Updated Engagement locations info for life with COVID: all of these spots are perfect for social distancing, and most of them have opportunities for great images regardless of the weather (hello outdoor winter photos!). Safety is paramount, and great photos are possible with these great spaces for social-distance-friendly engagement photos!
One thing you need to know about choosing the best spots for engagement photos in Minneapolis: there isn’t one right place for engagement photos, because there isn’t one right place that sums up what you are like as a couple.
And ultimately, that is what engagement photos are all about – showing off what your days together are like and how you fill your lives together.
There are, however, locations that lend themselves well to showing off the city, or natural beauty, or urban sophistication.
After documenting hundreds of couples over the years, here are some of my favorite spots around Minneapolis that are beautiful backdrops for happy couples.
So this list isn’t meant to be comprehensive, because it never could be. It is meant to be a starting point to finding the best place to tell your story.
In the end, the best location is the one the two of you choose!
BEST SPOTS FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS IN MINNEAPOLIS
Stone Arch Bridge:
It is popular for a reason – I view the Stone Arch Bridge as the Eiffel Tower of Minneapolis – stunning, architectural, well situated, over documented, and perfect!
Best at: anytime of year at dusk or dawn for skyline views
St Anthony Main
views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi river, park space, and some old Minneapolis cafes and architecture.
Best in: the afternoon and evening. Mix of urban and outdoorsy spaces make this a great choice for all seasons.
(Tori and Matt’s engagement around St Anthony Main and Stone Arch)
Minnehaha Falls
I can’t get enough of Minnehaha Falls. The romance of a giant waterfall in the heart of Minneapolis with WPA era stone work and very comfortable paths.
Best for: Gorgeous from spring through fall. The long stairway means that you’ll need comfortable shoes and good weather conditions.
Boom Island
Boom Island is a touch of rural Minneapolis in the middle of the city. Features include rustic iron bridge, wooden stairs, and in seasonal tall grasses and fall color. Great from early spring to early winter.
Best for: a rustic vibe without leaving the city
(Alicia and Blake’s engagement session around Boom Island)
Mill City area
The variety of textures and architecture makes this a favorite place for a lot of variety in a small area.
Best for: great in all weather, crowded during special events
(Caryn and Sean’s engagement photos around Mill City area)
Your favorite Spot
Your favorite brewery, neighborhood hot spot, walking path – places that speak to how the two of you spend your time are always a great choice!
Best for: showing off who you are
(Julia and Dan’s engagement photos at Able Brewing)
More Favorite Engagement Spots In Minneapolis
Lake of the Isles
Get outside in summer at this versatile park close to a boat rental (canoe fun!) and featuring small secluded areas, willow trees, and a good mix of lake views with trees and tall grasses.
Guthrie Theater Inside
(Note: not available during COVID) The Guthrie Theater has modern bold colors and lines, a panoramic view of the Mississippi river, and has large parts of space that are open to the public.
MN State Fair
Yes, its in St Paul and not Minneapolis, but seriously it belongs to all of us! If you love the fair, then making it a part of your photos can be perfect.
Water Power Park
Right by all the other great views of downtown Minneapolis is this new gem, and its got this one little jetty that is just perfect for photos with your sweetie. It does involve a little rugged trek, so its not ideal for icy weather or high heeled shoes!
Are you planning engagement photos and looking for the right photographer?
Let’s talk about the perfect spot for you and your sweetie!
