Missouri Engagement Photo Locations
So you got the ring. You’re planning the wedding, and now you’re wondering where to take engagement photos in Missouri. Here are a few questions for you to consider:
What type of location resonates with you both? For my outdoors adventure-lovers, I recommend opting for one of Missouri’s parks. For my couples who love being in town and trying new restaurants, I recommend doing photos in your favorite city and incorporate one of your favorite places into the shoot. We could stop for photos at your favorite coffee shop, brewery, or burger place!
Is there an activity you both love doing together? As much as I love directing couples through different poses and getting creative with location, it’s always fun to change it up and document them doing something they love together! This could be a bike ride down your favorite street. Riding horses. Roller blading. Let’s make your engagement session fun!
How far are you willing to travel? Missouri has so many great location options, but they won’t all be just a 5 minute drive. If you’re craving a city shoot, let’s plan something epic in St Louis or Kansas City. My favorite “outdoorsy” locations are Elephant Rocks State Park and Taum Sauk Mountain.
Taum Sauk Mountain
This is the highest natural point in Missouri, and it is located in the Ozarks, a region spreading across Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. There is a very wide variety of locations here for photo sessions.
From Kansas City: 5 hours, 13 minutes
From Columbia: 3 hours, 26 minutes
From Saint Louis: 1 hour, 47 minutes
Hawn State Park
Specifically, Whispering Pines Trail (about 12 miles long) and White Oaks Trail (about 4 miles long).
From Kansas City: 4 hours, 40 minutes
From Columbia: 2 hours, 50 minutes
From Saint Louis: 1 hour, 13 minutes
Elephant Rocks State Park
The park is filled with giant granite boulders, and it makes for a fun location to explore and get creative with photos! Personally, this one kind of makes me feel like I’m in Utah :)
From Kansas City: 4 hours, 52 minutes
From Columbia: 3 hours, 4 minutes
From Saint Louis: 1 hour, 29 minutes
Don Robinson State Park
Although not far from Saint Louis, the park’s rugged hillsides keep the area quiet from the city. There is a wide variety of photo locations here.
From Kansas City: 3 hours, 56 minutes
From Columbia: 2 hours, 8 minutes
From Saint Louis: 44 minutes
ROck Bridge Memorial State Park
The park is over 2,200 acres and is located 5 miles south of Columbia. Shooting Star Trailhead is my personal favorite location.
From Kansas City: 2 hours, 5 minutes
From Columbia: 13 minutes
From Saint Louis: 2 hours, 1 minute
Three Creeks Conservation Area
Named after the three creeks that run through this area, this is a light hike taking you down from the parking lot to the creeks. There is plenty of wide open space for amazing photos and some good spots for photos along the way down!
From Kansas City: 2 hours, 11 minutes
From Columbia: 20 minutes
From Saint Louis: 2 hours, 8 minutes
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Ha Ha Tonka has several trails, one of which will take you to some castle ruins from the early 1900’s. From up where the ruins are located, you have an amazing view of the Lake of the Ozarks! Other trails take you down by the lake.
From Kansas City: 2 hours, 38 minutes
From Columbia: 1 hour, 31 minutes
From Saint Louis: 2 hours, 50 minutes
