The Best Places to Take Engagement Photos in St. Cloud, Minnesota
Ready to schedule your engagement photo session? Not sure where to have them taken?
St. Cloud is full of hidden gems and iconic spots that are perfect for capturing your love story. Whether you're dreaming of a location with natural beauty or historic charm, there's a backdrop in St. Cloud that will make your photos truly special. Picture yourself in lush gardens, against stunning architectural details, or with the scenic Mississippi River as your setting.
Your photographer will probably have some great spots in mind, but these spots in St. Cloud have to go on your list of considerations. No need to travel all the way to the Twin Cities when these beautiful locations are right here in your backyard!
Best Photography Spots in Greater St. Cloud
If you’re looking for a beautiful, unique location, you can’t beat these six spots.
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
Address: 1802 Co Rd 137, Waite Park, MN 56387
Quarry Park isn’t just an incredible swimming hole and nature preserve – it’s a photographer’s wet dream year-round. At nearly 700 acres, it’s the largest park in the Stearns County Parks system. The park is open daily at 8 a.m. and closes a half an hour before sunset – giving you and your photographer plenty of time to capture the beauty of the light during different times of day.
The park is truly a nature lover’s paradise, with woodlands, open prairies, and wetlands – in addition to the granite quarries, granite reflecting pools, and rocky cliffs the park is known for. Trails wind throughout the park, giving your access to all the park’s amenities.
Expect to pay a small parking fee upon entrance.
Munsinger Clemens Gardens
Address: 1515 Riverside Drive SE, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Munsinger Clemens Gardens is located along the Mississippi River and across the river from St. Cloud State University.
It’s not just a perfect place to take in the sights and smells of the gorgeous flowers and plants while listening to the river, but it’s also the perfect spot to take engagement photos. There are two gardens: Clemens Gardens and Munsinger Gardens. Munsinger Gardens dates back to the 30s while Clemens Gardens is newer and was developed in the 90s. Together, there are more than 20 acres to explore.
The Gardens are open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from spring to fall. While the gardens are free to visit, professional photography requires a (paid) permit.
Wilson Park
Address: 625 Riverside Dr NE, St Cloud, MN 56304
Wilson Park is situated alongside the Mississippi River. Its proximity to the river and beautiful green lawns make it a great spot for engagement photos. You’ll have access to a small beach that offers the most beautiful location for sunset.
The park is free to visit.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Address: 25 8th Avenue S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
St. Mary’s Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral situated smack dab in the middle of downtown St. Cloud (making it the perfect walking distance to other great photo spots). After the original gothic-style church burned down in 1920, construction of the current iteration of the church began in 1922. It was designed after the sixth-century Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe located in Italy.
The large stone steps leading into the church, the arches, and the brilliant brick make St. Mary’s Cathedral a great backdrop for engagement photos.
Downtown St. Cloud
Address: West Saint Germain St., St. Cloud, MN 56301
Downtown St. Cloud, with bars, restaurants, theaters, shops, and more, is a fun place to be. It’s also a great place to take photos. Lined with historic brick buildings, there’s something of interest around every corner. There’s even a mural or two you don’t want to miss.
Downtown is beautiful at all points during the day, but consider having your engagement photo session in the evening. Lights strung across the streets light up Downtown St. Cloud at night, which adds a nice ambiance to photos. And if you’re a theater buff, there’s nothing quite like photographs taken in front of the marquee at the Paramount Center for the Arts.
Saint John's Abbey Arboretum
Address: 32011 St John's Rd, St Joseph, MN 56374
Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum is a nature preserve that spreads across 2,500 acres. Enjoy lakes, wildflowers, prairie, wetlands, and forest. The arboretum, originally established as a state wildlife refuge in 1933, was designated as a natural arboretum in 1997 by owners Saint John’s Abbey and Saint John’s University.
If you’re hoping to feature your pet in your engagement photos, skip the arboretum. Dogs aren’t allowed because it’s a game refuge.
It’s free to enjoy the arboretum, but it’s only open during daylight hours.
Bonus: Best Photography Spots Near St. Cloud
I couldn’t resist adding a few more to the list. These two locations are just outside of St. Cloud and so worth it that I couldn’t leave them off the list.
Montissippi Regional Park
Address: 2801 Broadway W, Monticello, MN 55362
If you’re willing to travel outside of St. Cloud, the trip to Montissippi Regional Park in Monticello is well worth it. There’s a reason so many photographers love this location and couples want their engagement photos taken here.
The 170-acre park is located on the Mississippi River and features hardwoods and pine plantings, which makes for iconic photos. Situated among the straight rows of trees with the light peaking through, you and your partner will glow.
Montissippi Regional Park is open year-round. There is no fee or permit needed to visit Montissippi.
Bend in the River Regional Park
Address: 11231 NE River Road, Rice, MN 56367
Bend in the River Regional Park is just up the road from St. Cloud in Rice, MN. As the name suggests, it’s located along the river – the Mississippi River that is. The nearly 300 acre park features undeveloped shoreline on the river and high banks with scenic views.
You can park at the farmsite and then walk hiking trails to the bluff. Your photographer will get great shots of you along the way – with plenty of unique buildings, wildflower fields and trails of forest acting as your backdrop.
Take Beautiful Engagement Photos in St. Cloud
St. Cloud offers a diverse array of stunning locations for your engagement photos. From the serene beauty of Quarry Park and Nature Preserve to the vibrant and historic charm of Downtown St. Cloud, each spot provides a unique backdrop to tell your love story. The lush gardens of Munsinger Clemens and the scenic river views at Wilson Park add a touch of natural elegance, while the architectural grandeur of St. Mary’s Cathedral offers a timeless setting.
If you’re willing to venture a bit further, Montissippi Regional Park and Bend in the River Regional Park promise equally breathtaking photo opportunities.
Whether you prefer the rustic allure of nature or the bustling ambiance of the city, St. Cloud has the perfect spot to create lasting memories of this special time in your life.
Now that you’ve nailed down a location, it’s time to make your photos shine! With these tips for making your session more unique, you’ll get photos oozing with personality.
