Photo locations · Maternity · Minneapolis

Best places for maternity photos in Minneapolis

Planning maternity photos in Minneapolis? These are the spots worth shortlisting, chosen for the light, the backdrop, and how easily a session comes together.

maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
maternity photos by a Snappr photographer
Where to shoot

12 places to shoot maternity photos & videos in Minneapolis

01

Minnehaha Falls

4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417 · Longfellow / Minnehaha Regional Park · Outdoor

A 53-foot urban waterfall set in a wooded regional park with limestone bluffs, creek trails, and wooden footbridges. The lush scenery supports family, maternity, and couples sessions across every season.

For maternity photos: soft light and flowing lines that flatter a bump.

Best lightMorning (soft light, fewer visitors)
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessPaid park lot; stairs down to the falls basin
TerrainStairs and dirt trails — closed shoes
02

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park

Editor's Pick
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103 · Como (St. Paul) · Indoor

A glass Victorian conservatory with a sunken palm dome, fern room, and rotating seasonal flower shows just across the river in St. Paul. Its warm indoor greenery is a reliable rain-or-shine backdrop for maternity, family, and couples portraits.

For maternity photos: a calm, comfortable spot to slow down and pose.

Best lightMidday (bright diffused glasshouse light)
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree lots; flat, wheelchair-accessible
SeasonYear-round; ideal in winter
03

Lyndale Park Rose Garden

4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55409 · Linden Hills (Lake Harriet) · Outdoor

The second-oldest public rose garden in the U.S., with formal beds, a fountain, and a peace garden beside Lake Harriet. The manicured blooms and symmetry suit engagement, maternity, and elegant portrait work.

For maternity photos: a serene backdrop for the wait.

Best lightEarly morning (dew, soft light on roses)
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree street/lot parking; flat paved paths
SeasonRose peak June–September
04

Lake of the Isles

2500 Lake of the Isles Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405 · Kenwood / Uptown · Outdoor

A tranquil lake ringed by a tree-lined parkway and stately homes, with willow-draped shorelines and canoe launches. The calm, leafy setting is versatile for family, couples, and senior sessions.

For maternity photos: soft light and flowing lines that flatter a bump.

Best lightSunset (reflections on the water)
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree street parking; flat paved loop, accessible
SeasonGreen summer or golden fall canopy
05

Gold Medal Park

11th Ave S & 2nd St S, Minneapolis, MN 55415 · Downtown East / Mill District · Outdoor

A modern park with a spiraling grass mound overlooking the Guthrie Theater, the river, and the downtown skyline. The clean contemporary lines work well for stylish engagement and senior portraits.

For maternity photos: a calm, comfortable spot to slow down and pose.

Best lightBlue hour (Guthrie and skyline lit)
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessStreet/ramp parking; paved spiral path
Group sizeBest for small groups
06

Boom Island Park

724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 · Nordeast · Outdoor

A riverfront park with a lighthouse, a pedestrian bridge to Nicollet Island, and open skyline views across the Mississippi. Roomy lawns and varied backdrops make it easy for larger family groups.

For maternity photos: a serene backdrop for the wait.

Best lightSunset (skyline across the river)
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree on-site lot; flat, accessible paths
Group sizeComfortable for larger groups
Show all 12 places
07

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Editor's Pick
3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318 · Southwest metro (~30 min from downtown) · Outdoor

A 1,200-acre University of Minnesota arboretum with formal gardens, prairie, woodlands, and a scenic drive through changing collections. The sheer variety supports any shoot type and shines in every season.

For maternity photos: soft light and flowing lines that flatter a bump.

Best lightGolden hour across the gardens
PermitPaid admission or entry; arrange professional sessions with the venue in advance.
AccessLarge on-site lots; paved and gravel paths
SeasonYear-round; spring blooms, fall color, winter snow
08

Studio 333 at the Northrup King Building

Daylight studio
1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 · Northeast Minneapolis Arts District · Indoor

A bright rentable photography studio inside the historic Northrup King seed complex, with west-facing windows, exposed brick, and high ceilings. Soft daylight and a range of mounted backdrops make it a calm, warm choice for newborn and motherhood sessions. Props like a chaise and a dressing area keep families comfortable through longer shoots.

For maternity photos: a calm, comfortable spot to slow down and pose.

Best lightMidday to afternoon, when the west windows glow
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree lot and street parking at the building; studio is booked by the hour. Fee applies; confirm current rates with the venue.
GearBackdrops, chaise, and props on site; heated and climate-controlled for newborns
09

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary

Quiet sanctuary
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405 · Theodore Wirth Park · Outdoor

The oldest public wildflower garden in the country is a hushed woodland pocket of native blooms, ferns, and shaded boardwalk trails inside Theodore Wirth Park. Its calm, private feel and dappled light suit gentle maternity and lifestyle newborn photos. Seasonal wildflowers and quiet paths give families soft, natural backdrops away from crowds.

For maternity photos: a serene backdrop for the wait.

Best lightSoft overcast days or early morning through the tree canopy
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessSmall free lot off the parkway; trails are unpaved and gently sloped.
Good to knowOpen roughly April through October; the sanctuary keeps a quiet, no-picnic atmosphere.
10

Noerenberg Gardens

Lakeside garden
2865 North Shore Dr, Orono, MN 55391 · Lake Minnetonka (Orono) · Outdoor

A former estate turned formal public garden on the north shore of Crystal Bay, with tidy flower beds, a gazebo, and framed views over Lake Minnetonka. The manicured, peaceful grounds feel private and refined, lovely for maternity, lifestyle newborn, and romantic engagement photos. Colorful seasonal plantings and the lakefront lawn give couples and families a serene backdrop.

For maternity photos: soft light and flowing lines that flatter a bump.

Best lightGolden hour over the lake and beds
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree parking on site; paths are flat and easy. Formal event and wedding shoots are scheduled through guest services.
Good to knowOpen mid-May through mid-October, 8 a.m. to sunset; about 30 minutes west of downtown.
11

Centennial Lakes Park

Manicured park
7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435 · Edina (Southdale) · Outdoor

A polished suburban park built around a chain of small lakes, with arched bridges, fountains, gardens, and wide paved promenades. The tidy, easy-to-walk grounds and gentle water views make it a calm, comfortable pick for maternity, family, and lifestyle newborn photos. Flower beds and open lawns give couples plenty of clean, pretty backdrops.

For maternity photos: a calm, comfortable spot to slow down and pose.

Best lightLate afternoon along the water and bridges
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree ramp and lot parking; fully paved, flat, and stroller-friendly.
TerrainLevel promenades and lawns; benches and shade throughout
12

Silverwood Park

Lakeside arts park
2500 County Rd E W, St. Anthony, MN 55421 · St. Anthony / Silver Lake · Outdoor

A serene Three Rivers arts park on the wooded shore of Silver Lake, with quiet trails, a rustic pavilion, and calm water views just minutes from Northeast. The peaceful, uncrowded setting suits maternity and lifestyle newborn sessions as well as easygoing family photos. Reflections off the lake and leafy paths give portraits a soft, natural mood.

For maternity photos: a serene backdrop for the wait.

Best lightEarly morning or golden hour off the lake
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree parking at the visitor center; trails are gentle with some unpaved stretches.
Good to knowThe park keeps a quiet, contemplative feel; the lakeshore and woods stay scenic across seasons.

Book a Snappr photographer in minutes. Vetted, local, and ready to shoot these spots.

From the Snappr network

Snappr maternity photos from cities across the world

A look at maternity photos our photographers have delivered, so you know the standard before you book.

Example of maternity photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of maternity photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of maternity photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of maternity photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of maternity photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of maternity photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of maternity photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of maternity photos delivered by the Snappr network
A sample of maternity photos from the Snappr network

Still need a photographer?

Snappr photographers are available in Minneapolis to shoot at the venue you choose. All vetted, insured, and booked through the same platform.

Pick a date and Snappr matches you with a vetted local photographer, every shoot backed by our quality guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Shooting maternity photos in Minneapolis

It depends on the spot. Public streets and sidewalks usually don't, while many parks, gardens, and landmarks require a permit for professional sessions. Each location above notes what we found on permits — confirm the current rules and any fee with the venue or city before you book.

Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — flatters almost every location, and each spot above lists the light that works best there. Early morning also means thinner crowds at the popular ones.

Snappr pricing is flat and set before you book, with no travel or editing surprises. Most sessions run one to two hours; you can see current rates and what each tier includes on the pricing page.

Pick your date and shoot type and we match you with a vetted local photographer who shoots in Minneapolis. Booking takes a couple of minutes, and you can reschedule for free if plans change.

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Same guide, a different city or milestone. Every page is researched locally.