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      The 18 Best Locations for Engagement Photos in Minneapolis

      If you’re planning an engagement session in Minneapolis, you’re in the perfect place to discover beautiful photography spots for your session. 

      As a Minneapolis wedding photographer, I wanted to create an in-depth guide of some of my all-time favorite places for engagement photos in Minneapolis and nearby. One of the best things about Minneapolis is that there are so many beautiful spots to choose from, whether you want to be in the city, in nature, or to have a mix of both during your session. 

      Read on to discover my top locations for engagement photos in Minneapolis and nearby!  

      Best Locations for Engagement Photos in Minneapolis 

      Here are my favorite places for engagement photos in Minneapolis: 

      Mill City Ruins 

      A couple with their arms around each other and their foreheads touching

      Mill City Ruins is a great spot if you’re looking for a location in the heart of Minneapolis. Here you’ll be surrounded by history and immersed in nature. The Mill City Ruins are also right next to the Mississippi and and it’s a favorite for many couples because of how versatile it is. 

      Downtown Minneapolis

      A couple standing close with their arms around each other laughing while holding martinis The reflection of a couple dancing together

      Downtown Minneapolis is an iconic location to take engagement photos with the eye-catching skyline behind you, or you can take some pictures next to the beloved Aster Cafe or in front of the Guthrie Theater. You’ll find so many different spots for photos as you stroll through the cobblestone streets near St. Anthony Main and down by the waterfront. 

      Gold Medal Park 

      A couple smiling together while one is holding the other's face

      Gold Medal Park is a 7.5-acre park that has picturesque views of the Mississippi River, the Stone Arch Bridge, the historic milling district, and the Guthrie Theater. It also has a mound with a winding pathway that has scenic views from the top and is a gorgeous urban green space. 

      Stone Arch Bridge

      The Stone Arch Bridge is a striking bridge that was a former railroad bridge, and it stretches across the Mississippi. It’s considered the only bridge of its kind and is made of granite and limestone, and has views of the downtown skyline. 

      Lyndale Park Gardens

      A couple sitting on the ground together in each other's arms in a garden A couple with their arms around each other about to kiss in a garden The silhouette of a couple about to kiss while kneeling on a paddle board

      The Lyndale Park Gardens contains four gardens, which include the Peace Garden, the Rose Garden, the Perennial Garden, and the Perennial Trial Garden, and each garden has something unique to offer you. There is truly so much to explore here, as the gardens are full of hidden gems and secret oases to wander around.  

      Loring Park

      A couple holding hands together on a bridge about to kiss

      Loring Park is a lush green space that has a tranquil lake and a charming bridge. It’s a well-maintained park with a view of the grand Basilica of St. Mary and lots of walking paths that are fun to stroll down hand in hand with your partner. 

      Minnehaha Falls

      Minnehaha Falls is an enchanting wilderness waterfall that overlooks the Mississippi River. There’s a 54-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, a variety of woods, wildflowers, and breathtaking river overlooks at this spot. Also, the hike up and down is easy to do. 

      Nicollet Island Park

      A couple holding hands and smiling as they walk along a bridge

      Nicollet Island Park is such a cool spot for an engagement session as you’ll be surrounded by gardens, Victorian-era homes, and acres and acres of parkland. It’s also right next to Boom Island and has views of city buildings and St. Anthony Falls. 

      Sculpture Garden

      A couple hugging and smiling at the edge of a park A couple sitting with their arms around each other in a small alcove A couple smiling at each other while standing in front of a large blue sculpture

      The Sculpture Garden is one of the biggest urban sculpture gardens you can find in the country and has 40 permanent art installations that create such a fun and eclectic background for your engagement session. It also has lots of open space to wander around and explore, and offers you something a little different for your session! If you’re at the Sculpture Garden, you can also make the Walker Art Center a part of your session, too! 

      Lake Harriet

      Lake Harriet is a dreamy spot for a romantic engagement session where you’ll be immersed in nature and have picturesque views. Check out a full engagement session I did at Lake Harriet here. 

      W Hotel

      A couple sitting on a couch together as they lean in to kiss

      W Hotel is a luxury hotel in downtown Minneapolis with a variety of spots within the hotel that offer you and grand and glamorous backdrop for your session. 

      Surly Brewing

      Surly Brewing is an electric spot with lots of unique spots inside to take photos. It could be the perfect place for your engagement session if you and your partner are beer enthusiasts and love the idea of having an industrial vibe as the setting for your photos. 

      Best Engagement Photo Locations Near Minneapolis 

      Here’s a round-up of my top recommended locations that you’ll find close to both Minneapolis: 

      Acorn Park Roseville

      Acorn Park Roseville is a charming park filled with woods and scenic paved walking paths. You’ll also find rolling, grassy hills and a tranquil ambiance with plenty to explore during your engagement session. 

      Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

      A couple standing in a park with their arms around each other about to kiss A couple smiling together while they stand in a park

      The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre public garden in Chaska, Minnesota, that has miles of wooded trails, stone pathways, and a stunning display of gardens. You’ll encounter vibrant flowers blooming everywhere you look and an abundance of wide-open fields to discover. If you do want to have your engagement session here, you will need to obtain a permit, which you can learn more about here. 

      Centennial Lakes

      A couple holding hands in a park lightly covered in snow A couple about to kiss under a bridge with ice skates on A couple laughing together while standing along the edge of a pond

      Centennial Lakes Park is a gorgeous park in Edina. The park has so many great spots for your engagement photos and also has prairie space, manicured gardens, and a charming lake, where in the summer you can rent paddleboats and go out onto the water. One of my favorite spots here for photos is the beautiful archways you’ll find at the park entrance. 

      Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park

      A person leaning back against their partner as they sit in a canoe A couple laughing together as they paddle a canoe

      Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park has a tranquil atmosphere and gorgeous views of the Mississippi and the Coon Rapids Dam. It has an extensive trail system, and it’s perfect for an engagement session at any time of the year. 

      Silverwood Park – St. Anthony

      Silverwood Park is another great park for engagement photos. It’s a large green space with enchanting views of the lake and an art gallery, and there’s a variety of different backdrops that can be a part of your session. 

      St. Anthony Main

      A couple standing together next to a lake with a city skyline behind A couple reaching out and holding hands as they walk at night A couple posing together at the edge of a lake with a lit up city skyline behind them A couple smiling and leaning on opposite sides of a doorway

      St. Anthony Main is a historic location with colorful storefronts, cobblestone streets, and scenic views of the city and the Stone Arch Bridge. 

      Honorable Mentions: Engagement Session Locations in Minneapolis and Nearby

      A couple with their arms around each other as they look off into the distance A couple holding hands and walking along a black sand beach A couple sitting in a wooded area together with a waterfall behind them A couple holding hands at the edge of a pond with a waterfall flowing into it

      Here are a few additional locations that are incredible for an engagement session to add to your list of places to consider: 

      • Minneapolis Institute of Art
      • Boom Island Park, Minneapolis
      • Downtown Wayzata
      • Arneson Acres Edina
      • Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington
      • Schaar’s Bluff in Hastings
      • Excelsior
      • Weisman Museum
      • Square Lake Park, Stillwater

      Engagement session locations in Northern Minnesota: 

      • Black Beach (North Shore)
      • North shore (Duluth)
      • Splitrock Lighthouse
      • Gooseberry Falls

      Additional Fun and Unique Ideas for Your Engagement Session

      A couple with their arms around each other as they lean on the bar of a speakeasy

      A couple hugging and smiling in front of a colorful mural A couple with their arms around each other smiling in front of a building that says "Minnesota State Fair" A person laughing while sitting in a Target cart as their partner jumps up and pushes them

      One of the best things about engagement sessions? They can look however you want them to! I always love finding new engagement location ideas to incorporate into sessions with my couples. 

      For instance, you can make your favorite coffee shop, brewery, restaurant, or ice cream shop a part of your session, along with another location I’ve mentioned above. Or just head to your favorite place and have your engagement session there – remember, there are no hard and fast rules you absolutely have to follow. 

      Here are some additional creative engagement session ideas you can try: 

      • Go to one of the many speakeasies or secret backrooms throughout the city
      • Head out to a meadow of wildflowers and frolic among the fields 
      • Spend time taking photos in front of the beloved Twin Cities Murals
      • Go swimming or fishing in a lake or river during your session
      • At Costco – who would’ve thought Costco would make such a fun backdrop for an engagement session? Check out an engagement session I photographed at Costco here for inspiration!  
      • Take some cozy photos snuggled up together next to a bonfire while camping 
      • Add in any place that has meaning for you to your session, such as your favorite spot for date night, or if you always do an activity together, you can make it a part of your session too! 

      Ready to Take Your Engagement Photos in Minneapolis?

      I hope you found this overview of different locations where you can take engagement photos in Minneapolis helpful. One of the best things about taking your engagement photos in Minneapolis is that it definitely has something for every couple. 

      And… if you’re still looking for a Minneapolis engagement photographer for your upcoming session, let’s connect! Your engagement session is unique to you, and together we will create images that showcase who you really are and authentically tell your love story. Click here to get in touch with me or here to learn more about my services!

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