Minneapolis Wedding Guide

Minneapolis Wedding Photographer Laura Alpizar  offers candid wedding  photography and portraits for fun and loving couples who 

Minneapolis is full of beautiful sights, parks, art and restaurants. It is one of the most scenic cities in the U.S. and for those who are in search of the perfect outdoor spots for both engagement and wedding photography, the “City of Lakes,” offers endless variety! Of course, the skyline of the city itself is a magnificent backdrop for engagement and wedding photography.

As an established Minneapolis Wedding Photographer I am familiar with the different neighborhoods, the venues, the locations that add flavor to any photoshoot, and of course : the weather 🙂

 

Your Minneapolis Wedding

Ope! Is time to start planning your Minneapolis wedding! You will find that you need a venue, a photographer, flowers, food, a cake, and someone to help you plan it all. Okay, and maybe something to wear ! See this article I recommend to know in which order should you book your vendors. 

Now imagine yourselves in ten years, looking at your wedding album sitting on your couch. Which photos are the ones that make your heart sing, which photos make your emotions stir? You will feel the moments again, and your vows will feel closer than ever!

As both a past bride and a Wedding Photographer with over ten years of doing this amazing job, I understand the importance of capturing not only the big moments,  but also all the candid moments of your day, your favorite people, and the profound story of your love.   I would be honored to serve as your  Minneapolis wedding photographer.

Wedding Photography in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Downtown view from the Stone Arch Bridge is one of everyone’s favorite spot. And don’t forget historic St Anthony Main.

Some of the most popular spots for wedding photography in Minneapolis make the most of the city’s natural beauty. Parks like Boom Island Park can provide a stunning backdrop for any photoshoot. It’s perfect in the fall when the natural areas sow the wonderful colors that are so much a part of that season. The attractive iron bride in the area has proven a popular spot for engagement and wedding photography. Lake Harriet, Bde Mka Ska and Lake of the Isles are other incredible spots with variety and outstanding natural beauty.

For something a little different, the architecture at the Lakewood cementery can provide some excellent photographic opportunities.

Minneapolis Wedding Venues

Modern venues such as the Machine Shop, the Neu Neu and Mill City Museum are among the most sought after.

We have wonderful churches, such as the Basilica of St Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes and don’t forget the mansions around the city as well, some of Minneapolis oldest and finest architectures.

Just outside of Minneapolis, there are plenty of choices for incredible wedding venues.  The Hutton House offers a minimalistic and modern clean canvas for your wedding,  while the popular Pinewood in Cambridge, let’s you cover your wedding ceremony by tall Pine Trees outdoors. The choices in Minneapolis increase every year and with it, its diversity.

Check out our Minneapolis wedding venues list.

Cultural Weddings in Minneapolis

The city of Minneapolis is incredibly diverse and some might say colorful! The city is full of diverse cultures and heritages, as well as cultural events, religions and cuisine experiences.

The Colorful Wedding collective was recently created to provide BIPOC and minorities vendors .

We have incredible experience photographing alternative and multicultural weddings.   Please reach out to connect!

Best time of the year to have a Minneapolis Wedding

Definitely something to think about is which season would you like to have your wedding in, and which season would you like to have your anniversary in ?

We do have weddings all seasons in Minneapolis, and in all sorts of weather. Most of Minneapolis Wedding Venues offer an indoor or covered option.

The most popular time to have a Minneapolis Wedding is from May to October.  During this time Wedding Venues are usually the busiest so if  you are thinking of booking a Saturday during what we call “Wedding Season” you will want to check on their availability as soon as possible.

Mid Summer Wedding Timeline Example

12:00 Getting Ready

1:30 First Look

2:30 Bridal Party

3:00 Family Portraits

3:30 Freshen up

4:00 Ceremony

4:30  End Ceremony

5:00 Cocktail hour

6:00 Reception / Grand Entrance

6:30 Sunset Couple Photos (1 hour or so before sunset) 

7:00-8 Dancing/ Toasts

8-11 Open Dancing

What to do when it Rains

Most Minneapolis Vendors have rainy day plans and policies in place, which they can share with you when booking. As Wedding Professionals we will be prepared for all kinds of weather.

To avoid the stress of weather, count on your vendors and be practical when it comes to day-of decisions on locations or ceremony locations.

Minneapolis Engagement Photographer

Minneapolis and St Paul both have plenty of parks, landmarks and picturesque backdrops for your engagement photography. Our couples like locations from the urban streets of Northloop, to beautiful Nature Centers that showcase the fall colors in the later season.

As you drive a bit far from the cities, the St Croix provides acres of amazing outdoor scenery. Or you can choose to schedule your engagement photos at  the Tree Farm or Apple Farm for more a season theme 🙂

For engagement photos I like to recommend my couples to include an outfit change, with a respective location change. This creates a wonderful experience for an engagement session. A good example would be a more formal outfit for the fountain around the Rose Garden in Minneapolis, and a more casual outfit for the lakeside photos we will do at Lake Harriet. Both are incredible locations for engagement photos and I would love for you to go home with a feeling that you were on a super date!

Minneapolis Locations

During a wedding day, it is nice to schedule some time before the ceremony to bring you and your wedding party to a location for quick outdoor portrait location near downtown Minneapolis. This is particularly special for first looks, wedding party portraits, or portraits with just the couple. My favorites: Stone Arch Bridge, St Anthony Main, Sculpture Garden, Boom Island, Lake Harriet and Arneson Acres.

Minneapolis Wedding Vendors

Minneapolis Hair & Makeup Artists

Miranda Art, Onsite Muse and Beauty Loung are incredible at Makeup and Hair I would recommend Styled by Abby or Heidi with 139 hair by Heidi.