In this blog, I’m sharing the best engagement photo locations in St. Louis, gathered from my 15 years here as a Saint Louis wedding photographer. I’ve photographed hundreds of engagement sessions, and over time have come to consider these as my absolute favorite spots for effortless, beautiful photos every time.
St. Louis is truly an underrated Midwest city. It has green parks, historic architecture, and urban city vibes, so whatever kind of engagement photos you’re dreaming of, you can bet St. Louis will have a great spot that fits your vision!
Let’s jump in to my engagement session location guide. Use the links below to jump to a spot and see example photos and learn why I love it, or just scroll to your heart’s content!
Tip: click on the links I shared with each location to see a blog post dedicated to that spot and lot more photos from the gallery!
Contents
Jump to each location!
- Parks & Gardens
- Historic Neighborhoods
- Urban
- Hidden Gems
- FAQs
Forest Park Engagement Photos
Forest Park is my number one spot for engagement photos in St. Louis! It has SO many spots with beautiful aesthetics that make for incredible photos, and the best part is you can hit multiple spots in one session. Here are a few of my favorites with example photos!
Art Hill & the Grand Basin
Art Hill has all the classic St. Louis vibes! I absolutely love photographing couples outside of the Art Museum. It’s architecture is so stunning with the stone columns, statues, iconic steps and even greenery. This is the best of all world’s for a chic outdoor setting! The combination of architecture mixed with the greenery at the Grand Basin all within walking distance can’t be beat!! As a photographer, I especially love the way the sunsets over the hill here creating the most dreamy golden hour light down at the Grand Basin. Could not love this area of Forest Park anymore!!
The Muny
The Muny’s ticket booth hallway is architecturally stunning! I love the columns and tall chandelier here. It’s so bright and open while still being a covered space, which makes it ideal for rainy days when we need to seek coverage. This is such a bonus!! When it’s nice and lovely outside I love strolling over to the Music Box and photographing all the pretty landscaping in that area, too. Forest Park takes such good care of this space and the wildflowers bloom freely here making it such a fun favorite for those wanting stunning architecture mixed with a gorgeous natural setting.
See an Art Hill & Muny engagement session here!
World’s Fair Pavilion
Perched atop Government Hill in the heart of Forest Park, the World’s Fair Pavilion is one of St. Louis’ most iconic landmarks and offers sweeping views of the park! Designed by architect Henry Wright, the pavilion features elegant arches, red tile roofs, and decorative towers that have made it such an iconic setting for photos. The Pavilion photographs well from all angles, too!! Love the lavender wildflowers that bloom mid summer around The Pavillion, as well as the tall grasses that line the sidwalk leading up to The Pavilion in the fall. Another win win for Forest Park bringing in architecture and naturescapes all in one setting!
See a World’s Fair Pavilion engagement session here!
What to keep in mind for Forest Park Engagement Photos:
- Best time to go: Any time of year, except maybe the dead of winter! Forest park is absolutely stunning during most seasons, especially summer and fall.
- Getting there & parking: It’s super easy to find parking throughout the park, but certain times of year may see more crowds, like summer when the Muny has shows on. So just be mindful of that and arrive early for your session.
- Permits: No permit is needed for 99% of spots in the park, and the park is open until sundown. For spots like the Jewel Box, you’ll need to pay a $1 entrance fee (in cash) to get in.
- Can we bring our dog? Yes!
- Other tips: If you’re getting photos done on the weekend, you may want to make sure there are no events on, or that a venue is reserved for a wedding (like the World’s Fair Pavilion). Unfortunately, photos are no longer permitted inside the St. Louis Art Museum, only on the exterior of the building.
Tower Grove Park Engagement Photos
Tower Grove is one of my favorite city parks! I’m particularly fond off the entrances here, as they are so well manicured throughout spring – fall, showcasing pretty blooms and gardens alongside the column entrances. This park is also filled with so many mature giant trees, leading to the most stunning greenery and backdrops. Tower Grove really has so much to offer between the greenery, gardens and then the Piper Palm House area! The Piper Palm House is features a lovely brick building backdrop for shots – a nice compliment to the park’s greenery. The Lilly pond is special here at sunset, and I’ll never tire of the magestic weeping willow near there! Love love love Tower Grove Park for photos!
See a Tower Grove Park Engagement Session here!
What to keep in mind for engagement photos at Tower Grove Park:
- Best time to go: Any time of year, especially fall & spring. Winter is great, too, if it snows!
- Getting there & parking: Located in the Tower Grove neighborhood right next to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. It’s super easy to find parking throughout the park, but on Saturday mornings during spring-fall, there is the Tower Grove Park Farmer’s Market which can make it more crowded.
- Permits: No permit is needed!
- Can we bring our dog? Yes!
- Other tips: Occasionally they will close certain entrances randomly.
Missouri Botanical Gardens Engagement Photos
If you are looking for a garden setting with gorgeous blooms and landscaping….look no further! Missouri Botanical Gardens is definitely the spot! MOBOT has some of the most gorgeous gardens you’ll see in the midwest, truly. I’m so fond of little nooks and cranny’s of the gardens where the light hits just right and you’re surrounded by blooms and trees. If you’re lucky enough to catch the Cherry Blossoms in the springtime here….it’s totally worth it. Spring and Summer are my favorite seasons to photograph here!
See a Missouri Botanical Gardens Engagement Session here!
What to keep in mind for engagement photos at the Botanical Gardens:
- Best time to go: Spring or Summer
- Getting there & parking: Parking in the Missouri Botanical Gardens is free
- Permits: An $85 photography permit is required, but includes Garden admission.
- Can we bring our dog? No
- Other notes: For engagement sessions, you have to arrive before 3pm, so it’s not really possible to do golden hour photos here. They also do not allow outfit changes. No photography is allowed inside buildings at the Gardens, such as the Climatron or the Tower Grove House. The gardens take awhile to walk through, so if we choose this spot I recommend sticking to only one location (MOBOT) for your engagement session.
Oak Knoll Park Engagement Photos
Oak Knoll is a hidden gem! This Clayton park is small but mighty in that it has so many mature trees, a lovely little garden area, and a stone building backdrop. I especially love this park for those who want an intimate outdoor setting. It’s super chill here, and never particularly busy. Plus, the light hits just right at golden hour making for the most romantic engagement setting vibes!
What to keep in mind for engagement photos at Oak Knoll Park:
- Best time to go: Spring or Fall
- Getting there & parking: There is one easy to find parking lot, with free parking.
- Permits: None
- Can we bring our dog? Yes!
- Other notes: There is a preschool here, so around 2-3pm you’ll find parents picking up their kiddos. The school is on the lefthand side of the parking lot, so it doesn’t interfere much. Other than that this park is so intimate and quiet!
Central West End Engagement Photos
There are so many great spots in the Central West End (or the CWE, if you’re a local) for your engagement session! Some of my favorites include Brasserie by Niche and Brennan’s. Brasserie is awesome for indoor and outdoor photos, and gives that perfect Euro Cafe Vibe….in the Midwest! Brennan’s is also such a fun CWE spot, and I absolutely love taking couples there to grab a cocktail on their patio area / inside! This bar is so chic and iconic, you really can’t go wrong here. There are also other fun areas to walk around in the CWE that photograph so well, such as near/behind Edera with the ivy wall as well as in and around The Chase. Scarlett’s Wine Bar is also a cute little stop for the wine lovers!
What to keep in mind for engagement photos in the Central West End:
- Best time to go: Any time of year
- Getting there & parking: Street parking can be tricky so arrive early. You will probably have to pay for a meter.
- Permits: N/A, but if you’re hoping to photograph inside a building or restaurant in the CWE, it’s best to email them directly to get permission make sure they know we’re coming.
- Can we bring our dog? No
- Other notes: I recommend arriving prior to prime happy hour for Brennan’s or Brasserie, to beet the crowd. The Chase only allows photos in the lobby and The Chase Bar, not the residential side.
Lafayette Square Engagement Photos
Lafayette Park holds such a special place in my heart, it’s truly such a GEM. I love the garden path here on the Missouri Avenue side of the park. The way the light falls here is so golden and dreamy amongst the trees. Yes, light totally matters and it’s sooooo dreamy here! Then, the charming black iron bridge gracefully spans the park’s picturesque rock garden and pond, creating a scene that feels straight out of the Victorian era. Lafayette photographs so beautifully Spring through fall, so if you’re into greenery and gardens OR vibrant fall tons – this is your park people!! It’s also small enough that we can navigate to so many different spots within a session. Love it here!
See a Lafayette Square Park Engagement Session here!
What to keep in mind for engagement photos in Lafayette Square:
- Best time to go: Spring-Fall
- Getting there & parking: Street parking around the park is easy!
- Permits: N/A
- Can we bring our dog? Yes!
- Other notes: Such a fav of mine!!
Downtown St. Louis Engagement Photos
If you are dreaming of a rooftop engagement session in St. Louis, this is the place! This is perfect for the STL city lovers who want something super urban.
St. Louis Public Library Central Branch Engagement Photos
The library’s stunning architecture make it one of my absolute favorite buildings in St. Louis, especially for unique architectural engagement photos! The Library leans into such Parisian chic vibes – it’s just perfect for an elevated outfit for those who want something elegant. The front hallway before the entrance is iconic with it’s chandeliers and gold gates. If you’re a couple that loves to read, this is also a perfect spot for your session!
See a full St. Louis Public Library engagement session here!
What to keep in mind for engagement photos at the Public Library:
- Best time to go: Anytime! Even winter is great, because you can take photos indoors. If you want to focus on the exterior of the building, you might not want to go in winter so we can spend more time outside.
- Getting there & parking: Parking downtown can be iffy, and there are meters. Arrive early, because occasionally parades, construction, and events block the roads in the city.
- Permits: A permit is needed, but it’s free. You simply have to request a time slot online. I’ll do this for you!
- Can we bring our dog? No
- Other notes: There is even a small spot of greenery in the summer on the righthand-side of the building.
Saint Louis Arch Engagement Photos
The library’s stunning architecture make it one of my absolute favorite buildings in St. Louis, especially for unique architectural engagement photos! If you’re a couple that loves to read, this is a perfect spot for your session!
What to keep in mind for engagement photos at the St. Louis Arch:
- Best time to go: Anytime, but spring-fall is best!
- Getting there & parking: Parking can be tricky. I recommend parking at Kiener Plaza if we are shooting from downtown. If you’d like to see the skyline from the other side of the river, we’ll head over to Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park (East St. Louis).
- Permits: N/A
- Can we bring our dog? No
- Other notes: It’s best to end the session here, if we are driving over to Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park for lighting.
Hidden Gems for St. Louis Engagement Photos
And now onto my favorite section, the hidden gems! These are some of my top spots that aren’t that well known for engagement photos, but really make your session unique and fun!
Olive + Oak Engagement Photos
This restaurant & venue located in Webster Groves is such an adorable spot! My favorite is the wooden heart on the wall! This is perfect for the cocktail lovers, Webster locals or couples who plan to get married here! For an indoor space, it has such incredible natural light, too. Absolutely love shooting here!
See an Olive + Oak engagement session here!
What to keep in mind for engagement photos at Olive + Oak:
- Best time to go: Anytime of year, prior to happy hour.
- Getting there & parking: On street parking can be iffy, but there is a parking lot across the street!
- Permits: You’ll want to contact the staff to make sure they can accommodate your engagement session on your desired date, and ask what time they would need to you to arrive.
- Can we bring our dog? No
- Other notes: The main restaurant space can get too busy, but the event space outside of The Hall and The Hall (if given permission) are so great.
Wash U Engagement Photos
I love the historic Washington University Campus for stunning engagement photos! This is such a cute spot if you went to or met at Wash U, or just want some Hogwarts vibes!
See a Wash U campus engagement session here!
What to keep in mind for engagement photos at Washington University:
- Best time to go: Taking advantage of the summertime when students won’t really be on campus is my recommendation.
- Getting there & parking: You can either park on the surrounding streets and walk to campus, or park in the garages, but note that they may not be open depending on the time of year or may require you to pay.
- Permits: N/A
- Can we bring our dog? No
- Other notes: Allow extra time for parking.
Ice Cream Shop Engagement Photos
I love engagement sessions in ice cream shops, it creates such a sweet vibe (pun intended!). Some of my favorites include: Clementine’s Creamery (multiple locations), Jeni’s (Central West End), or Ices Plain & Fancy (Tower Grove).
See a Clementine’s ice cream engagement session here!
What to keep in mind for engagement photos at ice cream shops:
- Best time to go: Anytime
- Getting there & parking: Location dependent!
- Permits: You’ll want to contact the staff to make sure they can accommodate your engagement session on your desired date, and ask what time they would need to you to arrive.
- Can we bring our dog? No
- Other notes: Must love ice cream!
The Hill
The Hill is super charming for an engagement session. It blends old-world Italian character with timeless romance! The neighborhood’s centerpiece, Piazza Imo On the Hill, features a beautiful Italian-inspired fountain. Just across the street stands the historic St. Ambrose Catholic Church, whose stunning architecture and rich Italian heritage add an elegant, classic touch to any session. After exploring the neighborhood’s colorful streets, brick buildings, and family-owned shops, I love to finish our evening with a sweet treat from Gelato Di Riso!! So fun, and sweet for a final pitstop in this charming neighborhood.
- Best time to go: Spring-Fall
- Getting there & parking: On street parking near St. Ambrose is a good spot to meet in the middle.
- Permits: No
- Can we bring our dog? Yes, but it’s not my top rec for pets.
- Other notes: There’s some fun brick backdrops and crosswalks around this neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
The best place for engagement photos in St. Louis really depends on the look and feel you want for your session. If you love greenery and a more natural setting, Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, and Lafayette Park offer plenty of variety. For something more architectural or city-inspired, neighborhoods like Lafayette Square, the Central West End, and downtown St. Louis can be beautiful options. The best engagement session location is ultimately one that feels like you as a couple—whether that’s a favorite park, your neighborhood, a cozy bar, or somewhere connected to your story.
You can take beautiful engagement photos in St. Louis year-round, and every season has a different feel. Spring brings flowering trees and fresh greenery, while summer gives you long evenings and lush landscapes. Fall is especially popular for engagement sessions thanks to cooler temperatures and changing leaves, and winter can be beautiful if you want something quieter, moodier, or more city-focused. If you’re hoping for comfortable temperatures and lots of greenery, late spring and early fall are usually great places to start.
It depends on the location. Some St. Louis engagement photo locations require photography permits, reservations, or entrance fees, while many public spaces do not. Rules can also change, so it’s always a good idea to check directly with the location before your session. If you have a particular spot in mind, I can help you figure out what questions to ask, but couples should always confirm any required permissions or reservations with the venue or property owner ahead of time.
You can take beautiful engagement photos in St. Louis year-round, and every season has a different feel. Spring brings flowering trees and fresh greenery, while summer gives you long evenings and lush landscapes. Fall is especially popular for engagement sessions thanks to cooler temperatures and changing leaves, and winter can be beautiful if you want something quieter, moodier, or more city-focused. If you’re hoping for comfortable temperatures and lots of greenery, late spring and early fall are usually great places to start.
St. Louis weather can be unpredictable, so a little flexibility goes a long way! A cloudy forecast doesn’t necessarily mean we need to reschedule, and overcast skies can actually create beautiful, soft light for photos. If heavier rain or storms are expected, we can talk through the forecast as your session gets closer and decide whether it makes more sense to adjust our plans, choose a covered or indoor location, or reschedule.
Absolutely! If your dog is part of your life together, including them in your engagement photos can make the session feel even more personal. Just make sure your chosen location allows dogs, and consider bringing a friend or family member who can take over dog duty for part of the session. A leash, treats, water, and a few favorite toys are also helpful to have on hand. I will forever and always be team bring your dog!!
Yes! Depending on the length of your engagement session and how far apart the locations are, we can often incorporate more than one setting. Choosing two nearby locations with different looks—like a leafy park followed by a neighborhood or city setting—can add a lot of variety without spending half of your session driving across St. Louis. If you have multiple locations in mind, we can plan the session around travel time and the best light at each one.
Choosing your engagement session location is one of my favorite parts of the planning process. If you’re looking for a photographer who will help you choose a location that actually feels like you—not just what’s trendy—I would love to help. Get in touch to chat with me about your engagement photos!
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