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Weddings

About

Exploration Place’s dramatic architecture and stunning views serve as a compelling background, matched only by its extraordinary exhibits, unique theaters, and spacious outdoor offerings. Our versatile venue will accommodate your next event, whether it's a wedding, bridal shower, reception, business event and more!

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$3,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$3,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$4,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$3,000

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Chairs
Clean Up
Parking
Set Up
Tables

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

8

Describe your venue:

Banquet Hall
Museum
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Clean Up
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Wifi

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Dance Floor
Drapery
Tables

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Reviews of Exploration Place

J
Janice Sent on 12/23/2017
5 out of 5 rating
Everyone was so good to work with. The hall looked beautiful.
M
Michelle Sent on 12/23/2017
5 out of 5 rating
The best place we could have chosen to get married! Thank you for being so laid back. We wouldn’t have done anything different!!
Kayla
Kayla Sent on 08/12/2015
5 out of 5 rating
This venue is amazing!! The only downside is the Grand Hall isn't available to be decorated until 4:30-5pm so there is always a time crunch. I hired someone to decorate for me so it wasn't an issue. There was a change in event coordinators before my wedding but I couldn't have been happier with the new coordinator Kelsey. She did everything possible to make things as stress free as possible and went above and beyond to make sure everything was covered. Our wedding was perfect and we went over our head count by a lot but she made it work and I couldn't ask for a better venue and coordinator. 5 Stars for the service and the unique atmosphere!
U
User2125947 Sent on 05/10/2015
4.8 out of 5 rating
We rented Waterway hall for our wedding ceremony, as well as a dressing room to prepare. We really loved the space. The architecture of the room is so beautiful and needed little decor. Everything went well. Charlsey, the coordinator, was very professional and prompt, but we honestly spoke more to Kelsey, her assistant, who was wonderful. For anyone using this venue I recommend renting their dressing room, it was really convenient before and after, utilizing their pipe and drape setup, but close the curtains before the processional for a better reveal. Also, the Keeper of the Plains and bridge near by gave us AMAZING photos. Definitely go.
D
D Sent on 07/25/2016
4.7 out of 5 rating
Our wedding and reception were both in Waterway Hall. At first glance it didn't seem like it was big enough for 100 people but it was more than enough. We had a bar, multiple food stations, photo booth, and candy table with enough space for everyone to sit and for a large dance floor. It was easy dealing with Eddie for all of the details and we were able to set up at 10am that morning. The space is absolutely beautiful. It rained the whole day and with the rain coming down on the large windows it felt like being on the inside of a waterfall. We were also able to take pictures anywhere we wanted throughout Exploration Place. We thoroughly enjoyed the space and E Place's staff. We definitely recommend E Place and Waterway Hall for any event.
Megan
Megan Sent on 06/10/2019
4.6 out of 5 rating

My wedding was great BUT there are a few things

The value you get having your wedding at the Exploration Place is great but make sure to check on a few things. My wedding was scheduled in 2018 and 1 month before we found out there was an event scheduled for the same night as our wedding. It rained so much the event got canceled that day so it all turned out ok but this caused a lot of extra stress and issues because we thought we had to avoid a certain entrance because of people and food trucks being there. Also, the lights in waterway hall do not turn off. They will say you can dim them but they do not dim enough. If you are dancing it WILL be bright I can guarantee you that. We asked and asked and the staff said that the main lights have to stay on for fire hazard? So basically you might be dancing in -slightly dimmed but not really - light. Other than that, it was beautiful and looked fancy. All my guests seemed to like it but this is stuff I noticed.
E
Erin Sent on 06/10/2012
4.6 out of 5 rating
We loved the openness of the venue for our event. We had the Ceremony in the Cafe, Cocktail Hour in the Lobby, and the Reception in the Grand Hall. It had gorgeous views of the River, Keeper of the Plains and other Wichita landmarks. Charlsey (coordinator) was very helpful with all of our questions and concerns.
Joy
Joy Sent on 06/21/2015
4.4 out of 5 rating
Charlsey and the other staff at EP have been very helpful and good to work with so far - and we are still a year out! They have answered lots of questions, and allowed us to rework our contract as our true wedding vision comes to light!
K
Kori Sent on 05/04/2017
4.1 out of 5 rating
Exploration Place was a beautiful venue! We used it for the reception only but we got so many compliments on how beautiful the space was. The only down side was that we couldn't start to decorate until 2pm the day of the wedding but we made it work and we were happy with the results. We were pleased with the value of the space!
U
User1662112 Sent on 06/15/2014
Would not recommend this to anyone. There was no security. One person from the event staff. For two parties that night. Guest had to set up tables and chairs and take them down. So disappointed and they ruined the whole day.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

10

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
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Recommended

Ambiance Events Ambiance Events Wedding Planners

What a beautiful location for a wedding! The staff are wonderful and the venue is so unique and versatile. It's right in the heart of the city along the Arkansas River with views of the Keeper of the Plains. So many great photo ops!

Map

Exploration Place frequently asked questions

Exploration Place includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • Clean Up
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The space offered by Exploration Place for wedding events is known for:
  • Banquet Hall
  • Museum
  • Waterfront
Exploration Place offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Exploration Place offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Exploration Place offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Clean Up
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Wifi
Exploration Place offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Drapery
  • Tables
Exploration Place is recommended by 84% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.2 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.5 in value, 4.3 in professionalism, 4.2 in quality of service, 4.2 in flexibility and 4.1 in average response time.
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