Picture Perfect City: A Guide to St. Louis Photography Locations

A bridal party hams it up in the Grand Basin of St. Louis’ beautiful Forest Park.

Are you planning a trip to St. Louis and looking for the best places to take pictures? Look no further! St. Louis is a city full of beautiful and iconic landmarks, as well as hidden gems that make for stunning photo opportunities. Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to capture some memories, this guide will help you find the best photo spots in St. Louis.

Learn more about all my St Louis photography services at https://www.mdkauffmann.com

The Gateway Arch: Capturing the Iconic St. Louis Skyline

The Gateway Arch is undoubtedly the most iconic landmark in St. Louis. Standing at 630 feet tall, it is a sight to behold. The arch is not only a symbol of the city but also a popular tourist attraction. But it’s not just the arch itself that makes for a great photo opportunity. The surrounding area offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Mississippi River.

One of the best places to take pictures of the Gateway Arch is the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, located on the Illinois side of the river. From here, you can capture the arch and the skyline in one shot. Another great spot is the Eads Bridge, which offers a unique perspective of the arch and the river.

Forest Park: A Nature Lover's Dream

If you’re a nature lover, Forest Park is the place for you. With over 1,300 acres of green space, it is one of the largest urban parks in the country. The park is home to several attractions, including the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the St. Louis Zoo. But it’s the park’s natural beauty that makes it a perfect spot for photos.

The most popular spot in the park is the Grand Basin, a large body of water surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a great place to capture reflections of the surrounding trees and buildings.

One of the best spots in the park is the waterfall, located near the boathouse. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and makes for a peaceful and serene photo. Another great spot is the lily pond, which is home to several species of colorful water lilies.

If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, head to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest. This 1,000-acre forest is home to several hiking trails and offers a peaceful escape from the city. The forest is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colors.

Another great photo spot in Forest Park is the Jewel Box, which is a beautiful greenhouse that is filled with exotic plants and flowers. The Jewel Box does require admission and prior planning to use indoors but it’s unique art deco appearance is also gorgeous from the outside.

The Missouri Botanical Garden: Capturing the Beauty of Nature

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves nature and photography. This beautiful garden is home to thousands of plant species, as well as several stunning buildings and structures. The garden is divided into several sections, including the Japanese Garden, the Chinese Garden, and the Climatron, which is a large geodesic dome that houses tropical plants and butterflies.

One of the best times to visit the garden is in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. These beautiful pink flowers make for stunning photo opportunities, especially when paired with the garden's other beautiful plants and structures. Another great spot in the garden is the Climatron, which offers a unique perspective on tropical plants and a beautiful backdrop for portraits.

The Missouri Botanical Garden does require admission and pre-planning. A reservation is necessary for professional photography work.

City Museum: Unique and Creative Photo Opportunities

The City Museum is not your typical museum. This unique attraction is a playground for both children and adults, with tunnels, slides, and other interactive exhibits. But it's not just a fun place to visit - it's also a great place to take pictures. The museum is filled with unique and creative photo opportunities, from the giant praying mantis on the roof to the colorful mosaics inside.

One of the most popular spots in the museum is the Enchanted Caves, which are a series of tunnels and caves that are covered in mosaics and other colorful decorations. These caves make for stunning backdrops for portraits and other photos. Another great spot in the museum is the rooftop, which offers stunning views of the city and several unique sculptures and exhibits.

Admission is required for the museum, and for a large group a reservation is mandatory.

Lafayette Square: Classic Architecture

Lafayette Square is a historic neighborhood located just south of downtown St. Louis. The neighborhood is known for its beautifully restored Victorian homes and charming cobblestone streets. It’s a perfect spot for capturing the beauty of old St. Louis.

One of the most popular spots in the neighborhood is Lafayette Park. The park is home to a large lake, a fountain, and several walking paths lined with colorful flowers. The park is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colors.

Fort Bellefontaine: A Worthwhile Hike

Fort Bellefontaine is a historic site that offers plenty of photo opportunities. This fort was built in 1805 and served as a military outpost during the War of 1812. Today, it's a beautiful park that offers stunning views of the Missouri River and the surrounding area, which offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding bluffs. This spot is perfect for capturing sunsets and sunrises, as well as the changing colors of the leaves in the fall. There are also several hiking trails in the park that offer plenty of nature photography opportunities. At the bottom of the grand staircase are the bathhouse ruins. It is a hike to get there and back, but the uniqueness of the setting is worth it.

Tower Grove Park

Tower Grove Park is a 289-acre park located in the south-central part of the city. The park was founded in 1868 and is home to several historic pavilions and statues. It’s a perfect spot for capturing the beauty of old St. Louis.

One of the most popular spots in the park is the Piper Palm House, a greenhouse filled with exotic plants and flowers. The colorful blooms and unique architecture make for stunning photos. Another great spot is the Ruins, a stone structure that was once part of a 1904 World’s Fair exhibit.

Carondelet Park

Carondelet Park is one of St. Louis' largest parks and offers plenty of photo opportunities. This park is home to several lakes and ponds, as well as beautiful trees and other greenery. One of the best spots in the park is the Boathouse, which is a beautiful building that is located on a lake. This spot offers plenty of photo opportunities, both inside and outside.

Kiener Plaza

Kiener Plaza is a beautiful park that is located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. This park is home to several fountains, sculptures, and other beautiful structures. Another great spot in Kiener Plaza is the Citygarden, which is a beautiful sculpture park that is located just a short walk from the plaza. This park is filled with beautiful sculptures and other art installations, and offers plenty of photo opportunities.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

St. Louis is a city full of beautiful and iconic landmarks, as well as hidden gems that make for stunning photo opportunities. Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to capture some memories, this guide will help you find the best photo spots in St. Louis. From the Gateway Arch to Forest Park, the Missouri Botanical Garden to the City Museum, there's something for everyone in this beautiful city.

So what are you waiting for? If you're planning a wedding in St. Louis, be sure to book MDKauffmann Photography as your wedding photographer. We specialize in capturing beautiful, natural, and timeless wedding photos that you'll cherish for years to come.