Top 7 Reasons Couples Choose Arcadia Academy for their Southeast Missouri Wedding

Is there a perfect wedding venue? Here at Arcadia Academy, we sure are trying to become the perfect wedding venue. A one stop shop for couples, friendly ghosts, homemade custard and cinnamon rolls, I mean c'monnnnn.

I am going to brag a little bit about us because I think my family is doing an amazing job at restoring and enhancing the academy. Tucked away in the breathtaking Arcadia Valley—just 90 miles south of St. Louis—this historic, all-inclusive venue has become a favorite among brides and grooms who want more than just a pretty place to say “I do.”

So what makes Arcadia Academy stand out from the rest? Here are the top 7 reasons couples choose us to host one of the most important days of their lives.

1. It’s Stunning—Inside and Out

Let’s start with what people first fall in love with: the setting. The venue itself is rich in history and architecture, featuring a beautiful chapel, elegant gymnasium, manicured gardens, and historic buildings that offer a truly unique wedding backdrop.

The original entrance to the campus featuring: the St. Joseph's Chapel. historic theater, bridal suite entrance.

Whether you envision an outdoor garden ceremony, a romantic candlelit chapel, or a reception in a vintage gymnasium, Arcadia Academy offers flexibility and photogenic charm in every corner.

2. All-Inclusive Wedding Packages That Simplify Everything

Couples are busy. Life doesn’t stop just because you’re planning a wedding—which is why our all-inclusive packages are such a hit. Instead of juggling a dozen vendors, you can get everything in one place:

• Onsite catering with delicious custom menu options

• Bar services with licensed bartenders

• Bridal suites for you and your crew to get ready in comfort

• Overnight lodging for family and friends

• Tables, chairs, linens, and setup included

• Optional wedding coordination, florals, DJ, cake, and more (coming in 2026!)

  
  

All this adds up to major savings—not just in money, but in time and stress. Our packages are clear, upfront, and easy to understand. What you see is what you get, with no hidden fees.

3. Real Affordability Without Sacrificing Style

You shouldn’t have to choose between the wedding you want and the budget you have. That’s why Arcadia Academy is proud to be one of the most affordable wedding venues in Missouri—especially compared to venues in the St. Louis area.

We’ve hosted weddings of all sizes and budgets, and we work with each couple to make sure they’re getting maximum value. Transparent pricing is available right on our website, and our team is always happy to help you customize a plan that fits your needs.

4. Onsite Lodging for a Full Wedding Weekend Experience

One of the biggest headaches in wedding planning is coordinating lodging for guests. At Arcadia Academy, we make that simple by offering onsite lodging options that are both cozy and convenient.

Couples love that their guests can stay right on property, creating a full wedding weekend experience. From the rehearsal dinner to brunch the morning after, everything happens in one beautiful place.

Our lodging options are perfect for wedding parties, families, or out-of-town guests—and they’re just steps from all the wedding action.

5. You Get the Entire Property to Yourself

When you book with Arcadia Academy, your wedding isn’t sharing space with another couple’s. You’re not dealing with multiple events running at once. The venue is yours, and yours alone.

This means:

• No rushing through your timeline

• No distractions from other events

• Full privacy for your ceremony, photos, and reception

This exclusivity gives our couples a sense of calm and control that makes a world of difference—especially when the big day arrives.

6. Gorgeous Photo Opportunities Everywhere

You won’t have to leave the property to capture Instagram-worthy moments. Arcadia Academy offers dozens of stunning spots for wedding photos, including:

• Historic stone archways

• Ivy-covered buildings

• Stained-glass windows

• Romantic gardens and courtyards

• Scenic mountain backdrops

  
  

Photographers love our venue because it offers natural light, architectural texture, and seasonal beauty year-round—from blooming spring flowers to fall foliage and cozy winter charm.

7. A Passionate Team That Cares About Your Day

At the heart of Arcadia Academy is a team that genuinely cares. We know what it takes to pull off a seamless wedding day because we’ve helped hundreds of couples do just that. You’ll have support from the very first tour through the final farewell.

Owner and wedding coordinator me, Chrystal Battaglia brings experience, heart, and attention to detail to every event. With a background in law enforcement and a fierce dedication to doing things right, my family and I are known for going above and beyond.

We want you to be fully present on your wedding day—not worried about logistics. That’s why we guide you every step of the way with timelines, communication, and peace of mind.

BONUS: 2026 Full-Service Wedding Packages Are Coming

Looking ahead to 2026? We’re launching full-service, all-inclusive packages that include:

• Venue

• Lodging

• Catering

• Bar

• DJ

• Floral

• Cake

• Décor

• Coordination

  
  

Ready to See Arcadia Academy for Yourself?

There’s a reason couples from across Missouri (and beyond!) are choosing Arcadia Academy. It’s beautiful, stress-free, and built to make your entire wedding experience unforgettable. Even if you don't choose us, the history and architecture are worth the trip!!

P.s. Thank you for reading and supporting a locally owned-and operated family business. We do this blogging to not only support ourselves and boost our SEO, but also to support other locally owned wedding venues like us. Please visit and support locally owned venues so we can all grow and prosper together!