Kevin and Kylie Domian had their wedding ceremony at Montserrat Vineyards and their reception at UCM, where they met.

WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- Wedding season is in full swing, and one of the biggest questions couples face when planning their wedding is where to host this special occasion.

Warrensburg offers several locations, both indoors and out, for your big day. Whether you are planning a small, intimate wedding or a large extravaganza, you may be able to find just what you are looking for.

The biggest determining factor when it comes to your wedding location is likely your budget. One of the best values for your dollar may be the gazebo at Blind Boone Park, 402 W. Pine St. Warrensburg parks and recreation rents this facility for $5 an hour. This location is available year round, weather permitting, from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Marcy Bryant, Warrensburg parks and recreation marketing supervisor, said, “Blind Boone Park has been a popular location for weddings lately.”

Other locations that can be rented from Warrensburg parks and recreation include Cave Hallow Park, at 1001 W. Gay St., and shelter houses at Grover Park. These locations are also available for $5 an hour. Bryant said the advantage of using these locations for your wedding or other events is that they are inexpensive, and offer well-maintained parks around.

Montserrat Vineyards offers a large area to accommodate many guests.

Additionally, Bryant said that they are generally willing to work with people renting these facilities to help make their day run smoothly.

Like any location, these city park sites have their limitations. Due to a Warrensburg city ordinance, these locations are only available until 11 p.m., and alcohol is not permitted. Additionally, the set up and breakdown time must be included in the time you reserve, so you would need to plan accordingly.

Another outdoor location available is Montserrat Vineyards, located in Montserrat, Mo., east of Warrensburg on highway 50. Montserrat Vineyards is open year round and can host weddings and other events at any time, weather permitting. It offers multiple large decks, one of which is covered, and you can rent tents that can be set up on the property to accommodate up to 500 guests.

Leslee Kellner, Montserrat Vineyards day manager, said, “This is a quiet and beautiful setting, and we have had several spectacular weddings here in the past”.

Kellner said that they host weddings of all sizes and styles, from small and informal to large formal events.

Montserrat Vineyards typically closes one hour after dusk; however, if your party is still in full swing, it will typically remain open until 11 p.m. or midnight. Prices for this location begin at $650, with up to 100 guests; prices increase, based upon your specific needs. Kellner said they are good about working with your budget and accommodating your needs.

If you are interested in a more traditional setting, the Alumni Chapel on the University of Central Missouri campus is available to anyone in the community. Alumni receive a 10 percent discount.

The Alumni Chapel is available year round and can accommodate up to 200 guests, with an area for a reception in the chapel. The greatest advantage of using the Alumni Chapel lies in the resources available. “All your needs can be cared for… the sky is the limit," said Susan Augustine, UCM meeting and event manager.

Sodexo employee, Kevin Lewis carves the tenderloin for wedding guests.

All food and beverage needs are suppled through an exclusive contract the university has with Sodexo. Augustine said Sodexo can meet your needs, big or small.

You may also consider checking with a local church. You may be able to save some money by hosting your rehearsal, wedding and reception all in one location.

While churches may tend to only offer wedding services to members, some exceptions may be made.

Cindy Conen, the office manager at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 607 N. Maguire St., said that while they typically only host weddings for members, they do make exceptions for Lutheran college students in Warrensburg who are away from their home churches, as well as for people who have a lot of family in the area.

For members of Bethlehem, the only cost for their wedding and reception is a $50 clean-up fee. There are no restrictions on the food you bring in.

The sanctuary at Bethlehem can seat up to 250 people and the fellowship hall that can be used for receptions can seat about 150 people, Conen said.

Another more traditional setting available in Warrensburg is the White Rose Pavilion. Owned by Sigma Tau Gamma, it is leased and operated by Heroes restaurant.

Katie Scully, one of the owners of Heroes and the manager of the White Rose Pavilion, said it offers “a bright location capable of seating up to 200 guests, complete with a relatively new outdoor rose garden.”

Scully said while White Rose Pavilion is available year round, the holiday season tends to be when it is busiest. It can accommodate small meetings to larger weddings. Catering services are limited to those of Heroes restaurant. Scully said the rental cost depends upon the event.

Montserrat Vineyards provides a kitchen area where guests can enjoy a cool drink.

Another area option is the American Legion, 733 E. Young Ave. Sam Yancey, business manager, said the ballroom there can seat about 200 guests.

Renting this facility will cost $400 for four hours. A $100 deposit is required when you book your date and sign your contract; the deposit is refundable only if you cancel 30 or more days prior to your event. Your $400 fee includes your block of time, as well as set up and breakdown.

“There is a $150 fee if you use outside catering, because we want your business,” Yancey said.

The American Legion catering price depends on the type of food and number of guests you will be serving. If you will be serving alcohol, Yancey said you must supply your own alcohol and bartender for your event.

One advantage of using this facility is the freedom; Yancey said that there are not any restrictions on your decorating. “You can decorate however you want.”

All of these event locations book on a first-come first-served basis, and it is recommended that you book a year in advance. However, if your date is available at any of these venues, you can book on shorter notice.