Here is an useful Map with these locations ! Please keep in mind your permits for Minneapolis Parks, Three River Parks and most Nature centers – Your support allows these Iconic Minneapolis Engagement Locations to remain well kept and pretty!
Parks and Gardens
Lyndale Park Rose Garden in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis
Gold Medal Park in Minneapolis
Boom Island Park in Minneapolis
Arneson Acres in Edina
Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis
Hidden Falls in St Paul
Parks, gardens and just pretty green around are always a gorgeous backdrop! They are great for a casual date and make for a great engagement session location as well!
Depending on the season some Minneapolis parks around the city have roses, others sunflowers or gorgeous flowering trees in the Spring.
Minnehaha Falls
Colorful and Urban Neighborhoods
Minneapolis Northloop Neighborhood
Midtown St Paul in St Paul
Stillwater (45 Min Drive)
Summit Ave (St Paul)
Wayzata (15 Min drive)
If your neighborhood is as special and if you would love to take some Minneapolis or St Paul Engagement Photos , don’t hesitate to take your photos there! Other neighborhoods could be fun during other seasons if there are colorful buildings, cute stores or a charming downtown.
Outdoor lovers
Lake Superior (2 Hours + drive)
Taylor Falls InterState Park (1 Hour drive)
Montissippi Regional Park
Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington
Dodge Nature Center in St Paul
There is something so absolutely romantic about having your couples session in the nature! Maybe add some sunset colors ? 🙂 Dreamy!
Lake side Engagement Photos
Lake Harriet
Bde Mka Ska
Lake of the Isles
Lake Nokomis
Lake Wayzata
Excelsior
In the land of ten thousand lakes you will for sure have a wonderful time catching the sunset around the lake. Or even the sunrise!
Lake Harriet in Minneapolis
City Backdrops and Best view of Minneapolis skyline
Mill City Ruins in Minneapolis
Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis (Partly closed April 2024)
Nicollet Island Park in Minneapolis
St. Anthony Main in Minneapolis
Harriet Island – Raspberry Island in St Paul
If you are both into exploring the city, the city backdrops provide a very casual setting with many photo opportunities, which can be very fun!
Theater and Museum Engagement Session
Guthrie Theater Amber Room and The Guthrie Balcony
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Walker Art Center
I like both the non-traditional setting and the indoor protection that museums and theaters provide! Choose fun outfits that make you look (and feel!) like you are going on a date.
Coffee Shops , Wine Shops and Breweries
Wild Mind
Blackstack Brewing
Surly Brewery
Most breweries will let you shoot some photos in there if you have a couple of beers! Coffee shops might too, but make sure to ask first!
Season themed engagement session
Hansen Tree Farm
Apple Orchards
Pumpkin Patches
Minnesota Arboretum during the seasons
Any City parks during the seasons
While I loves shooting outdoors, I also have a soft spot for cozy indoors at-home sessions. Being in your own surrounding is a great way to get comfortable and cuddly in front of the camera.
Other Ideas!
I love hunting a new engagement location idea, so here are some other fun ones:
Visit to the State Fair or any Carnival !
Go to the Como Conservatory or a Greenhouse
Go to the Zoo or Aquarium
Play around with a vintage car
Find a meadow of flowers or sunflowers!
Hunt some cool Twin Cities Murals
Shoot in a city rooftop in a parking garage
Go swimming in a river or lake
Plan to go camping and have a cozy fire
Go for ice cream at your favorite cute ice cream shop
and whatever rocks your boat! (hmmmm maybe a boat session? )
Engagement location tips
Tip#1: Is there a common theme to your dates? Do you like to try new restaurants or frequent state parks?
Tip#2: Are there any spots significant to your relationship? Photos against a skyline of the city you both call home are a great memory for both. Did you meet somewhere in particular or did your proposal in a cute place ?
Tip#3: While engagement location is key, don’t let this decision stress you out! I will have a pocket of suggestions (your photographer will too!). Ask them for favorites they like to do, or even ones they have been wanting to shoot at!
