Gorgeous Places to Take Special Event Photos
Planning a 2025 wedding? Have a black-tie corporate event to schedule? Looking around for the perfect spot for engagement photos? The Twin Cities Gateway region is chock full of forests, lakes, urban settings and historic spots that are ideal for any kind of special event photography session.
Golf Courses
With well-groomed grounds and useful onsite facilities, the Twin Cities Gateway region’s golf courses are a perfect place for those special photo sessions. Majestic Oaks in Ham Lake features two venues and plenty of outdoor space with spectacular backdrops. In Coon Rapids, Bunker Hills Golf Club is also a great spot for the perfect landscape. Desire a quainter option for a smaller special event? Brightwood Hills Golf Course offers private event space and the opportunity to get photos alongside well-maintained flower beds and raised greens.
Parks & Trails
If rolling hills and sprawling trees are your desire, the region is fortunately in abundance of natural features. The 15-acre Manomin County Park is located at the confluence of Rice Creek and the Mississippi River, boasting rustic trails and a scenic bridge featuring a background of crystal waters and lush forest. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve in Lino Lakes also includes an array of natural scenery perfect for a photography session. Its multiple trails provide varied background options and meander along four different lakes.
Towns & Urban Locations
For those looking for more of an urban feel for their special event photos, the region has several options near convenient city amenities. Downtown Anoka’s Social District has it all—historic buildings, quaint shops, and riverfront views. Capture the essence of this historic and pristine town with an engagement or wedding photo session, no matter the season. Coon Rapids also features historic buildings and brick facades that illustrate a small-town feel with hints of metropolitan vibes.
Unique Finds & Hidden Gems
Maybe your tastes are more unique or you’re looking for those less-popular locations. Wine lovers will enjoy the scenic backdrop at Willow Tree Winery in Ham Lake, featuring not only up-close views of the vineyard but green fields and miles of trees. Located inside the 1857 Woodbury House in Anoka, The Mad Hatter Tea Room offers photographers a unique shot at capturing the location’s beautifully crafted historic home and curated grounds. The Mad Hatter is used to professional photography onsite and is always happy to accommodate groups of any size.
