Best Engagement Session Locations in Saint Louis
Why Engagement Sessions Are Worth It
4 Reasons I Recommend Engagement Sessions
#1 You get comfortable in front of the camera
One of the most common things I hear from couples is, “We’re so awkward,” or “We have no idea how to pose.” And that’s totally normal. Most people aren’t used to being photographed together. That’s exactly why I recommend an engagement session. It gives us time to figure out what feels natural for you, without the pressure of the wedding day. I’ll guide you through everything—what to do with your hands, how to move, where to look—so when your wedding day comes, you already know what to expect. And that confidence shows in every image.
#2 You Get to experience my process
Before committing to a contract worth thousands of dollars, I strongly recommend scheduling an engagement session with your wedding photographer. It’s an excellent opportunity to see how well you connect with them and determine if their style is the right fit for you. This experience will give you confidence that your wedding day will be documented beautifully, capturing the moments that matter most.
Having an engagement session is a perfect way of announcing your engagement and documenting the beginning of your love story.
So without further ado, here are some of my favorite locations for engagement sessions in and around St Louis.
Bee Tree Park
As a parent in St. Louis, I have found so many new parks for my children to play. Many of the parks I have found have become beautiful backdrops for engagement sessions for my clients. Bee Tree Park is one of those hiddent gems. Nestled in the southern border of St. Louis county, Bee Tree park is a perfect location for your engagement session. The picturesque lake at the bottom of the hill offers a colorful backdrop, with the opportunity to create stunning reflections that add a dramatic quality in your photos. The overlook to the Mississippi River provides a breathtaking panorama, especially during sunset when the sky transforms into a prism of vibrant colors. Bee Tree Park is a versatile location that perfectly captures the natural beauty and historical essence of St. Louis.
Gateway Arch National Park
The Gateway Arch National Park is the smallest national park in the United States, yet the arch is an icon that many people use for their St. Louis engagement session. The view from the Old Courthouse, with its majestic architecture and historic charm, provides a classic backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the modern skyline. On the other side of the park, there are steps leading up to the Arch, which are a favorite for capturing vividly dramatic photos that highlight the visionary grandeur of the St. Louis Arch. While the Arch is the headliner of the park, there are many other features within the park, such as the quiet pond in the northern part, which provides opportunities to capture stunning panoramas of the Arch and its reflection, and the beautifully manicured walkway in the southern part that, during the fall, provides vibrant colors with the Arch as its backdrop. This location combines history and timeless architecture with natural beauty, offering a variety of stunning settings for your engagement photos.
Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden, located in the heart of St. Louis, is a perfect spot for an engagement session, especially for couples who love nature. Each of its themed gardens has its own unique charm, from the calm and peaceful Japanese Garden to the vibrant colors of the Rose Garden. The lush greenery and beautifully maintained landscapes provide plenty of options for romantic and natural-looking photos. Whether you’re strolling down the quiet paths, posing among exotic flowers, or sitting by a peaceful pond, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers a wide variety of beautiful settings. It’s an ideal place to capture the joy and love of your engagement in a way that’s personal and meaningful to you. With so many different spots to choose from, your photos will truly reflect your unique love story.
There are restrictions and a requirement for a photography permit for this location. Click here for more information
Castlewood State Park
Castlewood State Park is a favorite spot for outdoor lovers and a perfect choice for a scenic St. Louis engagement session. The park trails lead to stunning overlooks with panoramic views of Lone Elk Park and the Meramec River. The rolling hills and dense forests create a peaceful and romantic setting. Whether you’re capturing the vibrant colors of autumn or the fresh greenery of spring, Castlewood State Park offers a beautiful backdrop that highlights Missouri’s natural beauty. It’s an ideal spot for couples who want a touch of adventure and the outdoors in their engagement photos, with its rugged landscapes providing a unique and memorable setting.
Downtown Kirkwood
Downtown Kirkwood offers a charming and quaint setting for a lifestyle-themed St. Louis engagement session. The historic streets, lined with cozy cafés, boutique shops, and vintage architecture, create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The small-town charm and vibrant community make it an ideal location for capturing candid and intimate moments. Whether you’re strolling down the sidewalks or enjoying a cup of coffee at a local café, Downtown Kirkwood provides a picturesque and romantic backdrop that perfectly captures the everyday joy and love shared between you and your partner.
Forest Park
Forest Park is home to some of the most iconic spots for a St. Louis engagement session. The World’s Fair Pavilion, with its grand architecture and sweeping views of the park, offers a stunning backdrop for romantic photos. Art Hill, featuring its rolling greens and the majestic St. Louis Art Museum, provides a classic and elegant setting, especially beautiful during sunset. The Muny, an outdoor musical theatre, adds a touch of culture and charm, while the Grand Basin, with its serene waters and beautiful fountains, creates a timeless and romantic atmosphere. Forest Park’s diverse landscapes and landmarks make it an ideal location for capturing the essence of your love story.
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is a vast and cinematic location for St. Louis engagement sessions. It’s also one of my favorite locations because of how expansive the area is. There are huge fields and winding trails with endless opportunities for capturing the natural beauty of Missouri. When the weather is right, the reserve transforms into a breathtaking landscape, with golden sunsets casting a warm glow over the fields. The sunflower fields, in particular, add a vibrant and enchanting element to your photos, creating a stunning contrast against the open skies. With wide-open spaces and stunning river views, you can create memories that are truly romantic and cinematic, invoking a sense of freedom you can only find in the wild. Columbia Bottom provides a stunning and dynamic backdrop that beautifully captures your relationship.
Klondike Park
Klondike Park, located in Augusta, Missouri, is a hidden gem perfect for couples looking for a scenic and unique backdrop for their engagement photos. This former quarry turned nature park offers breathtaking views of the Missouri River and dramatic white sand beaches that create a striking contrast with the surrounding natural beauty. With its hiking trails, towering bluffs, and peaceful lake, Klondike Park provides a variety of stunning, romantic settings for capturing meaningful moments. Whether you’re looking for a natural, rugged vibe or serene waterfront shots, Klondike Park delivers a dramatic yet peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for an unforgettable engagement session.
City Garden
Citygarden, located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, offers a modern and artistic setting for couples looking for a unique engagement session. This urban park is filled with contemporary sculptures, interactive fountains, and lush greenery, providing endless creative opportunities for vibrant and dynamic photos. The blend of art, architecture, and nature creates a truly dramatic backdrop, whether you’re capturing candid moments among the sculptures or enjoying the reflections from the water features. Citygarden’s sleek, modern vibe combined with the surrounding cityscape makes it the perfect spot for couples seeking a mix of romance and urban charm in their engagement portraits.
If You're Willing to Travel
Katy Trail in Rocheport, Mo
The Katy Trail in Rocheport, MO, offers a picturesque and serene setting for your engagement session. This charming trail, winding along the Missouri River, is known for its stunning views of towering bluffs, lush forests, and expansive farmlands. The historic Rocheport Tunnel and the iconic Missouri River Bridge provide unique and captivating backdrops that add a touch of history and rustic charm to your photos. As you stroll along the tree-lined path or pose by the riverbanks, the natural beauty and tranquility of the Katy Trail create an ideal atmosphere for capturing intimate and romantic moments. An engagement session here promises timeless and enchanting photos.
Garden of the Gods - Herod, IL
Garden of the Gods in Herod, IL, is a breathtaking location perfect for capturing the magic of your engagement session. This natural wonder boasts towering rock formations that create a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for your photos. The panoramic views from the top of these ancient sandstone cliffs are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset, casting a warm, golden light that enhances the natural beauty of the landscape. Whether you’re exploring the scenic trails or posing atop the iconic Camel Rock, Garden of the Gods offers a unique and unforgettable setting that perfectly captures your relationship. Plan your engagement session at this enchanting location to create timeless memories amidst the rugged beauty of Southern Illinois.
Hawks-Bill Crag - AR
Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag, is a stunning and iconic location in Arkansas that offers a breathtaking setting for your engagement session. Perched high above the Ozark National Forest, this rock outcrop provides panoramic views of the lush valley below, especially enchanting during sunrise or sunset when the landscape is bathed in a golden glow. The dramatic cliffs and sweeping vistas create a sense of adventure and romance, making it a perfect spot for capturing your photos. Whether you’re standing on the edge of the crag or nestled among the surrounding forests, Whitaker Point offers a unique and unforgettable backdrop that adds a touch of natural beauty and awe to your engagement photos. This location’s rugged charm and scenic beauty make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a memorable and visually stunning engagement session.
The Place That Means The Most
Choosing the perfect location for your engagement session isn’t about where I have or haven’t photographed. If you don’t like hiking, many of the locations here wouldn’t fit your love story, so maybe the city locations would suit you better. Finding and selecting your engagement session location is all about finding a place that resonates with you. While iconic spots like Forest Park, Garden of the Gods, Katy Trail, and Whitaker Point offer breathtaking backdrops, remember that any location can be beautiful if it reflects who you are together. Sometimes the most meaningful locations are physically closest to you. Photos taken in your home or backyard give a personal and meaningful touch. Whether it’s a grand park or a cozy corner of your home, the most important thing is that the location tells your story and captures your love. Wherever you choose, we’ll create stunning, heartfelt photos that you’ll cherish forever.
Let's Document Your Love Story
JWadePhotoStudio
Wedding Photographer Based in St Louis and Serving the Greater Midwest & Beyond
