Top 10 Family Photo Locations to Capture Memories around St Louis
- Alicia Lowry
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Family photos are about more than smiling at the camera, they’re about capturing your family’s love, joy, and connection in a way that feels like you. The location sets the tone, the adventure. Whether you love wide-open fields, colorful gardens, or the cozy comfort of your own home, the right backdrop can transform your photos into YOUR unique story.
In this guide, I’ll share some of my favorite St. Louis–area spots that aren’t just beautiful, they invite your family to relax, interact naturally, and create meaningful memories while I capture them.
Why Location Matters
Natural Interaction: When kids can run, play, and explore, I can capture the most genuine moments.
Comfort Level: Familiar or calming settings help everyone feel at ease, which shines through in your photos.
Seasonal Aesthetic: From golden fall leaves to spring blooms, each season makes a location feel new.
Visual Variety: Every family has their own style, and the backdrop should reflect that, whether you prefer elegant architecture or a rustic field.
Top Family Photo Locations in St. Louis
1. In-Home Lifestyle Sessions
Yep! Intimate and real. Some of the most meaningful photos happen at home. From baking cookies in the kitchen to snuggling on the couch, in-home sessions preserve the little details that tell your family’s unique story.
2. Forest Park – St. Louis
Classic and versatile. Forest Park offers endless variety:
The Nature Playscape where kids can climb, splash, and explore
Art Hill and the Art Museum for timeless, elegant portraits
The World’s Fair Pavilion
Tucked-away trails and quiet fields
3. Klondike Park – St. Charles
Bold and textured. Known for its white sand, bluffs, and lake views, Klondike feels like stepping into another world. Ideal for adventurous families who want something striking.
4. Castlewood State Park – Ballwin
Adventurous and scenic. Bluffs, river trails, and overlooks create a rustic, natural vibe for outdoorsy families.
5. Cahokia Mounds – Collinsville
Historic and wide open. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers sweeping landscapes and a sense of history. The open fields, mounds, and big skies create striking, creative family portraits.
6. Rooftop Downtown – St. Louis
Modern and edgy. For families who want something different, a rooftop session with the skyline as your backdrop is bold and contemporary. Golden hour brings the perfect glow as the city lights begin to shine.
7. Indian Camp Creek – Foristell
Rustic and cozy. Wooded trails, streams, and wide-open meadows make this a warm and inviting choice. It feels tucked away and natural, perfect for families who love the outdoors.
8. Busch Wildlife – St. Charles
Peaceful and natural. With lakes, trails, tall grass fields, and pine groves, Busch Wildlife offers a relaxed, earthy setting. Perfect if you want your photos to feel calm, rustic, and timeless.
Shaw Nature Reserve – Gray Summit
Botanical and colorful. This expansive reserve comes alive with wildflowers, sweeping meadows, and wooded trails. Each season brings something new, from spring blooms to golden fall grasses.
10. Tower Grove Park – St. Louis
Colorful and lively. Tower Grove is full of character with its historic pavilions, fountains, and vibrant gardens. The variety here is endless, making it a favorite for families who want playful pops of color alongside timeless greenery. It’s especially beautiful in spring and early fall when the flowers and trees are at their peak.
These are some of my favorite St. Louis photo spots, but don’t worry if you’re unsure which one to pick. When we plan your session, I’ll guide you toward the perfect backdrop based on your family’s style, season of life, and the memories you want to capture.
Still deciding? I created a full St. Louis Location Guide that goes even deeper, with categories like Rustic & Natural, Urban & Modern, Bold & Adventurous, and more. Download it below to explore all the options.
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