A Festive New Year’s Eve Chase Park Plaza Wedding | Alex & Christie | St. Louis, MO
There are weddings that feel joyful, weddings that feel elegant, and then there are celebrations that capture the unmistakable magic of a New Year’s Eve wedding in St. Louis. Alex and Christie’s Chase Park Plaza wedding was the perfect blend of timeless romance, holiday warmth, and unforgettable celebration, making it one of the most memorable winter weddings we have photographed.
A Holiday Ceremony at Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard
Their day began at Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard, where the couple exchanged vows surrounded by the beauty of the Christmas season. The church was still adorned with glowing holiday décor, garlands, and festive greenery, creating a stunning setting for their ceremony. The rich red carpet down the aisle added an extra layer of warmth and elegance, perfectly complementing the seasonal atmosphere. With candlelight reflecting softly throughout the sanctuary and Christmas decorations framing the altar, the ceremony felt both intimate and grand—an ideal beginning to this unforgettable Chase Park Plaza wedding day.
After the ceremony, we captured a series of romantic portraits inside the church, taking advantage of the seasonal décor and architectural beauty of the historic space. The holiday accents and dramatic interior lighting created a classic, editorial feel that suited Alex and Christie perfectly. From there, we stepped out into the crisp St. Louis evening to capture a few after-dark portraits at The Muny in Forest Park. The illuminated gazebo and the iconic Muny entrance porch provided a striking nighttime backdrop, adding variety and depth to the portrait collection while maintaining the elegant tone of the day.
Elegant Reception Details at the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza
The celebration continued at the historic Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza, the reception location for this unforgettable Chase Park Plaza wedding. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed into a lobby filled with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, glowing lights, and festive garlands. The holiday décor created countless opportunities for timeless portraits, and Alex and Christie took full advantage—posing among the decorated trees, along the grand winding staircase, and in front of a distinctive blue-wallpapered feature wall that added a stylish editorial touch to their gallery.
Cocktail hour and the reception took place in the Zodiac and Starlight Rooms, where guests gathered to celebrate the newlyweds in style. As Alex and Christie made their grand entrance, the room erupted in applause, setting the tone for an evening filled with energy and excitement—exactly what you would expect from a New Year’s Eve Chase Park Plaza wedding celebration.
An Unexpected Fire Alarm Moment Becomes a Wedding-Day Memory
One unforgettable moment came during the Father of the Bride’s welcome speech when, unexpectedly, the fire alarm sounded throughout the venue. Ever composed, he attempted to continue speaking over the noise, prompting laughter from guests, but the festivities eventually paused until the fire department arrived to ensure everything was safe. When firefighters walked through the reception space to reset the alarm, the entire crowd broke into cheers, turning what could have been a stressful interruption into a memorable highlight of the evening—one of those spontaneous wedding-day moments that couples laugh about for years.
A Midnight Balloon Drop to Ring in the New Year
Once the all-clear was given, the celebration resumed with even greater enthusiasm. Guests filled the dance floor, celebrating the newlyweds as the final hours of the year ticked closer to midnight. The excitement built throughout the evening, culminating in a festive midnight balloon drop that transformed the dance floor into a sea of color, laughter, and celebration. It was the perfect New Year’s Eve moment and a fitting centerpiece for this extraordinary Chase Park Plaza wedding reception.
Romantic Night Portraits Overlooking the St. Louis Skyline
To close out the evening, Alex and Christie stepped outside onto a balcony overlooking the St. Louis skyline, where we captured a final series of romantic nighttime portraits. With city lights glowing in the distance and fireworks illuminating the sky nearby, the couple shared a quiet moment together—watching the new year begin as husband and wife. These final images perfectly captured the spirit of the day: joyful, elegant, and filled with meaning.
Alex and Christie’s wedding was a beautiful reminder of why winter weddings—and especially a New Year’s Eve Chase Park Plaza wedding—hold such a unique kind of magic. From the festive ceremony at Trinity Lutheran Church to the glamorous reception at the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza, every detail reflected intentional design, timeless style, and a celebration filled with genuine joy. It was an honor to document the beginning of their marriage and to preserve these once-in-a-lifetime moments that will be treasured for generations to come.
If this style feels like your day, you may also like this Coronado St. Louis wedding.
