A Classic Fall Wedding at One of St. Louis’s Most Unique Venues

If you’re searching for unique wedding venues in St. Louis, MO, Philippa and Mary’s wedding day is your sign.

Their day was classic and beautiful and showed off everything St. Louis has to offer: getting ready at 21c Museum Hotel, a ceremony in the City Museum’s Vault Room, and portraits under the fall trees in Lafayette Park.

Getting Ready at 21c Museum Hotel

The morning started at 21c Museum Hotel downtown, which is as artsy and moody as you’d hope. We’re talking a gown hanging in the window light, lace heels, a vintage ring tucked into blue thistle, and a burnt-orange leather chair that basically begged to be photographed.

A Ceremony in the City Museum Vault Room

The City Museum is one of the most unique wedding venues in St. Louis, MO, and maybe anywhere. Known for its sculpted caves, climbing structures and repurposed architecture, it’s a playground for grown-ups. The Vault Room gives couples a cozier, more intimate space for their ceremony inside one of the city’s most iconic buildings.

For couples who want their wedding to feel unlike anyone else’s, it’s hard to beat.

Portraits in Lafayette Park

After the ceremony, it was off to Lafayette Park for portraits on a perfect fall day. Old brick, slate rooftops, winding stone paths and big shady trees gave the classic look Philippa and Mary wanted.

A few favorites:

• A twirl down the stone path, with one bride’s cape flowing behind her
• The whole bridal party in classic black, cheering as the brides kissed
• A black-and-white moment of the two of them laughing, hand in hand

Lafayette Park was busy that day, but you’d never know it from these photos.

Pink and Burgundy Wedding Florals (Yes, From Trader Joe’s)

Their florals were a gorgeous mix of pink, red and burgundy roses with pops of blue thistle, set against a crisp black-and-white bridal party. And the best part? They came from Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe’s wedding flowers are one of the best-kept secrets for couples on a budget. With a little DIY magic, you’d never guess these bouquets didn’t come from a high-end florist.

A Sweet Italian Wedding Tradition

One of my favorite details: Mary’s brother baked the cookies. In a sweet nod to Italian wedding traditions, the couple went table to table handing a cookie to each guest. It’s the kind of personal touch that guests remember long after the night ends.

Planning Your Wedding at a Unique St. Louis Venue

Thinking about one of the unique wedding venues in St. Louis, MO for your own day?

• Pair your venues. Getting ready, ceremony and portraits in three different spots gives you totally different looks in one day.
• Plan for crowds. Public parks like Lafayette Park get busy on beautiful fall weekends, so build in extra portrait time.
• Hire a coordinator. Multi-location days run smoothly with someone like Trinity Griffin Events keeping everyone on track.
• Make it personal. Family recipes, cultural traditions and DIY florals make the day feel like you.

Looking for more ideas? Download my Top 10 St. Louis Wedding Venues, or see Tehya + Taylor’s Forest Park wedding.

I’m a St. Louis wedding photographer for couples who want their day to feel like them.

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Vendors:

• Coordination: Trinity Griffin Events
• Catering: Russo’s
• Florals: Trader Joe’s (DIY)
• DJ: Rockstar DJs
• Getting ready: 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis
• Ceremony: City Museum