For Saint Louis brides seeking an idyllic space for their indoor or outdoor wedding, Forest Park is the perfect solution. Rich history, beautiful green space, and fantastic architecture throughout the park make this an ideal setting for local and destination weddings alike. Whether a bride prefers an open-air, rustic wedding set atop Government Hill, or a classy intimate gathering in an antebellum home, this park has it all.

The fantastic location means that wedding guests can enjoy all that Forest Park has to offer during the wedding weekend. They can visit famous museums that are rich in American history, enjoy an outdoor picnic with their family, or get some exercise in the sunshine by biking through the park. Due to the park’s fame and popularity, restaurants and hotels near Forest Park are plentiful. Guests will have no trouble finding a place to stay, and they certainly won’t want to leave!

The History

Forest Park was founded in 1876 as a park meant to be an equalizing space- a place where all types of people could enjoy nature with their families and connect with other members of the community. The park has since become something of a historical landmark, boasting five cultural attractions: the Saint Louis Science Center, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, The Municipal Theatre Association of Saint Louis, and the Saint Louis Zoo.

The park was the venue for the 1904 World’s Fair and has been ranked as the 6th most visited park in an urban setting in America. The park contains over 1,000 acres of space and has free entry for locals and tourists.

The Visitor Center

The Dennis and Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center is located in the center of Forest Park, near the Missouri History Museum. The Visitor Center’s Trolley Room is the perfect venue for a Forest Park wedding due to its ample space and beautiful atmosphere. High ceilings, dark wooden beams, exposed brick, and large windows are some of the many features brides are attracted to when visiting The Trolley Room. The Trolley Room is great for a Forest Park wedding reception. The space contains almost 4,000 square feet and can contain anywhere 240 to 450 wedding guests, depending on the dining style and if the bride wants a dance floor.

The Cabanne House

Another one of Forest Park’s wedding venues, the Cabanne House was built in 1876 and used as a private residence, but underwent a complete renovation in 2006. Complete with hardwood flooring, high ceilings, and marble accents, this brick antebellum-style home is a beautiful venue for intimate wedding ceremonies or receptions. The house can host up to fifty guests for a seated event and up to 100 for a cocktail reception.

The Jewel Box

Aptly named as the “jewel” of Forest Park, the Jewel Box is a truly magical space for a Forest Park wedding ceremony, but of course can be used for receptions as well. The soaring 50-foot glass greenhouse creates a magical atmosphere for truly breathtaking weddings. The Jewel Box underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in recent years, enabling it to provide modern comforts such as air conditioning. Rental of this venue includes 250 chairs, a bridal room, and a catering room.

The World’s Fair Pavilion

This fantastic space was built in 1909 with the funds earned through the World’s Fair, hosted at Forest Park. This Forest Park pavilion is open-air with many arched doorways, providing lovely views of the surrounding park. The pavilion’s location atop Government Hill adds even more to the wonderful views and makes for amazing Forest Park wedding photos. A Forest Park pavilion rental is the perfect choice for large weddings because over 500 guests can be seated within the pavilion, and even more can be accommodated when the surrounding grounds are utilized.

Forest Park Events

Forest Park is able to accommodate private events of all shapes, sizes, and styles. Weddings are especially popular, and Saint Louis brides love the many choices available throughout the park. Indoor and outdoor options mean that brides do not have to waste time worrying about the weather in Forest Park on the day of their wedding, and Forest Park wedding pictures will be plentiful with all the options for beautiful backdrops. For more information on each venue and a map of the park, check out the Forest Park website: http://www.forestparkforever.org/ And to read fantastic reviews of Forest Park’s many wedding venues, check out The Knot and Yelp.

Catering

The exclusive caterer for Forest Park venues is Catering Saint Louis, winner of the 2015 “Best Caterer in the Saint Louis Region” award from Ladue News. A variety of menus are available to engaged couples seeking delicious food for their wedding, so they are sure to find something they love. Check out the Catering Saint Louis website at http://cateringstlouis.com/index.php