St. Louis, with its architectural wonders, stunning gardens, and beautiful parks, is an ideal location for an unforgettable outdoor wedding. Whether you envision a classic garden ceremony or a whimsical woodland celebration, the city offers a diverse selection of venues that will meet your vision and create a magical setting for your special day.
From grand historic mansions to charming outdoor gardens, St. Louis offers a variety of outdoor wedding venues that can accommodate different tastes and preferences. Many of these venues offer breathtaking views of the city skyline, lush greenery, or tranquil bodies of water, providing a picturesque backdrop for your wedding photos.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular outdoor wedding venues in St. Louis, highlighting their unique features, amenities, and capacity to help you plan the perfect outdoor wedding of your dreams.
outdoor wedding venues st louis
When selecting an outdoor wedding venue in St. Louis, there are several key factors to consider, including the venue's capacity, amenities, and availability on your desired date. Here are 10 important points to keep in mind:
- Capacity
- Amenities
- Availability
- Location
- Cost
- Parking
- Weather backup plan
- Vendor restrictions
- Insurance
- Reviews
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the perfect outdoor wedding venue in St. Louis that will create a memorable and magical setting for your special day.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an outdoor wedding venue is its capacity. You will need to choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guest list, while also providing enough space for dancing, dining, and other activities.
- Guest count: Determine the number of guests you expect to invite and ensure that the venue can accommodate them comfortably.
- Seating arrangements: Consider the type of seating arrangements you prefer, such as round tables, banquet tables, or lounge seating, and make sure the venue can accommodate your desired layout.
- Dance floor: If you plan on having a dance floor, ensure that the venue has enough space for guests to dance comfortably.
- Other activities: If you are planning on having other activities, such as a live band or a photo booth, make sure the venue has enough space to accommodate these activities without feeling cramped.
It is always a good idea to visit the venue in person and bring along a member of your wedding party or a trusted friend to help you visualize the space and ensure that it can accommodate your needs.
Amenities
When choosing an outdoor wedding venue, the amenities offered by the venue are also an important consideration. Amenities can range from basic necessities to luxurious upgrades, and they can impact the overall experience of your guests.
- Restrooms: Ensure that the venue has adequate and clean restrooms for guests, and consider if you need to rent additional portable restrooms.
- Parking: Determine if the venue has ample parking for guests and if there is a fee for parking.
- Kitchen facilities: If you plan on catering your own food, make sure the venue has a kitchen or catering area with the necessary equipment.
- Tables and chairs: Determine if the venue provides tables and chairs for guests, or if you will need to rent them separately.
Other amenities that you may want to consider include:
- Dance floor
- Stage or platform for the ceremony or entertainment
- Lighting and sound system
- Decorations
- Vendor recommendations
Availability
When choosing an outdoor wedding venue, it is crucial to consider its availability on your desired date. Outdoor wedding venues tend to be in high demand, especially during peak wedding season (May to October), so it is important to book your venue well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering the availability of an outdoor wedding venue:
- Peak wedding season: Outdoor wedding venues are most popular during peak wedding season, so if you are planning to get married during this time, it is important to book your venue at least 12-18 months in advance.
- Weekends vs. weekdays: Weekends are more popular for weddings than weekdays, so if you are flexible with your date, you may be able to secure a better deal on a weekday wedding.
- Weather: When booking an outdoor wedding venue, it is important to consider the weather conditions in your area during your desired month. If you are concerned about rain or other inclement weather, you may want to consider a venue that has an indoor backup option.
- Holidays: If you are planning to get married on a holiday weekend, be sure to book your venue well in advance, as these dates tend to be very popular.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start contacting potential venues to inquire about their availability on your desired date. It is a good idea to have a few backup dates in mind in case your first choice is not available.
Location
The location of your outdoor wedding venue is an important consideration, as it will impact the accessibility and convenience for your guests. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing the location of your venue:
- Proximity to your home or hotel: If you and your guests are traveling from out of town, you may want to choose a venue that is close to your hotel or other accommodations.
- Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of the venue for your guests, especially if any of your guests have mobility issues. Ensure that the venue is easy to find and that there is ample parking available.
- Scenery: The scenery surrounding the venue can greatly impact the ambiance of your wedding. If you are dreaming of a wedding with stunning views, be sure to choose a venue with beautiful surroundings.
- Noise levels: If you are planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, be sure to consider the noise levels in the area. You may want to avoid venues that are located near busy roads or other noisy areas.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your search for an outdoor wedding venue in St. Louis. There are many beautiful venues to choose from, so you are sure to find the perfect location for your special day.
Cost
The cost of renting an outdoor wedding venue in St. Louis can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the venue, the amenities offered, the time of year, and the day of the week. Here is a general overview of the costs associated with renting an outdoor wedding venue in St. Louis:
- Venue rental fee: This is the base fee for renting the venue for your wedding ceremony and reception. The cost can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the factors mentioned above.
- Guest count: Some venues charge a per-person fee for guests over a certain number. Be sure to inquire about this when booking your venue.
- Amenities: Some venues charge additional fees for amenities such as tables, chairs, linens, and lighting. Be sure to ask about all of the fees associated with the venue before booking.
- Time of year: Venues often charge higher rates during peak wedding season (May to October). If you are flexible with your date, you may be able to save money by getting married during the off-season.
- Day of the week: Venues often charge lower rates for weddings on weekdays than on weekends. If you are looking to save money, consider getting married on a weekday.
In addition to the venue rental fee, you will also need to budget for other expenses such as food, drinks, entertainment, and flowers. The total cost of your wedding will vary depending on the size and scope of your event.
taskId="sts-6">
Weather backup plan
When planning an outdoor wedding, it is important to have a weather backup plan in place in case of inclement weather. Here are a few things to consider when creating your weather backup plan:
- Indoor ceremony and reception space: If possible, choose a venue that has an indoor ceremony and reception space that can accommodate your guest count in case of rain or other bad weather.
- Tent: If your venue does not have an indoor backup space, you may want to consider renting a tent. Tents can be set up on the venue's grounds to provide a covered area for your ceremony and reception.
- Clear span tent: A clear span tent is a type of tent that does not have any center poles, which gives you more flexibility in terms of layout. Clear span tents are also more expensive than traditional tents, but they can provide a more elegant and spacious feel for your wedding.
- Alternative ceremony and reception locations: If your venue does not have an indoor backup space and you do not want to rent a tent, you may want to consider having your ceremony and reception at an alternative location in case of bad weather. This could be a nearby indoor venue, a restaurant, or even your own home.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start to develop a weather backup plan for your outdoor wedding. Be sure to discuss your plan with your venue coordinator and other vendors to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Vendor restrictions
Some outdoor wedding venues have restrictions on the vendors that you can use. These restrictions may include requirements to use certain vendors or to pay a fee to use outside vendors. Here are a few things to consider when dealing with vendor restrictions:
- Exclusive vendors: Some venues require you to use their exclusive vendors for certain services, such as catering, photography, and music. This can be a good way to ensure that you are getting high-quality services, but it can also limit your options and increase the cost of your wedding.
- Vendor fees: Some venues charge a fee to use outside vendors. This fee can vary depending on the venue and the type of vendor. Be sure to ask about vendor fees when booking your venue.
- Negotiating with vendors: If you are not happy with the vendor restrictions at your venue, you may be able to negotiate with them. For example, you may be able to get a discount on the vendor fee or you may be able to bring in your own vendors for a lower fee.
- Alternatives to vendor restrictions: If you are not comfortable with the vendor restrictions at your venue, you may want to consider looking for a different venue that has more flexible vendor policies.
It is important to be aware of the vendor restrictions at your chosen venue before booking. This will help you to avoid any surprises and to make sure that you are able to have the wedding of your dreams.
Insurance
It is important to have adequate insurance in place for your outdoor wedding. This will protect you financially in the event of an accident, injury, or other unexpected event. Here are a few types of insurance to consider for your wedding:
- Event liability insurance: This insurance protects you against claims of bodily injury or property damage that occur during your wedding. It is important to make sure that your venue has adequate event liability insurance, and you may also want to purchase additional insurance to cover your vendors and guests.
- Wedding cancellation insurance: This insurance protects you financially if you have to cancel or postpone your wedding due to unforeseen circumstances, such as bad weather, illness, or a family emergency. Wedding cancellation insurance can also cover the cost of lost deposits and other expenses.
- Vendor insurance: Your vendors should have their own insurance, but you may want to consider purchasing additional insurance to cover your vendors in case of an accident or injury. This insurance can also protect you financially if your vendor goes out of business before your wedding.
- Personal property insurance: This insurance protects your personal belongings, such as your wedding dress, rings, and gifts, in the event of loss or damage.
It is important to talk to your insurance agent to determine the best insurance coverage for your needs. Be sure to get a certificate of insurance from your venue and all of your vendors to ensure that you are adequately protected.
Reviews
When choosing an outdoor wedding venue, it is important to read reviews from other couples who have gotten married at the venue. Reviews can give you valuable insights into the venue's staff, amenities, and overall atmosphere. Here are a few things to look for when reading reviews:
- Overall rating: The overall rating of the venue can give you a general idea of how satisfied other couples have been with their experience. However, it is important to read individual reviews to get a more detailed understanding of the venue.
- Specific feedback: Pay attention to the specific feedback that other couples have given about the venue. This can include comments about the staff, the food, the atmosphere, and the overall value of the venue.
- Negative reviews: Don't just focus on the positive reviews. It is also important to read the negative reviews to get a sense of any potential problems that you may encounter.
- Date of the review: Keep in mind the date of the review when reading reviews. Venues can change over time, so it is important to read reviews that are recent.
Reading reviews can be a helpful way to narrow down your choices and find the perfect outdoor wedding venue for your special day.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about outdoor wedding venues in St. Louis:
Question 1: What are the most popular outdoor wedding venues in St. Louis?
Answer 1: Some of the most popular outdoor wedding venues in St. Louis include the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Saint Louis Zoo, and Forest Park.
Question 2: What are the average costs associated with renting an outdoor wedding venue in St. Louis?
Answer 2: The average cost of renting an outdoor wedding venue in St. Louis can vary depending on the size of the venue, the amenities offered, the time of year, and the day of the week. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Question 3: What are some tips for choosing an outdoor wedding venue in St. Louis?
Answer 3: When choosing an outdoor wedding venue in St. Louis, it is important to consider factors such as the capacity, amenities, availability, location, cost, parking, weather backup plan, vendor restrictions, insurance, and reviews.
Question 4: What are some of the most unique outdoor wedding venues in St. Louis?
Answer 4: Some of the most unique outdoor wedding venues in St. Louis include the Laumeier Sculpture Park, the World Chess Hall of Fame, and the Saint Louis Science Center.
Question 5: What are some tips for planning an outdoor wedding in St. Louis?
Answer 5: When planning an outdoor wedding in St. Louis, it is important to consider factors such as the weather, the time of year, and the availability of vendors. It is also important to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather.
Question 6: What are some of the most affordable outdoor wedding venues in St. Louis?
Answer 6: Some of the most affordable outdoor wedding venues in St. Louis include the Missouri Botanical Garden, Tower Grove Park, and Forest Park.
We hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are a few additional tips for planning an outdoor wedding in St. Louis:
Tips
Here are a few additional tips for planning an outdoor wedding in St. Louis:
Tip 1: Book your venue early. Outdoor wedding venues in St. Louis are popular, so it is important to book your venue as early as possible, especially if you are planning to get married during peak wedding season (May to October).
Tip 2: Have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Even if you are getting married during the summer, it is important to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. This could involve renting a tent or having an indoor ceremony and reception space available.
Tip 3: Consider your guests' comfort. When planning an outdoor wedding, it is important to consider your guests' comfort. This means providing shade from the sun, bug spray to keep away mosquitoes, and comfortable seating for the ceremony and reception.
Tip 4: Get creative with your décor. Outdoor weddings provide a unique opportunity to get creative with your décor. You can use natural elements, such as flowers, trees, and rocks, to create a beautiful and memorable setting for your wedding.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your outdoor wedding in St. Louis is a success.
We hope this article has been helpful in your search for the perfect outdoor wedding venue in St. Louis. With its beautiful scenery, charming venues, and convenient location, St. Louis is the ideal place to celebrate your special day.
Summary of points
骚骚