Elope in Missouri: Discover the Perfect Destination for Your Intimate Wedding

Make your elopement in Missouri an unforgettable experience. From romantic landscapes to unique accommodations, this guide offers insights to help you plan your perfect day.

Look, I get it! A full wedding day with 100+ guests isn’t for everyone. If you’re here, it may not be for you! This “Elope in Missouri” guide has got you covered with all the essential details to plan your perfect, intimate Missouri elopement. From selecting the most picturesque location that speaks to your heart to ensuring you tie the knot at the most magical time of the year for your location, we'll make sure your special day is filled with love and beauty.

Let's embark on an extraordinary journey together! Reach out now and let's discuss how I can document your intimate Missouri elopement in stunning photographs.

Why Elope in Missouri?

Eloping in Missouri offers a picturesque backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, from stunning rock formations to serene lakes and trails, creating a romantic and intimate setting for your special day. Additionally, you can explore the architecture and history of our historic cities.  With its diverse range of enchanting locations and the wide variety of accommodations, Missouri provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and charm for an unforgettable elopement experience.

How to Choose an Elopement Location

Choosing the perfect location to elope in Missouri is all about tailoring the experience to your unique desires. Missouri is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes and hidden gems, making it essential to understand your vision for an unforgettable elopement. Don't worry if you're unsure about where or when to elope—my expertise as a Missouri elopement photographer lies in understanding your vision and curating personalized recommendations that match your ideal Missouri elopement experience. Let's embark on this journey together and discover the perfect spot that will make your elopement truly memorable.

Places to Elope in Missouri

Below, you'll find a handpicked selection of my favorite places to elope in Missouri and create one-of-a-kind memories.

Park Elopement Locations

Ready to capture your love story in the enchanting landscapes of Missouri? Contact me today to book your dream elopement photography experience!

Castlewood State Park

Discover a nature lover's paradise at Castlewood State Park, where the meandering trails, towering trees, and scenic river views create a serene setting for your elopement. Keep in mind that Castlewood is a popular area! If you want the best shot at avoiding crowds, choose to elope on a weekday or at sunrise.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Immerse yourself in captivating limestone formations, enchanting castle ruins, and stunning vistas, offering a unique and memorable backdrop for your elopement. The trails and boardwalks here are well managed, so you should have no trouble reaching an awesome spot, as long as it’s not too far off the beaten path.

Hawn State Park

Exchange vows amidst the peaceful forests, tranquil streams, and serene natural surroundings that make Hawn State Park a hidden gem for an intimate elopement. Many of my couples enjoy hiking after their elopement ceremony, and Hawn’s trail loop is one of the best around!

St Francois State Park

Embrace the woodlands and rolling hills of St Francois State Park, where the scenic beauty and peaceful ambiance create a charming and natural setting for your elopement. Not sure where to start? Mooner’s Hollow trail is by far the most scenic trail in the park. Getting married with a gently cascading waterfall (pictured below) in the background is tough to beat!

Taum Sauk State Park

Home to Missouri's highest peak, where you can elope surrounded by breathtaking views and the expansive countryside. The peak, called Taum Sauk Mountain, can be accessed with a brief 30-minute hike. If you’re ok with a short hike back in the dark, this spot looks amazing as the sun is just going down past the horizon!

Elephant Rocks State Park

Massive ancient granite boulders provide a unique and uncommon backdrop for your elopement! The formations at this spot are so striking, so if you’re looking for something that doesn’t feel like it’s in the midwest, Elephant Rocks could be a great choice for your elopement. This area is popular in the summer, with Johnson Shut-Ins being just up the road, so Spring or Fall are ideal times to elope at Elephant Rocks State Park.

City Elopement Locations

Verde on Cherokee

Set in the vibrant Cherokee district of St. Louis, Verde offers an urban oasis with its modern and stylish ambiance, perfect for an intimate elopement in the heart of St. Louis. Verde has multiple options for layouts and weather plans. Be sure to check out our full overview of this venue for an in-depth breakdown of what makes Verde awesome!

Marry Me Cottage (St Louis)

This charming cottage tucked away just west of St. Louis provides a cozy and romantic setting for your elopement, complete with its unique gardens and architecture. Marry Me Cottage is close to hotel accommodations for any family that may be visiting, and lots of great things to do in the area. They don’t host events with more than 50 people, so Marry Me Cottage is uniquely suited to meet your elopement needs!

Piper Palm House (St Louis)

Exchange your vows in the elegant and historic Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park, surrounded by lush greenery creating an enchanting atmosphere for your elopement. Piper Palm House strikes the perfect balance between a standard chapel and a greenhouse, with plenty of beautiful plants indoors with lots of natural light, but without the full glass walls of a traditional greenhouse. It’s a stunner!

Forest Park/The Jewel Box

Step into a fairytale setting at Forest Park's iconic Jewel Box, where you'll be immersed in a breathtaking display of expansive greenery and stunning architecture. The Jewel Box is a St. Louis staple for a reason!

Last Hotel STL

With its chic and contemporary design, Last Hotel STL offers a trendy and sophisticated backdrop for your elopement, blending modern aesthetics with historic charm in the heart of St. Louis.

Wild Carrot STL

Experience the vintage charm and timeless beauty of Wild Carrot STL, a venue nestled in the Shaw neighborhood of St. Louis’ city. For those wanting more of a modern take on elopements with less emphasis on nature and greenery, Wild Carrot is the perfect solution.

What's the best time of year to elope in Missouri?

Spring or summer tends to be the best time of year to avoid extremes in temperature, rain, or snow. The fall can bring gorgeous colors in nature, but be mindful of temperature swings or quickly-changing weather conditions. If you have an indoor backup or you are okay with the elements you can get married any time of the year.

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Elopement planning checklist

1. Dream it up:
   Before booking anything have a deep conversation about how you both envision the day, who you’d like to be there and what is fun for both of you as a couple. Think about dates you both love, if you want to rent anything (a boat, hot air balloon, or a car) - you should be picturing how to spend the day, not how to spend just the 30 minutes getting married. 

2. Book your photographer:
   It's crucial to involve your elopement photographer from the very beginning. Begin your search by exploring reputable photographers on Google or immerse yourself in the world of Missouri elopements by browsing relevant Instagram hashtags like #missourielopement. Take your time exploring various websites, allowing yourself to truly discern the style of photos you adore or those that don't resonate with you. Once you've found your favorite, don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a call to establish a connection and discuss your vision.

3. Pick a Location:
   Unlike weddings, you don’t have to know the location prior to booking your photographer. You can work with them based on the stuff you dreamed up together to find the perfect location depending on the time of the year. 

4. Hire Elopement Vendors:
   Your photographer should have a list of recommended vendors for your wedding day.  Most couples will need an officiant, hair/makeup artist, florist, and either catering, a private chef, or a restaurant. (you also need two witnesses!)

5. Book the Stay:
   Accommodations in the scenic Missouri locations, especially during peak seasons, tend to book up quickly, sometimes 6-12 months in advance. Make your reservations as early as possible, ensuring a seamless and stress-free elopement journey.

6. Get your marriage license!
   There is no waiting period in Missouri for a marriage license. Marriage license applicants are not required to be Missouri residents but both must appear in person before the recorder of deeds or a deputy recorder and present valid identification containing date of birth, along with a Social Security card, to apply for a marriage license.

What Do You Need to Elope in Missouri?

In Missouri, all you need is love and a few key essentials to create your dream elopement experience:

Marriage License: Obtain a marriage license from the county where you plan to elope.

Officiant: Choose an officiant who can legally marry you in Missouri.

Witnesses: You need at least two witnesses to elope in Missouri.

Marriage Certificate: Obtain your marriage certificate after the ceremony to make your marriage legal.

Remember, the most important thing is to create a meaningful and memorable experience that reflects your love and commitment.

What's the cost of eloping in Missouri?

When it comes to eloping in Missouri, there is no fixed cost, but many couples find themselves spending between $5,000 and $15,000—a fraction of the national average for traditional weddings, which stands at $33,000. Eloping allows couples to focus their finances on what truly matters to them, with a significant portion dedicated to shared experiences, photography to capture every cherished moment, and indulging in activities or stays that create lasting memories together. Additionally, it's important to note that obtaining a marriage license in the state of Missouri typically costs $50.

Need a Missouri Elopement Photographer?

If you're considering embarking on an unforgettable adventure elopement in the breathtaking landscapes of Missouri, I'm thrilled to connect with you!