Consider this my formal petition to the city of South Bend to build an exact replica of Forest Park, lighting direction and all. Because what I found there on a sunny spring evening was, quite literally, perfect. Forest Park Engagement Photos are now officially my new obsession.
Grace is originally from the South Bend area, and the plan had been for them to come up for their session. But conflicting schedules and new jobs made the timing tricky. So when I had a wedding in Saint Louis, I reached out and offered to photograph their engagement session while I was there. I am so glad I did.
There is something special about photographing a couple in the city where they actually live. Where they fell in love, where they built their life together. Forest Park is like their backyard. And as the light came in low and warm through the trees that evening, it felt like the most natural place in the world for them to be.
But more than the location, it was Grace and Chris themselves that made this session. They are one of those couples where you can feel how much they enjoy just being together. It radiates. It is palpable. There was no performing for the camera — just two people who genuinely like each other, wandering through one of the most beautiful parks I have ever had the pleasure of photographing in.
About Engagement Photos at Forest Park
For anyone who has not been, Forest Park in St. Louis is enormous and stunning. I didn’t know this, but it is actually larger than Central Park! And a hot take, I think it is way prettier and iconic in its own right. Forest Park is home to the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and way more places to explore. The grounds are layered with formal gardens, fountains, open lawns, tree-lined paths, and architectural landmarks that photograph beautifully in almost any light. Forest Park makes engagement photos a breeze. It is absolutely dreamy and if you ever have the chance to go, run! Did I mention the museums are FREE in St. Louis? Perfect place for a summer trip with your kids!
The Saint Louis Art Museum Grounds
We started our session near the Saint Louis Art Museum. It sits atop Art Hill and overlooks a wide reflecting pool and fountain. The grand steps, the stone columns, the carved relief work above the doors: everything about this building is made for photographs.
Grace and Chris were so easy to photograph in front of it. It was non-stop laughter, looking into each other’s eyes and warm embraces. We walked the paths along the garden beds, and found quiet corners where the stone and the summer flowers created this soft, elegant backdrop that I absolutely loved. The cypress-shaped evergreens and manicured hedges gave everything a slightly European feel that I was not expecting and absolutely loved.
A Book, A Bench, and Forest Park Engagement Photos
Grace and Chris love to read. In fact, they love to bring their books to the park and get lost in what they are reading. Spending time together, in their own little worlds in their books. A perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon if you ask me. So, we had to slow down for a bit and capture them totally in their element. These are some of my favorite photos from the session. So sweet, so personal.
The Fountain and Balustrade Terrace
I honestly could not pick a favorite spot from this session, every location we moved through felt better than the last. But the reflecting pool and fountain terrace had something truly special about it. The stone balustrade wraps, the fountain anchors the background, and the golden hour light is just extraordinary. We just let the evening slow down a little here. Got to know each other even more and captured the two of them just totally in their element together.
SHOUTOUT TO THAT DOUBLE EXPOSURE!
Grace and Chris, thank you for trusting me with this season of your lives. It was such an honor to spend that evening with you in the city you call home. And knowing that I get to be there next April when you get married at St. Pius X in Granger and celebrate at The Brick, makes me feel incredibly lucky. This session made me so excited for that day and the time we will spend together next spring!
A Few Notes on Forest Park
Free parking is available throughout the park, with the Art Museum lot off Fine Arts Drive being the most convenient for this area of the grounds. Golden hour here is exceptional! The museum and terrace face west, so plan your session to end around sunset. Spring and early summer bring the gardens to full bloom, and fall adds gorgeous foliage color around the terrace. No permit is required for personal sessions, but always confirm with Saint Louis City Parks before booking.
Thinking About Your Own Engagement Session?
If you are in the South Bend or Notre Dame area, I have a full guide to the best local engagement photo locations on the blog. And if you are in Saint Louis, Forest Park has officially earned a permanent spot on my list. I would happily make the drive back anytime!
Photographed by Cat Alkire Photography | South Bend, Indiana Wedding and Engagement Photographer | Serving Notre Dame, Chicago, Saint Louis, and beyond
