Lawrence Wedding Venue – Deer Ridge Estates

If you’re searching for a Lawrence wedding venue, Deer Ridge Estates in Tonganoxie, KS should be very high on your list. As a wedding photographer who has worked at countless local venues, Deer Ridge consistently stands out as one of my favorites. Their team is professional and genuinely kind, their property is breathtaking, and the flexibility they offer couples is unmatched. You can borrow decor from their massive storage room, bring in any vendors you’d like, and even make a whole weekend out of it by staying on-site with your wedding party in their overnight suites.

Last spring, I photographed a styled bridal shoot in their newest rental space, The Greenhouse. Let me tell you, some shoots feel less like work and more like stepping straight into a fairytale. This greenhouse queer wedding shoot was exactly that. As a Lawrence photographer who lives for natural light, authentic emotion, and scenery that makes your jaw drop – this venue checks every box and then some.

Greenhouses already have my whole heart (have you seen Jaycee and Payden’s Kansas City engagement shoot?!) but this one? Chef’s kiss. The light filters into the space in that soft, glowy way photographers drool over. The greenhouse walls can be raised or lowered to create a seamless indoor–outdoor flow and you can use the space for just part of your day or the whole thing. Ceremony outdoors, cocktails in the greenhouse, dinner in The Grand? Magical.

Aesthetic, Convenient and a Venue With Heart

Situated perfectly between Kansas City and Lawrence, Deer Ridge Estates is one of the most accessible (and underrated) gems in the area. The property offers a gorgeous mix of indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, including the greenhouse, a covered dock, an outdoor chapel, a spacious modern white barn (aka The Grand Hall), and wide open lawns that glow like fire during golden hour. Whether you’re hosting 250 guests or planning something intimate and romantic, this venue adapts beautifully to your vision.

As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I can confidently say: this place makes my job easy. Beautiful light, thoughtful design, and endless variety mean you get a full, rich gallery without ever needing to leave the property. And trust me—that is a massive gift on a wedding day.

A Venue that Truly Welcomes Everyone

Beyond aesthetics and amenities, Deer Ridge Estates is family-owned, inclusive and welcoming to all. They’re proud supporters of the LGBTQ community and care deeply about making every couple feel celebrated, supported and safe. As someone who values intentional joyful, people-first celebrations…that matters deeply to me AND to a lot of Kansas City wedding photographers who love recommending this space.

A Space for Real Moments

During this styled shoot, the greenhouse became a sanctuary for slow breaths, soft touches, and laughter that felt like sunshine (which was good because it dumped rain all day!). The venue’s wide range of backdrops allowed us to create images that felt organic and emotional—modern without being cold, romantic without being overly posed.

If you’re searching for Lawrence photographers who know how to make the most of a venue like this, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Deer Ridge Estates is the kind of place where stories unfold naturally, and I’d be honored to document yours.

If you’re getting married in 2026 or 2027, reach out today to schedule a consultation call. I’d love to hear more about you, your love story, and the start of your forever. 💛✨

Vendors:

• Photography: Kendal Banks Photography (hi! It’s me!)
• Venue: Deer Ridge Estates
• Planner: A Seamless Day
• Florist: Lovely Flower Co
• Bridal Gown: High Vibe Bride
• Suits: Dan Dan the Tailor Man
• Rentals: ACA Rental
• Invites/Paper Florals: Rock Scissors Paperie
• Hair+Makeup: Bailey Rose Beauty
• Dessert: Nikki Vav Custom Cakes
• Jewelry: Kizer Cumming Jewelers
• Horse Trailer Bar: SJ Mobile Events and Rental