Sioux Falls is a great place to take your engagement photos, there are so many beautiful places with unique backdrops that allow for breathtaking photos. But because there are so many parks and unique backdrops, choosing just one or two can be a little overwhelming. Well, through experience, a BUNCH of research, and advice from fellow photographers, here are the 7 best locations for engagement sessions in Sioux Falls.
Engagement sessions are such a great way to get to know your wedding photographer and for your photographer to get to know you and your partner. After all, how can they deliver you what you want when they do not know who you are? Plus, what is worse than having a stranger at your wedding? Engagement sessions are a great way to avoid the awkwardness of a stranger with a black box shoved in your face at your wedding. And if you are curious about what you should wear to these sessions, check out this post!
Arrowhead Park
Arrowhead Park is located on the eastern side and is one of those many smaller parks that dot Sioux Falls. Though it may be small, it is GEORGOUS! It offers many different scenes within a few square miles. A stunning sunset over the lake. Check. Frolicking through a field with tall grass. Check. It even has a beautiful weeping willow that will make your inner child feel like Disney’s Pocahontas. Yes, please!
Sertoma Park
Sertoma Park is probably one of my favorite locations and a great go-to when the weather is not behaving. It, too, has a variety of settings, including a butterfly house and a playground. The only downside, this place is not a secret. You might have to fight other couples and photographers for a good spot.
Japanese Gardens
The Gardens are on the outside of Downtown Sioux Falls and are a must in the spring. The cherry trees will bloom about one week a year and are BEAUTIFUL! The pink flowers offer a romantic backdrop for any engagement photo shoot. The only downside, it only lasts for a week, so you must time it perfectly.
Lake Alvin
Friend, this is YOUR spot if your style is more along the lakeside engagement. Lake Alvin sports beautiful lake views and perfect pine trees that absolutely glow at sunset. It’s perfect for winter wonderland engagements.
Tomar Park
Located south of Downtown, Tomar Park is a beautiful place to fall in love again, and this place is a MUST for winter sunsets. Or if you want lake views with perfect pine trees. Either way, you will get beautiful photos with beautiful views. So, let’s freaking go!
Palisades State Park
So, technically this is not in Sioux Falls, but it is 100% worth a mention. It’s in Garretson, South Dakota… so close enough, right? Anyhow, this place is worth the little extra drive. Palisades have jaw-dropping views with steep, stunning cliffs that end in beautiful green waters. This is THE place to go if you want stunning landscapes in your engagement photos.
Downtown Sioux Falls
Ok, but like where?! When I first shot in downtown Sioux Falls, I was so worried I wouldn’t find someplace to go. But friends, let me tell you, there are SO many locations in #dtsf that will make you swoon! My favorites are The State Theater, Pave, Hotel on Phillips Sioux Falls (ok, but for real, you can do an entire shoot here, I am OBSESSED), the Arc of Dreams, Orpheum Theater Center, The Source Coffee Roastery + Taproom, and Wiley’s Bar. And this is only a fraction of the amazing places you can use as a backdrop.
For being THE largest city in South Dakota, Sioux Falls has a lot of outdoor backdrops and parks to offer you the BEST places for your engagement photos. These 7 locations for engagement sessions in Sioux Falls are endorsed by not only me but multiple other photographers and couples. But who cares what we think? Your engagement shoot should reflect you as a couple. So, if you do not see YOUR favorite here, let me know in the comments below. In the meantime, if you LOVED all of this, get in my inbox here.
