LOCATIONS
Anoka
Anoka, Minnesota
Downtown Anoka offers historic brick buildings, colorful storefronts, alleyways, city streets, and beautiful views along the Rum River. The variety of urban and riverside backdrops is located within a short walking distance. It is especially fun during fall when Anoka decorates for Halloween, although the downtown area can become busy during events.
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
Cedar Creek Elementary Pine Trees
East Bethel, Minnesota
The pine trees near Cedar Creek Elementary provide a simple, natural backdrop with rows of evergreens and soft golden light. The area is easy to access with minimal walking, making it great for families, children, seniors, and holiday sessions. Sessions must take place outside school hours, and access may depend on school activities.
Como Park Zoo & Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Como Conservatory offers lush tropical greenery, seasonal flowers, elegant glass architecture, and beautiful outdoor gardens. Posed photography is not currently allowed inside the Conservatory during public hours. Private 30-minute sessions may be reserved before or after public hours in the Sunken Garden, North Garden, or Japanese Garden, weather permitting.
The outdoor gardens and grounds are free for posed photography, except the Japanese Garden. These can include:
- Como’s outdoor flower gardens
- The Excedra plaza
- Frog Pond
- Enchanted Garden
- Conservatory exterior, staircase, and veranda
- Outdoor paths and areas around Como Park
Private 30-minute session rates: COMO Pricing for rental Subject to change, this does not include Photography Pricing.
Day Sunken Garden Monday-Thursday $200, Friday$367, Saturday$400, Sunday$367
North Garden Monday-Thursday $200, Friday $250, Saturday $267, Sunday $250
Japanese Garden Monday-Thursday $200,Friday $325 Sunday $325, Saturday$350
Some outdoor areas may be available for posed photography without reserving the indoor Conservatory or other gardens Please reach out to me before booking so we can discuss the available areas, rules, and best option for your session. Rates and availability are subject to change
Copper Bowl Ranch
Monticello, Minnesota
Copper Bowl Ranch offers a rustic countryside setting with weathered barns, open fields, peaceful ponds, gravel lanes, oak and maple trees, and beautiful golden-hour sunsets. Sessions may also include the ranch’s horses, Yanko and OB, when arranged in advance.
All sessions must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. The ranch requires a 50% nonrefundable deposit and proof of business insurance from the photographer. Current photography rental prices are not publicly listed and must be requested directly from Copper Bowl Ranch. Any ranch rental or animal fee will be added to the photography package.
Sessions are limited to approved areas, including the barn exterior, fields, pond, and gravel lanes. Availability, animal participation, and pricing must be confirmed before booking. Copper Bowl Ranch information
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.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve | Lake Elmo, MN
Lake Elmo Park Reserve is a gorgeous, versatile location with a mix of open fields, wooded trails, tall grasses, and beautiful natural scenery. It gives us plenty of variety in one session while still keeping everything relaxed and easy to move between.
This location is especially beautiful in late summer and fall when the grasses and trees start showing warmer tones. Around sunset, the open areas catch soft golden light, making it a great spot for warm, dreamy photos with lots of natural movement and texture.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve is a great choice for families, couples, maternity, seniors, engagement sessions, and kiddos. There’s plenty of space to walk, explore, and create a gallery that feels natural without every photo looking overly posed.
Best for: Families • Couples • Seniors • Maternity • Engagements
Location: Lake Elmo, Minnesota
Style: Open fields • Wooded trails • Tall grasses • Natural • Soft sunset light • Fall colors
LakeSide Park, Big Lake MN
ovely option for an outdoor photo session with a relaxed, lakeside feel. If you love being near the water, this location gives us a beautiful setting for photos that feel natural and full of connection.
We’ll keep your session easygoing, with time to walk, snuggle, laugh, and capture those little moments together. My warm, glowing editing style adds a soft, timeless feel to your finished gallery.
Lakeside Park is a great choice for families, couples, maternity, seniors, engagement sessions, and kiddos who want a casual outdoor setting.
Best for: Families • Couples • Seniors • Maternity • Engagements
Location: Big Lake, Minnesota
Style: Lakeside • Outdoorsy • Relaxed • Natural • Warm, glowing portraits
Lions Coon Creek Park
Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Lions Coon Creek Park offers wooded trails, open grassy areas, natural scenery, and a wetland overlook. Its combination of paved paths and natural areas provides several backdrops without requiring a long walk. The park also has parking, restrooms, and a playground, making it convenient for families.
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 State Capital
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis State Capital 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.
Minnehaha Falls
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minnehaha Falls offers a dramatic waterfall, stone walls, bridges, gardens, and wooded trails. The park is beautiful during every season but can become crowded. Reaching the lower portion of the falls requires stairs and uneven walking.
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.
Northern Lights Ballroom
Northern Lights Ballroom is a beautiful wedding venue that makes a wonderful setting for celebrating with your favorite people. If you’re planning your wedding here, I’d love to capture the big moments and the little details that make the day feel like you.
My warm, glowing editing style brings a romantic feel to your wedding photos, while relaxed guidance helps you feel comfortable in front of the camera. From portraits together to happy tears and candid moments with your guests, we’ll create a gallery full of memories you’ll want to revisit.
Special offer: Receive 10% off wedding photography packages of 6 hours or more when your wedding takes place at Northern Lights Ballroom!
Venue: Northern Lights Ballroom
Photography style: Warm • Glowing • Romantic • Natural • Timeless
website https://northernlightsbanquet.com/
Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive | Big Lake, MN
Prairie’s Edge is a natural location in Big Lake with open prairie, tall grasses, wooded areas, and plenty of soft, neutral scenery that photographs beautifully. It has a peaceful, outdoorsy feel while still giving us a good variety of backgrounds throughout your session.
This location is especially gorgeous in late summer and fall when the grasses turn warm and golden. Around sunset, the open prairie catches that dreamy golden light that works perfectly with my warm, glowing editing style.
Prairie’s Edge is a great option for families, couples, maternity, seniors, engagement sessions, and kiddos. The open space gives us room to move around, walk, play, and create natural photos without everything feeling overly posed. Please note their is MINIMAL fall leaves
Best for: Families • Couples • Seniors • Maternity • Engagements
Location: Big Lake, Minnesota
Style: Open prairie • Tall grasses • Natural • Golden tones • Soft sunset light • Fall colors
Redeemed Farm, Scandia MN
Redeemed Farm is by far my favorite wedding venue so far! There’s so much to choose from for photos, giving us plenty of variety to create a wedding gallery that feels personal and full of beautiful moments.
One of my favorite things about photographing here is exploring the different settings with my couples. We can create romantic portraits, capture your wedding party, and find those quieter moments together—all with my warm, glowing editing style.
If you already have your wedding booked at Redeemed Farm, I’d love to help capture your day! 🤍
Special offer: Couples with their wedding booked at Redeemed Farm receive 10% off their wedding photography package with Erin Carrie Photography!
Best for: Weddings • Romantic couple portraits • Wedding party photos • Candid moments
Venue: Redeemed Farm
Photography style: Warm • Glowing • Romantic • Natural • Timeless
Message me with your wedding date to check availability and claim your discount!
https://redeemedfarm.org/
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.
Rum River Central Regional Park
Ramsey, Minnesota
Rum River Central Regional Park offers scenic river views, mature trees, open fields, wooded trails, and beautiful seasonal colors. Its mix of paved and natural trails provides plenty of variety for families, couples, maternity sessions, and seniors. Some areas require walking on grass or uneven ground.
Rum River North County Park
St. Francis, Minnesota
Rum River North County Park features mature trees, restored prairie, wooded trails, and scenic views along the Rum River. The combination of riverbanks, greenery, and fall colors makes it beautiful for couples, families, maternity sessions, and seniors. Some trails are natural and uneven.
St. Croix Falls – Interstate State Park
St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
St. Croix Falls offers dramatic cliffs, rocky overlooks, wooded trails, and beautiful views of the St. Croix River. Some areas include stairs, rocks, and uneven trails, so comfortable shoes are recommended. A Wisconsin State Park vehicle pass is required. Wisconsin residents pay $13 daily or $28 annually. Nonresidents pay $16 daily or $50 annually.
Stillwater, MN
Studio One, Minneapolis MN
a versatile indoor photography space with different sets and backdrops, giving us plenty of options to create a varied gallery in one location. It’s a great choice if you love a studio look and want your session to feel personal.
An indoor session lets us plan your photos without worrying about Minnesota’s weather. We can keep things simple and timeless or get a little more creative, choosing settings that complement your outfits and the feel you want for your photos.
With my warm, glowing editing style and relaxed guidance, we’ll create beautiful portraits while keeping the focus on you and the people you love.
Best for: Couples • Maternity • Seniors • Families • Branding • Headshots
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Style: Indoor studio • Versatile backdrops • Creative • Modern • Timeless
Sunflower Field, Green Barn
Isanti, Minnesota
Green Barn offers multiple sunflower fields, walking paths, tractors, vintage vehicles, a painted piano, wagons, and other fun photo props. The 2026 sunflower season runs from August 8 through approximately September 8, with separate crops blooming throughout the season. Peak bloom dates vary with the weather, so clients should check the field’s daily update before their session.
2026 Admission:
- $7 Children ages 5 and younger are free
- Photographers and clients each pay regular admission
- Parking is free
- NO photography reservation is required
- Photography Permit NOT Required
Tamarack Nature Center | White Bear Township, MN
Tamarack Nature Center is one of my favorite locations for relaxed, nature-filled photo sessions. With a beautiful mix of tall grasses, wooded trails, open fields, and seasonal greenery, there’s plenty of variety without having to travel far between spots.
This location photographs beautifully throughout the year, but it’s especially gorgeous in the fall when the grasses turn golden and the trees begin changing color. Around sunset, the open areas catch that soft, warm light that gives photos a dreamy golden glow.
Tamarack is a great choice for families, couples, maternity, seniors, engagement sessions, and kiddos. There’s enough space to move around, let kids explore, and create a gallery that feels natural rather than overly posed.
Best for: Families • Couples • Seniors • Maternity • Engagements
Location: White Bear Township, Minnesota
Style: Natural • Wooded • Golden grasses • Soft sunset light • Fall colors
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. Wisconsin residents pay $13 daily or $28 annually. Nonresidents pay $16 daily or $50 annually.