Your engagement photos capture one of the most meaningful moments of your life, so selecting the ideal location matters! The Twin Cities offer an array of stunning options, from sophisticated urban streetscapes to breathtaking natural landscapes, yet the choices can feel overwhelming. While we’re here to help you and suggest the perfect settings, this guide will give you and your partner a head start in choosing locations that perfectly reflect your unique love story.
Brainstorm Ideas
A great place to start is by sitting down with your partner and creating two lists. The first list should include your favorite local spots that hold meaning for your as a couple. Think first date location, proposal spot, the college campus where you first met, or favorite date-night destinations. You can also include activities you love to do together such as hiking, sailing, biking, geocaching, visiting museums or zoos, cozying up in a coffee shop, exploring antique stores, or supporting the performing arts scene.
The second list should focus on the vibe you want your portraits to convey. Consider the types of images you’d like from formal vs. casual, city skylines vs. lush gardens, historic architecture vs. a family farm. Also, think about how you plan to utilize the photos beyond save-the-dates or your wedding website. For instance, if you plan to display them as wall art, consider your home’s colors and style and how your portraits will complement the space.
Consider the Season
Minnesota’s seasons transform both the mood of your photos and your choice of venues. In spring, you might capture the delicate blooms at the Como Zoo Conservatory or the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Summer offers lakeside portraits bathed in the warm, golden glow of evening light. Fall brings vibrant foliage and charming seasonal settings, from apple orchards to pumpkin patches. Winter provides a serene, snowy backdrop, perfect for your favorite flannels and hot cocoa in hand. Consider whether you’d like your engagement session to reflect the season of your wedding, creating a cohesive feel for your celebration, or to capture a different season entirely, adding variety to your portraits. Many couples also enjoy the option of our in-studio portrait sessions, especially if a back-up plan is needed due to rain.
Wardrobe Styling
We’ll guide you in selecting your final outfits and coordinating color palettes, but it’s also important to be practical about your chosen locations. For instance, if you envision portraits atop a cliff along the North Shore, a hike may be required—so dress comfortably. If you plan to wear heels, consider bringing an alternate pair for walking, especially at expansive venues like the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum or the Sculpture Garden, where walking the grounds are part of the experience.
Thinking about comfort, mobility, and safety allows you to fully enjoy the experience without compromising style. We also recommend bringing along extra makeup and hair styling products in case you have to do any touch-ups throughout the session.
Consider Time of Day
If you’re envisioning golden-hour portraits at sunrise or sunset, this will naturally narrow your options, as many venues are closed during those times. Outdoor settings with expansive skyline views often become the best choice. It’s also important to keep in mind that popular destinations, such as the Stone Arch Bridge or the Minnehaha Falls, can draw large crowds. While we’ll carefully angle shots and guide poses to minimize background distractions, complete privacy isn’t always possible. If seclusion is a priority, consider more intimate settings such as your home, a family farm, or a hidden gem like a lesser-known trail or beach.
Permits & Permissions
While many locations, such as local parks or our studio, are readily available as backup options if plans shift, some venues may require permits or special permissions for professional photography. Once you’ve selected your locations, we’ll handle the logistics to ensure everything is in place. We’ll also provide guidance on parking, accessibility, and any other considerations to make your session seamless from start to finish.
Favorite Twin Cities Locations
- Union Depot
- Como Zoo Conservatory
- Landmark Center
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Guthrie Theater
- The Saint Paul Hotel
- Your favorite brewery, cafe, or bar
- Block Portrait Studios in St. Paul
- Minnehaha Falls
- Stone Arch Bridge
- Boom Island Park
- Downtown Stillwater
- Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
- Hidden Falls Park
- Lyndale Rose Garden
- The North Shore
We hope this guide has sparked inspiration for where you might like to capture your engagement session. For every couple, we create tailored recommendations that reflect your unique story and style. There’s no need to feel stressed or overwhelmed about choosing the perfect location—we’re here to guide you every step of the way. For even more ideas, explore some of our featured engagement sessions on our blog or social media and see how other couples have brought their vision to life.