The reason that you only see the light meter in Manual Mode is that the camera, if possible, automatically gives the correct exposure, in Aperture and Shutter Priority modes.  In Manual mode it does not.  In Manual mode you have to adjust Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO, using the light meter to get proper exposure.

As Michael says, for this shot, using a tripod, it would be easiest to shoot in Aperture Priority Mode with a relatively small aperture opening to give greater depth of field.  The shutter will automatically stay open as long as necessary to achieve proper exposure.  Use of the tripod will prevent camera shake during the long exposure time.

Good luck with the shot.  We look forward to seeing it.

First, welcome to the forum.  I look forward to seeing some of your pictures.  I'm a novice as well, but what kind of camera do you have?  That may help as I'm sure someone on the forum may have the same camera.  I have a Nikon D600 and there is a meter that shows up whenever the shot will be over or under exposed to show you how many stops it will be under/over exposed.  It is not there if the shot will be "correctly" exposed.  Although, if I wanted to get everything in the scene in focus, regardless of light, I might use A priority with f11 or higher and then let the camera select the correct (and longer) shutter speed - especially since you were using a tripod anyway.  You can do it the other way and just keep reducing the shutter speed until you achieve the aperture that you are looking for, but it is probably quicker the other way around.  

Michael