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A unique site for a wedding, The Jewel Box in St. Louis’s Forest Park, is one of the most popular venues for ceremonies and receptions! Furthermore, this civic treasure is conveniently located at the intersection of Wells and McKinley drives in Forest Park.
The moment you walk through the doors, you’ll forget you’re in the heart of St. Louis! Contained within soaring glass walls lies another world of tropical trees, hanging vines, lush foliage, and colorful florals. This magnificent art-deco-style conservatory will transport you to another world. Picturesque and whimsical at any time of year, the Jewel Box floods with luminous sunlight perfect for wedding photography.
About the Jewel Box
Built by the city of St. Louis in 1936, the Jewel Box was referred to as the “jewel” of Forest Park. The National Register of Historic Places has since listed it as a structure worthy of preservation! Inside the greenhouse, you’ll find a concrete-floored balcony located across the south end. A reflecting pool lies in front of the Jewel Box’s entrance.
Your wedding at the Jewel Box
The seasonal flora and permanent plant life make for a consequently unique backdrop for your big day! Unseen elsewhere in the midwest, the greenhouse will ensure your “outdoor” wedding will never get rained out. Both the large fountain and water fixtures can be removed for weddings and events.
Since the flowers surround every space, there isn’t much need for decorations – perhaps a few simple floral accents for the aisle. But otherwise, this space is already picture-perfect and available for rental as a ceremony or reception space. Jewel Box also offers a catering room, a large bride’s room, and new restrooms.
It’s not altogether uncommon for the Jewel Box to book a solid wedding schedule 2 years in advance. Regular booking must be made in person (at the Parks Dept. office) and the rental fee is due the same day the reservation is made.
The rental fee includes up to 250 chairs. Likewise, the chairs will be set up by Jewel Box staff. It’s important to note that this is the only equipment provided by the Jewel Box. Any other equipment needed such as microphones, extension cords, podiums, sound systems, music equipment, etc., will need to be rented from a private source.
Searching for a St. Louis Wedding Photographer to capture your unforgettable day at the Jewel box?
Learn more about the experience of working with me or contact me today!
All activity (decorating, pictures, ceremony, etc.) must take place within the contracted time slot. Guests and/or the bridal party will not be permitted to enter the Jewel Box before the contracted rental time. Just remember – The Jewel Box is extremely strict on time: don’t plan a long ceremony. They may book back to back weddings, and unless you plan for a longer reservation – you might only have 1.5 hrs for decorating, guests to arrive and be seated, a wedding party to line up & enter, ceremony, wedding party exit, guests exit, wedding party pictures, and clean up crew to remove decorations and wedding party items.
All events at the Jewel Box are to be explicitly catered by a company from their authorized vendor list. Additionally, the caterer (or other representative) is responsible for all the setup and placement of tables and chairs.
Why I love this St. Louis Wedding Venue
It’s very rare to find a space in St. Louis that is both suited for year-round events, and also flooded with great natural light! Being located within the heart of Forest Park means you’re also in the vicinity of all of the iconic portrait locations, for example, Grand Basin, The Art Museum, The Muny Box office, Pagoda Circle, and more.
How to Visit the Jewel Box
Before booking your wedding, come see it for yourself! The Jewel Box is open to the public. Admission is $1 per person, but it is free on Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon.
- Public Hours
- Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m.
- Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Booking Jewel Box for your Ceremony
The maximum capacity in the Jewel Box for a wedding ceremony is 250 people.
Wedding ceremonies are $1,000.
Ceremony times are as follows:
Saturday:
- Noon – 1:30 p.m.
- 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday
- 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday
- 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m
Booking Jewel Box for Your Reception
For a reception with a dance floor, the maximum capacity is 140 people.
Pricing for receptions & events is as follows:
- Sunday through Thursday
- 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Fee: $1,650, plus security deposit & insurance
- Friday and Saturday
- 6:00 p.m. to Midnight
- Fee: $3,150, plus security deposit & insurance
The fee listed covers the entire duration of your event. Your time slot cannot be subdivided or reduced. Included in the rental fee are (10) 60″ round tables and up to 250 chairs.
In addition to the rental fee, receptions and special events require a $500 security deposit. The security deposit will be forfeited in the event of damage to park property, missing or damaged park equipment, failure to leave the Jewel Box in a clean condition, and/or failure to comply with the rules and conditions stated in this contract. For receptions and special events, a $1,000,000 liability insurance certificate naming the City of St. Louis as an additional insured is also required.
All activity related to your event must occur within your selected rental time including any setup of equipment. Keep this in mind when deciding times to put on your invitations.
Contact Information
- Jewel Box
- Wells & McKinley Drive
- St. Louis, MO 63110
- Ph: 314.531.0080
Searching for a St. Louis Wedding Photographer to capture your unforgettable day at the Jewel box?
Learn more about the experience of working with me or contact me today!
