Looking for the perfect scenic location for your upcoming engagement session? I got you! Below I have compiled my top 10 favorite locations for engagement sessions near the Twin Cities. Trust me, you will NOT be disappointed with your photos if you choose any of these, they are all gorgeous spots. And if you want to capture an even more jaw-dropping scene I highly recommend scheduling your session for sunrise or sunset!
1. The North Shore
Ok maybe a little bit of a drive from the cities, but totally worth it! If you’re looking for breathtaking views, the North Shore is the perfect option. With a mix of rocky cliffs, pebble beaches, and beautiful shoreline views, you will have a wide variety of beautiful backdrops to choose from.
2. Minneapolis Institute of Art
If you’re looking for something fun and a little different for your engagement session, try the Minneapolis Institute of Art! The majestic marble columns and massive staircase out front always result in amazing photos. With a photography permit you can take photos inside the museum as well.
3. Interstate Park
Located in Taylors Falls MN, Interstate Park is only about an hour drive from the Twin Cities. This park is filled with rocky cliffs, wooded trails, and beautiful views of the the St. Croix river. This area is especially beautiful in the fall!
4. Saint Anthony Main
If you are looking for more of an urban setting for your engagement photos, check out the Saint Anthony Main area! With scenic views of the river and city skyline, the famous Stone Arch Bridge, and pretty cobblestone streets, this location has everything you could ever want for your photos.
5. Downtown Stillwater
Nestled on the banks of the St. Croix River, Stillwater offers a charming and picturesque setting for engagement sessions. Its quaint historic downtown, beautiful riverfront, and picturesque bridges create the perfect backdrop for photos.
6. Hansen Tree Farm
This is THE perfect location for winter engagement sessions! Located in Anoka, MN, this snowy tree farm provides a magical evergreen backdrop for photos.
7. Downtown Hudson
Similar to the downtown Stillwater vibe, but on the opposite side of the river! This is a great option if you want more of a downtown backdrop for your photos but are hoping for somewhere a little less busy than downtown St. Paul or Minneapolis. Located just a few miles from Stillwater, downtown Hudson is the perfect distance from the Twin Cities.
8. Parnell Prairie Reserve
Also located in Somerset, this secluded park has several hiking trails and fields of prairie grass with a beautiful evergreen backdrop. This is one of my favorite spots especially for fall engagement photos!
9. Minnehaha Falls
This location is a classic for a reason! Minnehaha Falls is located right in historic St. Paul and offers many different options for photos such as a beautiful pergola garden, several pretty bridges, miles of wooded trails that run along the river, and the majestic falls themselves. This park tends to get crowded on weekends, especially in the warmer months so I recommend going on a weekday if you can.
10. Stillwater Caves
This fun and unique location runs along the St. Croix river and has plenty of sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings, gorgeous waterfalls, and caves to explore.
I hope you found this list helpful as you decide on the perfect location for your engagement session. Don’t be afraid to scout out multiple spots in advance to see which you both love most. Remember, the goal is to create a comfortable and relaxed environment where your love for each other can shine through!
Want to go big for your engagement session?
Consider planning a destination engagement session. The sky is the limit; you can even make an entire trip out of it! As someone who loves traveling, these types of sessions are my absolute favorite.
Here are a few destination locations that I love:
• La Jolla, CA
• Scottsdale, AZ
• Kill Devil Hills, NC
