Why Choose Minnehaha Falls for Your Engagement & Elopement

Minnehaha Falls is one of my favorite Minneapolis/St. Paul locations for couples who want a striking, ethereal backdrop for their elopement and engagement photos any time of the year. Minnehaha Falls thunders within Minnehaha Park, which features over 190 acres of winding trails to explore. The cascading falls lie along Minnehaha Creek that pours into the Mississippi River just downstream. The intensity of the falls varies throughout the year depending on rainfall and the fullness of Lake Minnetonka. 

Wherever your elopement or engagement session may be I’ll be your helpful guide, your ego booster, and, yes, sometimes even your safety coach when it comes to planning and navigating this incredible location. Depending on your comfort level and your fence jumping skills. There are some pretty cool vantage points you can get to with the right bravery, shoes and ground conditions. SAFETY is above all my number one concern (I mean I am an RN) and I will never put a client in danger or in a location they themselves aren’t comfortable with.

Because a little bit of this. . .

can safely lead to a whole lotta this.

For nature lovers, the park is ideal for a romantic date where you can bike, walk, or simply rest and enjoy the roar of the falls. Wade pools are open seasonally if you’re brave enough during your engagement session. The falls are also surrounded by beautiful greenery and flower gardens depending on the season. Then, head up to Sea Salt Eatery for a refreshing cocktail and bite to eat on the patio. You can’t go wrong with Minnehaha Falls if you’re searching for elopement or engagement photo locations near Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Why I Love Minnehaha Falls for Engagement Sessions

Everything. I love everything about Minnehaha Falls engagement sessions. But to be a bit more specific, here are a few reasons I think you’ll fall in love with Minnehaha Falls, too:

Aesthetic Composition

The layered limestone bluffs, trickling pools, and vibrant greenery provide all of nature’s best props. Even during the warmest parts of the year, the massive oak, maple, and cottonwood trees offer constant shade and beautifully filter sunlight for stunning images. I can take pictures from above or even below eye level by moving up and down the rocks for unique vantage points and interesting shots. This location lends itself to extra creativity and artistic photos if you want to change things up.

Natural Light

The overhanging bluffs and trees protect us from harsh and direct sunlight. So, it’s possible to begin your session just a bit earlier, and then we can hike up for some great sunset images around the upper grounds. Minnehaha Falls is a great way to maximize your engagement session. We’ll have multiple types of backdrops and perfect natural light without changing locations in between. Plus, when you’re down near the falls, the light reflecting off of the sides of the limestone creates a mesmerizing glow in the background.

Extra Privacy

Although Minnehaha Falls is one of Minneapolis’ most beautiful and popular attractions, it’s not hard to find a secluded spot to experience the views and take photos, especially if you avoid the peak times (I can help with that). Many hiking trails and sidewalks wind around the falls for an intimate feel.

Photo Variety

Within an hour or two you’ll have a wide variety of photos for your collections that really capture the versatility of the location sessions. For the more adventurous couples, there are opportunities to capture truly one-of-a-kind perspectives higher up or closer to the waterfall. These images can be breathtaking, but they also come with a little risk. I’m here to help you safely navigate those areas, keeping you clean, comfortable, and confident the whole time. And don’t worry—if you’re feeling bold, I’ll match your courage every step of the way! I’m always up for a challenge if it means creating something extraordinary.

Unforgettable Experience

Even if we’ve just met, you probably know that I love landscapes. In fact, that may be the reason that I stick out to you as a photographer. During this momentous time in your life, you deserve the best of the best. Your engagement and wedding photos should authentically reflect your personalities and the deep connection you have with each other. Minnehaha Falls is a place where magic happens, and I’m honored to be a part of that. Together, we’ll create photos that aren’t just beautiful but that feel like you—your love, your connection, and your adventure. So whether you’re ready to go all-in for those epic angles or prefer to keep it simple and serene, I’ll be there to guide, support, and capture every moment.

Minnehaha Falls provides a beautiful space for you to let loose and be yourselves, which lends to incredible photos. Pair that with the painting-like backdrop, and your photos are gold! Engagement sessions at Minnehaha Falls don’t feel like a forced “pose and snap” photoshoot. It’s an adventure, and I almost guarantee you’ll have fun. Plus, your engagement photos will have the “wow” factor—not many couples can say they took engagement photos in front of a waterfall!

Thinking About Doing Your Engagement Session at Minnehaha Falls?

I’m happy to answer any questions you have about engagement photo packages and sessions at Minnehaha Falls. Get in touch with me here to get started.

Book Your Minnehaha Falls Engagement Session with Andy Hardman Photography.

Andy Hardman is a Twin Cities wedding photographer who is on an endless hunt for inspiration, golden moments, and striking backdrops. His mission is to beautifully capture every detail of your wedding day in photos you’ll cherish for years to come. Learn more about the experience here.