A Summer Engagement Session at the Como Zoo Conservatory
A Summer Engagement Session at the Como Zoo Conservatory: A Vibrant and Candid Celebration of Love
As a Minneapolis-based wedding photographer, I’m always on the lookout for stunning locations that perfectly capture the warmth and natural beauty of a couple’s love story. Recently, I had the pleasure of shooting an engagement session at the Como Zoo Conservatory in St. Paul, and it was an absolute dream. With the flowers in full bloom and the warm summer sun casting a golden glow, this location was a picture-perfect backdrop for capturing candid moments and creating clean, timeless photographs.
If you’re considering engagement photography in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the Como Zoo Conservatory is an incredible option—here’s why!
Why the Como Zoo Conservatory is the Perfect Engagement Spot
1. Access to Gorgeous Gardens Without a Permit
One of the many reasons I love the Como Zoo Conservatory is the accessibility. Unlike many other popular locations in the Twin Cities, you don’t need a special permit to access the outside gardens, which makes it a perfect choice for couples who want a stunning backdrop without the added hassle of extra fees or paperwork. The lush gardens surrounding the Conservatory offer a wide variety of plants and flowers in full bloom during the summer months, providing vibrant color and natural beauty that really shine in photographs.
As a wedding photographer, I’m always looking for places that offer both variety and accessibility, and the Como Zoo Conservatory provides just that. Whether you're strolling through the well-manicured gardens or pausing for a quiet moment by the fountain, the space offers countless beautiful settings for your engagement photos.
2. Bring Your Furry Friend Along!
Another bonus that sets the Como Zoo Conservatory apart is its pet-friendly policy. As a dog lover, I’m always thrilled when couples want to incorporate their furry friends into their engagement photos, and this location is perfect for that. You can bring your dog along for the session, which allows you to include an important part of your family in your photos!
Whether your dog is running through the flower-filled gardens or sitting by your side as you share a tender moment, they can help make your engagement photos feel even more personal and special. It’s always heartwarming to see how much joy and love a couple shares with their pets, and the Como Zoo Conservatory provides the perfect space for these candid, joyful moments.
Vibrant Summer Blooms as a Backdrop for Warm, Candid Photos
During our session at the Como Zoo Conservatory, the gardens were in full bloom—making it the perfect time to capture the natural beauty of summer. The rich colors of the flowers and the lush greenery created an incredibly warm and romantic setting. The light in the gardens during the late afternoon provided the soft glow that is perfect for engagement photos. As a wedding photographer, I love how natural light enhances the warmth and vibrancy of the scene, creating clean, fresh, and timeless images.
Throughout the session, we focused on capturing candid moments—the couple laughing together, holding hands, and enjoying each other’s company. The Como Zoo Conservatory’s open spaces and vibrant flowers gave us plenty of opportunities to document these authentic, loving moments. These types of photos are always my favorite, as they allow the couple’s true personalities to shine through, creating images that will be cherished for years to come.
A Clean, Timeless Look for Your Engagement Session
One of the key aspects I strive for in my wedding photography is a clean, timeless style. The Como Zoo Conservatory offers the perfect setting for this type of photography. With its lush greenery and beautifully manicured gardens, the focus remains on the couple and their love story, while the background adds depth and richness to the photos.
Whether it was the couple walking hand in hand through the flower gardens or enjoying a quiet moment on the stone benches, the simplicity and natural beauty of the surroundings allowed their connection to take center stage. The clean lines of the garden paths and the soft light filtering through the plants created a serene, elegant atmosphere that felt both romantic and personal.
Why Choose the Como Zoo Conservatory for Your Engagement Photos?
If you’re looking for a unique yet accessible location for your engagement session, the Como Zoo Conservatory is a fantastic choice. It’s an easy-to-reach spot with stunning gardens, vibrant flowers, and the added bonus of being able to bring your dog along. Whether you’re planning an engagement shoot in the heart of summer or during another season, the Conservatory offers a versatile and beautiful backdrop for capturing authentic, candid moments.
Tips for Your Como Zoo Conservatory Engagement Session
Embrace the Natural Beauty: The Como Zoo Conservatory is a lush, green paradise, so take advantage of the natural beauty around you. Let the flowers and plants be a part of your story, and don’t be afraid to explore different corners of the gardens.
Dress for Comfort and Style: Summer engagement shoots can get warm, so make sure to dress comfortably while still looking stylish. Light, breathable fabrics will keep you comfortable while still looking chic for your photos.
Incorporate Your Dog: If your dog is part of your family, why not include them in your engagement photos? They’ll add personality and warmth to the shoot, and you’ll treasure those candid moments with your furry friend for years to come.
Golden Hour is Your Friend: The best light for engagement photos is during golden hour, the hour before sunset. This soft, warm light will create a glowing, romantic atmosphere and make your photos feel timeless.
Final Thoughts
This engagement session at the Como Zoo Conservatory was everything I love about wedding photography—warm, candid, clean, and full of life. The beauty of the location combined with the couple’s genuine connection made for a truly unforgettable session. If you’re planning your engagement photos in Minneapolis or St. Paul, I highly recommend the Como Zoo Conservatory for its stunning scenery, accessibility, and pet-friendly policy.
I’d love to help capture your engagement or wedding photos in a way that’s authentic, beautiful, and filled with love. If you're ready to start planning, feel free to reach out—let's make some beautiful memories together!
