Best Small Wedding Venues in St. Louis, MO (Intimate & Micro Weddings)

Are you planning a micro or intimate wedding in St. Louis, Missouri? If so, you’re in the right place! Today I’m sharing my favorite small wedding venues in St. Louis from the perspective of a wedding photographer.

Venue | Verde on Cherokee

Intimate Weddings & Elopements Are In

No matter what you call it - an elopement, a micro wedding, or an intimate wedding - it’s undeniable that these smaller celebrations have become so much more popular since 2020. Whether you’re trimming down the guest list to reduce budget or stress, or you’re looking to increase the impact of those special moments, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a wedding that isn’t packed with people. Just because you’re having a smaller event doesn’t mean you have to miss out on booking an iconic St. Louis wedding venue. From restaurants to greenhouses to private outdoor spaces, St. Louis has plenty of incredible options for elopements and intimate or micro weddings.

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Top St. Louis Small Wedding Venues

Not sure where to start in your venue search? In no particular order, here is a guide to some of the top small wedding venues in and around St. Louis. Not all of these venues are explicitly "tiny,” but these are all spaces that work very well for small weddings or elopements!

Verde on Cherokee

This one is a bit of a guilty pleasure, just because I’m so partial to greenhouses and impeccably decorated spaces! Verde on Cherokee has 4 main sections to the venue, with both indoor and outdoor options, so there’s tons of flexibility for any weddings of up to 100 guests.

LOCATION: 2118 Cherokee St., St. Louis, MO 63118

MAX GUEST COUNT: 100

Check out my full write up of Verde on Cherokee HERE!

Marry Me Cottage

Just about half an hour outside the city in O’Fallon, MO, Marry Me Cottage is a venue that specializes in small wedding days. As if the name didn’t say enough, Marry Me Cottage is an exceedingly cozy, excessively sweet, and overwhelmingly cute place for micro weddings and elopements. The venue has 4 distinct spaces that have a wide range of guest capacities - from 10 to 50 total headcount. As far as pricing and packages go, Marry Me Cottage’s collections start at 20 minutes and go all the way up to 4 hours, and include a variety of options including an officiant in every package. Day-of investment starts at $175. I recommend getting a more extended rental time so you can take advantage of the many awesome photo locations around the property!

LOCATION: 9036 Veterans Memorial Parkway O'Fallon, MO 63366

MAX GUEST COUNT: 50

Learn more at: https://www.marrymecottage.com/

Contemporary Art Museum

In the most literal sense, no two weddings are ever the same at the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis. Being an active art gallery first and an event venue second, the ever-changing exhibitions that line the walls and floorplan of the space mean that CAM is ever-evolving and always exciting, which is one of my favorite things about shooting here. CAM has 3 distinct spaces that work for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or receptions - the Performance Space, Cafe & Courtyard Terrace, and the Lobby. Rental times are maxed out at 5 hours, so couples have a good amount of flexibility in how they want to use their time.

LOCATION: 3750 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108

MAX GUEST COUNT: 300

Learn more at: https://camstl.org/event-rentals/

The Thaxton

If you’re looking for something a bit more stylized, The Thaxton just might be for you. The Thaxton is an art-deco wedding venue in downtown St. Louis. With a max seated capacity of 120, a smaller event or micro wedding won’t get swallowed up in a massive room. This multi-level venue offers distinctive spaces like the Grand Hall, Speakeasy, and an additional 2nd Floor event space, each oozing with their own specific vintage charm. Essential amenities including day-of coordination, a wedding party lounge, tables, chairs, lounge seating, and a full sound system, ensure a seamless and elegant celebration all wrapped in the stunning historic setting of The Thaxton. When hiring a photographer for your wedding here, make sure they’re very comfortable photographing in low light!

LOCATION: 1009 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63101

MAX GUEST COUNT: 120

Learn more at: https://www.thethaxton.com/thethaxton-weddings

SqWires Restaurant & Market

Nestled in the always gorgeous Lafayette Square, SqWires Restaurant & Market is most commonly known for its delicious, seasonal, and expertly curated menu of American Cuisine. Just off the main restaurant, however, is SqWires’ Annex & Front Room - two spaces that are perfect for small to medium-sized wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Front Room has warm brick and plenty of natural light and can host up to 40 guests, while the Annex is laden with industrial touches, tall ceilings, and an inviting mezzanine. The Annex can host a guest count of up to 150. If your itinerary allows, I highly recommend using the mezzanine and staircase for a few creative night photos!

LOCATION: 1415 S. 18th St, St. Louis, MO 63104

MAX GUEST COUNT: Front Room - 40 | Annex - 150

Learn more at: https://sqwires.com/sqwires-annex-front-room/

Your Boutique Hotel

If you’re open to taking a short trip to the other side of the river, Your Boutique Hotel (formerly WOW on Broadway) in Alton, IL could be the perfect option for a micro wedding! From a visual standpoint, Your Boutique Hotel stands out due to its iconic spiral staircase, beautiful exposed brick, and gorgeous yet functional getting-ready spaces. This venue is perfect if you have out-of-town guests because the venue still functions as an active hotel. Accommodating family or friends who are traveling for your wedding is extremely simple at Your Boutique Hotel.

LOCATION: 515 E 3rd St, Alton, IL 62002

MAX GUEST COUNT: 100

See our full venue review on Your Boutique Hotel!

Magic Chef Mansion

The Magic Chef Mansion was built in 1907 and, after being sold and purchased by the current owners, has been a restoration project and labor of love over the past 20 years. Now, having been restored to its former beauty, Magic Chef Mansion is host to so many gorgeous small events including, of course, weddings! The vintage furniture, deep wood accents, and turn-of-the-century styling make it the ideal place for couples seeking a timeless, classic look to their wedding day. While the size can be expanded if you rent tents for the property, the mansion by itself can comfortably entertain 75 individuals.

LOCATION: 3400 Russell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104

MAX GUEST COUNT: 75, up to 150 with an outdoor tent

Learn more at: http://magicchefmansion.com/events/

Piper Palm House

Oh, I didn’t add enough greenhouse inspiration to this list? My bad! Here’s Piper Palm House! While not a greenhouse in a literal sense, the stately windows, high ceiling, ample natural light, and impeccable greenery that lines the walls just ooze a natural, historic, yet distinctively contemporary aesthetic. No matter the wedding size, beauty just comes naturally to Piper Palm House.

LOCATION: 4271 Northeast Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110

MAX GUEST COUNT: 200

Learn more at: https://www.towergrovepark.org/piper-palm-house-1

Lafayette Square Park

Lafayette Square Park is one of the most popular parks in St. Louis, and for good reason! Not only is it perfect for a beautiful casual weeknight stroll, but it’s immaculately maintained and is host to 3 of the best park-style wedding venues in the area! The Park House, The Kern Lakeside Pavilion, and the Betsy Cook Pavilion are all stunning settings for smaller sized weddings. The Park house is a legendary historic building, constructed in 1867, that can now be rented for indoor gatherings. The Kern Pavilion is the park’s most recent restoration project, completed in 2014, and the window-lined walls and spacious interior are perfect for receptions. Finally, the Betsy Cook Pavilion is an open-air pavilion that overlooks the lush grotto and wrought-iron bridge that the park is known for. This pavilion is perfect for small ceremonies that want a bit of protection from the elements.

LOCATION: 2023 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104

MAX GUEST COUNT: 50

Check out this Lafayette Park Micro Wedding!

Boo Cat Club

One of my all-time favorites, Boo Cat Club is just outside of Forest Park and is a vintage-styled gem. While it has plenty of space for larger weddings, it’s still perfect for micro-weddings, elopements, and small weddings. The venue’s three distinct spaces - the Catacombs, the Theatre, and the Ballroom - offer unique settings for every key part of the day. Top amenities like a bridal room, onsite tables and chairs, and an event manager help to ensure a seamless experience. Boo Cat Club is truly not one to miss!

LOCATION: 812 UNION BLVD., ST. LOUIS 63108

MAX GUEST COUNT: 200

Learn More At: https://boocatclub.com/weddings/

Third Degree Glass Factory

Third Degree Glass Factory in merges industrial chic with an art gallery ambiance, offering a unique wedding venue for up to 280 guests. Established in 2002, it boasts two adaptable spaces that work nicely for weddings - the La Soffietta Room and the Glass Gallery. Personally, the Glass Gallery works exceptionally well for small ceremonies or cocktail hours. The space itself doesn’t need any work to look great, and it won’t overshadow a smaller group of people.

LOCATION: 5200 DELMAR BOULEVARD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63108

MAX GUEST COUNT: 280

Learn more at: https://thirddegreeglassfactory.com/events/

Olive + Oak

Olive + Oak's new event space at 216 W. Lockwood offers an intimate venue that mirrors the restaurant's warm atmosphere, ideal for small weddings and elopements (if you’ve never visited Olive + Oak for a meal, make sure to make your way there). "The Hall," the main venue, accommodates various gatherings with exclusive access to the atrium and mezzanine. Alongside this, the private dining rooms are perfect for smaller, close-knit celebrations. I’ve documented some amazing events here, including wedding receptions! Pro Tip: There’s no better way to celebrate your wedding at this beautiful venue than with one of Olive + Oak’s signature cocktails.

LOCATION: 216 W Lockwood Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119

MAX GUEST COUNT: 200

Learn more at: https://oliveandoak.oohosp.com/events/

Laumeier Sculpture Park

I’m lucky - one of my favorite places for sessions is also the location of an amazing wedding venue! Laumeier Sculpture Park, nestled in a 105-acre park with over 70 large-scale sculptures, offers a totally unique setting for small weddings and elopements. With a capacity ranging from 50 to 500 guests, the park provides diverse indoor and outdoor venues, including the romantic Leaf Pavilion, Heartland Garden, and the historic 1917 Estate House. If quirky, creative, and non-traditional is your vibe, then the photo opportunities at this location are virtually endless. Even though the park covers a lot of land, smaller weddings will still find plenty of options here that are well-suited for their guest count!

LOCATION: 12580 Rott Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63127

MAX GUEST COUNT: 500

Learn more at: https://www.laumeiersculpturepark.org/event-rentals

Having a Small Wedding? Compromise on the guest list, NOT your photographer. Let’s chat!

The McPherson Wedding Venue

The McPherson | Wedding Venue Overview

Nestled in the heart of St. Louis’ Central West End, The McPherson offers a truly unique experience for couples seeking a warm, elegant, full-featured wedding venue. Formerly the McPherson Chapel, after two years of improvements and renovations it’s now one of the most stunning venues in the city! With its historic charm, versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, and comprehensive amenities, The McPherson is a hidden gem that’s perfect for any modern, timeless wedding day. Let's delve into what makes The McPherson one of our favorites to capture!

LOCATION: 4715 McPherson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108

CAPACITY: 250

Want to see all the wedding venues in the St. Louis area for your wedding day? Get the definitive STL + Metro area venue master list and find the perfect venue for you!

Reception and Ceremony Spaces

At The McPherson, every aspect of your day can be hosted on-site, from prep to portraits to the reception. The venue boasts expansive indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate the ceremony, reception, and everything in between.

GETTING READY - SUITE

The McPherson offers a luxurious suite spanning over 700 square feet, which includes five makeup and hair stations, a private restroom, comfortable couches and chairs, and so many more details that make it a breeze to get ready for the day! This expansive and well-equipped space ensures that the whole wedding party has everything they need to feel prepped for the big day.

SECONDARY SUITE

Similarly, the venue offers a dedicated prep area for the groom, groomsmen, or any other wedding party! This space is private, has a dedicated bathroom, leather couches, and a changing area.

THE CHAPEL

Perfect for an indoor ceremony and the reception, the dramatic McPherson Chapel is an absolutely beautiful sight to see! Throughout the extensive renovations, the original architectural details have been preserved in the Chapel, so it brings such a striking aesthetic to the venue. With 30-foot vaulted, beamed ceilings, antique chandeliers, warm-toned floors, and all-new sound and lighting systems, the Chapel is one of my favorite indoor venue spaces in St. Louis!

THE COURTYARD

The McPherson also offers an exclusive 5,500-square-foot courtyard tucked away at the rear of the building. The courtyard features a striking wedding gazebo for outdoor ceremonies. Still, couples at the McPherson can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that, if weather conditions don't cooperate, the event can seamlessly transition from outdoors to indoors. Additionally, the courtyard boasts a second bar, offering additional space for cocktail hour or if the dance floor begins to spill outdoors.

Wedding Day Amenities at The McPherson

The team at the McPherson is committed to making your wedding day as enjoyable as possible. The venue provides a range of amenities and services that ensure a seamless wedding day experience. Tables, chairs, and linens are included, and the recent renovations have added state-of-the-art professional lighting on the dance floor. While the McPherson doesn’t allow outside catering, their exclusive partner, Russo’s Catering, has an expansive selection of menu items for a variety of budgets and themes. The McPherson will provide a staff member to be present during the wedding, but this person is not a dedicated planner or coordinator. If, however, you do end up hiring a planner or coordinator, The McPherson states that they’ll provide a discount on their services! Additionally, the venue offers spacious Main Floor Restrooms with European-style privacy stalls and, across the street, a large on-site parking lot with an attendant.

What Does a Wedding Cost at The McPherson

Starting investments at the McPherson vary widely, so having an off-season or Sunday wedding could save you a significant amount on your rental. The venue offers flexible pricing options, with starting prices ranging from $1,495 to $5,995, depending on the day of the week and any applicable holidays. The McPherson also offers ceremony-only pricing, starting at $1,795 and including an impressive amount of their standard services!

The McPherson Photo Opportunities

Since the venue is in St. Louis’ Central West End, The McPherson is ideally situated near a ton of iconic landmarks, such as Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, and the Missouri Botanical Gardens. While these are certainly idyllic St. Louis spots, the McPherson has plenty to offer by staying on-location, which, for many weddings, I recommend! With its historic architecture and classic neighborhood surroundings, the courtyard and the adjacent buildings make for some amazing creative photo spots! It’s hard to take a bad photo at The McPherson

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Stone House of St. Charles

Stone House of St. Charles | Wedding Venue Overview

Stone House of St. Charles is a charming, historic St. Louis wedding venue that boasts all the amenities for an amazing wedding! The venue is easily accessible, has a wide range of scenes and settings for different parts of your day, and can easily accommodate up to 400 guests. Stone House is a one-of-a-kind location and, as a photographer, it’s one of my favorite spots to capture weddings. From the beautiful 200-year-old stone house to the sweeping ceilings of the Grand Hall, Stone House of St. Charles has a ton to offer couples looking for a turn-key solution to their wedding day.

LOCATION: 4401 McClay Rd, St Charles, MO 63304

MAX GUEST COUNT: 400

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!

Reception and Ceremony Spaces

Stone House of St. Charles can be broken up into 5 distinct sections, with each space catering to a unique part of the day. The main spaces are: The Stone House, The Guest House, The Grand/Sycamore Hall, The Pergola, and The Courtyard.

The Stone House

This 200-year-old house is the centerpiece of the venue and the focal point of the entire 10+ acres of land that you’ll have access to! Included in the rental, the entire stone house is accessible for the entire day. The upper story is a dedicated prep space with ample natural light for any hair and makeup needs. The ground floor has plenty of room for the family to relax, as well as a gorgeous fully-equipped kitchen.

The Guest House

The guest house features a warmly-accented loft with a stunning balcony that overlooks the courtyard. The loft features a pool table, TVs, and everything you’ll need to get prepped for the big day. Typically, the groom’s party utilizes this space for wedding prep.

The Courtyard

The courtyard at Stone House of St. Charles is totally unique and, honestly, one of my favorite parts of the venue. Shaded by massive trees and surrounded by elegant stone accents and pavers, this is the perfect place for family photos, first looks, portraits, and cocktail hours, and it makes for the perfect transition into the Grand Hall.

The Pergola

The Pergola is a popular setting for many of the wedding ceremonies at Stone House, and the paved walkway leading to the pergola makes a perfect aisle for you and your wedding party to walk down. The Pergola sits among lush grass and atop a gently-sloped hill which leads to a quiet wooded area. This area is spacious and gets great light if you time the ceremony right!

The Grand Hall / Sycamore Hall

The Grand Hall (sometimes called Sycamore Hall) is a breathtaking, expansive structure that plays host to the receptions at Stone House of St. Charles. The Grand Hall features amazing vaulted ceilings with hefty beams, warm wooden tones, and a gorgeous fireplace. This space is large enough to host over 350 guests with plenty of space for dining and a bustling dance floor. I LOVE when they break out the fog for the first dances!

Wedding Day Amenities at Stone House of St. Charles

Stone House of St. Charles is an all-inclusive venue and is the perfect solution for couples that want a full service approach to their wedding day. Stone House can provide everything you need for your day, including decorations, DJ services, catering, beverage services, and a full crew to help with the details of making the wedding day happen.

Rentals are for the entire day, so if you’re getting married at a church or another offsite location, they recommend utilizing Stone House for wedding day prep, leaving for the ceremony, and returning to finish out the rest of the day at Stone House.

What Does a Wedding Cost at Stone House of St. Charles?

The starting price for weddings at Stone House of St. Charles is $3,600, with that number open to change based on seasonality and whether your wedding is on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. It’s best to reach out to Stone House of St. Charles directly if you’re wanting the most accurate quote for your wedding date!

Each booking includes space for up to 400 guests, a parking lot that fits over 180 cars, wedding prep accommodations, silver Chiavari chairs for the ceremony and reception, round or farmhouse tables for the reception, centerpieces, and the in-house DJ service. For Friday and Saturday weddings, couples must choose from Stone House’s preferred vendor list for catering.

Photo Opportunities

Stone House has amazing photography opportunities at every turn. The shaded courtyard has amazing light for much of the day, the guest house and Stone House have lovely, large windows, and the Pergola overlooks a hill and woods, where you and your photographer can make use of the lush greens and vibrant colors. Personally, we love featuring the giant Sycamore tree and rustic stone in the courtyard. You really cannot go wrong at this venue!

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Verde on Cherokee - Wedding Venue Overview

What You Need To Know About Verde on Cherokee

Verde on Cherokee is an intimate, modern St. Louis wedding venue located in one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse areas of the city. The venue is situated on the historic Cherokee Street’s Antique Row, and is the perfect location for cozy, meaningful gatherings - including weddings! Verde is such a unique space and, as a photographer, one of my favorite spots in the city to capture weddings. From the unassuming entrance to the modern greenhouse, Verde on Cherokee has a ton to offer couples looking for the perfect small wedding venue.

LOCATION: 2118 Cherokee St., St. Louis, MO 63118

MAX GUEST COUNT: 100

Reception and Ceremony Spaces

Verde on Cherokee can be broken up into 4 main sections and, depending on what layout or package you book with them, these sections can be customized to your needs! The sections are: The Showroom/Studio, The Kitchen, The Patio, and The Greenhouse

THE PATIO

When you walk up to the venue, a side entrance will take you directly back to the open patio and greenhouse. If you travel past the covered walkway, the space opens up to an absolutely gorgeous patio. Surrounded by warm brick, lush greens (in the summer), and privacy fencing, the patio section of Verde on Cherokee is a lovely area for an outdoor ceremony or an open-air reception and is suitable for up to 50 guests. It is open-air and uncovered.

THE GREENHOUSE

The Greenhouse is arguably the main, and most striking, feature of Verde on Cherokee. It’s impeccably styled with a blend of modern and vintage furnishings, thriving plants, exposed brick, and it’s bathed in stunning light! The Greenhouse is also surprisingly spacious and can host a fair number of guests inside. You can opt for a specific layout with the Verde on Cherokee team so that the Greenhouse is set up best for your needs. According to their site, Verde states that the greenhouse can seat up to 40 guests. The Greenhouse is covered but it’s only heated.

THE SHOWROOM + STUDIO

The Showroom and The Studio are two separate, but adjacent, spaces in the main building of the venue. The Showroom is a beautiful retail space that includes furniture that your guests are welcome to lounge on. The Studio is a lovely, inviting office-type area that also includes various seating options for guests. These two spaces are an additional flat fee to rent and are recommended for weddings on the larger side of Verde’s guest count, and required for weddings over 70 people. These areas are heated and cooled and can offer a much-needed break from seasonal warmth or cold.

THE KITCHEN

The Kitchen is situated between the showroom and the greenhouse and includes a fridge, a large utility sink, bartops , and a small seating area. This is a great place for the bride and groom to hide away between the ceremony or reception, as it is included along with the Greenhouse and Patio in the venue’s “Standard Rental Area” layout.

Wedding Day Amenities at Verde on Cherokee

Verde on Cherokee is not a full-service or all-inclusive venue, nor do they advertise themselves to be! Think of it more as a Venue Air BnB. This allows them to keep their couples’ costs down while providing a highly unique space for their wedding. As mentioned above, their standard rental area includes the kitchen which is heated, cooled, and has a fridge and indoor seating. Verde also has tables, chairs, and table linens included in their 6-hour collection.

What Does a Wedding Cost at Verde on Cherokee?

Verde on Cherokee is definitely more on the accessible side when it comes to pricing and packages, and it’s highly customizable. If you just want the space and are willing to do all the setup yourself, the venue is $175/hr and only $120/hr on weekdays before 5:00 PM. If you’re looking for a bit more help on the day of, their $1,300 collection is 6 hours for up to 50 guests and includes table and chair setup with tablecloths.

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Silver Oaks Chateau Wedding | Akia and Darren

It was a true joy to be back shooting a wedding at the lovely Silver Oaks Chateau, with the dream team - Akia and Darren. From start to finish, this day was full of so many amazing little moments! For this wedding my team and I were covering both photo and video, and we were never at a loss for beautiful things to capture!

Some of my favorites:

• That dress! 😍 (and her hair accessories, of course)

• Their first “touch” - High risk, HUGE reward!

• Tears at the ceremony

• Giggles during the first dance

• A freakin’ great party

• and, of course, they smashed their creative portrait session(s), even though the rain tried to say something about it.

After their sub-zero (literally) February engagement session, I know Akia and Darren were going to be such a cool couple to photograph on their wedding day. The team of vendors (down below) was a joy to work with, too! I could shoot one of these every day and not get tired of them.

Vendors:

Venue - Silver Oaks Chateau

Catering - Ces and Judy’s

Dress - Clarice’s Bridal

Reception Dress - Lulu’s

Makeup - Beauty by Reecey

Hair - Yaestylez

DJ - Andrew Jones

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Bold, vibrant, and non-traditional wedding visuals for laid-back couples that reject the mundane. Does that sound like you?

Megan + Matt - St. Peters, Missouri Wedding Photography

Wedding Photography at 370 Lakeside Park

As summer’s last hurrah, it gave us Megan and Matt’s gorgeous October wedding with warm sunshine, clear skies, and juuuust the right amount of heat! Megan and Matt are some of the nicest folks around. They were totally down for anything, smiled through every moment of the day, and were just so much fun to hang out with and take photos of! I couldn’t ask for a better duo to have in front of my lens.

We started the day getting ready in separate hotel rooms, Megan at the Ameristar Hotel, and Matt at Tru by Hilton. After that, we hopped on over to 370 Lakeside Park for the rest of the festivities. Their ceremony and reception setups were so gorgeous! Beautiful, simple floral arrangements lined the aisle and dotted each table, which perfectly complemented the wood tones of the massive pavilion where everything took place.

One of the best parts of the day was realizing that the venerable DJ Thurman was covering the reception. He’s awesome. He was the DJ at a wedding I shot back in July of this year, and I cannot say enough great things about how he runs the party!

As always, I love when couples ask me to do some night portraits, and we did just that to close out the night. All in all, I had so much fun documenting this wedding and I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do! Congrats, Megan and Matt!

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Stone House of St. Charles Wedding Photography | Alysa + Kyle

Wedding Photography at Stone House of St. Charles

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It feels like just yesterday that Alysa contacted me to shoot her wedding! Well, it wasn’t yesterday, but it WAS just two months ago. Dang, 2020 is weird, right? I’m gonna let you in on a little wedding photographer’s secret. There are lots of ways to attract super cool couples and convince them to shoot your wedding day. Some photographers attend wedding shows. Some photographers beg and plead while crying. I’ve done both. However, for this specific couple, I used good ol’ nepotism because Alysa is my cousin! So, of course, when Alysa and Kyle reached out to me, I was absolutely ecstatic.

This one was a fun one, and I think it’s super apparent in the sum total amount of smiles that permeated every part of the day. Also, their babies are beyond beautiful. Also, nobody dances like my family. I’ll write a full review of wedding photography at Stone House of St. Charles in the next few weeks but, as far as my initial thoughts, it’s a gorgeous venue with fantastic potential no matter the weather! It’s important that a venue be able to “work” at any point in the itinerary, during any season, and at any time during the day. During the getting ready time, you’re met with huge, soft window light and simply decorated rooms so as to not distract from the humans in the photos. The courtyard is spacious enough for family photos and totally well-lit, and the reception hall is more than equipped for anything you can throw at it.

Cassidy Eckman killed it on makeup!
Sisters Flowers knocked it out of the park on the florals!

Scroll to see some of my faves from their day…. If you dare.

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See more venues like Stone House on our full St. Louis wedding venue page!

Silver Oaks Chateau: St. Louis, Missouri Wedding Venue Review

A Wedding Photographer’s Review of Silver Oaks Chateau in St. Louis, Missouri

Silver Oaks Chateau is a totally stunning wedding venue just outside of St. Louis, Missouri, specifically located in Pacific, Missouri! In my experience, Silver Oaks Chateau is one of the best wedding venues in St. Louis. Not only is the venue totally unique, but it’s also large enough to host a wedding of just under 300 guests. As a kind of boring but super-useful benefit, it has GREAT parking which, honestly, you don’t see enough of. I had tons of fun shooting at Silver Oaks Chateau and, from getting ready to the reception, I was amazed at how gorgeous and functional this venue can be.

Starting off the day with a bang, the getting-ready spaces at Silver Oaks Chateau are roomy, well-lit, and adequately mirrored so nobody is fighting over a reflection. In the bridal suite, the comfy furniture and huge windows meant that I had plenty to work with as a photographer with beautiful light and a bridal party that was totally at ease all morning. To boot, the double doors opened up and we were able to make some tremendous portraits with that natural light goodness.

The ceremony took place at Silver Oak’s spacious courtyard which had plenty of room for all the guest’s chairs, an arbor for the couple and officiant, and all the decor. Set on top of the property, the landscape rolled gently downhill away from the ceremony and into the lush forest behind it. This is where we ended up taking some portraits afterward. It gave the entire ceremony this feeling of intimacy and vibrancy while still keeping everyone’s shoes and dresses away from the mud (it did rain a bit that day, as you may be able to tell from the photos below). I’m a huge fan of this ceremony format. When I arrived early that day to take a lap around the venue, the manager there was working diligently, making sure every chair was properly placed and that nothing was out of order. The staff at Silver Oaks Chateau definitely cares about the quality and perfection of your wedding, I can attest to that!

The reception area was equally stunning. The high vaulted ceilings, the gorgeous balcony, and the fantastic table settings made for a truly classic place to celebrate a marriage! The DJ’s uplighting really complimented the space superbly, and the balcony gave me a built-in place to put my flashes for lighting up the reception. Silver Oaks Chateau made my life easy that day and, with all the less-than-ideal weather, I welcomed the assistance! See below for some photos of the venue!

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!

Bride’s dress hanging inside Silver Oaks Chateau

Bridal getting ready suite at Silver Oaks Chateau

The loft offered a great place to read notes from each other

Bride and Bridesmaids in front of Silver Oaks Chateau.

Silver Oaks Chateau in Pacific, Missouri from the parking lot

The amazing light in the front door works well for first looks!

Wedding Ceremony at Silver Oaks Chateau

The balcony offers a gorgeous overlook of the ceremony and surrounding landscape!

The huge trees in the background offer beautiful colors and tones for after-ceremony group photos!

Wedding Portraits at Silver Oaks Chateau

Remember those double doors I mentioned before? Yeah. Awesome.

They retreated to the balcony just after the ceremony. This photo really showcases the classic, clean design of Silver Oaks Chateau.

Of course, I had to go bug them for some pictures up on the balcony… You can see the totally sweet fireplace down in the courtyard.

Traveling downhill a bit, you can get some awesome views of the tall grass, towering trees, and open sky.

The beautiful wedding reception space at Silver Oaks Chateau.

Even with the tall ceilings, beautiful light in the dancing photos is really simple to achieve!

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If you’re looking for one of the best St. Louis wedding venues to host your mid-to-large sized wedding, I wouldn’t hesitate to give the folks at Silver Oaks Chateau a call! Your photographer will thank you.

Disclaimer: I am in no way partnered or affiliated with Silver Oaks Chateau

Haue Valley: St. Louis, Missouri Wedding Venue Review

A Photographer’s Review of Haue Valley Weddings and Events

Haue Valley is a beautiful wedding venue in Pacific, MO, just a quick drive outside of St. Louis. Just a couple months ago, I had the privilege of photographing Derek and Linsey’s wedding at this exact venue! When they first told me that their wedding was going to be here, I was stoked. Not only was I taking photos of a super fun, talented, and joyful couple, but the venue would make my job on the wedding day, admittedly, very easy. In my opinion, Haue Valley is a venue that has everything you could want in an efficient, stress-free day and is one of the best options for wedding venues in the St. Louis area.

On their website, they describe themselves as hosting “Pinterest-Worthy Weddings.” These days, I’m not spending tons of time on Pinterest, but I can’t disagree with that statement. Nestled in Missouri hills, Haue Valley offers beautiful views, intimate nature settings, and comfortable ceremony and reception spaces. The venue supports ample space in terms of getting ready spaces for both the bride and the groom, so you won’t be starved for space and bumping the makeup artist’s elbow as you try to squeeze by.

As far as photo potential goes, you really can’t go wrong. If you give your photographer ample time to work, and build in a few minutes of travel time into your portrait sessions, you’re basically guaranteed to get a final product that you’d be proud to put on your wall. The venue’s property stretches for a fair amount of acres, with ponds, woodland, open spaces, and ruined buildings in which to create some really striking images.

Haue Valley’s reception space follows this overwhelming trend of quality, as well. The soft ambient lighting, dedicated bar area, outdoor covered seating, clean bathrooms, and warm rustic styling create such an idyllic mood for your wedding reception.

Okay. That was a lot of words. Some would argue that that was too many words. I’m lucky I’m a photographer! Here are some photos that I believe showcase the beauty of Haue Valley. Hopefully they assist you in your search for the perfect wedding venue.

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Exterior of Bridal Getting Ready Suite at Haue Valley

Groom’s Getting Ready space at Haue Valley

Inside the Bridal Getting Ready space at Haue Valley

Haue Valley’s gorgeous courtyard. The first look and ceremony took place here.

Inside Haue Valley’s reception hall

Wedding ceremony at Haue Valley

Like I said above, Haue Valley is no slouch when it comes to making beautiful wedding photography! Here are some of my favorite portraits that showcase a few of the locations. You can see some more here.

They have these breathtaking walls covered in greenery. In the right light, they are absolutely stunning!

The reception space also has these awesome glass doors. Perfect for snagging some last-minute family photos!

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That’s it! As a wedding photographer, I have the opportunity to shoot at countless beautiful venues. I’d be remiss if I didn’t showcase them and the potential they present to future couples! If you’d like to get in contact with Haue Valley or myself, click below!

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with or partnered with Haue Valley Weddings & Events