The Titanic
Take a cue from Kate and Leo and make a grand entrance down the world's only full sized replica of the Titanic's grand staircase. Touted as the world's largest museum attraction, this two-story ship, located in Branson, Missouri, seats up to 350 and is catered by Bijan's, one of the area's finest dining establishments. (417) 334-9500, TitanicBranson.com
The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
For some of the area's most prestigious spaces, exchange vows at the historic Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri. From the magnificent Main Lobby to the well manicured lawn, you're sure to find the perfect spot for intimate weddings or executive-size affairs. (816) 268-8375, TrumanLibrary.org
The Walnut Springs Farm & Museum
Just 15 miles from Springfield, Missouri, The Walnut Springs Farm & Museum is perfect for quaint countryside weddings. Get married beneath a 25-foot cathedral ceiling in a 100-year-old barn, inside the reception lounge covered in hundreds of sparkling lights, or say your vows outdoors in a classic white gazebo with picket fencing. (417) 859-7954, WalnutSpringsFarm.com
The City Museum
With spaces as unique as the history of Saint Louis, City Museum won't disappoint. It offers four different areas for weddings and receptions. One of nine preapproved caterers can serve you and your guests inside the Vault Room, where you'll enter through an actual vault door. You can also go under the sea to the First Floor and Mezzanine where a two-story waterfall, mermaids and sea creatures create an oceanic atmosphere. (314) 231-2489, CityMuseum.org
Caenen Castle
Caenen Castle in Shawnee, Kansas, will make you feel like a princess, with its grand staircase, 22-foot-tall limestone walls and hand-carved European fireplaces. Invite up to 120 guests for dinner prepared by an on-site, classically trained chef. For more intimate affairs, toast to the future in the barrel-ceiling wine cellar, which seats up to 30. (913) 631-4100, ChefReneeKelly.com
The Museum of World Treasures
Located in Wichita, Kansas' Farm & Art Market, the Museum of World Treasures is certainly a gem. It houses artistic and historical exhibits from around the globe and can also host up to 250 of your guests, who are welcome to check out the museum during your celebration. (316) 263-1311, WorldTreasures.org
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis can be a blank slate to the wedding reception of your dreams. The space can be adapted comfortably to accommodate up to 110 guests for a seated dinner or 300 for cocktails. Showcase your head table or band in the sunken room, or take it outdoors. (314) 535-4660, ContemporarySTL.org
The Discovery Center
Make the interactive exhibits part of your reception background in the mezzanine at Springfield, Missouri's Discovery Center. Their U-shaped exploratory lab counter is the perfect serving place or bar area. Bring in your own caterer and take advantage of their video conferencing system. One couple even shared their wedding with family serving in Iraq via live webcast! (417) 862-9910, DiscoveryCenter.org
The Brown Mansion
Erected in 1906, the Brown Mansion in Coffeyville, Kansas, still has the original furnishings, Tiffany glasswork and hand painted canvas wall coverings. Choose from 15 different rooms that suit intimate or large parties. Exchange vows in the exquisite music room or dance the night away in the grand ballroom. There's even a beautiful garden for outdoor affairs. (620) 251-2550, Coffeyville.edu/thornburg/brownmansion/
Union Station Kansas City
In the early 1900s Union Station Kansas City accommodated tens of thousands of passengers every year. Today this Kansas City, Missouri, landmark can seat up to 850 guests in one of its many spectacular spaces, featuring marble wainscoting, terra-cotta, and a grand plaster ceiling. Want to serve a meal or beverages customized to your personality? This museum is exclusively catered by PB&J Restaurant Group; your cuisine will be prepared by some of Kansas City's most respected chefs. (816) 460-2258, UnionStation.org
-- Carrie Chambers