Inquire     Catering    Weddings    Events    Californos

The Ceremony

What options does Californos offer for wedding ceremonies?

The Ballroom accommodates a short ceremony, or you can be outside with great weather.

What is the back-up plan for an outdoor ceremony at Californos?

Californos Ballroom can be a back-up plan for outdoor ceremonies here or elsewhere.

Where else can Californos staff recommend for a wedding ceremony?

Churches are plentiful, contact us to be emailed a good list of chapels and sites.

What other amenities does Californos offer for ceremonies, and what’s not included?

We have a lovely screen, 6” tall stages, basic microphone for officiant’s use only.  

You provide any decor including flowers, ceremony officiant, music, rental chairs if desired.

The Reception

How is Californos the best place for me to bring my family and friends to celebrate?

Our company is a family owned business specializing in your event.  Our location is very special and in a perfectly centralized, exciting and safe spot.

Can we rent out Californos for our certain date?

You’d be hiring Californos to do space, food, drink and staffing too.  Call us with your date!

How Can Californos Trolley Building accommodate my group of 275+ guests?

Our entire indoor space is available flows into one tremendous party; largest is 500 guests.

How Can Californos Trolley Building accommodate a smaller wedding of 30-100+ guests?

Usually Friday or Sunday, Saturday Brunch; there’s a minimum of 150 guests Saturday p.m.

What kind of outdoor space does Californos have available?

Our very large back patio is terraced and shaded, with a uniquely beautiful ambiance.

What other amenities does Californos offer for receptions?

Best Location!  ceremonies, several bars, fire pit, valet, grand piano, projection, wedding fair

What is not included if my reception is at Californos?

Centerpieces, entertainment, wedding cake, chair covers, sound equipment is not included.

If not Californos, where else should I look to have a reception?

We keep a list of various venues where we cater to you when our facility is not available.

The Catering

Who is the Chef at Californos?

Chef Marita Kelly Swift since 2003, the daughter of our founding Chef, Brenda Burns.

What are the menu options at Californos for a wedding?

It’s a meal of 10 various food items you choose from our menu at your tasting appointment.

How does Californos prepare and serve the food for our wedding?

The highest quality ingredients, fresh and served perfectly and promptly.  Your menu choices may be served buffet style, all at once or at timed intervals, passed service is a possible upgrade that may be nice, but is not necessary.

When is my personal tasting appointment?

A tasting is included, held 1-2 months before the event.  Our restaurant is open besides.

Does Californos allow outside vendors for food?

We ask that you provide your cake or sweets, but Californos does all the food for your meal.

Why does Californos have the best food for a wedding in Kansas City?

You get to pick more than enough variety with amazing options for hosting a great party.

The Full, Open Bar

How does Californos provide full bar service for our wedding reception?

You will have great access to drinks, with several trained bartenders on each event.

What specifically is offered at the bar?

Water, Cocktails, Beer(s), Wines, Juices/Mixers, Sodas, Coffee, Tea

How can we upgrade from House, to Call or Premium Bars?  Champagne Toast?

We offer all of these options and many more with our bid to personalize your event.

Can we do just beer and wine at our party?

You certainly can, but there is no additional charge for the cocktails.

What pricing does Californos offer for receptions with no alcohol?

Bar service is included with all wedding receptions, substitute items may fit your needs.

Can guests buy drinks at Californos, before, during, after my event?

Separate from your event, the restaurant bar(s) will have drinks available for purchase.

What are the legal restrictions and other policies?

All guests must have identification upon request, only those age 21+ may consume alcohol.

The Value

How much would it cost to have my reception at Californos?

The date and number of guests matters, but is an all inclusive price.  Contact us today.

What other charges are there to consider?

Some amenities are extra, but we include food, drinks, space, linens, staff and much more.

Are there any special offers available for my wedding?

Yes: Affordable dates are plentiful; consider changing your wedding date for better rates.

Fridays, Sundays all year and Saturdays from February to Easter are considered off-peak.

The Wedding Date

How far out do I need to plan my wedding with Californos?

Some plan 12-18 months out, but we also have clients with only 2-8 months notice.

What else is going on at Californos on my date?

No other weddings!  You’re it!  The restaurant also open for all but the largest receptions.

When is it most affordable for us to hold our reception at Californos?

Fridays are a great options, week of Thanksgiving or Christmas and February to Easter.

The Booking and Final Payment

How much does it cost to have my reception there?

Contact Californos Sales department with your information for a complete bid via email.

How and when do I book my wedding reception?

As soon as you’re sure of the date, Californos, price, marriage, it’s time.

When and how is the final guest count and final payment due?

Communicate numbers with us 10-14 days out, then pay by cashier’s check 8 days before the event. Cashier’s Check only, due to Aaron, Mig or Kelly by 12 pm.

What’s the best deal Californos can offer a couple on the smallest budget?

Please contact our staff, but be ready to be flexible about your date and budget.

How can Californos staff help us plan things right now?

Contact us to receive your own bid, then visit the Wedding Fair page for recommendations.

The Timeframe

What time should our reception at Californos be?

Not all, but most evening events begin between 6-8 pm, ending between 10-Midnight.

How late into the night is Californos open?

At least one bar from Californos Bistro is open until 1:30 am every Friday and Saturday.

Late night hours are now available for private events.

The City, Neighborhood, Hotels, Parking

Check out Kansas City, our page about Westport, nearby Hotels, Valet + where to park.

What does Kansas City have to offer for my wedding?

Great access to an exciting urban lifestyle, awesome food and amazing prices!

What does the Westport/Plaza area have to offer for my wedding?

The best nightlife, shopping, vibe, architecture in KC, rich history, monuments, parks.

What is the best hotel Californos can recommend?

The Q Hotel is certified “green”, our nearest neighbor, with great rates, rooms, service.

How do our guests park and enter the reception, is valet service offered?

There are several entrances with clear signage for your guests, Valet is offered Fri./Sat.

The Services

Will Californos staff coordinate my entire day?

We’ll manage the food, drink, facility for your wedding event; we recommend other vendors.

Who is in charge of working with us from start to finish?

We have a small team of professionals; Aaron, Kelly, Mig, Jason oversee weddings.

How many staff members will work at our event?

About one server for every twenty-five guests, valets and supplemental staff also present.

Who will those staff members be?

Booking and Planning:  Mig, Aaron, Kelly;  Reception:  Kelly, Jason, Michael, many others.

The Rehearsal or Rehearsal Dinner

If our ceremony and reception is at Californos, when do we have our rehearsal?

Possibly that day or two nights before the wedding; we don’t guarantee a rehearsal on a separate day until three weeks before the wedding, but you get to be here at 11am on the date of your event.

Can Californos be the location of our rehearsal dinner and how?

Californos hosts intimate rehearsal dinners of various sizes and in various atmospheres.

How much would that cost and how do I book our date?

We have all inclusive menus and more - only a deposit reserves the date.  Contact us!

The Nitty Gritty

Does Californos have any restrictions on decoration or party favors?

contained candles, no adhesive on paint or wood, glitter, confetti, no cannons or fireworks

Should I have a band or a DJ at my wedding reception?

Our space is uniquely conducive to both.  You will need to provide your own sound system.

What words of wisdom can Californos offer?

Be sure this is what you want to do, ask for help, take it easy, things will come together!

What’s happening with the inscribed bricks at Californos - by September 1 or March 1?

Twice a year we order personalized bricks, on sale for $100 for past and upcoming couples.

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