Engagement season is upon us and it is one of my favorite times of the year. I get to talk to all kinds of new couples and get to hear their proposal stories. Getting to hear their stories is almost as fun as capturing their engagement and their wedding. Almost. 

But where are the best places to have your engagement photos taken in or near St Louis?

Let’s start with the most obvious. 

Forest Park

One of our biggest and most beautiful parks near St Louis to have your engagement photos taken. Forest park is not lacking in areas to have engagement images taken. So I will do my best to break them down and if I miss some feel free to add them in the comments below. 

Art Hill

This is the first and most obvious, Art Hill. This is an amazing stretch of land with wide views. If your photographer is skilled enough they will place you high on the stairs and get those sweeping views if that’s what you are into. 

Cabanne House

An amazing little house that looks great in any backdrop. There are a few places just around the house that looks great and can make for a captivating engagement image. 

The Jewel Box

A neat little building made out of mostly glass, not only can you have your engagement images taken here you can also have your ceremony at this same location. 

Victorian Footbridge

Made with cast iron and jet black you might be asking yourself how on earth could this look good in my engagement images. Well, I am here to tell you that this bridge is amazing and can create some jaw-dropping images. 

World’s Fair Pavilion

Last on the list is the World’s Fair Pavilion. This is an amazing little spot but can be difficult to capture images due to the crowd. But, if you land that timing just right then you will have no trouble creating some amazing images.

Forest Park is an amazing place and the list above is only a fraction of what can be done. So check out this link https://forestparkmap.org/dennis-judith-jones-visitor-and-education-center#landmarks

and make a list of places to check out ahead of time and see what radiates with you. 

For the next location, you are going to have to take a short trip out of St Louis for these engagement images, to a place called Laumeier Sculpture Park.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Laumeier sculpture park is an amazing setting and there are little tucked away places all over the park whether you love sculpture art or not. There can be a bit of walking so be ready for that. 

Rockwoods Reservation.

I have been to this location a couple of times but only once to shoot an engagement. I first found this area going on a hike with the family. Once a couple asks me to capture their engagement I knew I had to do it. This location is amazing, you don’t really get the sunset in the summer and spring months, that being said the river is right below it and you can see it winding for quite a good distance. But, be ready for a hike, bring water and sunscreen. 

Next, maybe you are looking for more flowers and wide-open fields, well I may have just the spot for you, Shaw Nature Reserve

Shaw Nature Reserve

Now, I must admit I have never shot an engagement session here, however, I have captured a first look here around September of 2019. I know I am a little bias but I think they turned out amazing! The overall layout of the locations is beautiful and very well kept. 

Are you more of a sunset type person, do you want to be put on a cliff to create an epic photo? I got you, this next location will give you all that and then some. 

Frenchman’s Bluff

I just had the opportunity to shoot at this location for one of my couple’s engagement photos. At first, I was thinking that this was going to be a hike like the last bluff I had mentioned. But it was literally right off the road and only steps from my car. It is an amazing location and the sun will set right behind you allowing your photographer to create an amazing epic photo. 

Just to name a few

These are just a few areas to have have your engagement sessions in and around St Louis. We have a beautiful city and surrounding areas you just have to scope them out. If you are unsure of where to have your engagement images done then ask your photographer. If you are unsure what time to have your engagement image then feel free to read this blog about good times to do a photoshoot. 

I hope you and your partner have an amazing event and get some amazing memories from your photographer.