Each bride has different ideas, designs, and dreams about the wedding they have been planning in their minds, for decades. But if you are looking for elegance, The Beacon is a building straight out of the history books. The Beacon is certainly an elegant wedding venue in Topeka.
The History Behind The Beacon
I was in awe of the beautiful architecture in this building, which dates to 1925. It is a beautiful space, originally built to house the Woman’s Club of Topeka, a highly influential group of women. In those days, The Woman’s Club of Topeka served the Topeka community in dozens of different ways. But, after the building went through a few owners, it went up for auction. The building purchased by sisters, Courtney Stemler and Shelby Irick, along with their husbands. This group of four restored the beautiful building to its original 1920’s vibe. In fact, no expense was spared.
The Founder’s Room – An Elegant Wedding Venue in Topeka
Walking into the building through double doors, there is a lounge to the left, called the Founder’s Room. It is the perfect location for your cocktail hour, allowing your guests some time to converse while you and your new husband run off for a private moment or a few quick images. As you enter this room through double doors, you will notice a beautifully refurbished fireplace. The ceilings are fifteen feet tall, and the windows are close to that. There are black full-length curtains to make the space cozy. There is a stretchy wide circle bar in the middle of the room with an eclectic design which makes you understand you just might be in another world. This room has the most elegant chandelier above the circle bar.
The Theater – An Elegant Wedding Venue in Topeka
Next, is the theater. This is the room where the large ceremonies are held, primarily. There are 23-foot ceilings with light coming in through nine extremely large beautiful stained-glass windows. The theater holds up to 400 guests so there is plenty of space. And with the slanted floor, everyone has a wonderful vantage point. The stage itself has white oak flooring and a new sound system. Furthermore, there is even a balcony area for children, to well… to be children.
The Library – An Elegant Wedding Venue in Topeka
The Library is a beautifully lit room perfect for smaller events and weddings, with a maximum capacity of 100. There are no less than 7 large windows in this space. It is such an intimate space and so representative of the original owners. According to Shelby, “Lucy Browne Johnston – one of the founders of The Topeka Woman’s Club building and a women’s suffrage activist – advocated for traveling libraries in Kansas. So, we dedicate this room to her.” Although I am not a history buff, this was a beautiful tribute. I can’t imagine a more elegant wedding venue in Topeka!
The Ballroom – An Elegant Wedding Venue in Topeka
On our way to the Bluestem Room, we stop by this most beautiful ballroom. This room is located on the second floor. Your guests would simply take an elevator or the grand staircase up to the 2nd floor for your reception. With gold chairs and the most beautiful soft light, you will start your first evening with your new partner. Imagine, ending your night with the curtains open and you are staring at the stunning stars.
Bluestem Room – An Elegant Wedding Venue in Topeka
Across the hall is the Bluestem room, perfect for the groom and groomsmen to prepare for the wedding. This musky room is full of dark, rich tones. And there is a television (not pictured) in the room! Shelby and Courtney have a vintage refrigerator in black for the grooms’ refreshments. Getting ready images for the groom would be perfect in this room.
The Sunflower Room – An Elegant Wedding Venue in Topeka
Our tour stops at the Sunflower Room. This room is on the third floor. (There is an elevator for the guests to use if needed). It is the epitome of elegance for the bride and a very, very, elegant wedding venue in Topeka. I was just in awe. There are two full length mirrors. Floor to ceiling windows provide beautiful light and are covered with a soft curtain. The room holds a beautiful vintage couch, perfect for bridal portraits. Also, there are several chairs and stations for the bridesmaids to get ready. Since it is on the 3rd floor, it is out of site of the groom and others. The space is comfortable, cozy and a place where you could really settle in for your special day.
Tips and Tricks
You might be thinking, this is perfect for your wedding day. But there are even more options to choose from… more rooms for your ceremony or your reception. So be sure to talk with Shelby or Courtney about your needs. And some other tidbits about this unique and elegant venue… There is a small rooftop area for bride and groom portraits. I mean, how neat! Additionally, the grand staircase is another stylish option. Oh and don’t forget the Topeka Capitol Building is located not even a block away and a perfect place to get additional portraits.
To reach out to Courtney or Shelby, check out their webpage. To book your wedding photographer, contact me directly here.
