another popular choice is the Titanic Museum, where many brides and grooms have said “I do” on the steps of the replica staircase that closely resembles the grand stairs inside the fated ship. It’s a popular spot for vow renewals as well and can also accommodate a sit-down reception for up to 90 people. For larger receptions, many of the hotels in town have sizeable banquet halls that can cater to several hundred guests.
Return to Branson Missouri Guide Home Page