Let’s be honest, planning a wedding can be exhausting. Planning your St. Louis elopement doesn’t need to be! I’m a big believer in experience over obligation. And trust me, this city was built for experiences. Whether you’re planning on sharing a post-ceremony beer from Anheuser-Busch Brewery, or just enjoying Missouri’s Midwestern charm, whether you’re wanting to explore all that the city has to offer or embarking on a tree-lined hike. St. Louis has it all! Hi, I’m Alyssa, your professional third wheel and logistics expert.
City Vibes
Couples looking for a STL elopement have their pick on how to fill their day with adventures and memories. The city is a thriving hotspot for theater, sports, as well as hiking.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre and The Muny are prime examples of the flourishing theater scene. The Fox, built in 1929, is renowned for touring Broadway musicals, major pop and rock concerts, and comedians, making it a great winding-down activity at the end of your elopement.
Forest Park, one of the largest parks in the US (1,300 acres), is an urban oasis for eloping couples. With several hidden gems around the park, you can still find privacy during your city elopement. With so much to see and do in the park, explore it awhile. The Art Museum is also gem within the park. Imagine walking hand in hand, admiring the beauty of Monet’s water lilies. During the summer months (June–Aug), The Muny amphitheater puts on seven musicals from the ground up on a scale that rivals Broadway productions.
STL is also filled with several rooftop bars giving you perfect views of the city skyline that really shines at night! Three Sixty rooftop bar supplies a direct view into the Cardinals’ very own Busch Stadium. A very cool spot for any baseball fan.
St. Louis has an amazing food scene, especially “On the Hill,” St. Louis’s very own Italian district filled with over 25+ authentic Italian restaurants. Local favorites like Mama’s and Favazza’s. Their toasted ravioli is a must-try!
Country Charm
But for me, the real charm of St. Louis is actually in the surrounding areas within an hour radius of the Arch. Getting away from the busy streets and exploring what nature Missouri has to offer is where the state truly shines! Don’t get me wrong, the city is great as a pit stop for city activities and nightlife, but for the ceremony and adventure, I have much better spots up my sleeve!
The Missouri I know is rich with forest trails with bluffs and secret pockets of lakes and rivers. The perfect combination for couples wanting to get in a hike with the payoff of a stunning view to watch the sunset over the water.
The Missouri River makes for the perfect stage for a lot of true Midwestern activities. In the summer months, float trips are very popular. There are several companies in the area to organize your trip, or simply bring your own to any boat dock and be on your merry way! Float trips are a great way to decompress and relax in the middle of your day. I recommend floating after your hike and vows. That way, the big stuff is out of the way, you’re married, and now you can just chill. Imagine making your way down the river on a float, you and your love officially married to each other, your favorite beer or beverage in hand while you’re at the mercy of a soft current pulling you downstream. Stop and take breaks on the bank to swim in the deeper areas, splash each other, and just enjoy the beautiful day on the water together.
Let’s plan your dream day
Your wedding day shouldn’t be a performance or a stressful checklist. It should be a reflection of who you are. Whether that means wandering through Monet’s water lilies, floating down the river with a cold beer, or standing on a quiet bluff watching the sunset over the Missouri River, your St. Louis elopement can be exactly what you want it to be. You don’t have to figure out the permits, the hidden trails, or the timelines alone. I’m ready to be your professional third wheel, logistics expert, and tour guide to the absolute best spots this region has to offer. Let’s start planning an intentional, unforgettable adventure that’s entirely yours.
XOXO, Alyssa
