How to Plan a Casual St. Louis Elopement
April 30, 2024
I love elopements. In fact, I wrote a blog about all the reasons why they rock. In this blog, I’ll guide you on how to plan the perfect St. Louis elopement. St. Louis is a gem for couples looking for a laid-back elopement with a touch of charm. Imagine exchanging vows under the Gateway Arch, or having a serene ceremony in one of the city’s lush parks or historic buildings. Or do something a little different and plan activities for your elopement day that you both love to do. Your St. Louis elopement can be totally unique and customized to your relationship and vibe.
Planning an elopement can be overwhelming, but fear not! I’ll walk you through everything from choosing the ideal location, finding vendors, and even arranging a romantic celebration dinner for two. As a St. Louis-native, I want to help you make incredible memories in the city I hold so dear in my heart. So if you’re ready to say “I do” in the heart of the Midwest, let me help you create the perfect intimate Midwest elopement that you and your partner will cherish forever! As my gift to you, I’ve created a free 50-page elopement planning guide that’s printable and customizable to help you design and organize all the details for your elopement. Read on to get your planning guide!
1. Get Clear On Your Elopement Why
To plan your ideal day, it’s important to zoom out and look at your why. So why elope? Elopements offer couples the opportunity to focus on the essence of their marriage – the exchange of vows and the commitment to one another. Without the pressure of a large wedding, elopements allow couples to create a ceremony that is truly reflective of their relationship and personal style. Many couples who elope also appreciate the flexibility and freedom that comes with a smaller, more intimate celebration. Whether it’s just the two of them or a small group of close friends and family, elopements provide a unique and meaningful way to start a new chapter in a couple’s life together. Here are some more benefits of an elopement vs. a traditional wedding:
Personal Touch: Eloping lets you focus on what truly matters—your vows. Design a ceremony that reflects your style and preferences. You can make it as fun and quirky as you want! Go grab drinks together, elope on a rooftop you love, play mini golf after your ceremony in your attire, the sky’s the limit! And a great photographer can help you capture it all in a fun and unique style.
Cost-Effective: Elopements are generally more budget-friendly. You’ll save on big-ticket items and can put your money where it matters most to you, like a grand honeymoon abroad, or saving for that new house!
Stress-Free: Without the hustle of a large wedding, you can enjoy a relaxed, stress-free day. Revel in the moment and savor every detail of your intimate celebration. No need to feel pulled in a million different directions and making sure everyone is having a great time. Because you’re having a great time!
2. Choose Your St. Louis Elopement Venue
St. Louis is full of iconic landmarks and history. Imagine exchanging vows beneath the Gateway Arch, with its stunning skyline backdrop. It’s not just a photo op; it’s a symbol of adventure and innovation. Not to mention all the historic buildings and architecture in St. Louis! Or, for a more intimate vibe, check out the Central West End, Lafayette Square, Tower Grove, Downtown St. Charles, or Soulard. Quaint cafés, cobblestone streets, and historic homes add a cozy touch to your ceremony. If nature’s your thing, Forest Park, or Tower Grove Park offers a serene, green setting for your vows as well as super gorgeous old buildings. You can also have a beautiful and intimate ceremony at a courthouse, and then plan fun activities for the rest of the day.
Check out these resources on St. Louis elopement venues (pro tip: any venue for an engagement photoshoot or small wedding can also work amazingly as an elopement venue!):
3. Legal Requirements to Get Married in St. Louis
To legalize your union, there are a few important steps you need to follow, even if you’re not having a traditional wedding.
Marriage License: Head to the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds. You’ll need ID and $49. Remember, there’s a 3-day waiting period before you can have the ceremony after you get the license and is valid for 30 days, so plan ahead to time it correctly. You can fill out the forms online, but you’ll both need to show up in person to get the license. Here’s more info about marriage licenses in St. Louis!
Officiant: You will have to arrange for a licensed officiant—whether it’s a judge, minister, or another authorized individual—to be present and perform your wedding ceremony. A quick Google search can help you find an officiant to hire near you if you don’t already know one you’d like to include.
Witnesses: Missouri requires two witnesses at the ceremony. They can be friends, family, or even strangers. As a St. Louis elopement photographer, I’ve been a witness for city hall elopements, and it was awesome to be a part of that special moment!
4. Find Your Elopement Vendors
It can be helpful to hire a few vendors to make sure you really get the day you’re dreaming of, and that you feel just as celebrated with your intimate elopement as you would with a big traditional wedding. Here are some vendors you may want to consider:
Photographer: Capture your special day with a photographer who specializes in intimate elopements. Look for someone who gets your vibe and can tailor a package to your needs. (ahem—I may know a photographer for you! 😉)
Florist: A simple bouquet or some tasteful floral accents like a flower crown can add a lovely touch! Find a florist who understands your style and the low-key vibe you want to go for.
Food: Celebrate with a special meal. St. Louis boasts a fantastic food scene, so choose a caterer or restaurant that fits your taste. You may want an intimate dinner for just you two, or book a restaurant to celebrate afterwards with family and friends. Some great restaurants in St. Louis for a romantic dinner:
- Vin de Set
- Brasserie by Niche
- Olive + Oak
- 801 Chophouse
- Vicia
- Elaia (temporarily closed)
- The Crossing
- Oceano
- Charlie Gitto’s
- Truffles
- 801 Fish
- Bristol
- Casa Don Alfonso
- Dominic’s
- Louie
- Sasha’s on Demun
- The Bellweather
- Bistro La Floraison
- The Lucky Accomplice
- Bar Moro
- Florentin
- or hey, grab a beer and pizza at Urban Chestnut for a super low-key vibe!
5. Craft Your St. Louis Elopement Timeline
Location Timing: If you’re opting for a public spot, consider quieter times of the day to avoid crowds. You may also want to structure your elopement around either sunset or sunrise for those amazing golden hour vibes. Ask your photographer what they recommend! Allow time to transition from your ceremony to any post-vow celebrations, like a romantic dinner or an after party.
Vendor Coordination: Make sure your officiant, photographer, and other vendors are synced up with your schedule. A great photographer can help you nail down the timeline so you’re getting great photos at the best time of day, but also avoiding unnecessary rushing and stress. It’s your day after all, you should be enjoying it!
6. Personalize Your Elopement
Meaningful Details: Incorporate personal rituals or traditions to make the ceremony uniquely yours.
Fun Activities: The great thing about an urban elopement is all the options you have to truly make your day memorable and unique to what you love. You can visit your favorite spots throughout the day and get super unique photos in your wedding attire that you’ll cherish forever. It can literally be your best date ever in your fanciest attire! Here are some St. Louis elopement activity ideas that could be great additions to your day:
- go to the library (St. Louis Public Library Central Branch is incredible for photos, and where the photo at the top of this blog was taken!)
- visit a winery, brewery, or coffee shop you love
- play lawn games
- pop champagne
- have a picnic (you could even set up a super fancy elopement picnic spread with a company like Alpaca Picnic!)
- go for a ride on the St. Louis Wheel at Union Station
- take photos in vintage photo booth
- cook a meal together or visiting a favorite restaurant
- play your favorite board games together
- spend time with your pets
- go to the Saint Louis Zoo
- go to the City Museum
- do karaoke together
- go to a Cardinals, St. Louis City, or Blues game
- go ice skating
- take a dance class
- visit an art museum like the St. Louis Art Museum or the Contemporary Art Museum
- go to an arcade like Up Down
- write or read letters from each other
- visit a farm for gorgeous Midwest elopement photography
Guest List: If you want to have a few guests, keep it intimate. Invite only those who mean the most to you for a truly personal experience. Maybe this is your parents or best friends, but whoever is part of your special day will truly be honored they get to participate in such a meaningful moment for you!
Check out my recent blog post on micro wedding activities for more ideas that may resonate with you to include in your elopement day!
7. Budgeting Tips For Your St. Louis Elopement
Plan Ahead: Consider costs for the venue, vendors, attire, and any extras. St. Louis offers flexibility, so prioritize what matters most to you!
Stay Flexible: Keep your celebration simple or splurge on a few special elements. Balance your budget with what’s meaningful. The beauty of eloping is it can be done any which way you choose, and you can save your budget for other things like a honeymoon 🍯🌙.
Keep Track: Having a tool to track your expenses for your intimate wedding or elopement is super valuable. I’ve created a free 50-page elopement planning guide that includes budget trackers and expense trackers to help you get organized and design your dream elopement! Get the guide below! ⤵
Conclusion
Eloping in St. Louis is a chance to celebrate your love in a relaxed, personalized way. With its stunning landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and beautiful parks, STL is the perfect backdrop for your special day. Embrace the city’s charm and make your St. Louis elopement truly unforgettable.
Ready to plan your elopement and find a photographer? I would love to be your third-wheel and document this super meaningful day for you. Contact me and let’s chat!
xo, Stacey
Film shot on 35mm Kodak Portra 400 with a Contax TVS. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that earn commission at no cost to you.
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