Want It Simple? Come Get Married in the Flint Hills

We meet couples every week who want to get married without turning their lives upside down. They're tired of long timelines, complicated plans, and days that carry more pressure than meaning. They want something simple, personal, and easy to say yes to.

That's why the Flint Hills work so well. The moment you step into the open landscape and wide skies, everything slows down. The noise fades, the pace eases, and attention returns to why you're getting married in the first place.

We hear the same question often. Is it that easy to get married in Kansas? This question sends couples to our guide, which we share with every guest to help them get oriented with our area and settle in.

In our experience, yes. Kansas keeps things refreshingly straightforward, eliminating months of coordination. You don't need a massive guest list or endless decisions. Couples choose our small wedding venue, gather the people who matter most, and let the day unfold effortlessly.

An on-site restaurant keeps dinner simple, elegant, affordable, and delicious. Timelines stay casual. Everything is close, calm, and connected.

Part of what makes the Historic Elgin Hotel so fitting for couples who want to get married is the building itself. It was commissioned in 1885 and built in 1886 as Marion worked to attract travelers and build momentum downtown.

That original purpose still shows up today. This three-story limestone building at Third and Santa Fe was built for people passing through, staying awhile, and marking important moments. We keep a copy of this photo from the early 1900s as a reminder that quiet, meaningful milestones have been happening here for generations.

You don't need an intricately detailed wedding plan to get married here. Clarity matters most.

Arriving with your dates set and your guest count settled gives us room to support you without overcomplicating things. The less you pack into the schedule, the more space you have to enjoy the moments that matter.

Many couples worry that this step will be complicated, regardless of anything else. It isn't.

Kansas makes it easy to get married without extra hoops or unnecessary red tape.

You apply online through the county, pay the fee, and schedule a pickup time. Once you have your license, you're ready for the ceremony. And don't worry... we're always happy to talk through timing so nothing feels rushed or confusing.

Kansas requires a short waiting period after applying for your marriage license. However, it’s only 72 hours, and you can conveniently apply online before arriving in Marion for your ceremony.

If you apply on Monday, for example, the marriage license is usually ready for pickup by Thursday. In practice, it reduces stress by leaving you with one less thing to worry about. By the time the ceremony arrives, everything is ready, and nobody feels pressed or stressed.

There's less paperwork than most people expect. Once the license is issued and signed, the rest is handled by your officiant. You're not chasing forms or double-checking details after the ceremony. You get to focus on celebrating and spending time together.

That said, Kansas does have a couple of simple wedding ceremony rules that catch a few couples by surprise. Your vows need to happen in front of an authorized officiant and at least two witnesses over 18.

When you choose a simple wedding ceremony, we’re with you every step of the way. We help you think through who will sign what, so nothing gets missed once the ceremony is over.

We also welcome many couples who are getting married again, whether it's with a new partner or a "second chance marriage." There are no extra steps for remarriage.

As long as previous marriages are legally finalized, the process stays the same. Couples tell us this simplicity matters even more the second time, when the focus is clearer, and the intention runs deeper.

Choosing a smaller celebration consistently means spending with intention rather than under pressure. And couples who plan a wedding budget here often save money without feeling like they've given anything up.

Fewer guests help. Fewer vendors do too. And one central location prevents cost creep. Your experience stays personal, relaxed, and grounded... shaped by the setting instead of a packed agenda.

We love helping couples get married without rushing the day. Many turn their celebration into a full weekend or longer, and spend their honeymoon in Marion.

They arrive and settle into their room, set their bags down, and let the quiet surround them. The ceremony fits easily into the stay instead of taking it over. Seeing how that could work in person usually starts with booking a stay. Walking the property and spending time here answers questions more clearly than any checklist. And remember, we're always happy to help you plan your visit.

Photo Credit: © Madi B Photos via canva.com