WRITTEN BY | JULIE GOOD-DAWSON
PHOTOS BY | LIGHTER FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

Planning a wedding is no small feat. It comes with a long list of to-do’s, things to plan, and decisions to make. One of the most important decisions a newly-engaged couple might be pressed to make is where to get married. Selecting a venue is an important step in planning your happily-ever-after, but in today’s wedding world, there are countless types of venues to choose from. Here in the Ozarks, there are plenty of places that make excellent backdrops for your nuptials, including some breathtaking waterfront venues. From stunning lakes to babbling creeks, there is no shortage of beautiful landscapes and places for you to say “I do” with a waterfront view.

margaritaville lake resort

If couples are seeking a waterfront venue close to home that’s laced with a tropical, laid back, beachy vibe and atmosphere, then Margaritaville Lake Resort at Lake of the Ozarks is a great choice for a wedding celebration. Overlooking the beautiful lake, this resort boasts vibrant colors, stunning scenery and island-inspired décor. They have a cozy stone chapel for intimate ceremonies, or plenty of space overlooking the lake for bigger ceremonies, at sunset perhaps. They also provide a complimentary wedding coordinator for the day to ease your stress and assist in making the day perfect. Partnering with local wedding professionals, they provide full-service in-house catering, which makes Margaritaville a one-stop shop for weddings.

the lodge of four seasons

Another option for engaged couples is The Lodge of Four Seasons. Residing in the charming and lively town of Lake Ozark, Missouri, The Lodge of Four Seasons boasts beautiful views of a crystal blue lake and immaculate offerings for couples ready to wed. Ron Schaefer is heading up the venue as a veteran wedding planner and is especially proud of the magnificent views and modernity of such a beautiful wedding venue. Schaefer says, “I am thrilled to be living at the Lake of the Ozarks and enjoying the stellar water views from my deck. With the hospitality industry changing so rapidly, helping The Lodge of Four Seasons adapt to new wedding and social event trends, elevating local events, developing menu items with a modernity and relevance, and finding new revenue streams and culture equities is an exciting part of my new chapter.”

camden on the lake resort

Next on the list from the Lake of the Ozarks, a beautiful place to say “I do” is Camden on the Lake Resort, Spa & Yacht Club. This venue is a one-stop-shop of sorts. They can accommodate approximately 250 guests in each of their two ballrooms. They also offer a full-service spa and expert wedding planners to make your big day more manageable and less stressful. You can truly be wed in style at Camden on the Lake, with breathtaking views of Lake of the Ozarks and all of the glamour you could ever want.

lake springfield boathouse

This gorgeous location is for couples in the Springfield area that want to stay close to home, the Lake Springfield Park Boathouse. Located on Lake Springfield in the serenity and quiet of south Springfield, Missouri, this venue is tranquil, calming and immaculately kept. It’s located in a 158-acre park and offers up stunning beauty throughout all four midwestern seasons. Their maximum capacity is 80 people, which makes this venue the perfect choice for those seeking a smaller ceremony and celebration. “It’s a unique setting with a fantastic view of Lake Springfield, where any time of year you may see migratory birds flying overhead or in the water,” said Jenny Fillmer Edwards, Public Information Administrator for the Park Board. “The location is convenient, inside Springfield city limits, but once you enter the park, the city feels far away. And many couples are pleasantly surprised that this, and all parks locations, are relatively affordable.”

finley farms

Traveling a bit further south, couples might be enticed by the historic scenery and atmosphere at Finley Farms in Ozark, Missouri. This venue offers up two sophisticated and delicious restaurants, a charming coffee shop as well as the gorgeous views and relaxing sounds of the Finley River. Couples have countless ways to enhance their experiences at Finley Farms by incorporating the scenic allure of the Riverside Bridge, embracing the charm of the intimate open-air wedding chapel or partaking in the farm-to-table dining that they have to offer.

glasshaus weddings

Next is GlassHaus Weddings, once a bed and breakfast, now a newly renovated lake resort property. This truly unique and luxurious wedding venue with onsite accommodations is nestled just outside of Branson, Missouri. Table Rock Lake serves as a pristine backdrop for any celebration. Their glass-lined chapel, panoramic views, and multiple package offerings make it a great option for engaged couples looking for some classic beauty and charm. “Our heart and soul went into the creation of GlassHaus. When we got the opportunity to design our venue, we focused on blending beautiful aesthetics with superb function and flow. GlassHaus is a place for our guests to experience moments to cherish, unforgettable memories with loved ones, and the charm of Ozarks hospitality” said Kathy Arp, Venue Manager.

big cedar lodge

Known as America’s premier wedding resort, Big Cedar Lodge is an ideal place to say “I do” for couples seeking something rustic yet romantic. It’s nestled against a picturesque backdrop of the stunning Ozark hills. Big Cedar has numerous wedding and reception venues across their property, including charming stone wedding chapels and mesmerizing lakeside spaces. Big Cedar can accommodate the most intimate of groups, or the biggest of wedding parties. They even have a spa package for up to twenty guests, which makes for a brilliant and relaxing addition for brides and their tribe.

dogwood canyon nature park

This one goes out to the nature lovers! Dogwood Canyon Nature Preserve is a versatile and highly adaptable venue, perfect for couples to consider. They have a wide array of places to host their nuptials and simply spectacular backdrops to boot. They offer up all their exquisite locations for couples to utilize, including Hope Wilderness Chapel, Chapel Patio, Canyon Grill Restaurant, Canyon Grill Patio, Chuckwagon Pavilion, or a custom outdoor venue overlooking crystal streams or cascading waterfalls. Dogwood Canyon even offers free consultations for couples who are shopping around.

It is clear that the Ozarks are in no short supply of stunning places for couples to say their vows. No matter what area of the community you reside in or gravitate towards, there are stunning waterfront views and picturesque places to hold your wedding around every corner.

XOXO, MET WED