The Best St. Louis Proposal Locations and Tips
The best places to propose in St Louis (with proposal ideas)
In St. Louis, the right location can elevate a proposal from ordinary to extraordinary. I understand the challenges of planning such a significant moment, as a St Louis engagement and wedding photographer I've created a list of the best St. Louis proposal locations, creative ideas to make it memorable, and some tips to help you orchestrate a perfect proposal that will leave a lasting impression.
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9 Unique Places to Propose in St Louis
Though not a full list of all the available places to propose in St Louis, this list of my favorites is sure to make the moment even more memorable. These coincidentally, are also great engagement photo locations in St Louis in my humble opinion.
Gateway Arch National Park
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Gateway Arch National Park offers a captivating setting for proposals, with the iconic arch symbolizing the gateway to new beginnings and unforgettable moments. While the St. Louis Arch is the main feature, your proposal does not have to feature it at all! The park is full of beautifully manicured trails, open spaces, and diverse architecture.
Address: 11 N 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone number: +1 (877) 982-1410
Website: https://www.gatewayarch.com/
Missouri Botanical Gardens
A St. Louis Classic, and for good reason! I truly believe that this is one of the most beautiful gardens in the Midwest. With a geometric greenhouse dome, a Victorian home & gardens, a butterfly house & more spread across 79 acres, you’re set up to have the perfect proposal. If you’re wanting to keep things more intimate, there are plenty of places in the gardens to have a private, secluded proposal away from the eyes of other guests.
Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone number: +1 (314) 577-5100
Website: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/
Kiener Plaza
Kiener Plaza in St. Louis is an excellent spot for proposals due to its central downtown location and beautiful, mixed scenery. With its iconic fountain and close proximity to the Gateway Arch, it provides a picturesque backdrop that captures the essence of the city and adds a touch of romance to the moment.
Address: 500 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO 63101
Malcolm Martin Park
With its panoramic view of the St. Louis skyline from the Illinois side of the river, Malcolm Martin Park presents an uninterrupted city-focused backdrop for proposals, creating a truly memorable atmosphere as you pop the question against the sparkling cityscape. The skyline from this location absolutely explodes with colors both at sunrise and sunset!
Address: 185 N Leonor K Sullivan Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63102
360 STL at Hilton
Situated atop the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, 360 STL provides a stunning rooftop setting for proposals, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and landmarks such as Busch Stadium, creating an unforgettable moment at this elevated location.
Address: 1 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone number: +1 (314) 421-1776
Website: https://www.360-stl.com/
The Jewel Box
The Jewel Box in Forest Park is a magnificent glass greenhouse, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery, making it a magical spot for your proposal. While photography indoors is restricted to booked events, the pond, tree-lined pathways, and perfect gardens outside of the greenhouse provide plenty of stunning options!
Address: 1 Wells Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone number: +1 (314) 531-0080
Website: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/parks/Jewel-Box/
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
As a serene and picturesque location along the Mississippi River, Columbia Bottom Conservation Area offers a tranquil and natural setting for proposals, perfect for nature lovers! For more adventurous couples, a short hike can lead to spacious, open views. This location is known for its sunflower blooms, so July and August are typically the best months to catch those pops of color!
Address: 801 Strodtman Road, St. Louis, MO 63138
Phone number: +1 (314) 877-6014
Website: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/columbia-bottom-conservation-area
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Known for its outdoor sculpture collection, Laumeier Sculpture Park provides a unique and artistic backdrop for proposals, with its stunning sculptures and beautiful natural landscapes. If you want the best light at this location, make sure to pop the question within an hour before sunset! There’s limited tree cover where the sculptures sit in the park, so the golden hour before sunset will provide the best possible lighting conditions.
Address: 12580 Rott Road, St. Louis, MO 63127
Phone number: +1 (314) 615-5278
Website: https://www.laumeiersculpturepark.org/
St. Louis Public Library
The St. Louis Public Library is a historic and grand setting that adds an air of sophistication and elegance to proposals. With its architectural beauty and literary ambiance, it offers the perfect setting for those “bookish” couples out there. There are plenty of options at SLPL. You can choose to pop the question among sprawling book shelves, or you can use the ornate, open halls! I’d recommend calling ahead to make sure there’s not an event or display that may interfere with your ideal proposal spot.
Address: 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone number: +1 (314) 241-2288
Website: https://www.slpl.org/
Don't let your proposal be a fleeting memory—ensure every heartfelt expression and joyful tear is beautifully documented by hiring a skilled proposal photographer. Book now
Unique Wedding Proposal Ideas in St Louis
You should know three things about your partner before you propose. You need to know if they are comfortable with a public proposal, if they have any family or friends that would absolutely need to be there, and if having their outfit and hair planned is important first. If they need to be prepped before, you should plan the proposal around a holiday or birthday and tell them you booked a photoshoot for that occasion. That allows them to get dressed up without spoiling the proposal.
Go back to the beginning at the place you had your first date.
Revisit the spot where your first date took place, even if it's just a coffee shop. The sentimental connection holds more meaning than the location itself and it shows you remember every date. Recollect the details of that special day, like what they wore and the emotions you felt, and go the extra mile to create a truly memorable experience before surprising them with the engagement proposal.
Create a Sunset Beach Picnic at Klondike Park
Take your partner's hand as you stroll along the sandy shores of Klondike Park just outside of St. Louis during a breathtaking sunset. With the stunning colors painting the sky as your backdrop, drop to one knee and ask them to join you in a lifetime of love and adventure.
Plan a Romantic Garden Date at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden and arrange a private tour with your friends and family. Working with a team member at the gardens can make sure that you secure the perfect, secluded spot. With the help of a hidden-away engagement photographer, this is the perfect place to capture the joy and surprise on their face as you pop the question.
Add a little history to your engagement in St Louis
St. Louis is rich in history, so why not propose in a historically significant location? Choose the iconic Old Courthouse, the Lemp Mansion, or even Union Station. For those couples that appreciate history and architecture, these classic St. Louis locations can really make your proposal special.
Create a treasure hunt around the city
The hunt should be leading your partner to significant locations that hold special meaning for your relationship. At each spot, leave a clue or a small token that represents a memory. Finally, guide them to a final, hidden spot where you'll be waiting to propose.
Go to the best rooftop in St Louis.
For an intimate and magical proposal, consider privately renting a rooftop in the morning. Rooftops at night are great but they are usually bars filled with people. With the city awakening below and the warm glow of the rising sun, have the roof to yourselves as you ask your partner to spend the rest of their life with you.
Capture the magic and emotion of your proposal forever by hiring a photographer who specializes in capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments. Reach out
Frequently asked questions about marriage proposals:
Which knee do you propose on?
There is no specific rule or requirement regarding which knee to propose on. Traditionally, it is common to propose on the left knee, but ultimately, the choice is entirely up to the person proposing and what feels most comfortable and meaningful to them.
How do you keep the proposal a surprise?
Keeping a proposal a surprise requires careful planning and discretion. To maintain the element of surprise, consider enlisting the help of trusted friends or family members, choosing unexpected moments or locations, and being mindful of any suspicious behavior or communication that could potentially spoil the surprise.
Should you have photos of your proposal?
You only get one chance to propose for the first time, and a photographer allows you to keep the raw emotions and reactions of the moment, creating timeless memories. It also makes it possible to relive and share the story with loved ones for years to come.
Looking to have your own proposal captured in a unique, authentic, and creative way?