The 8 Best Event Planners in St. Louis (2026)

Planning an unforgettable event starts with choosing the right expert to guide the process. St. Louis is home to a talented community of event planners who draw from their creativity and expertise to turn every party, celebration or corporate gathering into exactly what their clients envision. Whether you’re dreaming up something intimate or planning on a grand scale, these local professionals know how to transform an idea into a beautifully crafted, personalized experience.

How we curate our list of top event planning companies in St. Louis

At Peerspace, our goal is to connect you with event planners who can turn a blank slate—a rough concept, a neutral venue—into something beautiful that brings your ideas to life with confidence and style, while holding firm to the budget. That’s why we carefully evaluate professionals who stand out for their exceptional skill and proven success. Our curated list highlights planners who exhibit:

• Consistently positive feedback across multiple review platforms
• Recognition from industry publications, awards, and press features
• Portfolios that showcase a wide range of thoughtfully executed events
• Relevant professional credentials, memberships, and training
• Demonstrated expertise in delivering polished, high-quality experiences

Each planner featured has shown a commitment to creativity, professionalism, and detailed planning that elevates every event they touch. We regularly update our selections to ensure we’re spotlighting the best.

Event planning companies in St. Louis

Below, you’ll find our top picks for standout St. Louis event planners—professionals known for impeccable service, inspired design, and a strong reputation for bringing celebrations to life. Explore the list to discover the right planner to match your style, vision, and event needs.

1. Hillary J. Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Hillary J. Events / Hillary Williams

Specialty/niche: Hillary J. Events is known for planning luxury weddings and bespoke celebrations. The company focuses on story‑driven, elevated events with a highly personalized and artistic approach.

Notable projects or signature style: Clients consistently describe Hillary’s events as elegant, intentional, and deeply personal. Her work blends custom design elements with expert organization, ensuring each celebration feels polished and meaningful from start to finish.

Pricing: Pricing is customized based on scope. Reviews note that her full‑service planning includes vendor coordination, design direction, timeline management, and day‑of execution.

Why we love them: Owner Hillary Williams stands out for her balance of luxury design and heartfelt service. Clients praise her thoughtful communication, vast industry knowledge, and warm approach that makes the planning experience feel enjoyable and stress‑free. She brings editorial‑level creativity to every detail while keeping the couple’s story at the center. 

For a look at some examples of what she can do, follow @hillaryjevents on Instagram.

2. Maureen Renee Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Maureen Renee Events / Maureen Renee

Specialty/niche: Maureen Renee Events is a luxury planning and design studio specializing in full‑service weddings, destination celebrations, and elevated social events. The company emphasizes personalized design, immersive guest experiences, and hospitality‑forward service.

Notable projects or signature style: Clients consistently note Maureen’s talent for transforming a vision into a cohesive, high‑end experience. Her projects often include multi‑day events, detailed installations, and sophisticated design elements that are both highly tailored and elegant. Reviews highlight stress‑free planning and flawless end results.

Pricing: Pricing is customized. The brand notes that its clients typically invest $1,000 to $2,500+ per guest, depending on event scale and production needs.

Why we love them: Owner Maureen stands out for pairing refined, detail-oriented design with warm, attentive service. Clients describe Maureen as a calming presence who anticipates needs before they arise, manages complex logistics, and delivers events that feel meaningful and beautifully curated. Her vendor relationships, professionalism, and thoughtful communication make her a trusted partner for luxury and destination celebrations. 

For additional details, visit @maureen.renee.events on Instagram.

3. Allyssa Elaine Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Allyssa Elaine Events / Allyssa Underwood

Specialty/niche: Allyssa Elaine Events is a planning and coordination studio offering full-service, partial, and day-of wedding management. Owner Alyssa Underwood’s approach emphasizes calm, personalized support for clients who want to let someone else handle the stressful stuff on their wedding day.

Notable projects or signature style: Clients consistently highlight Allyssa’s ability to perfect every detail and keep the experience stress-free. Reviews describe her as highly organized, proactive, and vendor-savvy, with a talent for creating smooth timelines and guest experiences. Her work is frequently seen in downtown St. Louis venues and elegant historic spaces.

Pricing: Listings indicate that full-service planning typically begins around $5,000, and day-of coordination packages start around $3,000, with variations based on scope and guest count.

Why we love them: Allyssa Elaine Events stands out for blending structure with genuine warmth. Clients repeatedly mention that Allyssa not only manages logistics without breaking a sweat but makes them feel cared for throughout the entire process. Her steady leadership and thoughtful communication create events that feel meaningful and unique. 

To learn more, follow @allyssa_elaine_events on Instagram.

4. Kristin Ashley Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Kristin Ashley Events / Kristin Byars

Specialty/niche: Kristin Ashley Events specializes in full‑service wedding planning, design, and production, serving both St. Louis and destination locations. The team is known for creating refined, well-designed celebrations backed by strong vendor management.

Notable projects or signature style: The firm has developed a reputation for beautifully curated, cohesive events where every detail feels intentional. Clients highlight the team’s responsiveness and calm communication, especially during major changes or postponements.

Pricing: Exact pricing is not publicly listed. The company’s profile on The Knot indicates the business operates at a premium tier consistent with bespoke, full‑service planning and multi‑day wedding experiences.

Why we love them: Kristin Byars, the business’ owner, stands out for combining design expertise with genuine connection. Client testimonials often mention that Kristin and her team feel like supportive partners throughout the process, bringing structure, artistry, and warmth. Their background in luxury retail and visual design shows in the high-end aesthetic of every event, while their vendor relationships and communication ensure stress‑free planning. 

For a look at their latest work, follow @kristinashleyevents on Instagram.

5. Blue Diamond Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Blue Diamond Events / Jonathan Verdejo and Lisa Wampler

Specialty/niche: Blue Diamond Events offers full-service wedding and event planning, design, coordination, DJ/MC services, lighting, and decor rentals. Their team is known for creating seamless, design-forward celebrations with strong entertainment and guest experience at the center.

Notable projects or signature style: Clients consistently praise the team’s ability to manage high-energy weddings with complex logistics. Reviews highlight smooth, stress-free coordination and standout entertainment that keeps guests engaged. Their work blends expert styling with strong technical execution, especially in lighting and reception flow.

Pricing: Publicly listed pricing starts around $2,500 for day-of coordination, $5,000 for partial planning, and $8,500 for full-service planning. Luxury weekend experiences begin around $20,000, depending on scope.

Why we love them: Blue Diamond Events stands out for providing not only bilingual planning services but also decor and top-tier entertainment under one roof, eliminating several third parties for more streamlined design. Clients describe the team as professional, proactive, and warm, creating events that feel organized, visually memorable, and energizing from start to finish. 

For inspiration and updates, follow @bluediamondeventsweddings on Instagram.

6. Hawthorne Creative Co.

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Hawthorne Creative Co. / Madison Payne

Specialty/niche: Hawthorne Creative Co. offers full-service design and planning, partial planning, wedding management, and coordination for both local and destination celebrations. Their approach centers on personalized design, smooth logistics, and helping clients stay fully present.

Notable projects or signature style: Clients praise the team for transforming venues and delivering polished celebrations with thoughtful styling. Reviews frequently highlight how well owner Madison Payne and her team manage every detail, from vendor communication to timeline execution, so couples can simply enjoy their day.

Pricing: Their services page lists full-service planning (Tier I) starting at $9,250 and Tier II at $12,250. Partial planning begins at $6,250, and wedding management starts at $4,250.

Why we love them: Hawthorne stands out for its refined design aesthetic, superb organization, and supportive client experience. Couples describe Madison as calm, confident, and incredibly detail-oriented, noting that her involvement transformed their planning process into something enjoyable and stress-free. Their events blend style with heartfelt personal touches. 

Follow @hawthornecreativeco_ on Instagram to stay up to date with the company’s latest events.

7. Simcha’s Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Simcha’s Events / Simcha Lourie

Specialty/niche: Simcha’s Events has extensive experience in weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and upscale social and corporate celebrations. The company focuses on luxury-level service that allows clients to take as much of a hands-off approach as they’d like.

Notable projects or signature style: Clients consistently emphasize Simcha’s ability to manage large and multifaceted events with ease. Her background in luxury hospitality and catering gives her a deep understanding of timelines, vendor logistics, and guest experience. Testimonials highlight her calm demeanor and proactive approach, helping clients feel supported at every step.

Pricing: Although full pricing specifics are not listed publicly, owner Simcha Lourie offers full service planning and design, partial guidance and hourly consulting packages, as outlined on her website. 

Why we love them: Simcha’s Events stands out for its blend of hospitality-driven service, creative vision, and flawless delivery. Clients often describe Simcha as calm, logical, and exceptionally organized—especially valuable for families coordinating multiple traditions or planning from out of town. Reviews frequently note that she handles every detail before clients even need to ask, creating weddings that feel effortless and elevated. 

To view a bit of Simcha’s work, check out @simchasevents on Instagram.

8. aRay of Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: aRay of Events / Shauna Ray Jackson

Specialty/niche: aRay of Events is an event planning studio offering full-service, partial, and day-of coordination. The team specializes in helping couples enjoy their celebration without stress, supporting events across southeast Missouri and destination locations.

Notable projects or signature style: Reviews frequently describe events planned by aRay of Events as smooth, organized, and hassle-free. One couple shared that they “did not have to lift a finger,” with décor setup, vendor management, timeline execution, and even end-of-night packing fully handled. Their style focuses on carefully coordinated logistics and warm, attentive consideration for both couples and guests.

Pricing: Public listings indicate planning services typically begin around $3,500, depending on the service tier and the scope of the event.

Why we love them: aRay of Events stands out for its combination of thorough planning and kind, responsive client communication. Couples consistently mention that owner Shauna Ray Jackson brings calm confidence to the process, anticipates needs, and creates an environment where clients and families can simply focus on the day. The company’s versatility across different planning levels makes it a strong fit for a wide range of wedding styles and budgets. 

For inspiration and behind-the-scenes highlights, follow @aray_ofevents on Instagram.

Tips to find the right event planning company in St. Louis

Choose a planner with a strong local vendor network

Access to trusted area vendors, from florists and caterers to historic venues and lighting crews, can be a game-changer. A planner who works regularly in the region will already have relationships with businesses that understand the local style and logistics. Ask for a vendor list, and check whether the planner has executed events in the same kind of location you’re considering.

Check their familiarity with permit and municipal requirements

St. Louis has unique permitting rules for outdoor events, city park use, street closures, and special-event insurance. A good planner will already know how and when to secure the correct permits, submit traffic or alcohol plans if needed, and coordinate with city or county offices. Ask how they handle this workflow, and confirm they’ve done it multiple times locally.

Match the planner’s experience to the kinds of venues and seasons in St. Louis

St. Louis has many venue types, including ballrooms, historic mansions, warehouse lofts, museums, and outdoor riverfront spaces. A planner accustomed to only resort events in other states might not understand local challenges (older HVAC systems, loading-dock logistics in downtown lofts, etc.). Seasonal factors matter, too; ask what experience they have with your chosen venue type and how they adjust for season-specific challenges.

Evaluate their responsiveness and communication style

Because many St. Louis venues are in older buildings or neighborhoods with unique logistics (parking limitations, historic restrictions, noise curfews), you’ll want a planner who actively communicates with venue staff, local authorities, and vendors. During initial conversations ask how quickly they respond to e-mails or calls, whether they provide clear timelines to vendors and whether they account for local constraints.

Review their local reputation and multi-platform reviews

Look for reviews across platforms (Google, The Knot, Yelp) that speak specifically about events in St. Louis. Were they organized and efficient when handling logistics in and around the city? Were they calm under pressure when dealing with weather delays unique to St. Louis? This gives insight into their local performance. Ask for references from past St. Louis events and check those reviews.

Tips for planning an event in St. Louis

Use climate and weather data to plan your event timing

St. Louis experiences hot, humid summers and fairly snowy winters. The average July high is about 90 degrees, and the coldest month is January, with mean lows near 25 degrees. If you’re planning an outdoor event, consider scheduling in late spring or early fall, when conditions are more comfortable. Also, track event-day weather via history tools like Weather Underground’s St. Louis station. 

Check local event calendars to avoid major conflicts or high-demand dates

Major happenings, such as big sports events, festivals, or conventions, can spike demand (and cost) for venues and vendors. Use resources like the city’s event listings or convention center calendar to select a date with fewer conflicts. This helps ensure better vendor availability and more manageable logistics.

Navigate municipal permitting and city‐specific logistics early

For events in city parks or streets, or for those with large assemblies, you’ll likely need a permit from the City of St. Louis. If your event is in St. Louis County, you’ll use their special-event permit guide. Start the process anywhere from three to six months early. Let your planner handle the paperwork, as many venues require evidence of permit submission and insurance. 

Plan transportation, parking and guest arrival logistics carefully

Many St. Louis venues (especially downtown or in historic neighborhoods) have limited parking, strict noise curfews, and complicated transit access. Work with your planner to secure valet or shuttle options if needed, and ensure guest arrival flows are smooth. Also coordinate with the venue about loading-dock access and downtown timing, especially if your event space is near rush-hour zones.

Event planning FAQs for St. Louis

How far in advance should I book an event planner?

In the St. Louis market, booking your planner eight to 12 months ahead is wise for high-demand dates or premium venues. Planners often have a full calendar six to nine months out, and lead vendor availability (especially top photographers and caterers) can fill early. For smaller or weekday events, you might be able to book four to six months ahead, but if you want the best vendors and venues, aim to lock them in earlier.

Do I need a special event permit for a private celebration?

In many cases, yes. If your event will use city parks, streets, or public sidewalks in the City of St. Louis, you’ll need a Special Event Permit via the city’s “Permits, Inspections & Certifications” portal. If the event is in St. Louis County (outside the city), you’ll apply through the county’s Special Event Permit Requirements page. Your planner should handle submissions, timeline coordination and any associated fees.

Which venue types are most popular, and what unique challenges do they bring?

Popular venue types include historic mansions, museum spaces like those in Forest Park, industrial lofts in downtown, and river-front terraces. Challenges include older buildings with limited HVAC or electrical capacity, narrow loading zones, strict noise or curfew restrictions in residential neighborhoods, and parking and logistics constraints downtown. Make sure your planner has experience with your chosen style and venue to avoid hidden costs.

Do I need to account for weather-related concerns?

St. Louis has a full seasonal range: hot humid summers, cold winters and a spring season with frequent thunderstorms and possible tornado activity. If you’re hosting outdoors, have a robust rain, heat or wind contingency plan with your planner.

How do I ensure guests can arrive at my event easily?

Because St. Louis venues can face parking shortages or traffic around large events, your planner should map guest arrival, valet or shuttle needs, and transit options. If the venue is downtown, check MetroLink access, or coordinate off-site parking and shuttle service. Also confirm loading dock times for decorators and vendors. These logistics are critical in the city’s older urban and historic settings.

Event planning companies in St. Louis: How to be featured

Do you know an exceptional planner who deserves recognition as an industry leader? Looking to elevate your own brand and reach more clients? Becoming a part of Peerspace’s St. Louis roundup is a great place to start. Planners who have crafted memorable events and meet our editorial standards will be considered. Nominate yourself, a colleague, or your go-to planner by completing this form.

Great events start with standout talent—and standout spaces

Whether you’re planning an event or bringing someone else’s vision to life, great experiences rely on two essentials: the right team and the right space. Explore St. Louis’ unique, bookable-by-the-hour venues on Peerspace to find a setting that matches your needs and makes planning smoother from start to finish.