Sunset Bluffs: A Stunning Lakeside St. Louis Wedding Venue
Sunset Bluffs | Photo by Bryson B Photo
Your Dream Wedding Should Be At Sunset Bluffs
If you’re on the hunt for a wedding venue in St. Louis, Missouri that unique, stunning, and ridiculously functional, Sunset Bluffs should be on your radar. Located in Washington, Missouri (just outside of St. Louis), Sunset Bluffs offers a totally awe-inspiring experience that feels like a private getaway without being so far from the city that your guests have to plan an entire roadtrip. Not only does it have the striking bluffs that make up its namesake, but a gorgeous lake, modern architecture, and tons of layout customization to really make your wedding day your own. With a capacity of up to 300 guests, this venue blends striking natural beauty with industry-leading amenities, making it a favorite spot for couples who want a memorable day AND wedding photographers (cough… like me) who are obsessed with gorgeous light.
Table of Contents
Wedding Day Prep: Getting Ready Spaces at Sunset Bluffs
Breathtaking Ceremonies: Where to Say "I Do"
Party Time: Reception Spaces
Wedding Day Amenities at Sunset Bluffs
What Does a Wedding Cost at Sunset Bluffs?
Photo Opportunities at Sunset Bluffs
Sunset Bluffs Wedding Photographer
Sunset Bluffs Wedding Venue | Bryson B Photo
Wedding Day Prep: Getting Ready Spaces at Sunset Bluffs
Gorgeous window light at the primary prep area
The Bridal Suite
The bridal suite at Sunset Bluffs is spacious, private, and filled with natural light. It’s designed with comfort in mind, offering plenty of room for the bride and her party to get ready without feeling crowded, and it's perfect for couples that have the venue overnight. The 1,000 sq. ft. suite includes a full-size bathroom with a waterfall shower, jacuzzi tub, hair & makeup room, and a king-size bed. From a photographer’s perspective, the large windows provide beautiful light for detail shots of dresses, rings, and candid moments with the bride's party. The space feels calm yet celebratory—perfect for easing into the day while still capturing those emotional “getting ready” memories.
The Groom Area
Sunset Bluffs also gives the groom and his crew their own dedicated prep space. It’s outfitted for comfort and privacy, complete with a pool table and seating that overlook's Sunset Bluff's beachfront area. The groom's folks can hang out, relax, and get ready without any distractions. Just like the bridal suite, the groom’s area benefits from good light and spacious design, making it easy to capture everything separately from your partner so as to not spoil your first looks! Having these two separate spaces ensures both partners can prepare in style while giving the photographer plenty of variety to tell the full story of the day.
Groom getting ready
Groom Portrait
Breathtaking Ceremonies: Where to Say "I Do"
Pergola and the Bluffs
At Sunset Bluffs, couples can choose from several unique ceremony backdrops, each with its own vibe.
White Sand Beach – A serene stretch of imported sand from the East Coast, and the only white sand beach you’ll find in Missouri. Here, you still get a great view of the bluffs but without the pergola. If you're wanting a more open-air feeling to your ceremony, this is a great option!
Pergola at the Water’s Edge – Positioned beside the 8-acre lake and fountain, this clean-lined pergola is perfect for adding your own floral or décor style. It’s modern, simple, and highly customizable. If you've seen photos of ceremonies at Sunset Bluffs, there's a high chance it's at this spot! It's an iconic spot!
Open Grass Lawn with 45-Foot Waterfall – Ideal for couples who love a dramatic natural backdrop, this lawn lets you say your vows with both the lake and a towering waterfall behind you. The bluffs sit closer to the water's edge here, so this space feels more intimate than some of the more open lakefront ceremony options.
Stone Fireplace – A flexible option that works in every season. Keep a fire blazing for cozy vibes on a cool day, or decorate with bold florals or even some wheat and native wildflowers for a bohemian feel.
The Venue Hall – For weddings under 220 guests, this indoor option is available if the weather doesn’t cooperate. With big windows and plenty of light, you'll stay warm and dry while still feeling connected to the striking natural features of this venue!
Party Time: Reception Spaces
The Reception Hall
Sunset Bluffs’ main hall features 12-foot ceilings and is truly a blank canvas for your day. Massive windows pull the lake and bluffs right into the room, so you never lose that connection to why you booked this venue in the first place! With space for up to 300 guests, it’s built for dinner, dancing, and celebrating big. From a photographer’s angle, the acoustics and layout make it easy to capture crisp toasts, lively dance floors, and those in-between moments without distraction.
The Outdoor Tent
This option brings cocktail hour vibes with a view. Imagine sipping champagne as the waterfall hums in the background, or cozying up by the stone fireplace when the evening cools off. It’s laid-back but elevated—perfect for mingling, grabbing bites, and snapping candid photos as the sun dips behind the bluffs. I've had couples use the main reception hall for dinner and most of the formalities, and then bring the party out to the tent for the rest of the evening! The bluffs and the fountain really take on a different vibe once the stars come out.
Reception Hall at Sunset Bluffs
The Tent At Sunset Bluffs
Wedding Day Amenities at Sunset Bluffs
Beyond the stunning backdrops, Sunset Bluffs includes thoughtful amenities that make wedding days smoother:
On-site parking for guests
20-acre estate with a 5,500 sq. ft home available in many of their packages
Climate-controlled reception hall for year-round comfort
Full catering kitchen to support your chosen caterer
Tables and chairs provided - Round and rectangle options available, no need to rent basics!
Outdoor patio space for cocktail hour or late-night mingling
Private lake views exclusively for you and your guests
These extras reduce the number of outside vendors you’ll need to coordinate, which is always a win on wedding days.
What Does a Wedding Cost at Sunset Bluffs?
While exact pricing can vary based on the day of the week and time of year, Sunset Bluffs generally falls into the mid-to-high range for St. Louis wedding venues. Expect base 1-day rental rates starting around $5,000–$10,000, with additional costs for catering, bar packages, and add-ons. Couples often appreciate that many essentials are included in the base price (tables, chairs, prep suites), which helps balance the overall budget. Compared to other venues in the region, Sunset Bluffs offers a strong value for the setting and amenities provided.
Photo Opportunities at Sunset Bluffs
As a photographer, I can confidently say Sunset Bluffs is packed with photo opportunities. Some of my favorite spots include:
The ceremony pergola by the lake – iconic wide shots and intimate ceremony moments.
Golden hour on the bluffs – the venue truly lives up to its name with unbeatable sunsets. The venue team is great about taking us up to the bluffs for some amazing photos that overlook the property.
Courtyard and Reception Hall – the structures on site have a really modern aesthetic to them, so taking a few photos near the main house and reception hall can offer some welcome diversity to the final gallery.
Lakeside Night Photos – after the sun sets behind the bluffs and the party starts, let your photographer steal you away for a few photos under the stars! Sunset bluffs is the perfect distance away from St. Louis, and the stars are really visible here at night!
Every wedding I’ve photographed here has yielded a unique gallery, thanks to the versatility of the venue’s landscapes. The mix of modern architecture and striking, natural features is super fun!
I almost always recommend splitting up your portrait time on your wedding day. Instead of going out for couples' photos for one long 30 minute stretch, split your time up into three separate 10-15 minute chunks! This is especially useful at Sunset Bluffs. If you're doing a first look before the ceremony, you can take some photos before the ceremony, a few after the ceremony during sunset on the bluffs, and then a few at night! This minimizes the time you're away from your guests for extended periods and gives you a ton of diversity in your final gallery.
Sunset Bluffs Wedding Photographer
Having photographed multiple weddings at Sunset Bluffs, I know how to navigate the property in multiple set ups and lighting situations If you’re planning your wedding here, you’ll want a photographer who knows how to balance giving you mind-blowing creative images while still delivering organic, raw emotional moments. That’s where I come in!
If Sunset Bluffs feels like the right fit for your day, let’s connect. I’d love to show you how your story can come to life against this stunning backdrop. Reach out here to check availability.