Bidi Bidi Bom Bom

10428 Lackland Rd, St. Louis, MO 63114

Quinceañera dresses and formal gowns, an appointment is needed to try on gowns. 

 

Boulevard Bride

21 Meadow Circle Drive, #304, Lake St. Louis, MO 63367

Discover exquisite designer wedding dresses and create the bridal look of your dreams with our exclusive collections. Find your perfect prom dress at Boulevard Bride. Shop online or in-store.

 

Calla Lily Formals

1004 Olive, St. Louis, MO 63101

Sizes 0 – 28

At Calla Lily Formals, we offer a curated collection of prom dresses, evening gowns, and special occasion styles designed to help you look stunning and feel confident for life’s biggest moments.

As you would expect at a boutique, you will get one-on-one service at Calla Lily Formals. They carry many exclusive / limited quantity dresses to ensure a unique look for prom. Book a styling appointment online. Prices are higher than the mall stores.

 

 

Couture Designs by Lady Di LLC

50 Suite #315, St. Louis, MO 63126

Couture recital and special occasion dresses made. Remedy for hard-to-fit sizes or bringing that one-of-a-kind style to life. By Appointment Only. Initial consultations are free,

 

David’s Bridal

14 Plaza Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Prom and formal dresses in a wide variety of price points and styles.

 

Dollz

103 Chesterfield Valley Dr, Chesterfield, MO 63005

DOLLZ Bridal & Prom is a premier bridal and formal boutique in Chesterfield, Missouri, proudly serving the St. Louis area for over 15 years. As a mother-daughter, women-owned small business, we are dedicated to helping every client discover their perfect dress.We offer the largest selection of Prom, Homecoming, Pageant, Evening, and Unique Bridal gowns, featuring top designers like Portia & Scarlett, Ashley Lauren, Jessica Angels, and many more. What sets DOLLZ apart is our personalized service, meticulous attention to detail, and passion for creating an unforgettable dress-shopping experience.

Book appointments online or call for same day availability. Boutique pricing. A variety of sizes are available.

 

The Dress Shop

22 Ferguson Ave, Wood River, IL 62095

Prom and formal dresses. If you purchase a dress here, they will make sure not to sell another of the same style to anyone else at your school. All sales are final.

 

 

Frew’s Bridal and Formal Wear

305 Piasa St, Alton, IL 62002

Formal dresses for prom and special occasions

 

Helen’s Bridal + Alterations

10410 Manchester Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Dresses for special occasions elevate your experience on unforgettable nights. Ranging from beautiful prom gowns to sophisticated homecoming styles, each design showcases your individuality. Celebrate these moments with dresses that embody your personal style.

Expect bridal shop / boutique pricing with a solid variety.

 

La Merite Bridal + Quinceañera

3503 North Lindbergh Blvd, St. Ann, MO 63074

LaMerite is proud to be a family owned business serving over three generations of customers. Whatever your needs LaMerite is prepared to make your dreams come true! LaMerite has a vast selection of Wedding attire for the entire wedding party. LaMerite….offering a great product at a great price with great service!

 

Love’s Bridal Boutique

7330 Mexico Road, St. Peters, MO 63376

Welcome to Love’s Bridal and Custom Embroidery, where we specialize in making every special occasion unforgettable. Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a mother of the bride, a prom-goer, or part of a bridesmaid crew, we offer a stunning selection of dresses that are sure to make you feel confident and beautiful on your big day.

Appointments required. A prom appointment is 60 to 90 minutes long.

 

Mimi’s Prom STL

14816 Clayton Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017

By appointment only

Long prom dress price range: $275 – $1000 (average $400 – $500)
Short homecoming dress price range: $75 – $1000 (average $300)

Sizes 00 – 24

Mimi’s Prom is a family-owned, woman-led business founded by mother-daughter duo Amy and Victoria. What began as Amy’s dream has grown into Victoria’s passion, shaping a prom destination built on confidence and connection. Handpicked from the industry’s top designers, Mimi’s offers the largest prom dress selection in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain region, across our four locations in Kansas City, St. Louis, Denver, and Sullivan.

Mimi’s is more than a dress shop. It’s a place where memories are made with your family and friends, confidence is built, and individuality is celebrated.

 

My Beloved Bridal and Formalwear

135 S. 5th St, St. Charles, MO 63301

With over 20 years’ experience, My Beloved has specialized in the art of the perfect fit, offering a “tailored embrace” for every bride. Led by local artist Ulondia Blake, our studio blends haute couture expertise with bespoke modernization to bring your unique vision to life. Whether reimagining an heirloom or perfecting a modern silhouette, we provide peace of mind and effortless elegance for sizes 0–26. Experience the distinction of private bridal styling at our studio.

Alterations are available in shop. Book appointments online for viewing dresses. Boutique pricing.

 

Prom + Beyond / Prom Store

6915 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63125
16 E Main Street, Festus, MO 63028

You will find racks and racks of dresses at Prom and Beyond. Again, you’ll spend more here than you would at the mall. Plus sizes are available.

Sydney’s Closet, a plus-size brand, is available here. You can also shop Sydney’s Closet online.

 

Special Occasions by Paulette

9712 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124

Selling fabulous prom and formal dresses.

 

Splash 

8811 Ladue Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124

Sells shorter homecoming style dresses.

 

Wedding Wishlist

1000 Warrenton Shoppes, Suite 3, Warrenton, MO 63383

Bridal, prom, and alteration shop. We will welcome you into our store with or without an appointment. While they are appreciated, we will not turn you away should you walk in anytime during normal business hours. Plus sizes available.

 

ReFresh

Temporarily closed while they move to a new location

1220 N. Lindbergh Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO 

ReFresh is a nonprofit resale store in St. Louis offering affordable, name-brand fashion for all sizes and styles. Every purchase supports children impacted by foster care, helping provide the essentials they need. Powered by staff and dedicated volunteers, ReFresh makes it easy to shop with purpose and give back to your community.

This is a fabulous place to find a second-hand formal. They have racks and racks of donations of all sizes, all in great shape.  A good cause, and a great deal!

 

 

NCJW Resale Shop

295 N Lindbergh Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141

Occasionally carries prom dresses  / formal wear

 

Caring Mothers + Harmony STL

Caring Mothers take great pride giving back to the teens who struggle to see their true beauty at prom! This non-profit has partnered with Harmony STL to offer free prom and formal dresses to ANY teen in the St. Louis area! Dresses are gently used, and some are even brand new with the tags still on.

If you have a dress you no longer need, consider donating it. If you are in need of a dress, reach out!

 

Clothes Mentor

Ballwin, St. Louis, St. Peters, + Fairview Heights

Start looking early and find out when new shipments come in. 

 

Savers

Multiple locations across the St. Louis area

Start looking early and find out when new shipments come in. 

 

Goodwill

Multiple locations

Start looking early and find out when new shipments come in. 

 

Uptown Cheapskate

Multiple locations

Start looking early, and find out when new shipments come in. 

 

 

 

Lucy in the Sky

Lulu

PoshMark

Princess Polly

Prom Girl

Rent the Runway

Revolve

Stacees

Windsor

 

 

 

Local Facebook Group:

STL High School Dress Swap

Marketplace

 

Here are some local options if you are looking to rent a tux or suit.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a suit, consider buying one. You can often find one for the same price or less at Macy’s or Kohl’s (especially with coupons!). 

 

The Black Tux

at Nordstrom, West County

 

David’s Bridal

Sunset Hills | Fairview Heights | St. Charles

 

Frew’s Bridal + Formal Wear

Alton, IL

 

 

Helen’s Bridal

Kirkwood

 

Jos. A. Bank

Des Peres | Creve Coeur

 

Men’s Wearhouse

South County | Des Peres | Chesterfield | Brentwood | St. Peters | Fairview Heights | Edwardsville 

 

Prom and Beyond

St. Louis

 

Savvi FormalWear

South County | Des Peres | Brentwood | St. Louis | 

 

 

Stallone’s Formal Wear

Multiple Locations

 

Suits 4 Men

Chesterfield Premium Outlets

If you are looking to donate any dresses, Project Dream Dress (formerly Cinderella Project) provides free dresses and support to teens in foster care:

Every high schooler deserves to feel and look their best at their prom, and Project Dream Dress is here to make that happen. We’re dedicated to ensuring that youth impacted by foster care experience a special prom night by offering beautiful dresses and dapper tuxedos.

We graciously accept donations of new or gently used prom dresses, shoes, accessories like jewelry and clutches year-round. Please bring your donation to 1750 S. Brentwood Blvd, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

 

Caring Mothers + Harmony STL

Caring Mothers take great pride giving back to the teens who struggle to see their true beauty at prom! This non-profit has partnered with Harmony STL to offer free prom and formal dresses to ANY teen in the St. Louis area! Dresses are gently used, and some are even brand new with the tags still on.

If you have a dress you no longer need, consider donating it. If you are in need of a dress, reach out!

 

When it comes to ordering flowers for proms, homecomings, and other special events, be sure to order early. Two weeks before the event should be enough time. Many florists offer online ordering, however if you are hoping to match the color of a dress / tie, going in person is recommended.

If you pick your flowers up early, be sure to keep them in the refrigerator until you need them to keep them fresh.

 

 

Fleur De Lis Celebrations

St. Louis, MO

 

 

Walter Knoll Florist

St. Louis, MO | O’Fallon, MO

 

 

Botanicals Design Studio

St. Louis, MO

 

 

Rudy’s Flower Truck

St. Louis, MO

 

 

Always in Bloom

St. Louis, MO

 

 

Kirkwood Florist

Kirkwood, MO

 

 

Flowers to the People

St. Louis, MO

 

 

Dooley’s Florist + Gifts

Florissant, MO

 

 

Bloomin’ Buckets

St. Louis, MO

 

 

Ayla’s Floral Studio

Ballwin, MO

 

 

The Flower Stop

Cottleville, MO

 

 

Buse’s Flower + Gift Shop

St. Charles 

 

 

Eckert Florist

Belleville, IL

 

 

Steven Mueller Florist

O’Fallon, IL

 

 

Tilted Tulip

Fairview Heights, IL 

 

 

Dierbergs Florist

Multiple Locations

 

 

Schnucks Florist

Multiple Locations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting for photos before a dance has become a family affair … moms and dads gathering to snap pics at a nearby park or landmark. It has become almost as much of a social event for parents as it is for our kids.

Pro Tip: If your kids are wearing heels / dress shoes to prom, have them bring tennis shoes to their outdoor photo sessions. Some of the prettiest spots involve a bit of a walk.

Encourage your kids to choose two different photo locations that are relatively close to each other before a school formal. There is a good chance the first spot you choose is also the spot everyone else chose, as well. It’s nice to have another option in case of crowds or even if you just want a variety of photos at different places. Also, choose an indoor option ahead of time in case of rain to avoid last minute scrambling! (note for any indoor photos, call ahead to find out their hours)

 

St. Louis City

Busch Stadium (outside)

700 Clark St, St. Louis, MO 63102

For your baseball fans, this is a fun stop for pictures!

 

 

Central Library Downtown

1301 Olive  Street, St. Louis, MO 63103                                                                                                                                                  

This building is gorgeous, inside and out! Casual photos are allowed indoors, any professional shoots need to have a form request filled out ahead of time. Photos are permitted at the second floor atrium, the big staircase in the Olive Street Foyer (beautiful architecture) and the Great Hall. 

For inside photos, call ahead on the day of photos to let them know you plan to come, in case a wedding is already coming that day.

 

 

Citygarden

801 Market St., St. Louis, MO

Two city blocks with sculptures, trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and a water feature. You can even see the Arch from here!

 

Clifton Heights Park

6100 Simpson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139

This park has arguably the most unique topography in all of the city. It is in low lying land that looks up to the surrounding homes. The unconventional winding streets are not common for St. Louis where the rectilinear street grid rules in most of the city. With a lake and fountains, this is a prime spot for pre-dance photos.

 

Forest Park

Forest Park has so many photogenic options: Art Hill, The Jewel Box, The Grand Basin, The Muny, Missouri History Museum, The World’s Fair Pavilion, The Art Museum, The Cascades by Art Hill, and beautiful landscape between them all!

 

Francis Park

Eichelberger St. + Donovan Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109

Boasting a beautiful water feature, lots of trees and flowers in the spring.

 

Gateway Arch National Park

St. Louis, MO 63102

Gateway Arch National Park holds an abundance of amazing views and things to do. From the sights above to all that lies below, the park grounds hold the best park in downtown St. Louis.

Check out Luther Ely Smith Square for a great photo spot

And the Arch also gives these great tips!

 

 

Graffiti Wall | The Mural Mile

Choteau Ave + S. Leonor K Sullivan Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63102

The Mural Mile is located along the Riverfront between Victor and Chouteau Avenues, south of the Gateway Arch. Started in 1997, the project became an annual event held every labor day weekend. Organized by the organization Paint Louis, more than 250 graffiti artists from around the country came to St. Louis to add to this mural on the Mississippi River floodwall. It is colorful, edgy, and the murals are frequently changing.

 

 

Grand Center Arts District

In Grand Center Arts District, world-class talent performs and aspiring artists hone their craft. Eclectic venues line the streets offering everything from Broadway to Black Box Theater, Bebop to Beethoven, street art to galleries and everything in between. Engaging media, inviting parks, inspiring museums and welcoming hotels round out this ever-evolving cultural crossroads. Includes The Fox Theatre, Sheldon Concert Hall, The Contemporary Art Museum, Powell Hall, The Walls off Washington, and so many other spots

 

Kiener Plaza

500 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO 63101

Here you will get some great shots of the arch and the courthouse!

 

Lafayette Square + Lafayette Park

You’ll find a pond and bridge, maybe even swans and unique iron fencing and the neighborhood boasts the most charming, colorful homes.

 

Rooftop Garages Downtown

Get a great view of the city, catch the Arch or the Court House in the background. 

Kiener East Garage: 500 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63101
with views of the Old Courthouse and the Arch

Pine Street Garage: 913 Pine St., St. Louis, 63101

Stadium East Parking Garage: 200 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102

Old Post Office Garage: near 815 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63101
Gives a high rise view of the city

 

 

Spring Church

620 N. Spring Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108

The Spring Church is an open-air stone pavilion for community gathering and public art. The structure is an old church that burned down. The Spring Church is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is part of the Pulitzer’s campus, including, Park-Like—a garden of native plants and pathways, the Tree Grove—a shady picnic spot with oak and redbud trees, and the museumdesigned by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando.

 

Tower Grove Park

Pavilions, gazebos, and water features, bridges, and beautiful tree-lined paths. 

 

INDOOR OPTIONS:

21c Museum Hotel: Call ahead as they may limit groups taking photos during peak hours. They only have a fee for use of professional cameras.

Union Station: has gorgeous architecture and many good photo spots

Art Museum: There are limitations as to where you can take photos, be sure to call ahead and ask.

Forest Park: World’s Fair Pavilion (a large, open-air shelter), The Muny by the ticket booth and entrance, the Victorian Footbridge (stone bridge with cover), The Visitors Center has pretty architecture

Jewel Box: a gorgeous greenhouse, bring dollar bills as admission is $1 per person. This is not an ideal indoor option due to their limited Saturday hours (9 am – 11 am) but it is worth mentioning if you are looking for indoor photos on other days.

Botanical Gardens: inside the climatron dome | note: The Botanical Gardens may charge a $250 fee for you to take group photos and they may limit how large the group is. Call in advance.

St. Louis Public Library – Central Library: St. Louis Public Library’s Central Library boasts some of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts and Neo-Classical Architecture in the United States. Be considerate of library patrons.

John M. Olin Library at Washinton University: call ahead to ensure they will allow photos. Be considerate of library patrons. Bring photo IDs as you may need to present them at the front desk to gain entry to the library.

Magic Chef Mansion: a gorgeous historic mansion – call ahead for hours and ask if they’re available for photos on the day you’d like

Pavilion at Carondelet Park: this park has a gorgeous, old fashioned pavilion (call ahead to ensure it is not rented out that day)

Pavilions at Tower Grove Park: Tower Grove has many gorgeous pavilions, in many different architectural styles (call ahead to ensure the ones you want to use are not rented out that day)

Piper Palm House: Located in the heart of Tower Grove Park, this conservatory sits on an open-air plaza that overlooks lily ponds.  It has distinctive architecture and towering palm trees.  Call ahead of time to ensure they don’t have it reserved for the day you want to take photos.

 

 

South St. Louis County

Arnold City Park

2400 Bradley Beach Rd, Arnold, MO 63010

A serene fishing lake and walking trails.

 

Bee Tree Park

2701 Finestown Ave, St. Louis, MO 63129

A river, pretty trails, a barn, gardens, a 10 acre lake overlooking the Mississippi River. There is a beautiful garden with a fountain by Nims Mansion, the general public can take photos outside as long as it is not in use. Bee Tree Overlook is also a beautiful spot for photos.

 

Fabick Nature Preserve

2701 Finestown Ave, St. Louis, MO 63129

A river, pretty trails, a barn, gardens, a 10 acre lake overlooking the Mississippi River. There is a beautiful garden with a fountain by Nims Mansion, the general public can take photos outside as long as it is not in use.

 

Laumeier Sculpture Park

12580 Rott Rd, Sappington, MO 63127

Laumeier Sculpture Park is celebrating 50 years as a place where art and nature come together to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. For five decades, visitors have explored the landscape, encountered art in new ways, and delighted in the discovery of the unexpected. The park has more than 70 works of large-scale outdoor sculptures in a 94 acre park.

 

Suson Park

6073 Wells Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128

A park with fishing lakes, walking trails, and farm animals on a working animal farm.

 

Whitecliff Park

9245 Whitecliff Park Ln, St. Louis, MO 63126

A pretty quarry.

 

North St. Louis County

 

Fort Belle Fontaine

13002 Bellefontaine Rd, St. Louis, MO 63138

Features a gorgeous stone grand staircase and a trail, along with a fountain and lake.

 

Jeske Park Sculpture Garden

211 Thoroughman Ave, Ferguson, MO 63135

The Jeske Park Sculpture Garden is a seven-acre public sculpture exhibit in the heart of Ferguson, Missouri founded and curated by Bryce Robinson. The vision for the sculpture garden is for a public art experience that grows and changes with the community.

 

 

Sioux Passage Park

17930 Old Jametstown Rd, St. Louis, MO 63034

A river, trails, and lush greenery in season.

 

Sunset Park

2300 Sunset Park Drive, Florissant, MO 63031

Sunset Park has a trail that runs along the Missouri River.

 

West St. Louis County

 

Al Foster Trail / Sherman Beach

1582 St. Paul Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021

This is a *unicorn* of a photo spot. At Sherman Beach, if the river isn’t flooding, you can take photos on the strip of beach with the river and railroad bridge in the background (and if you’re lucky a train will go by in the distance). If you go the other way on the trail, underneath the train overpass you have a funky graffiti wall. Pro Tip: Read the words on the wall that will show up in the picture. There are two or three spots where you won’t want your kids to pose! And finally, a little further down the trail is pretty greenery. Make sure everyone brings tennis shoes for the walk down to the water, it is rocky and sometimes muddy.

 

 

Bluebird Park

225 Kiefer Creek Rd Ellisville, MO 63021

With woodsy trails and the addition of the amphitheater, this is a popular park for pre-formal photos! 

 

Bluff View Park

1900 Old State Rd, Glencoe, MO 63038

The property extends from Old State Road, south to the Meramec River, and provides one of the most spectacular views in the region of the Crescent Valley. 

 

Central Park

16365 Lydia Hills Dr, Chesterfield, MO 63017

Central Park offers a variety of beautiful sculptures that art lovers and visitors can appreciate. Take a leisure walk around the park and admire the one-of-a-kind sculptures along the lake and playground path. Central Park offers a backdrop of beautiful scenery with benches and pedestrian paths along the river walk and is surrounded by mature trees tucked away from the crowds. The park offers trails, a lake, and stream walks. You could even get great pics at the outdoor amphitheater!

 

Conway Park

12301 Conway Rd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141

Has a one-mile walking loop circling a pond, seasonal wildflowers and native planting areas, and a neat wooden cabin that you’ve likely seen when traveling down 270.

 

Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park

13725 Marine Ave, St. Louis, MO 63146

A six-mile trail surrounds the lake and creek. There are many scenic spots, especially the “Dripping Springs” waterfall and the Greensfelder shelter.

 

Des Peres Park

12325 Manchester Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131

Trails, a nature area, a 2 acre lake, and a gazebo.

 

Eberwein Park

1627 Old Baxter Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017

Eberwein Park in Chesterfield, MO, is named after the Eberwein family, who first settled in the area over 100 years ago. The park covers 18 acres and was designed to preserve the historical character of the site, including the preserved red barn from the family’s farm. The park features amenities such as a community garden, dog park, shuffleboard court, and public art, making it a vibrant community space for residents and visitors alike.

 

Hilltop Park: Eureka

17180 Hilltop Ridge Dr, Eureka, MO 63025

A pretty fishing lake, however note there are no restrooms at this park.

 

Longview Farm Park

13125 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141

Bridges, a pond with a fountain, a horse pasture surrounded by a white fence, and a big red barn.

 

New Ballwin Park

329 New Ballwin Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021

An asphalt loop around a pretty pond with a large deck built out into the water. You do have to walk down a steep hill to get to the pond – bring tennis shoes.

 

Queeny Park

1675 S Mason Rd, St. Louis, MO 63131

Gorgeous wooded areas, trails, wildflowers, a pond, and a large enough park that if others are there for photos, you won’t feel crowded

 

Twin Oaks Park

1 Twin Oaks Ct, Manchester, MO 63021

Such a cute park tucked into neighborhoods. Here you’ll find bridges and decks, pretty flower bushes, and a large pond. The quickest way to the park is to park in the Twin Oaks Church parking lot all the way toward the back and walk down the stairs.

 

Vlasis Park

1 Twin Oaks Ct, Manchester, MO 63021

This park has two ponds, two pavilions, and a pretty walking path.

 

INDOOR OPTIONS:

The Butterfly House: check ahead of time to find out the entrance fee, and note that the butterfly house closes at 4 pm on Saturdays.

Clark Family Branch, St. Louis County Library: This newly updated library has pretty, modern architectural details.

Meramec Valley Branch, St. Louis County Library: This library also got a face lift, and it’s very bright and open.

 

Mid St. Louis County

Powder Valley Conservation Center

11715 Cragwold Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is an educational nature oasis in the middle of Kirkwood. It is nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest in a quiet corner of a busy urban world.

 

 

Downtown Clayton

Clayton, MO 

You can get some great street photos throughout Clayton, along with the beautiful green space and art pieces you can get a variety of pictures.

 

 

Frank Lloyd at Ebsworth Park

120 N Ballas Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122

Temporarily closed, due to open April 2026

The grounds of Ebsworth Park are available to the public daily from dawn to dusk, but the driveway gate is open only when tours are scheduled.  During non-tour times, visitors may park at the gate entrance and access the park on foot.

 

 

Gerry Welch Sculpture Garden

175 W Kirkham Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119

Take the winding path through the gardens which are accented with artwork and sculptures.

 

 

Kaldi’s Coffee

187 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO 63105

Surrounded by cool architecture, you can take some fabulous photos outside Kaldi’s.

 

 

Oak Knoll Park

1 Oak Knoll Park, Clayton, MO 63105

Plenty of green space and a pond with a lighted fountain. Beautiful gardens bloom here seasonally.

 

 

Shaw Park

27 S Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105

This is a large park, over 47 acres. Throughout you can find water features, canopies of trees, flowering and grassy area, and covered pavilions.

 

 

INDOOR OPTIONS:

Webster Groves Historical Society (Hawken House): must register a tour in advance

Maplewood Library: This library has a cozy vibe and charming details, including a fireplace and large windows.

 

Powder Valley Conservation Center

11715 Cragwold Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is an educational nature oasis in the middle of Kirkwood. It is nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest in a quiet corner of a busy urban world.

 

 

Downtown Clayton

Clayton, MO 

You can get some great street photos throughout Clayton, along with the beautiful green space and art pieces you can get a variety of pictures.

 

 

Frank Lloyd at Ebsworth Park

120 N Ballas Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122

Temporarily closed, due to open April 2026

The grounds of Ebsworth Park are available to the public daily from dawn to dusk, but the driveway gate is open only when tours are scheduled.  During non-tour times, visitors may park at the gate entrance and access the park on foot.

 

Gerry Welch Sculpture Garden

175 W Kirkham Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119

Take the winding path through the gardens which are accented with artwork and sculptures.

 

Shaw Park

27 S Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105

This is a large park, over 47 acres. Throughout you can find water features, canopies of trees, flowering and grassy area, and covered pavilions.

 

INDOOR OPTIONS:

Webster Groves Historical Society (Hawken House): must register a tour in advance

Maplewood Library: This library has a cozy vibe and charming details, including a fireplace and large windows.

 

St.Charles County

Frontier Park

500 S. Riverside Dr, St. Charles, MO 63301

This gorgeous park runs along the Missouri River, and has a gazebo-like pavilion and old train depot.

 

 

St. Charles County Executive Offices / Old Court House

100 N. 3rd Street, St. Charles, MO 63301

The architecture of this building lends to some good photo ops.

 

 

Klondike Park

4600 S Missouri 94, Augusta, MO 63332

Klondike Park, located at 4600 Hwy. 94 South, Augusta, is a scenic property that includes more than four miles of paved and natural surface multi-use trails for hiking and biking, a lake for fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding, a unique birding and wildlife area, shelters, playgrounds, and sites for cabin and tent camping. 

 

Main Street St. Charles

St. Charles, MO 63301

As a destination for almost one million visitors each year, Saint Charles history comes alive to welcome you. So join us and experience the charm and beauty of a city that has been welcoming visitors since 1769.

 

New Town St. Charles

St. Charles, MO 63301

A neighborhood in St. Charles with 75 acres of lakes and canals, a town center, and charming architecture.

 

Quail Ridge Park

560 Interstate Dr, Wentzville MO 63385

Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville features rolling pastures, wooded hillsides, and rich bottom land near Peruque Creek. The park has more than seven miles of paved and natural surface multi-use trails for hiking and biking, fishing lakes and ponds, shelters, playgrounds, a dog park, an 18-hole disc golf course and is home to the National Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame.

 

INDOOR OPTIONS:

Ameristar: This is mostly a 21+ environment, but if you bring a parent along, kids can take photos in the lobby and by the fountain.

Foundry Art Centre: Admission is free. The Foundry Art Centre resides in what was once a train car factory – a 1920s structure formerly owned by American Car & Foundry. Rather than demolish the 36,800 square foot building, the community of St. Charles worked tirelessly to complete a $2.2 million renovation and opened the region’s premiere, interactive, interdisciplinary art center.

 

Klondike Park

4600 S Missouri 94, Augusta, MO 63332

Klondike Park, located at 4600 Hwy. 94 South, Augusta, is a scenic property that includes more than four miles of paved and natural surface multi-use trails for hiking and biking, a lake for fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding, a unique birding and wildlife area, shelters, playgrounds, and sites for cabin and tent camping. 

 

Main Street St. Charles

St. Charles, MO 63301

As a destination for almost one million visitors each year, Saint Charles history comes alive to welcome you. So join us and experience the charm and beauty of a city that has been welcoming visitors since 1769.

 

New Town St. Charles

St. Charles, MO 63301

A neighborhood in St. Charles with 75 acres of lakes and canals, a town center, and charming architecture.

 

Quail Ridge Park

560 Interstate Dr, Wentzville MO 63385

Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville features rolling pastures, wooded hillsides, and rich bottom land near Peruque Creek. The park has more than seven miles of paved and natural surface multi-use trails for hiking and biking, fishing lakes and ponds, shelters, playgrounds, a dog park, an 18-hole disc golf course and is home to the National Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame.

 

INDOOR OPTIONS:

Ameristar: This is mostly a 21+ environment, but if you bring a parent along, kids can take photos in the lobby and by the fountain.

Foundry Art Centre: Admission is free. The Foundry Art Centre resides in what was once a train car factory – a 1920s structure formerly owned by American Car & Foundry. Rather than demolish the 36,800 square foot building, the community of St. Charles worked tirelessly to complete a $2.2 million renovation and opened the region’s premiere, interactive, interdisciplinary art center.

 

Metro East

 

 

City Park

101 S Buchanan St, Edwardsville, IL 62025

Park with a fountain, walking paths and pretty architecture.

 

Glazebrook Park

1401 Stamper Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035

Glazebrook Park measures 120-acres with two ponds, two playgrounds, two concession stands, three restroom facilities, two rentable shelters, a rentable gazebo, four soccer fields and over 3 miles of walking trails.  Glazebrook Park is home to many of the memorial trees planted annually through memorial donations.

 

Gordon Moore Community Park in Alton

4550 College Ave, Alton, IL 62002

This 704-acre park consists of 8 tennis courts, 10 ball diamonds, 27 hole golf course, 6 picnic areas, 6 play areas (1 new inclusive playground), 19 soccer/football fields, restrooms, concessions, bleachers, and a kid’s interactive fountain. The park also features a nature trail and memorial areas (Worker’s statue, Freedom Shrine, Hosta Garden, Rose Garden with fountain & Veteran’s fountain). The park also boasts a 13-acre fishing lake stocked by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which is adjacent to the Oriental Garden and waterfall/pond. The Northside of Hwy 140 contains 10 soccer/football fields & 25 acres of Heartland Prairie Restoration.

 

Lewis + Clark Community College

5800 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey, IL 62035

A campus with historic charm, old stone buildings, and pretty landscaping.

 

Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park

185 W. Trendley Ave, East St. Louis, IL 62201

Great views of the arch and the St. Louis Skyline!

 

 

Nature Institute

2213 S. Levins Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035

The Nature Institute owns and manages more than 450 acres of protected land, such as the Olin Nature Preserve, the Mississippi Sanctuary, the Kemp and Cora Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary, and the Heartland Prairie Project at Gordon Moore Park. These natural areas provide unique places for the public to experience the diversity of the Riverbend area with its hardwood forests, prairies, and wetlands.

 

Rock Springs Park

1428 E. 3rd Street, O’Fallon, IL 62269

Lots of green space, a lake, a waterfall, and gazebos make this a nice spot for taking photos.

 

INDOOR OPTIONS:

Post Commons in Alton: houses a brewery, coffee shop, and juice bar with stunning architecture inside an old post office. You can also wander the historic streets of Alton. 

Belleville Books: for the book lovers, this bookstore has an old vault and some serious charm.

Milton School House: a residential and commercial property in an old school house that has been restored … and perhaps may be haunted.

Willoughby Farm: call ahead to see if the barn is available for indoor photos.