Afton State Park Engagement Session
Why Afton State Park?
Afton has a little bit of everything. Rolling prairies, quiet trails, and some of the most peaceful views of the St. Croix River. It’s a place where you can enjoy being in the moment and lose yourself in nature, but don’t worry, the trails are well marked. For K + C, it was a natural choice — they love the outdoors and wanted a spot that felt true to them.
The Session
We started off in the parking lot — where all great adventures start, let’s be honest. K+C had brought a few options for outfits, so we took a few minutes to decide what felt right for the day. They started out with something more casual: jeans and t-shirts that gave off the cozy, laid-back vibes one would expect to find at a lovely park like this.
From there, we made our way down to the river. The paths were beautifully shaded, which was so nice because it was already pretty warm for May. Light filtered down through the canopy, making everything feel calm and serene. There were plenty of quiet spots to sit and enjoy the river. By the time we reached the river, K+C were feeling more comfortable and relaxed. The water was high but calm, the trees gave us shade, and everything felt quiet and intimate. They leaned into each other, talking and laughing like no one else was around. It’s always moments like these that stick with me — the ones that feel like a little glimpse into someone’s world.
A big reason why I suggest blocking out 2-3 hours for the engagement session is because it can take people around 30-60 minutes to really settle in and feel comfortable in front of the camera. The whole reason I include complimentary engagement sessions for couples who book me for weddings is because your wedding day is all about documenting you and the moments throughout the day as they naturally unfold. Engagement sessions give us to the chance to take our time and focus entirely on showcasing your love. Once that comfort sets in, the real magic begins — and I believe that journey is beautifully reflected in the images I create with my couples.
About halfway through, K+C stopped at a pair of vault toilets along the lower trails to do change into their second look: a light button-up for him and a stunning red dress for her. The rich, bold colors really popped beautifully against the greens of the park, and it was the perfect shift in tone — in the best way. We made our way back up to the prairie, climbing a lot of stairs before getting deposited back to a beautiful lookout spot. From here, you can see the rolling landscape perfectly cut by the St. Croix River. Sunset was upon us.
We lingered in the open fields as the sun dipped below the horizon, waiting to see if the aurora borealis would make an appearance. We heard it was a possibility, and the idea of ending the session with that kind of magic was exciting! The stars started to come out, but the auroras didn’t make an appearance that night. We stayed anyway, talking and enjoying the night sky. It was one of those evenings where you don’t need everything to go as planned — it’s just about enjoying where are you and going with the flow.
What Made It Special
Every couple brings their own vibe to an engagement session. K+C truly made this session their own. Every detail, from their outfit choices to the location, felt thoughtful yet authentic to who they are. They didn’t overthink anything — instead, they embraced the moment, whether it was pausing to soak in the sunset or cracking up at my playful prompts to act suave. Their laid-back energy set the tone for the whole evening, and that’s exactly what made the photos so genuine and effortless.
Tips for Your Engagement Session at Afton State Park:
If you’re considering Afton State Park for your engagement photos, here are a few tips to make the most of it:
Timing is Key: Sunset changes seasonally, so aim for late afternoon or early evening to catch that gorgeous golden hour light.
Dress Comfortably: The trails can be uneven and there can be a significant amount of stairs to climb, so wear shoes you can walk in easily. Bring a change of shoes if you’d like to wear something dressier for the photos. Blisters are no beuno.
Add a Personal Touch: Whether it’s including your animals, a cozy blanket, a bouquet of wildflowers, or your favorite adventure gear, bring along something that feels uniquely “you”.
Park Permit: Be sure to purchase your park permit before hand and save yourself a few minutes. It costs $7 unless you already have a annual permit purchased for the season.
Thinking About Afton?
If you’re considering a spot for photos, let me just say: Afton’s got you. It’s peaceful, it’s gorgeous in every season, and it gives you the room to just be yourself. Plus, golden hour here? Absolutely unbeatable.
At the end of the day, it’s not about the location, though. It’s about the two of you — finding somewhere that feel like you and then just soaking. up the moment together. For K+C, that’s exactly what Afton was: a place to celebrate their love in a way that felt completely, beautifully real.
If you’re dreaming of a perfect engagement session surrounded by Minnesota’s natural beauty, let’s chat! I’d love to help you create something equally special.
