There’s something about pulling into the drive at Emerson Fields that makes you feel like you’re coming home. It might have something to do with Amelia’s warm smile welcoming you, or it might be that the estate itself feels cozy, private, and open to endless wedding possibilities. Either way, that feeling is just the beginning. As a wedding photographer, I can tell you that your venue choice plays a major role in everything from how you feel on your wedding day to what your photos look like after the day passes far too quickly. Especially, when things pop up that are out of our control like rain or extreme heat warnings (I’ve photographed in both at Emerson Fields, and the photos below will show you that both weddings were still flawless!). Today, I’m sharing my conversation with venue owner, Amelia, so you can learn more about what one of the best venues in Missouri has to offer.

What inspired you to create Emerson Fields?

The vision for Emerson Fields was born from a combination of factors close to our hearts: our three wonderful daughters and their weddings, coupled with my decade-long experience as a wedding photographer. Over the years, I've had the privilege of capturing weddings in diverse settings, from country club golf courses in Arizona to the pristine beaches of Destin.

Through these experiences, I observed a common theme: many venues were poorly thought out and neglected the importance of crafting an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. Determined to fill this gap, we began designing our venue in 2017 that would prioritize aesthetics and functionality and offer the couple a high-touch experience.

By blending Steve's unique talent in construction with my insights as a photographer, we meticulously designed every aspect of Emerson Fields with weddings in mind. From the floorplan to the positioning of the venue and pavilion, we wanted to ensure a seamless and visually stunning facility.

When you choose Emerson Fields, you're not just selecting a venue; you're reserving a family-owned and operated estate for a full wedding experience.

What options and amenities are available in the wedding packages that you offer to couples?

At Emerson Fields, our venue rental packages are designed to cater to the unique needs and preferences of each couple. Our signature offering is the full weekend rental package, which includes exclusive access to our venue for the entire weekend. Recently, we introduced Emerson Suites, a cozy 14-person lodging facility located steps away from the main venue, enhancing the full weekend experience.

Our packages are structured based on rental periods, offering options such as a day rental package, a full weekend rental package, or a comprehensive experience package that includes on-site lodging.

Included in our packages are essential amenities such as tables, chairs, dressing suites, a full catering kitchen, bar facilities, and various decor items like arbors and cocktail tables. Our goal is to provide all of the large amenities for a seamless and stress-free experience.

What makes Emerson Fields different than other wedding venues?

At Emerson Fields, we pride ourselves on being different in all the best ways.

Thoughtful Design: Every detail of our venue is meticulously planned and executed with intention to create a seamless wedding experience.

Indoor Ceremony Option: We understand the unpredictability of Missouri weather, which is why we offer a stunning indoor ceremony option as a backup plan.

Variety of Venues: With six unique spaces to choose from – including Emerson Fields Venue, The Dock, The Lakeside Terrace, The Pavilion, The Veranda, and The Meadow – our couples have endless options to tailor their wedding to their vision.

Extensive Experience: With years of experience in the wedding industry, we provide invaluable expertise to our couples, offering guidance, resources, and support every step of the way.

Dedicated Team: Our dedicated team, led by Steve & I, is committed to exceeding couple's expectations and ensuring every part of their wedding day is flawlessly executed.

What advice would you give to couples looking for a full weekend wedding venue?

Book Early: Secure your full weekend wedding venue well in advance, typically 8-12 months ahead of your desired date. Popular venues tend to book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. Peak seasons in the Midwest can range from May through October.

Trust the Experts: Rely on the expertise of the venue owner and the vendors they recommend. Their knowledge and experience can help you make informed decisions while staying true to your wedding day vision.

Visit in Person: Schedule a site visit to your potential venue if possible. Pay attention to how you feel in the space – it should feel comfortable and welcoming, like a home away from home. Feeling at ease during your visit can translate to a relaxed and enjoyable wedding day experience. The same logic applies if you are doing a virtual visit or you're on Zoom; trust your instincts and feelings.

Stay On-Site: Consider opting for a venue with on-site accommodations. Staying on-site can alleviate stress, streamline logistics, and create a retreat-like atmosphere for you and your guests. It allows everyone to stay together throughout the weekend, fostering a sense of unity and intimacy.

By following these guidelines, you can choose the perfect full-weekend wedding venue that aligns with your vision, ensures a seamless planning process, and sets the stage for a memorable celebration.

Do you have any goals for the year that you’d like to share?

We are focused this year on building our team to support couples on their wedding day and we're excited that so many of our clients are booking the on-site lodging and loving it!

And, their guests are definitely loving it. Here’s what they’re saying about a signature wedding weekend at Emerson Fields with on-site lodging!

"There was plenty of space for everyone to hang out, eat and relax, and featured even better sleeping arrangements. Above and beyond on bathrooms for getting ready on the big day! They thought of everything!

Maybe the best feature of all was the super close proximity to the venue! The convenience was absolutely dreamy! Staying so nearby made our weekend so much more relaxed! Can’t recommend this enough! Thank you, Steve and Amelia!”

— Angie - Mother of the Groom

“The convenience of being able to stay just steps from the venue is something you cannot get anywhere else. I could not have dreamed up a better experience. ”

— Haylee - An Emerson Fields Bride