Bringing the Minneapolis skyline into your engagement photos brings a sense of place for portraits. This can be especially fun if your wedding day won’t include time for skyline portraits, or if you are getting married elsewhere. If Minneapolis is important for the two of you, then there are many ways to bring it into your couple photos.
Here are several spectacular spaces for bringing the Minneapolis Skyline into your engagement photos, along with some of the best spots and things to consider for these locations.
Stone Arch Bridge
Guide to Minneapolis skyline engagement photos by the Stone Arch Bridge
This is an obvious choice for photos with the Minneapolis skyline as it features unobstructed views across the Mississippi river with stunning architectural stone from the late 1800s. The Stone Arch Bridge area is stunning in the time before sunset as the sun will set behind the skyline and the city lights will come on. This can be a popular place for photography as well as for pedestrians, so plan you may have some onlookers or extras in the background of your images.
Best Spots:
- Middle of the bridge – a full view of the Minneapolis skyline and the stone arch bridge
- The entry of the bridge – on the St Anthony Main side this view frames the bridge and skyline with trees
North Loop and Downtown
Guide to Minneapolis skyline engagement photos by the North Loop and in Downtown
Viewing the skyline from within it can involve a little bit of luck and perseverance, but can also bring a real sense of place into your photos.
Best Spots:
- Washington Ave Bridge – views of the skyline through this metal trestle bridge bring a very North Loop feel into images.
- Hewing Hotel – often only available for people staying or hosting events at the hotel, it is none-the-less a lovely view
- Parking lot tops – a few parking lots in the Warehouse district or along 1st Ave have spectacular views
St Anthony Main + Waterpower Park
Guide to Minneapolis skyline engagement photos by St Anthony Main and Waterpower Park
Adjacent to the Stone Arch Bridge is the St Anthony Main area of Minneapolis. This cobblestone-paved road features several views of the Skyline across the Mississippi river with tree coverage. Waterpower park juts out into the Mississippi river, offering closer access to the water in your photos. It also has a small stone jetty, which has become a very popular spot for photos with the Minneapolis Skyline over the Mississippi. The stone jetty has a loose gravel slope, so it won’t be suitable for high heels or mobility issues. This is always a popular space with walkers at all times, but generally people move through quickly.
Best spots:
- St Anthony Main – walk with cobblestone and old architecture, with views of the Minneapolis skyline peaking through treelined walk
- Waterpower park – more access to trees and closer to the waterline, this is a lovely stroll with views of the Mississippi river all around
- Stone Jetty – jutting out into the Mississippi river with stunning views of the river and Skyline
Nicollet Island
Guide to Minneapolis skyline engagement photos by Nicollet Island
Moving down the river, Nicollet Island is home to the Hennepin Ave Bridge, which can be a great feature for framing the Minneapolis skyline in your photos. Sometimes events on the Island can mean that parking and access are limited, though the public parks around the water generally remain accessible.
Best Spots:
- Under the Hennepin Ave Bridge – modern space to frame the skyline with the Mississippi river
- Behind Nicollet Island Pavilion – this park space is open to the public even when events are happening at the pavilion and showcases views of the bridges
Boom Island
Guide to Minneapolis skyline engagement photos by Boom Island
Nestled into the Mississippi river is the small park. Many couples choose this when they want a secluded park feel without leaving the city, and it does feature a lovely view of Minneapolis through trees.
Best spots:
- Minneapolis view – on the side of the park, you will see the skyline through the treeline
- Prairie hill – sometimes covered in grass, sometimes freshly mown, this space can also showcase the skyline
Guthrie
Guide to Minneapolis skyline engagement photos in the Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie theater is lovely for many reasons, particularly as they continue to allow photography inside during off-peak times. These are photos with the Minneapolis skyline from inside of it.
Best Spots:
- Amber Box – on the top floor offers yellow-tinted views of many parts of Minneapolis
- Endless Bridge – overlooking the Mississippi river in open air 4 stories above the ground
- Reflective spaces around the building for a modern twist on seeing a skyline
University of Minnesota
Guide to Minneapolis skyline engagement photos by the University of Minnesota
The University offers a few views of downtown, particularly by the river. This is a perfect choice for couples who have a connection to the University of Minnesota.
Best Spots:
- Weisman Museum – outside this museum, views of the skyline are lovely at sunset
- Campus Club in Coffman Union – generally only available if you are a member or planning an event there, the terraces of the Campus Club offer views of Minneapolis
Theodore Wirth Park
Guide to Minneapolis skyline engagement photos by Theodore Wirth Park
Theodore Wirth Park offers one view of the Minneapolis skyline, framed along the golf course and tree lined park. Perfect for adventurous sorts who would love more access to nature in their portraits with just a hint of where they are.
Bring the Skyline with you
Guide to Minneapolis skyline engagement photos with a Pixelstick
This offbeat idea is made possible by the Pixelstick, a led light want that allows you to paint photos with long exposure. This two images are produced in camera with a skyline in unexpected places.
Want the Minneapolis Skyline in your engagement photos?
If you are looking for a photographer to bring the spirit of Minneapolis into your engagement or wedding photos, contact me for more information and ideas.
