The Best St Paul Engagement Photo Locations

Are you recently engaged? Then this St. Paul engagement photo locations list is sure to help you find the perfect place for your engagement photos!

As a Minneapolis-St. Paul, wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy of finding so many different spots for engagement photos around the area, including ones that are more well-known and some that you may not have even thought about. There’s so much beauty in this area of the United States, and you can genuinely have authentic images that represent your love with the right amount of research.

Keep reading to learn all about where to take your St. Paul engagement photos!

Engagement Photo Locations in St. Paul

Harriet Island 

Harriet Island is one of the best parks in the Twin Cities, located right on the Mississippi River. There are many beautiful spots throughout the park for engagement photos, whether on the deck by the river with a skyline view behind or in one of the grassier areas. 

Hidden Falls

Another location along the Mississippi River, Hidden Falls, is a gorgeous spot for those seeking an outdoor setting for their engagement photos. Here, you can get beautiful images right in front of the waterfall or utilize other areas of the park for unforgettable photos.

Landmark Center

For incredible architecture as your backdrop, you can’t miss out on the Landmark Center in downtown St Paul. This historic space boasts excellent lighting, stunning staircases, and impressive archways throughout, offering ample opportunities for creative shots.

Summit Avenue

Did you know that St. Paul is home to the longest stretch of Victorian houses in the entire USA? It’s true, and you can witness it right on Summit Avenue! For a stunning architectural backdrop, consider this outdoor location. This is easily one of my favorite areas of the city.

Cathedral of St. Paul

The Cathedral of St. Paul is one of the most beautiful examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the city, making it a very European backdrop for engagement photos. Built in the early 20th century, the church features numerous great places for images, including the front steps.

State Capitol 

The Minnesota State Capitol is a fascinating Beaux-Arts building built in the early 1900s. Featuring columns, a dome, and lots of golden features, engagement photos taken here will feel almost like fine art.

Minnesota Zoo

Do you and your to-be-wed love animals? The Minnesota Zoo is a fun spot for St Paul engagement photos. This is another excellent place to enjoy an activity during your engagement session, as you and your partner can look and interact with the animals.

Minnesota State Fair

If you and your partner want to feel like kids again, then consider having fun at the Minnesota State Fair for your engagement photos! Have fun on the rides, order corn dogs and French fries, and play some carnival games for unique images.

Taylors Falls

Taylors Falls is a dreamy spot with rock cliffs, bluffs, high cliffs, and picturesque views. It also has beautiful hiking trails and is a stunning blend of nature and adventure!

Schaar’s Bluff

Schaar’s Bluff is located a little outside St Paul in Hastings, but it’s worth the trip. This oasis is inside the Spring Lake Park Preserve and features a 2-mile hike through a wooded area near the lake. It’s incredibly peaceful if you’re looking for more laid-back engagement photos!

James J Hill Library

Are you and your partner booklovers? You may want to consider the James J Hill Library as your engagement photo spot. Opened in 1916, this building features beautiful columns, spacious rooms, and numerous cozy hideaway spots that are perfect for engagement photos.

he stars! Taking photos around the campfire is a truly unique way to capture your engagement photos.

Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls overlooks the Mississippi River and features a stunning waterfall that resembles something out of a storybook. The waterfall is 54 feet tall and has a forest, wildflowers, and limestone bluffs. Plus, the hike isn’t too challenging.

Downtown White Bear 

Another great downtown area to consider is Downtown White Bear, a historic place with unique charm. It’s a bit more quaint if you’re looking to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle, but you still want more of an urban feeling.

Rice Park 

You can find Rice Park right in downtown St Paul. Historically, it was the very first public space in the city. It’s near the Landmark Center and the Saint Paul Hotel! A lot of great architecture surrounds this green space.

Your favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or ice cream shop

If you and your partner have a favorite local restaurant, coffee shop, or ice cream shop, that can also easily be used for your engagement photos! Just order some food and get some cute photos taken.

Downtown Stillwater 

Downtown Stillwater boasts a wealth of historic charm, featuring brick buildings. It’s located right near the water and features numerous murals, unique textures, and a great warehouse area overlooking the water.

Speakeasy

There are many fabulous speakeasies in the St. Paul area. If you want something a little more modern yet cozy with fun lighting, consider choosing a speakeasy for your engagement session. Just order a drink and get comfortable with your partner!

Union Depot

I know, I know – Union Depot is a train station, but believe it or not, it’s a beautiful location for images with you and your to-be-wed. The building features gorgeous hues of yellow, green, and beige, complemented by excellent lighting. It’s great for a location that has both indoor and outdoor spots.

St. Paul Hotel

This 4-star hotel is absolutely breathtaking for outdoor and indoor photos. The St Paul Hotel is excellent if you are looking for something a little more moody with unique architectural shapes. Plus, it’s pretty central in the city!

Mears Park

Situated in the Lowertown area of St. Paul, Mears Park is filled with a lot of beauty. Throughout, there are flower gardens, a stream, and greenery. The flowers add a beautiful touch of color to any engagement photos. 

Dodge Nature Center

For another great outdoor location for engagement photos in St Paul, you can’t miss the Dodge Nature Center! There are so many great spots throughout this area if you and your partner love nature.

Cathedral Hill

Cathedral Hill is a neighborhood in St Paul that’s home to many outdoor spots, museums, coffee shops, and more. It’s truly charming, romantic, and walkable, and by choosing a neighborhood as your engagement photo location, you’ll be able to capture a variety of different backgrounds. 

St. Paul Farmers’ Market

I know what you’re thinking… a farmer’s market? But yes, the St Paul Farmers’ Market is a fun and unique place for quirky engagement photos of you and your partner. This is an excellent location if you want an activity (e.g., shopping) to keep you busy during your session, making you feel more comfortable in front of the lens.

Acorn Park Roseville

Filled with sports fields, walking paths, and green spaces, Acorn Park is a peaceful place if you are looking for St. Paul engagement photo locations. There’s even a playground if you and your partner want to take some fun, goofy photos!

Como Zoo & Conservatory and Como Park

Como Zoo & Conservatory is not only one of my favorite wedding venues, it’s also one of the best engagement photo locations in the St Paul area. The garden here changes plants and flowers with the seasons and has multiple beautiful gardens. It spans over 384 acres and features sculptures, plants, a lake, and more. Please note that permits are required for this activity; you can learn more at the following link.

Nicollet Island Park

Nicollet Island Park is truly an oasis along the Mississippi, boasting extensive green spaces and gardens. Here, you’ll also be right next to Boom Island with great city views and Victorian homes nearby.

Silverwood Park-St Anthony

At Silverwood Park-St. Anthony, you can enjoy a big green space with beautiful lake views. This location is particularly enchanting in the fall, when the leaves change color, making it a lovely spot for engagement photos.

Willow River State Park

Another great park in the area is Willow River State Park. What makes this one unique is that it features a picturesque waterfall and river, plus a beautiful bridge that’s perfect for engagement photos. 

Camping with a cozy fire

Believe it or not, but there are a few parks with campgrounds in the area where you can go camping (like Lebanon Hills Campground or Afton State Park). Pack up all your camping gear for a night away under the stars.

Swimming or fishing in a lake or river 

Last but certainly not least, if you both love the water, you can also consider swimming or fishing in one of the lakes or rivers nearby. This can be so much fun in the warmer months!

You’re Ready for Your St. Paul Engagement Photos!

This guide was a lot of fun to put together, and I hope you find it truly helpful as you and your partner enjoy your engagement. There’s truly something for everyone throughout the St. Paul area!

Are you still searching for a St. Paul engagement photographer for your session? I’d love to connect! I truly understand that your engagement session should be one of a kind and special to you and your partner, and I’d love to learn more about your love story and photograph the little moments of your love.

Click here to get in touch with me or here to learn more about my services!