33 Cute Date Ideas in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is more than just the Gateway to the West—it’s a city filled with charm, history, and endless opportunities for fun. Finding the perfect date spot or activity can make all the difference. This guide will help you plan the cutest and most quintessentially St. Louis dates!
St. Louis is more than just the Gateway to the West—it’s a city filled with charm, rich history, and endless opportunities for fun. If you’re planning a first date or looking for new ways to keep the spark alive, St. Louis has something special for every couple. From scenic parks and free activities to unique experiences like candle-making and riverboat cruises, the city offers a wide range of memorable, and most of all fun, cute date ideas.
Date ideas don’t come to all of us naturally, and finding the perfect spot or activity can make all the difference. It’s not just about where you go, but how you can make the experience unique to you two.. This guide will help you plan the cutest and most quintessentially St. Louis dates!
Photo: Bryson B Photo
What Makes a Good Date?
April 25th is the perfect date - It’s not too hot, not too cold, and all you need is a light jacket (for you Miss Congeniality fans)!
In all seriousness, a great date is more than just an activity—it’s an opportunity to build deeper connections and spend quality time together. The best time spent together creates lasting memories, sparks meaningful conversations, and brings joy to both people involved.
St. Louis offers an incredible variety of things to do, catering to all kinds of couples. Whether you’re into nature, food, culture, or adventure, the right setting can enhance your time together. A thoughtful, well-planned date shows effort and consideration, but just having something to look forward to on both of your calendars can be enough!
33 Cute Date Ideas in St. Louis
We’ve put together a list of the cutest and most romantic date ideas in St. Louis. No matter the season or occasion, these experiences are a great way to spend time together - to let the stress of daily life melt away and to focus on each other.
1. Stroll Through Missouri Botanical Garden
Enjoy a romantic walk through one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the country. Explore impeccably manicured gardens, serene water features, and impressive artwork and sculptures throughout. Our favorite area HAS to be the Japanese Garden. It’s at the back of the gardens, so the journey to get back there is just as good as the destination. The Climatron dome offers a tropical escape with diverse plant life, making it a perfect date spot all year round. Visit during seasonal events like the Garden Glow for an extra magical touch.
St. Louis Gateway Arch | Bryson B Photo
2. Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch
A St. Louis staple! If you haven’t yet, take your date to new heights—literally—by riding to the top of the Gateway Arch. The 630-foot-high observation deck offers breathtaking views of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Plus, Gateway Arch National Park is the country’s smallest national park, so it’s an easy one to check off your list. It’s a simple yet unforgettable way to share an afternoon together.
3. Visit the City Museum
Climb, slide, and explore the whimsical world of the City Museum. This giant interactive playground is full of surprises, and every floor is an amazing mix of wildly fascinating art, spectacular engineering, and a ton of fun. We love the mirror tunnel and the Skateless Park!
4. Watch a Cardinals Game at Busch Stadium
For sports-loving couples, nothing beats cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, delicious ballpark food (you gotta get the ballpark nachos), and the thrilling action of America’s favorite pastime.
5. Visit the Saint Louis Art Museum
Stroll hand in hand through world-class art exhibits at the Saint Louis Art Museum. From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary works, there’s plenty to admire and discuss. Plus, the museum is free, making it a great budget-friendly date option. Don’t forget about the back courtyard of the museum! The sculpture garden is a beautiful and lesser-known area of the museum!
St. Louis Art Museum | Bryson B Photo
6. Take a Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi
Set sail on a romantic riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. Enjoy stunning skyline views (with the Arch of course), live music, and delicious dining options. Opt for a sunset or evening cruise for an extra touch of charm. The St. Louis skyline absolutely glows at sunset!
7. Cocktails at Three Sixty Rooftop Bar
Sip cocktails and amongst an elevated dining experience at Three Sixty, a stunning rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. The lively atmosphere, great food, craft drinks, and twinkling city lights from the lounge create the perfect date-night vibe.
8. Make Custom Candles at The Candle Fusion Studio
Get creative together by making personalized candles at The Candle Fusion Studio. Choose from over 100 fragrances to blend your own unique scent. It’s a fun and interactive experience that lets you take home a sweet-smelling memory.
9. Enjoy Courtyard Dining at Edera Italian Eatery
Savor a romantic meal at Edera Italian Eatery, a modern Italian restaurant with incredible ambiance in their private courtyard. Located in the Central West End, enjoy fine wines and expertly crafted dishes while soaking in the charming scenery (the Cacio e Pepe is simple yet SO good). Wanting a double date? Reserve a private chalet in their courtyard, with a minimum of 4 guests, for an unforgettable experience!
10. Visit the Neon Museum of Saint Louis
Step into a world of vintage neon lights at the Neon Museum. The glowing signs and colorful displays make for a nostalgic and picture-perfect date night. It’s a unique way to explore a piece of St. Louis history together.
11. Go Swing Dancing at the West Coast Swing Dance Club
Turn your date into a lively and fun experience by taking a swing dance class! Hosted by STL Rebels, annual memberships are super affordable and could be a very fun regular activity for you and your partner. Even if you’ve never gone swing dancing before, the upbeat energy of this specific style of West Coast Swing will have you enjoying every step.
12. Go Chocolate Tasting at Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate
Take a delicious tour of this local chocolatier and indulge in handmade, artisan chocolates. Learn about the chocolate-making process and enjoy free samples along the way.
13. Go Beer Tasting at Schlafly Brewery
Explore the flavors of St. Louis by visiting Schlafly Brewery for a beer-tasting session. Try locally brewed craft beers and learn about the brewing process. The casual and cozy atmosphere makes it a great low-key date idea. We love getting a flight at Schlafly - make sure to include a couple of their seasonal brews!
14. Try a roaring 20’s Speakeasy Experience at Thaxton Speakeasy
For a date with a little mystery, visit the Thaxton Speakeasy. This hidden bar recreates the Prohibition-era experience with vintage decor and secret entrance passwords. Pro Tip: Check their social media for hints on how to enter the bar!
15. Paint and Sip at Pinot’s Palette
Unleash your creative side at Pinot’s Palette in Webster Groves, where you can paint a masterpiece while sipping wine. It’s a relaxed and entertaining way to enjoy each other’s company.
16. Have a Sweet Treat at Strange Donuts
Start your day with quirky and delicious donuts from Strange Donuts, with locations in Maplewood, Creve Coeur, and Kirkwood. The donuts may have funky names, but we have yet to try a donut from them that we haven’t absolutely wanted 2nds of!
17. Explore Lone Elk Park on a Driving Safari
Go on a mini safari by driving through Lone Elk Park. Spot elk, bison, and deer up close in their natural habitat. Across their over 540 acres of managed wildlife habitat, it’s a peaceful way to get out and enjoy nature together.
18. Visit Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery
Enjoy gourmet, all-natural ice cream with fun boozy and classic flavors. The cozy shop setting and delicious treats make for a perfect sweet date.
Clementines Creamery | Bryson B Photo
19. Take a Ghost Tour in Lemp Mansion
For the horror fan in your life, take a ghost tour through the historic Lemp Mansion. Rich with St. Louis history and allegedly haunted by members of the Lemp family, learn about its eerie past and experience a night full of spooky stories. Afterwards, grab some dinner at the Lemp Mansion Restaurant!
20. Have a Picnic at Forest Park
Pack a cozy blanket, your favorite snacks, and a bottle of wine for a picnic in one of the largest urban parks in the country. Find a quiet spot near the Grand Basin or Art Hill and enjoy the fresh air. After your meal, take a romantic walk along the scenic trails or rent a paddleboat. There are tons of amazing spots in the park, but the waterside views on the aptly-named Picnic Island make it a great choice for this specific date idea.
21. Enjoy a Sunset at Art Hill
Are you leaving the Art Museum around sunset? Well, stick around and sit on Art Hill in Forest Park to watch the sun set behind the Grand Basin. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in St. Louis, with an amazing view of the city under the iconic Saint Louis IX statue.
22. Stroll Through City Garden and Kiener Plaza Park
Some of our favorite places to enjoy an afternoon in downtown STL, City Garden and Kiener Plaza are two parks that are virtually right next to each other. City Garden has dozens of beautifully unique sculptures and Kiener Plaza has amazing views of the Arch and the old St. Louis Courthouse. In the winter, Kiener Plaza is host to the Winterfest Ice Rink! Skate under the Arch and try not to slip!
23. Go On a Hike At Castlewood State Park
With stunning views, challenging elevation changes, and a diverse collection of trails, Castlewood State Park is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the area! This park is widely considered one of the best mountain biking locations around St. Louis, but you don’t have to be a full-blown trail rider to enjoy Castlewood. Great fishing, lush meadows, and tons of scenic views are accessible even to the outdoor novice! The River Scene and Castlewood Loop trails are beautiful and very popular!
Castlewood State Park | Bryson B Photo
24. Rent a Private Game Room at Up-Down Arcade Bar
For couples who love gaming, Up-Down STL offers private rooms where you can play classic arcade games, skee ball, and pinball while enjoying craft beer and pizza.
25. Take a True Crime Walking Tour In Soulard
Dating a true crime junkie? Explore the historic Soulard neighborhood in St. Louis through a captivating True Crime Walking Tour. This guided experience delves into the area's rich past, sharing tales of armed bank robberies, voting riots, bloody duels, and prohibition-era gangsters. As you stroll past post-Civil War architecture and notable sites like the Soulard Farmers Market, you'll uncover the darker stories that have shaped this vibrant community.
26. See a Laser Light Show at the Saint Louis Science Center
Experience your favorite music like never before at the McDonnell Planetarium’s Laser Show Series, where stunning laser artwork, immersive lighting, and 3D atmospheric effects bring songs to life in a 360-degree spectacle. This is perfect if you’re looking for a music-focused experience that isn’t just a normal concert! Check their website for playlists on what music will be featured and when!
City Museum Mirror Tunnel | Bryson B Photo
27. Go on a Tour of the Iconic Budweiser Brewery
The Budweiser Brewery Tour in St. Louis offers a fun and memorable outing for couples. It’s a chance to explore the brewing process, see the famous Clydesdales up close, and enjoy a cold beer together in the Biergarten. This experience blends history, local culture, and relaxation, making it a great choice for a date.
28. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Downtown St. Louis
For a classic and romantic experience, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic streets of St. Louis with St. Louis Carriage Company, passing by iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse, and Laclede’s Lading.
29. Try a DIY Cooking Class at KITCHEN CONSERVATORY
Join a hands-on cooking class where you can learn to make gourmet dishes together. Experience the process of cooking something new together, from sushi rolling to pasta-making. Whether your foodie preferences come from Cherokee Street, the Hill, or anywhere else in St. Louis, Kitchen Conservatory may very well have a class for you two!
30. Explore Tower Grove Park’s Farmers Market
Start your weekend with a morning stroll through Tower Grove Park’s Farmers Market, picking up fresh pastries, coffee, and unique artisan goods while enjoying live music. This is one of the most lively Farmers Markets in the area and their awesome Saturday markets start in April as the weather warms up!
31. Catch a Show at The Fox Theatre
Dress up for a night out and enjoy a Broadway production or a live concert at the historic Fabulous Fox Theatre, known for its stunning architecture and world-class performances.
32. Paddle Boat on the Grand Basin
As if there isn’t enough to do in Forest Park, you both can rent a paddle boat from the boat house and explore the Grand Basin at Forest Park! It's a lovely way to spend an afternoon on the water while taking in the park’s scenic beauty. Our favorite part of the paddle boats is all the ducks!
33. Book a Photoshoot!
Cuddle up with your partner and have a photoshoot done! Hiring a professional photographer is a great way to create memories, get unique artwork created of you two, and capture your love! Bryson B Photo is a great photographer to check out for an experience like this!
Bottom Line
A great date can turn an ordinary day into something totally extraordinary. Whether you prefer intimate, adventurous, or creative experiences, St. Louis offers endless possibilities. Plan a memorable date and make every moment count!
Loveland Estates: A Dream Wedding Venue
Located in Pocahontas, Illinois, Loveland Estates is a modern, cozy waterfront wedding venue that offers tons of amenities and is a gorgeous, turnkey solution for your wedding day.
Loveland Estates | Wedding Venue Overview
Located in Pocahontas, Illinois, Loveland Estates is a modern, cozy waterfront wedding venue that offers tons of amenities and is a gorgeous, turnkey solution for your wedding day. Just a 40-minute drive from St. Louis, this modern ranch-inspired wedding venue is nestled among lush scenery on a serene lakefront and provides a stunning backdrop for a modern, “boho-infused,” wedding. With ample indoor and outdoor options for your guests, Loveland Estates can host weddings of up to 215 guests, making it a great choice for larger celebrations. As a photographer, while I love the beauty and creative photo opportunities at Loveland Estates, by far the biggest benefit of weddings at Loveland Estates is the team. Weddings here run smoothly, are executed professionally, and are always impeccably styled - mostly because the venue can also handle the florals (and they’re REALLY good). Let’s dive into the details of this venue and why you might want to host your wedding at Loveland Estates!
LOCATION: 519 Stevenson Drive, Pocahontas, IL
MAX GUEST COUNT: 215 seated guests
Are you planning your dream wedding and want to see all the venues in the St. Louis area? Get the definitive STL + Metro area venue master list and find the perfect space for you!
Table of Contents
Wedding Day Prep and Where To Get Ready
Reception and Ceremony Spaces
Wedding Day Amenities at Loveland Estates
What Does a Wedding Cost At Loveland Estates?
Loveland Estates Photo Opportunities
Loveland Estates Wedding Photographer
Wedding Day Prep and Where To Get Ready
On top of the ceremony, reception, and cocktail hour spots that Loveland Estates provides, this venue also offers a few very solid options when it comes to starting and getting ready for the day! Let’s break these down
On Location: Dedicated Suite and Loft
When you walk into the main entrance at Loveland Estates, you’re greeted by the dedicated wedding prep suite on the first floor of the venue’s primary building. Within this suite, you’ll find plenty of mirrors, seating options, closet space, and countertops so that you can get ready in comfort. If you head upstairs, there is a warm yet spacious loft that’s available as an additional prep space. Both parties can comfortably get ready in the same spot on the day-of without the need to directly interact with each other - which is a huge win when it comes to logistics and timing on the wedding day!
Off Location: The Loveland Home
If you have a large wedding party or want to spend the night before your wedding in a fully-featured house that you can also use to get ready, Loveland Estates has the perfect solution for you - The Loveland Home! Just a few minutes down the road from the main venue in Greenville, Illinois sits the Loveland Home. This home sleeps up to 12 people, has 3 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious sitting room.
Reception and Ceremony Spaces
Loveland Estates offers a variety of spaces to host your wedding, from wedding prep to the last dance. With 3 main covered areas and 10 acres to play with, there are plenty of ways to customize the venue to perfectly fit your wedding day’s needs!
Want to see a real wedding at Loveland Estates? Click HERE!
Covered Ceremony Site
If you’ve seen any photos from this venue already, you’ve likely seen images from this idyllic ceremony spot. This portion of the venue is surrounded by vibrant greens, lined with ample bench seating, and it’s all framed around a gorgeous stone-inspired altar area, where the couple, wedding party, and the officiant perform the ceremony. If you’re having a winter wedding, ask Loveland about setting up heating! It’ll allow you to keep your guests cozy while still having that beautiful, naturally-lit ceremony you’ve been dreaming of.
Loveland Estates Cocktail Patio First Look
Cocktail Hour and Covered Patio
Just behind the ceremony site is a covered patio area that offers more seating, space for yard games, and a super cool bar cart for serving drinks between the ceremony and reception. Similarly boho styled, your guests can comfortably hang out while you’re taking family photos and hanging out with the on-site farm animals.
Loveland Estates Reception Space
Reception Space
Housed within the main building at the venue, Loveland Estates’ reception area is a stunning area to get the party started! As you enter, you’ll be greeted by massive windows and gorgeous natural light, At the head of the venue is a huge, inviting brick wall that is styled with warm string lights and hanging greenery. Poured cement floors and vaulted white ceilings bring a modern flair to balance out the brick and lush greenery. Under the staircase to the loft, your guests can visit the full-service bar.
Wedding Day Amenities at Loveland Estates
At Loveland Estates, they strive to make your wedding day as seamless and stress-free as possible. The Loveland team offers venue tours by appointment throughout the week and includes a one-hour rehearsal with your booking. During the planning process, their team will be with you every step of the way to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your big day. They can also assist with florals, centerpieces, bouquets, decor, farmhouse and round tables, cross-back chairs, and bar services. While they’ll provide you a list of their favorite vendors, you aren’t required to use them and you may choose your own caterer. To top it all off, Loveland Estates offers a shuttle service to take guests from the local hotels or the Loveland Home directly to the venue.
What Does a Wedding Cost at Loveland Estates?
The starting investment cost of hosting a wedding at Loveland Estates may vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week, but couples can expect to invest a starting rate of $6,000 for a ceremony and reception at Loveland Estates. Generally, peak wedding season can be more expensive, while off-season dates may offer lower rates. However, your best bet is to contact Loveland Estates directly for the most accurate quote!
Loveland Estates Photo Opportunities
One of my favorite things about Loveland Estates is that it provides a number of photo opportunities around the venue and amazing light when it gets close to sunset. The lake, the surrounding woods, and the venue building itself offer endless chances for your photographer to get creative and make some stunning images. Want to amp up the quality of your wedding photos at Loveland Estates? Let your photographer take you out for sunset photos and night photos to really add some gorgeous light and spice up your final gallery!
Whether you're planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Loveland Estates is a wonderful choice for your wedding venue. With its beautiful location, flexible spaces, and top-notch staff, you're sure to have an amazing, memorable wedding day at Loveland Estates.
Loveland Estates Wedding Photographer
If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer, especially one that knows this venue, check out some of my work or get in touch below!
Lafayette Park St. Louis Micro Wedding
Becky and Michael’s beautiful Lafayette Square Park micro wedding in St. Louis, MO was perfect for them and their awesome families!
Need some photos of your own? Let’s be friends!
Eric + Megan (and Rex) - St. Louis, Missouri Couple's Session
Thanks for the hangs, Eric and Megan! Thanks for letting me pet you, Rex. Check out some of my favorites from this Carondelet Park couple’s shoot!
How can I describe the first time I met him? When I first locked eyes with this man, I knew he’d be the kindest, most gentle soul that I’d ever encountered. He’s got the biggest heart, the longest tongue, and the maximum amount of legs that he can have. Four legs, that is. Oh, you thought I was talking about Eric? No, I’m talking about Rex, the King of Dogs™.
But also Eric and Megan are super rad, extremely kind, and a ton of fun to photograph. It was amazing to see them open up throughout the session and really get into the flow of having their photos taken. Eric has been a good friend of mine since college but, thanks to a stubborn little virus, I’ve only been able to chat with Megan virtually. So, when Eric told me he wanted to book a couple’s session for Megan’s birthday, of course I was a billion percent for it!
Thanks for the hangs, Eric and Megan! Thanks for letting me pet you, Rex.
Check out some of my favorites from this Carondelet Park couple’s shoot!
It’s true, they are extremely cute. Need some photos with you and your significant other in them?
Let’s chat!
Kristen + Andrew - St. Louis, Missouri Wedding Photography
I’m so excited to share some of my favorites from Kristen and Andrew’s wedding day! From their engagement session back in February, I knew they were going to be such fun to photograph. The ceremony was at this really gorgeous private property, and the beautiful reception took place at Andre’s West. They surrounded themselves with such good friends throughout the day, and it shows.
I’m so excited to share some of my favorites from Kristen and Andrew’s St. Louis, Missouri wedding day! From their engagement session back in February, I knew they were going to be such fun to photograph on their wedding day (it helps that they were already dear friends of mine). The ceremony was at this really gorgeous private property, and the beautiful reception took place at Andre’s West. They surrounded themselves with such good friends and family throughout the day, and it shows.
This wedding had it all:
A cool tub
Ted Drewes (cuz we’re in St. Louis)
Quick Trip (in case you doubted that we were in St. Louis)
Radical dance moves
See below for photo proof that this unfathomably awesome day happened!
Hey, you! Yeah, you. You look like you need some photos taken… Let’s chat!
Derek and Linsey - St. Louis, Missouri Wedding Photography
Derek and Linsey’s lovely small wedding at Haue Valley.
‘Twas a sunny, warm day in June when this wedding took place! It’s an honor to have been able to document this wedding at Haue Valley in Pacific, MO. Derek and Linsey are two really wonderful people, and it really shows in their relationship. Around the venue, they had photos of their travels across the world, they brought their dogs (which I’m a huge fan of), and they’re both really talented creators. Needless to say…. these are my people!
Weddings are always special, but their importance in our lives is becoming more and more apparent. Sure, maybe 2020 has forced us to pare down the guest lists and stock a few buckets of hand sanitizer, but the reality is all the more impactful. Two people choosing one another is always something worth capturing.
So hey! Check out a few of my favorites from the day, if you’d like.
Need some photos of your own?
Andrew + Kristen - St. Louis, Missouri Engagement Session
Kristen and Andrew’s St. Louis engagement session in Downtown and Lafayette park!
Just another gorgeous evening spent with gorgeous people. I had so much fun hanging out with Kristen and Andrew during their session as we took advantage of the fantastic light and quoted movies that Rotten Tomatoes definitely rated too low. Check out some of my favorites below!
Elizabeth + Scott - St. Louis, MO Wedding Photography
Elizabeth and Scott’s lovely and intimate wedding day at SIlver Oaks Chateau.
Liz and Scott’s wedding day was one for the books. They did such a stellar job with all of the details, and making everyone there feel so welcome and loved. I’m so gosh dang happy for them, and I’m so gosh darn happy with the photos we made.
Ceremony and Reception held at Silver Oaks Chateau in Pacific, MO.
If you’re curious, here’s their engagement session!
There are some late 2019 and 2020 dates still available. If you need photos, hit me up!
Elizabeth + Scott - St. Louis, Missouri Engagement Session
Elizabeth and Scott’s Forest Park engagement session!
From my first meeting with Elizabeth and Scott, I knew they were gonna be tons of fun! Scott is a super talented potter, and Elizabeth is a painter and raises German Shepherds! Art and puppies: an obvious match made in heaven.
I can’t wait to see what we make on their wedding day! See some of my favorites from their engagement session below. ❤️
Makeup By Ashley Boren
Hair By Katie Evers
Ellie + Austin - East Moline, Illinois Wedding
Austin and Ellie’s East Moline, Illinois wedding photos!
You may remember Ellie and Austin from a killer engagement session we did forever ago! Well, it was time to get hitched.
Here's a rundown of the day:
Really cool salon: ✔️ (Thanks to Five Star Salon Spa)
Great taste in podcasts: ✔️
Amazing father-daughter look: ✔️
RAIN: ✔️
Muddy Shoes: ✔️✔️
Epic Party: 🎉
See more below!
Aren't those stars beautiful? Leave a comment and tell Ellie and Austin how great they look!
By the way, if you're in need of some wedding photos, I'd be happy to chat!
Mary + Austin - St. Louis, Missouri Engagement Session
Beautiful people and a gorgeous city in bloom make Austin and Mary’s engagement session one for the books. Click to see more!
Austin and Mary were absolutely stunning! They last-minute wanted to do an engagement session (their wedding is in less than a month) and I couldn't have been more excited, even more so when I saw the cool stuff we made.
We took Lafayette Square by storm and made some art that is as beautifully unique as they are. Some of my favorites can be found below.
If you're needing some beautiful wedding or engagement photos, click here and let's chat!
Kailey + Joe - St. Charles, Missouri Engagement Session
See more of Kailey and Joe's lovely Old St. Charles engagement session!
Kailey and Joe affirmed in me the validity of morning engagement sessions. It was so fun to get some coffee, and walk around as the town of St. Charles was waking up! We had so much fun exploring all the little corners of this late-fall wonderland!
Ellie + Austin - St. Louis, Missouri Engagement Session
Check out Ellie and Austin's St. Louis engagement session!
Literally could not have asked for cooler people to take pictures of. An absolute dream of an evening with Ellie and Austin!
