  We propose that the scalar $\kappa(800)$ meson may play an important role in
$K^*$ photoproduction. In the reactions of $\gamma p \to K^{*+} \Lambda$ and
$\gamma p \to K^{*0} \Sigma^+$, we consider the production mechanisms including
$t$-channel $K^*$, $K$, $\kappa$ exchanges, s-channel $N$, $\Delta$ diagrams,
and $u$-channel $\Lambda$, $\Sigma$, $\Sigma^*$ diagrams within the tree level
approximation, and find that the $\kappa$-meson exchange may contribute
significantly to $K^*\Sigma$ photoproduction, while it is rather supplementary
in $K^*\Lambda$ photoproduction. We demonstrate how the observables of $K^*$
photoproduction can be used to constrain the $\kappa$ meson properties. In
particular, the parity asymmetry can separate the $\kappa$ meson contribution
in $K^*$ photoproduction.
