25 Spectacular Minneapolis Wedding Photo Locations You Have to See to Believe

A groom is dip kissing his bride under the brick archway of the Van Dusen Mansion.

Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life.  

You've thought of every detail and added your personal touch to everything from the flowers down to the tiny hors d'oeuvre your guests will enjoy. But there is one more big decision you'll want to make before your big day—the location for your wedding photos. 

Lucky for you, Minneapolis offers plenty of stunning locations to capture your unique story. Not sure where to begin? Here are 25 spectacular Minneapolis wedding photo locations to help get you started:

 

1. THE VAN DUSEN MANSION

The Mansion is a beautiful structure and a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. Located amidst the bustling city, the stone mason's masterpiece evokes a Richardson Romanesque style complemented by spires and turrets of the French Renaissance amidst lush greenery.  

2. THE CARRIAGE HOUSE 

The Carriage House on The Van Dusen Mansion estate reflects the old-world with an abundant front lawn area adorned with a gazebo, fountain, and garden furniture! The ivy-covered walls add a hefty helping of romance to the look, making every photograph of your wedding album almost ethereal.  

3. ON THE STONE ARCH BRIDGE

Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. This pedestrian bridge is a Minneapolis landmark and has superb views of the downtown skyline, St. Anthony Falls, and the Mississippi River below. 

4. UNDER THE STONE ARCH BRIDGE

If a photo on the bridge isn't what you're looking for, take one on the Mississippi River banks with the beautiful Stone Arch Bridge in the background. 

5. DAY BLOCK BREWING COMPANY

Located at the scenic Riverfront District, the Day Block Brewing Company is steps away from panoramic views of the riverfront and the Twin Cities sites. 

6. THE LAKE HARRIET BAND SHELL

Located on Lake Harriet's shores, the bandshell is a popular venue for weddings and a wonderful option for unique wedding photos.

7. THE SHORES OF THE LAKE OF THE ISLES

The picturesque parks surrounding this Minneapolis Lake offers stunning views of the lake, the park, and the skyline to take wedding photos.  

8. LAKE NOKOMIS BRIDGE

The Lake Nokomis Bridge oozes romance with trees and greenery framing the bridge perfectly to capture your dream shot. 

9. NOERENBERG GARDENS

Located on the shore of Crystal Bay on Lake Minnetonka, Noerenberg Garden features native wildflowers in the spring and hydrangeas later in the year to help give your photos a romantic vibe. 

10. LAKE CALHOUN

For a great skyline view with the iconic lake view scene, take your photos at Lake Calhoun. This particular location is extra special during the summer when sailboats on the lake help create some stunning imagery.

11. FALCONER VINEYARDS

With the Mississippi Bluff valleys as your natural backdrop, the 6.5-acre vineyard and colorful gardens make for great camera moments.

12. GUTHRIE THEATRE

The Guthrie Theater features stunning views of the city. Want a stunning 360-degree view of the city? Take it in the Amber Room of the Guthrie Theatre.

13. MARJORIE MCNEELY CONSERVATORY AT COMO ZOO

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory or Como Conservatory is the perfect backdrop for wedding day photos. With its history, architecture, and reflection pools, it's hard not to get the perfect shot. 

14. MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ART

The Minneapolis Institute of Art occupies a landmark building with breathtaking views of the skyline and city parks, making it a great spot to take your wedding photos and capture the beauty of the city. 

15. TARGET FIELD

The ballpark for the Minnesota Twins is the perfect spot for baseball lovers to take baseball-themed photos of their memorable occasion.  

16. RIDGEWAY PARKWAY PARK

Drive a little north of downtown Minneapolis to find a complete city skyline. This location is perfect for silhouettes photos at dusk. 

17. HANSEN TREE FARM

Located half an hour outside of Minneapolis, Hansen Tree Farm is the perfect spot if you're looking to have nature as your backdrop. 

18. MINNEAPOLIS SCULPTURE GARDEN

This outdoor garden offers unique angles of the buildings of the skyline as well as a beautiful view of the Basilica.

A groom is dipping and kissing his bride on the rooftop of a wedding venue in downtown St Paul. The sun is setting behind the couple causing an artistic glare on the photo.

19. ROOFTOP CITY VIEWS AT A'BULAE

With city rooftop with amazing views of the State Capitol, Bluffs of the Mississippi River, and the Downtown St. Paul skyline, this unique venue is a must-see event location for anyone looking for a beautiful atmosphere for wedding photos. 

20. MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM 

The Arboretum is a venue of choice for many couples, and it's easy to see why. With dozens of gardens, auditoriums, and halls to choose from, newlyweds are sure to find a unique corner of the Arboretum to capture their special day.

A bride leads her groom through an open field.

21. BAVARIA DOWNS

The lush, rolling hills beside meadows rich with wildflowers give way to acres of noble oak tree groves surrounding the Edward Anne Estate will have you feeling a bit of the French countryside. Plus, what couple wouldn't want the romance of walking through tall grass surrounded by lots of greens! 

22. "GREETINGS FROM MINNEAPOLIS" MURAL 

Remember the city you got married in with a quick photo op in front of the "Greetings from Minneapolis" mural. The mural is located at 555 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.

23. ST ANTHONY MAIN

The area on the St Anthony Main side of the river combines excellent views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi river, park space, and some old Minneapolis cafes and architecture. 

24. MILL RUINS PARK

Stroll the grounds to step back into history and find angles that capture the beauty and love you feel. It's a great spot to take wedding photos with the exposed brick and views of the city. 

25. MINNESOTA HARVEST

Create a photo op with a background of orchards featuring red, gold, and green apples. You can also take advantage of the excellent lighting in the grand cathedral barn for your wedding photos.

 

Plan ahead and work with your photographer to select the picture-perfect location and be sure to schedule a time to see it in person before your special day. Or choose a wedding venue like The Van Dusen Mansion, Bavaria Downs, and the A'Bulae to meet all of your wedding needs and serve as the perfect backdrop for your photos. Talk about a win-win!