By Hannah Kaemmerer / Style & Grace Photography
A beautifully restored 1860s schoolhouse in New Melle, Missouri: designed intentionally for intimate celebrations with the people who matter most.
If you’re planning a wedding day that feels intentional, calm, and personal, you’re going to love 1860 Schulhaus Venue. As a St. Louis wedding photographer (Style & Grace Photography), I’m always looking for spaces that photograph beautifully and make the day feel easy and this venue is such a gem for couples wanting a smaller guest list without sacrificing the experience.
A beautifully restored 1860s schoolhouse in New Melle, Missouri.
Located at:
4612 Highway Z New Melle, Mo 63365
1860 Schulhaus Venue | Micro Wedding & Elopement Venue in New Melle, Missouri
About the Owner: Meet Julia
Julia Welge, the owner of 1860 Schulhaus Venue, and her husband lovingly restored this historic 1860s schoolhouse into a boutique venue designed specifically for micro weddings and intimate celebrations.
Julia’s passion is helping couples create meaningful, stress-free wedding experiences where every guest, every moment, and every detail truly matters.
Why 1860 Schulhaus Stands Out
From a photographer’s perspective, micro weddings are magic — they’re more relaxed, more personal, and couples actually get to spend time with the people they love most. What I really appreciate about 1860 Schulhaus Venue is that micro weddings aren’t treated like a “smaller option”… they’re the whole purpose.
This is a beautifully restored 1860s schoolhouse that’s been thoughtfully designed for intimate celebrations. The space offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, and it’s perfect for couples who want something meaningful, elegant, and stress-free.
Wedding Services & Celebrations Hosted Here
1860 Schulhaus Venue specializes in:
Micro weddings (ceremony + reception)
Elopements
Intimate celebrations like engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and baby showers
Micro weddings (ceremony + reception)
Elopements
Intimate celebrations like engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and baby showers
They’re located in St. Charles County, conveniently about 7 miles south of Interstate 70, which makes it easy for couples coming from St. Louis, St. Charles, and surrounding areas.
Micro Wedding Package (Most Popular)
One of the things I love about this venue is how much is included it helps couples stay present and enjoy the day without juggling a million details.
Their Micro Wedding Package includes:
✅ 5-hour rental
✅ Up to 50 guests (including the couple)
✅ Ceremony + reception
✅ Curated décor included
✅ Cake for the couple
✅ Champagne toast for all guests
✅ Guided planning support
And couples still have the flexibility to bring in licensed vendors they love, which is always a win when you’ve got your dream team in mind.
Elopement Package: (Up to 25 Guests)
If you want the focus to stay on the marriage not the production their elopement option is a beautiful fit. Elopements can be planned in as little as two weeks, depending on availability.
What Makes 1860 Schulhaus Different
Micro weddings are their specialty.
They’re known for being detail-oriented and focused on a stress-free experience where every guest truly matters.
Not an add-on, not a “downsized large venue model” — it’s a venue built specifically for intimate guest counts.
Hands-on support with intentional details.
Beautiful historic setting with options.
A restored schoolhouse with indoor and outdoor ceremony choices, giving you flexibility for weather and season.
This Venue Is Perfect For Couples Who…
Want a day that feels meaningful and intentional
Prefer connection over production
Love the idea of a smaller guest list (without losing the “wow”)
Want a setting that works for classic, romantic, elegant, or modern styles
Want a wedding that feels relaxed, joyful, and easy to enjoy
3 Tips I Loved From Their Team
1) Finalize your realistic guest count early.
As a photographer, I see this all the time guest count impacts timeline flow, layout, and overall vibe.
2) Ask what’s actually included.
A lower base price doesn’t always mean more value. Packages that include décor + support can save so much stress.
3) Think about how you want the day to feel.
The best weddings aren’t just pretty they feel calm, connected, and enjoyable. This venue is built for that.
Myth: Small Weddings Aren’t as Special
Truth: Smaller guest lists often create more meaningful, high-impact celebrations and you can absolutely have big party energy with 50 people.
A Wedding Style They Love (and I do too)
They recently hosted a 40-guest micro wedding where the couple exchanged handwritten vows by the fireplace, followed by an outdoor cocktail-style reception under patio lights. Because the guest count was smaller, they spent real time with every guest and still danced the night away. Personal, joyful, and relaxed… exactly what micro weddings are meant to feel like.
FAQ
How many guests can we have?
Micro weddings are designed for up to 50 guests total, including the couple.
Do they offer ceremony + reception in one place?
Yes: their Micro Wedding Package includes ceremony + reception for a seamless experience
What’s included in their micro wedding package?
Décor, cake for the couple, champagne toast for guests, and guided planning support, plus your venue rental and event flow.
How far in advance should we reach out?
Most couples book 6–18 months out, but they also support micro weddings within 90 days and elopements as quickly as 2 weeks.
Vendor Spotlight Partner — Style & Grace Photography
I love partnering with incredible local wedding vendors who care deeply for their couples from start to finish and 1860 Schulhaus is one I confidently recommend for a celebration that feels dreamy, modern, and timeless. From the elegant estate setting to the flexible ceremony options, everything is designed to feel elevated and effortless—and it photographs beautifully in every season.
