Our Minneapolis wedding photographers had the absolute joy of capturing Jake and Ida’s stunning outdoor engagement session at Square Lake Park in Stillwater, Minnesota. Nestled in Washington County, this hidden gem offers an enchanting mix of towering pine forests, wooden boardwalks, grassy trails, and pristine, crystal-clear lake views. It provided the ultimate natural canvas to document the genuine warmth, playful laughter, and deep connection shared between Jake and Ida.
Square Lake Park is widely renowned as one of Minnesota’s most pristine natural treasures, renowned for having some of the clearest water in the state. Tucked away just outside historic Stillwater, the park offers a peaceful escape from urban hustle without requiring a long drive from the Twin Cities. Couples fall in love with its remarkable versatility, within a single location, you can transition from dramatic pine groves and sunlit meadows to rustic wooden piers and scenic sandy shorelines. This rich diversity of scenery gives engagement galleries an expansive, varied feel, making every frame feel like a new chapter of an outdoor adventure.
What truly makes Square Lake Park ideal for engagement photography is its serene, intimate ambiance and incredible natural lighting. Because the park features open sky views over the water paired with dense, towering trees, it creates an ideal environment for capturing soft, golden-hour light. The secluded nature of the trails allows couples to relax, let their guard down, and focus entirely on each other without feeling like they are on display. Whether walking down a shaded forest path or dipping your toes into the tranquil lake at sunset, the venue naturally encourages genuine interaction and effortless romance.
Details on Jake and Ida’s Square Lake Park Engagement Session
The couple thoughtfully styled their wardrobe to blend seamlessly with the organic, earthy tones of Square Lake Park. Ida looked effortlessly radiant in a flowy white eyelet midi dress that caught the gentle breeze, later transitioning into a cozy brown tank paired with relaxed linen trousers. Jake complemented her style with a rich brown short-sleeved button-up paired with tan chinos, as well as a casual grey tee. Their neutral palette of warm chocolate browns, soft tans, and crisp white created a striking contrast against the lush green foliage and golden light filtering through the trees.
We began the session exploring the tranquil woodland trails, where majestic tall pines formed a dramatic natural canopy overhead. Embracing the quiet intimacy of the forest, Jake and Ida shared sweet forehead presses, gentle kisses, and quiet laughter amidst the towering pine trunks. Moving toward the open fields, the landscape opened up into sweeping tall grass and sun-dappled trails. Here, the session took a fun, dynamic turn as the couple walked hand-in-hand, twirled along the wooden boardwalk stairs, and shared a playful moment where Jake swept Ida up into his arms for a romantic lift surrounded by wild greenery.
As the sun began to dip lower, casting a warm golden-hour glow across the park, we made our way down to the quiet shores of Square Lake. The serene wooden pier provided a picturesque backdrop for intimate portraits, with the calm water stretching out behind them. Wanting to make the most of the summer evening, Jake and Ida kicked off their shoes and ventured right into the water. Wrapped in each other’s arms as the golden sunlight reflected off the ripples, they shared tender glances, joyful twirls, and a romantic splash in the lake, the perfect grand finale to a memorable session.
Every photo from Jake and Ida’s Square Lake Park engagement highlights the effortless romance and pure fun that comes with choosing a location that allows you to relax and be yourselves. From forest walks to golden-hour dips in the lake, it was an unforgettable afternoon capturing their love story in Stillwater.
At Original Weddings, we believe engagement photography should be a fun, authentic reflection of who you are as a couple. Whether you envision a serene lakeside golden hour, a secluded forest wander, or a lively urban adventure, our team is passionate about creating images that feel timeless and deeply personal. Check our reviews page today to discover what couples we’ve captured their most meaningful moments say about us.
Original Weddings is a team of Minneapolis wedding photographers and videographers. Please click here to learn more about our Minneapolis photography and videography services. This engagement session was edited in our Rustic editing style. We offer three different photography editing styles: Timeless, Airy and Rustic. Please click here to learn more about our photography styles. You pick the style you love for your photos.
Engagement Photos | Minneapolis Wedding Photographers



























Minneapolis Wedding Photographers at Square Lake Park
At Original Weddings, capturing couples as Minneapolis wedding photographers at Square Lake Park in Stillwater is always an inspiring experience. Nestled in Washington County, this natural haven offers an ideal canvas for timeless, romantic imagery. From towering pine forests and winding wooden boardwalks to sun-dappled meadows and the pristine shorelines of Square Lake, the park provides a diverse range of natural backdrops. We thrive on utilizing the organic beauty and incredible golden-hour light of this location to create portraits that feel authentic, vibrant, and deeply personal.
Our approach centers on documenting real connection and genuine emotion. Whether we are photographing intimate engagement sessions, romantic outdoor wedding portraits, or joyful celebrations, we focus on unscripted moments, sweet glances along forest paths, laughter near the water’s edge, and relaxed, candid interactions. In addition to Square Lake Park, our team frequently captures stunning weddings and engagements throughout Stillwater, nearby cities across the Twin Cities metro area, and destination venues across Minnesota. We capture timeless portraits that couples will cherish forever.
Minneapolis Wedding Videographers at Square Lake Park
As Minneapolis wedding videographers, filming at Square Lake Park in Stillwater allows us to bring your unique love story to life through motion and sound. The tranquil lakeshore, swaying pine groves, and open skies create a stunning scenic environment that naturally elevates cinematic storytelling. We carefully blend candid moments, atmospheric sounds, and elegant visuals, capturing everything from soft breeze-blown twirls along the dock to emotional vow exchanges. Beyond Square Lake Park, our videography team is passionate about filming weddings and engagement sessions throughout Stillwater, neighboring communities, and across the state of Minnesota, crafting timeless films you will treasure forever.
1. Do you have to pay to get into Square Lake Park?
Yes. Square Lake Park in Washington County, Minnesota, requires a vehicle permit for cars entering the park. The current fee is $7 for a daily vehicle permit or $30 for a 12-month permit. Electronic pay stations are available in the park’s parking lots. The park occasionally offers free-entry days when the vehicle permit requirement is waived
2. What to wear for a park engagement?
For a park engagement session, choose outfits that feel comfortable, natural, and coordinate with the surroundings. Soft neutrals, earthy tones, pastels, and muted colors photograph beautifully against greenery, trees, and open landscapes. Couples can also mix textures and dress up slightly while keeping their outfits comfortable enough for walking and exploring. Consider wearing complementary colors rather than matching exactly. Most importantly, choose clothing that reflects your personalities and makes you feel confident, so your engagement photos feel authentic and effortless.


