The 10 Best Wedding Venues in St. Louis, MO: A Local Photographer's Guide
Planning a wedding in St. Louis? You're in for a treat. This city offers an incredible mix of historic elegance, modern sophistication, and natural beauty that creates the perfect backdrop for your big day. As a St. Louis wedding photographer who's had the privilege of capturing love stories at venues throughout the area, I've seen firsthand what makes each location special.
Whether you're dreaming of a grand ballroom celebration, an intimate garden ceremony, or something uniquely you, St. Louis has a venue that will feel like home. Let me walk you through twelve of the best wedding venues in the area, complete with all the practical details you need to make your decision easier.
1. The Jewel Box in Forest Park
There's something truly magical about the Jewel Box. This art deco greenhouse in Forest Park feels like stepping into a fairytale, with soaring glass walls and lush greenery creating an enchanting atmosphere year-round.
What You Need to Know:
Capacity: Maximum capacity in the Jewel Box for a wedding ceremony is 250 people. For a reception with a dance floor, capacity is 100 people, without a dance floor the capacity is 160 people.
Ceremony & Reception: Indoor ceremony and reception space surrounded by tropical plants and seasonal flowers
Best For: Couples who want a unique, garden-inspired setting without weather worries
Photography Perks: The natural light filtering through the glass creates stunning photos at any time of day, and Forest Park offers endless opportunities for portraits
The Jewel Box is perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel intimate and romantic while still having that "wow" factor. The building itself is the decor, which can also help your budget go further.
Click to visit the Jewel Box website
2. Silver Oaks Chateau
Silver Oaks Chateau in St. Charles brings European elegance to the Missouri countryside. This stunning venue features French-inspired architecture, manicured gardens, and luxurious interiors that make you feel like you've been transported to a chateau in the French countryside.
What You Need to Know:
Capacity: Up to 300 guests
Ceremony & Reception: Both indoor and outdoor ceremony options with multiple elegant reception spaces
Best For: Couples who want luxury, romance, and a European-inspired celebration
Photography Perks: The formal gardens, fountain courtyard, grand staircase, and classic architecture provide endless stunning backdrops throughout the property
Silver Oaks is ideal for couples who want a fairytale wedding with sophisticated elegance. The manicured grounds photograph beautifully in every season, and the versatility of having both indoor and outdoor options means you can create the exact atmosphere you're envisioning.
Click to visit the Silver Oaks Chateau website
3. The Stone House of St. Charles
The Stone House of St. Charles offers rustic elegance with a historic twist. This charming venue combines original stone architecture with modern amenities, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels both timeless and comfortable.
What You Need to Know:
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Ceremony & Reception: Outdoor ceremony options in the courtyard or gardens, indoor reception space with exposed stone walls and wooden beams
Best For: Couples who want rustic charm with historic character in a more intimate setting
Photography Perks: The stone walls, courtyard, surrounding gardens, and mix of textures create warm, romantic photos with depth and character
This venue is perfect for couples who love the rustic wedding aesthetic but want something that feels more refined and historic than a traditional barn venue. The Stone House strikes that beautiful balance between casual and elegant.
Click to visit the Stone House of St. Charles website
4. The Marriott Grand Ballroom at St. Louis Union Station
If you're looking for grandeur and historic significance, Union Station delivers. The soaring ceilings, ornate details, and sheer scale of this restored train station make it one of the most impressive venues in the city.
What You Need to Know:
Capacity: Up to 800 guests (multiple ballroom options for smaller weddings)
Ceremony & Reception: Primarily indoor with various ballroom sizes available
Best For: Large weddings and couples who want a grand, classic celebration
Photography Perks: The architectural details and dramatic lighting create timeless, elegant photos
Union Station works beautifully for couples who want a traditional wedding with all the bells and whistles. The on-site hotel also makes it convenient for out-of-town guests and allows you to enjoy every moment without worrying about transportation.
Click to visit the St. Louis Union Station website
5. The Caramel Room at Bissinger's
For couples who want something intimate and sophisticated, the Caramel Room offers a one-of-a-kind experience. This exclusive space sits above Bissinger's chocolate factory, combining industrial-chic design with warm, romantic touches.
What You Need to Know:
Capacity: Up to 180 guests
Ceremony & Reception: Indoor and outdoor ceremony space with indoor reception space; with exposed brick and modern design
Best For: Couples who appreciate fine food, craft cocktails, and urban elegance
Photography Perks: The mix of textures—brick, metal, warm lighting—creates depth and interest in photos
The Caramel Room is ideal if you want a more boutique wedding experience with exceptional food and a sophisticated vibe. Plus, chocolate favors from Bissinger's? Yes, please.
Click to visit the Caramel Room website
6. Chandler Hill Vineyards
Located about 45 minutes outside the city in Defiance, Missouri, Chandler Hill Vineyards offers rolling hills, vineyard views, and a relaxed elegance that feels worlds away from city life.
What You Need to Know:
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Ceremony & Reception: Outdoor ceremony options overlooking the vineyards, indoor reception space with floor-to-ceiling windows
Best For: Couples who want a romantic, wine-country vibe with scenic views
Photography Perks: Golden hour photos in the vineyards are absolutely breathtaking, and the natural landscape provides gorgeous backdrops
This venue is perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel like a mini-vacation for their guests. The scenery is stunning, the wine is excellent, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet refined.
Click to visit the Chandler Hill Vineyards website
7. The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta
The Chase Park Plaza brings old-world glamour to your wedding day. This historic hotel in the Central West End offers multiple elegant spaces and the convenience of having everything under one roof.
What You Need to Know:
Capacity: Up to 500 guests (multiple ballroom options)
Ceremony & Reception: Indoor ceremony and reception spaces with classic, elegant decor
Best For: Couples who want luxury, convenience, and timeless elegance
Photography Perks: The hotel's vintage details, grand staircases, and elegant ballrooms photograph beautifully
The Chase is wonderful for couples who want a traditional, upscale celebration with the ease of having guest accommodations, getting ready spaces, and reception venues all in one location.
Click to visit the Chase Park Plaza website
8. Powder Valley Nature Center
For nature-loving couples, Powder Valley offers a beautiful, budget-friendly option. This St. Louis County park venue provides a serene natural setting with indoor and outdoor options.
What You Need to Know:
Capacity: Up to 150 guests
Ceremony & Reception: Outdoor ceremony options with covered pavilion, indoor reception space with nature views
Best For: Couples who want an outdoor celebration in a natural setting at an accessible price point
Photography Perks: Wooded trails, native plants, and natural light create organic, beautiful photos
This venue is ideal if you want your wedding to feel connected to nature without sacrificing the convenience of indoor backup options and amenities. It's also one of the more affordable options in the area.
Click to visit the Powder Valley Nature Center website
9. The Coronado Ballroom
Located in the historic Coronado building downtown, this ballroom combines vintage charm with modern amenities. The space features original details from the 1920s alongside contemporary updates.
What You Need to Know:
Capacity: Up to 300 guests
Ceremony & Reception: Indoor ceremony and reception space with historic ballroom features
Best For: Couples who love vintage aesthetics and urban settings
Photography Perks: The original architectural details, chandeliers, and art deco elements create timeless elegance
The Coronado works beautifully for couples who appreciate history and want a sophisticated downtown celebration with character and charm.
Click to visit the Coronado Ballroom website
10. Magnolia Hotel St. Louis
This boutique hotel in downtown St. Louis offers an intimate, refined setting with personalized service. The rooftop terrace provides stunning city skyline views.
What You Need to Know:
Capacity: Up to 150 guests
Ceremony & Reception: Indoor and outdoor (rooftop) options available
Best For: Couples who want a boutique hotel experience with city views
Photography Perks: The rooftop offers incredible sunset and nighttime city skyline photos
Magnolia Hotel is perfect for couples who want an intimate celebration with personalized attention and the convenience of a beautiful downtown location.
Click to visit the Magnolia Hotel website
Choosing the Right St. Louis Wedding Venue for You
Here's what I tell every couple I work with: the "best" venue is the one that feels right for you. Not your parents, not Pinterest, not what everyone else is doing—you.
As you tour venues, pay attention to how you feel in the space. Can you picture your people there? Does it match the vibe you want for your day? Does it fit your budget comfortably without causing stress?
Consider these practical factors too:
Guest count and comfort: Make sure your venue can accommodate your list without feeling cramped or too empty
Weather backup plans: If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, understand the backup options
Vendor flexibility: Some venues require you to use their preferred vendors, while others let you choose your own
Getting ready spaces: Having comfortable spaces for you and your wedding party can make the day run more smoothly
Timeline flexibility: Understand how much time you'll have access to the venue and whether that aligns with your plans
Working with a St. Louis Wedding Photographer
Your wedding photographer should feel like a partner in planning your day—someone who can offer suggestions for your timeline, help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and capture all the authentic, unposed moments that make your celebration uniquely yours.
If you're planning a 2026 wedding in St. Louis and want a photographer who will help you stay true to yourselves throughout the planning process, I'd love to hear from you.
Tell Me About Your Wedding!
Fill out the form below to see if I have your wedding date available. I’m based in Missouri but frequently traveling out of state for weddings in Oklahoma and New England.
On average, Missouri couples spend $4,500 for their wedding photography. Sessions begin at $500.