8 Best Places to Propose in St. Louis
What this isn’t: a list of park proposals. We all know how nice St. Louis Parks are. This is a list of overlooked and underconsidered PREMIUM spots to get engaged in St. Louis.
Do you want to thrill her with a sweet memory, a cute story, and phenomenal pictures? (I hope so)
Are you looking for something that’s not, like, so obvious?
That may actually be a bit unexpected?
If I were a dude…
Best Luxury Proposal
1. The Cathedral Basilica Of St. Louis.
Need I say more? It’s open to the public, it’s reverent, it’s the world’s largest collection of mosaics outside of Moscow. It’s Free.
2. Union Station
Dress to the nines and go out to eat for date night. I’ll stay inconspicuous. I’ll capture the moment… And the best part? Since we’ve already got the photography permit, & y’all are already looking fresh, we’re going to capture some iconic engagement shots while we’re there… Presuming she says yes of course… no pressure.
3. The Great Hall in Central Library
We’ll visit ahead of time. I’ll show you exactly where to position her.
Best Hidden Landmark Proposal
4. The Victorian Footbridge
A romantic landmark that’s quiet and secluded. I’ve got a kid and can therefore easily blend in as a visitor, a distracted mom, not a hired photographer. Easy-shmeazy. You’ll have a sweet moment with your sweetheart, and even sweeter photos to memorialize it.
5. The George Fox Steedman Architectural Library
A secret room inside of Central Library has remained unaltered since It’s creation in 1928. This room is a little less easy-shmeazy to orchestrate, as it’s rarely open to the public. This location would take some logistical analysis. But could be quite cool for the right couple.
Best Date Night Proposal
6. Piazza Imo On the Hill
You’re going to take her for an amazing meal at Anthonino’s Taverna. Afterwards you two will walk through the neighborhood to Gelato Di Risi (on the North side of the Piazza). My fav flavor is the coconut, all day every day. Enjoying the Gelato, fountain, garden, and view: you’ll make your move. I’ll be at a chess table in the back of the plaza, you won’t even notice me until it’s time to pop some champagne. The older Italian gentlemen, who people watch from the private terrace overhead, may offer you their congratulations.
Best Proposal with a View
7. Pickle Springs Natural Area
I did say this was a list of the best places to propose in St. Louis, but this one is a snappy ½ day trip I’ve done many times. It’s one of the most scenic trails & best hikes in all of Missouri. Always worth it. When you step through the piney glade, and onto the rock canyon overlook, bingo-bango, you’ve reached the primo-pop-question spot.
Best Garden Proposal
8. The Observation Deck at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
A yellow-sided, freestanding Russian-inspired tower providing those who climb to the second story an excellent aerial view of the Kaeser Maze. So here’s the vision: You leave her at the top of the tower and go down into the maze to have her direct you through it. When you make your way to the center, kneel and propose, she’ll be looking down at you from a tower like a princess. You’ll have to yell the proposal up to her. And she’ll have to yell back a response and/or come running down to you. Quite cute, again, for the right couple.
Proposal Planning Tips
- Hire a Photographer
You only get one shot at the surprise. Hire someone who can help plan the logistics, stay out of sight, and capture the reaction without giving the game away. (Hi. That’s me.)
- Have a Rain Plan
Missouri weather has commitment issues. Have a backup location ready. Conveniently, the first three locations on this list all make excellent rain plans.
- What to Wear
Get the haircut. Trim the beard. Clean your nails. Polish your shoes. Wear clothes that fit well and are wrinkle-free. Solid colors almost always beat loud patterns. Confidence photographs better than anything else… wear something that makes you think, “Damn, I look good.”
- Keep It Simple
You need a thoughtful plan, the right location, and someone there to capture the moment you’ll both remember forever.
Xoxo, Alanna Maria
