LOCATIONS
Bunker Hills Regional Park
Andover, MN
a beautiful mix of pine trees, open prairie, wooded areas, and a scenic boardwalk. With both paved and natural trails, it’s easy to find a variety of backdrops without walking too far. A daily or annual vehicle permit is required.
Daily permit: $7
Annual permit: $30
Second Tuesday of each month: Free vehicle entry
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve.
Rogers, MN
a peaceful, natural setting with tallgrass prairie, wooded trails, Some wildflowers, and scenic views along the Crow River. Its open landscape is especially beautiful at sunset and during the fall. The trails are mostly grass and dirt, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hansen Tree Farm.
Andover, MN
a cozy setting with rows of evergreens, mature pine trees, and seasonal displays. During the Christmas season, the farm attracts visitors with cut-your-own trees, hayrides, hot cocoa and cider, live music, bonfires, and a charming Christmas village. A self-service pumpkin stand and displays also bring visitors during the fall. Because weekends and seasonal events can be busy, we may need to work around other guests and photographers. Photography sessions require an advance permit, which I’ll arrange.
Lyndale Park Rose Garden
Minneapolis, MN
offers colorful roses, fountains, greenery, and romantic garden paths near Lake Harriet. Blooms are usually at their best during summer, and the garden can become busy on evenings and weekends. Professional portrait sessions require a Minneapolis Park photography permit, currently $47 for 1.5 hourshis is a paragraph. Click edit and enter your own text. You can make changes like making the text bold, underline or italic. This is a great place for you to tell your clients more about your story and to describe the type of photographer you are. You can come back at any time to make more changes.
Maple Grove Arboretum
Maple Grove, Minnesota
The Maple Grove Arboretum is a quiet, intimate location featuring mature trees, flower gardens, wooded paths, and views along Elm Creek. The 15-acre park also includes the Angel of Hope statue and more than 100 varieties of trees. Admission and parking are free.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Chaska, Minnesota
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers colorful gardens, seasonal flowers, wooded trails, ponds, bridges, and elegant architecture. The grounds are large, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Professional sessions require a two-hour photography permit, currently $100, and each client must purchase an admission ticket. Weekends and special events can be busy.
Minneapolis City Hall
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis City Hall offers dramatic stone architecture, grand steps, archways, and a classic downtown setting. The surrounding area also provides modern buildings, city streets, and additional urban backdrops within a short walk.
Normandale Japanese Garden
Bloomington, Minnesota
The garden is located on the Normandale Community College campus
offers a peaceful setting with koi ponds, charming bridges, stone lanterns, a waterfall, and lush greenery. Its short, paved paths are easy to explore—even in wedding attire. Admission and nearby parking are free, and the garden is open to the public from sunrise to sunset during spring, summer, and fall.
Rice Park and George Latimer Central Library Area
Saint Paul, Minnesota
This downtown area offers several beautiful backdrops within a short walk, including Rice Park, George Latimer Central Library, Landmark Center, The Saint Paul Hotel, and the Ordway. You’ll find historic architecture, stone buildings, fountains, greenery, and seasonal displays. The area can become busy during festivals, performances, weddings, and other downtown events. Professional photography in Rice Park may require a City of Saint Paul permit.
Willow River Falls
Hudson, WI
Willow River Falls, located inside Willow River State Park near Hudson, Wisconsin, is a breathtaking setting featuring a multi-tiered waterfall, dramatic rock formations, and lush woodland scenery. Reaching the falls requires a scenic one-mile hike along the Willow Falls Trail, with some hills, stairs, and uneven terrain—so comfortable shoes are highly recommended. The hike is manageable for most couples, though wedding attire and seasonal trail conditions can make it feel more challenging. A vehicle admission pass is required to enter the park; current daily rates are $13 for vehicles with Wisconsin plates and $16 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. With its romantic views and adventurous atmosphere, Willow River Falls is a beautiful choice for couples who want their day to feel intimate, natural, and unforgettable.