6 Best Indoor FREE Photoshoot Locations in the Twin Cities

I LOVE Minnesota, but one thing we all know as Minnesotans is that the weather isn't always on our side for Photoshoots. Between random afternoon thunderstorms and freezing cold winter weather, its VITAL to have a list of back up indoor locations. The Twin Cities offers a ton of stunning indoor locations with various vibes of a classic evening date spot to striking architectual buildings. 

Here is your guide to the best and most beautiful indoor locations in the Twin Cities for your next photoshoot! Whether your vibe is a more playful and fun date night or a classy and timeless artful evening, here are the best FREE locations to choose from.

Note: Don't forget to call and confirm hours and proper photography permissions.

1. Minnesota State Capital Building

This stunning building boasts historical architecture with stunning marble features. There are plenty of amazing spots to shoot in all around the building: grand staircases, stunning marble pillars, and high end luxury light posts. The light fixtures let off a cozy warm glow that adds to the romance of a couple session or classiness to an individual session. This location has paid parking but it is FREE to adventure through and check out all the floors. This is my favorite Twin Cities Location for beautiful backdrops that offer an elegant and stylish charm. 

Hours: Closed Sunday, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm

2. Landmark Center

The Landmark Center is located in Saint Paul and is dressed in a timeless elegance inside and out. If you're looking for a perfectly symmetrical historical building, look no further. Inside the Landmark Center, the largest room is perfectly symmetrical with pillars and ornate fixtures. The lighting and dark designs are perfect for any moody yet romantic photo session. It is completely free to shoot in and explore. The outside is beautiful as well with a large clock tower and stone doorways. 

Hours: Sun 12pm-5pm, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm

3. Union Depot

Union Depot is located in Saint Paul. It is a historical railroad station that is dress in an elegant and timeless style. The outside of the building has lines of beautiful large columns and old fashioned light posts. Inside of Union Depot, there are more large pillars and a historic hanging clock that is a beautiful focal point of Union Depot. Union Depot is amazing for all types of photoshoots as its large with plenty of windows for natural light. 

During the Christmas Season, it is home to the European Christmas Market, which could also be a very fun and playful photosession backdrop. 

4.  The Guthrie Theatre

The Guthrie Theatre has a couple spots inside that they allow photographers to shoot in for FREE! One is the Amber Room that shows an incredible view of the Minneapolis Skyline through a yellow/ amber colored window. The second space is a similar view on a lower floor but the window is Indigo colored instead. I love these location for the view as well as Mill City Museum's Industrial views outside if you're able to go out there. This is one of my favorite spots in the city for the romantic and moody vibes the Amber Room delivers. I recommend  using additional lighting or a photographer who has strong lighting skills as the amber glass provibes a dark cast and difficulty for newer photographers. 

​Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-8pm

5. Riverplace Building

Riverplace Building is a public space on Saint Anthony Main in Saint Paul. It houses several businesses, but one to pay attention to for cute photoshoot vibes would be FRGMNT Coffee shop located right inside the front entrance. Riverplace Building has amazing natural lighting from an above skylight window and a very unique spiral staircase. All the details of this location are adorned in teal and gold which makes for a fun and vibrant spin on some moody photos. 

​Hours: 7am-6pm

6. Your Favorite Coffee Shop, Brewery, or Activity!

There is nothing more cute than a candid styled session during a date night! Lets find a place that connects to your relationship, whether you LOVE coffee, want to check out a new Pizza Shoppe or Brewery, want to share an ice cream cone for a vintage flair, or do an activity like bowling or mini golf, we can make your session fun and feel like YOU!

The Twin Cities is full of fun breweries, stylish bars, unique businesses and unique coffee shops that can show off photos that feel as fun as they look!

I hope these ideas help you plan the perfect space for your photoshoot. If you're looking to have a session in Minnesota, I would love to help you plan your next photoshoot date night! Finding a location that speaks to your individual love story is important and I'm happy to be the date planner and get you photos that aren't just a "smile at the camera" vibe but instead reflect your love story and vibe- from elegant formal luxury vibes to fun, goofy mini golf date night, I'm happy to be your photographer!