Springfield Missouri is sometimes called "SpringVegas" by some locals, and while Branson, Missouri is the Midwest Vegas, since Route 66 starts here in Springfield (and is known as the birthplace of Route 66) those both have some amazing retro vibes if that's your jam! Why is Springfield called Springvegas? No one knows how it originated, some people are really just being sarcastic but I think in recent years it has taken on a more positive meaning.

Sometimes as a photographers we need to do personal projects to either try new techniques or to just shoot content that is different than what we usually shoot. I love vintage and anything old and I really wanted to highlight those vintage vibes that Springfield has to offer so it really all started with the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven Motel on Glenstone Ave. First off they have that iconic Springfield arrow sign out front, a sky blue and white Chevy sedan in the front parking lot, an old Model T car, and an old Red English phone booth that all make really great vignette's  for photos.

Then their rooms also have a vintage feel, so it really sparked this whole shoot. 

Springfield's Historic Route 66 Steak & Shake

Another location that really inspired me for this shoot was the historic Steak & Shake on St. Louis Street in Springfield. The red and white striped awning, the contrast of the black and white building and the neon all drew me to incorporate the cute little spot for some of the images.

I had created a little backstory for the shoot that our couple had traveled to Springfield because of it's cute vintage vibes and Route 66 ties which were the closest thing we have in the Midwest to the Vegas vibe. I imagined that our couple wanted a Vegas wedding and came here as a more affordable solution. They chose the motel to stay at and then woke up the day of their wedding and decided to stop at the Steak & Shake after their ceremony to celebrate!

Springfield Missouri Wedding Chapel

Next I needed a cute little Vegas style chapel, that was a little more difficult, it didn't need to be large and I didn't want it to have too much decor that wouldn't tie in with a Vegas themed wedding. I looked at all the wedding chapels in Springfield, and Regina and her husband agreed to let me use their beautiful little historic Heritage Chapel just up the road a few minutes in Willard, Missouri. It is bigger than I needed but it still worked out beautifully!

I was able to decorate it to tie in with the kind of look I was going for and they are always able to do the same for all of their couples that book the venue for their wedding.

Heritage chapel seats up to 200, and has the option of an outdoor ceremony or indoor chapel ceremony and it has a separate reception room. Also included are the bridal and groom getting ready rooms. You can check out their pricing and request a tour here.

Springfield Missouri Wedding Vendors

I so enjoyed working with these vendors! They always take good care of their clients - I highly recommend them!

Styled Shoot Vendors to check out for yourself:

Hair & Makeup: Beloved Beauty Company

Flowers: Sunday Flower Company

Tux: Karl's Tuxedo's

Wedding Dress, Mrs. PJs, and arrival outfit for both models, travel case: Dillard's Department Store

**Quick Note: Don't sleep on Dillard's in Springfield for finding cute little reception or shower dresses or a cute little elopement dress like this one! They also have gorgeous options on special occasion purses, travel cases, honeymoon sleepwear etc!

Jewelry (Earrings and both rings): Cornerstone Jewelry

Venue: Heritage Chapel

Photo Booth: Live Events Missouri

Photography, Bride Shoes, pink tablecloth, champagne glasses and Veil: White Dove Photography

Thinking about eloping in Springfield? How do you elope in Springfield?

Here are a few answers to help guide you and make it so much easier!

Do I need any witnesses for our elopement? Yes! You must have two witnesses who can also sign your marriage license.

Can anyone officiate our wedding? Your officiant must be a United States Citizen and 

Can we get our marriage license and get married the same day? Yes! You have up to 30 days after getting your marriage license to have your ceremony and the license must be returned to the county office you got it from within 15 days or the marriage is void!

Both parties must be present, have photo id's to apply for the marriage license and must show their social security numbers. The cost in most counties is $51, and some offices may also charge a fee for debit or credit card usage and some offices only accept cash so you'll want to check ahead. The office you'll contact is the Recorder of Deeds. One other item you'll want to check is that in some counties only the officiant can return the marriage license not the couple.

Another question that gets asked a lot: Do we have to have a clergy (pastor, preacher etc) marry us? Not in the state of Missouri. If you want your best friend to marry you and your fiancé they just need to register with the Universal Life Church.

I hope this helps make it less stressful if you are thinking of eloping!