When choosing wedding or engagement photo locations, it's essential to pick spots close to your ceremony to minimize travel time and keep your day on schedule. Winnipeg offers a variety of beautiful indoor and outdoor locations for stunning photography, each with its unique charm. Some places require pre-booking and may have additional fees, so planning ahead is key.

Indoor Locations

Winnipeg's winters can be challenging for outdoor photography, making indoor venues a popular choice for many couples. Here are some top indoor locations:

May 11 Studio

May 11 Studio is a stylish, contemporary space perfect for couples seeking clean, minimalist backdrops. The studio’s bright, open layout and neutral tones allow your photos to focus on you, with natural light pouring in through large windows. This studio is ideal for intimate portraits or editorial-style wedding photos. Pre-booking is essential, and fees apply, so be sure to secure your spot in advance.

Allure Studios

Allure Studios offers a sophisticated, chic setting for your indoor photo session. With a blend of modern and timeless elements, this studio provides versatility in your shots, whether you're looking for sleek and polished or soft and romantic vibes. The carefully curated decor and excellent lighting make it a fantastic choice for both engagement and wedding photos. Like May 11, Allure Studios requires pre-booking, and fees apply.

The Leaf at Assiniboine Park - Indoor Biomes

A newer addition to Winnipeg's photo locations, The Leaf is a botanical wonderland inside Assiniboine Park. Featuring tropical plants, stunning architectural design, and vibrant floral displays year-round, The Leaf offers an oasis of natural beauty regardless of Winnipeg's weather. You can capture lush, colorful photos among the greenery without worrying about the cold. While it's a public space, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee for the indoor option.

The Manitoba Legislative Building

If you're dreaming of timeless elegance, The Manitoba Legislative Building provides the perfect setting. Known for its grand architecture, this iconic building offers both indoor and outdoor options. The majestic Grand Staircase inside is a popular spot for capturing regal, dramatic shots. For couples interested in indoor photos here, pre-booking is required. The outdoor areas, featuring stately columns and manicured gardens, are free to shoot in and add a touch of classic sophistication to your photos.

The Forks

The Forks is one of Winnipeg’s most versatile locations, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor settings that cater to a variety of styles. Inside, you'll find unique industrial backdrops, while the outdoor areas provide picturesque riverside views and historic architecture. Whether you’re looking for something edgy or romantic, The Forks can deliver. Some indoor areas may require permission to shoot, so it’s worth checking ahead.

Local Restaurants or Bars

For couples wanting a more laid-back, personalized feel, consider arranging a photo session at a favorite local restaurant or bar. Whether it’s the place where you had your first date or just a spot you both love, these intimate venues can add a unique twist to your wedding or engagement photos. With a little pre-planning, you can grab a drink, enjoy a moment with your wedding party, and capture some candid shots in a cozy atmosphere.

Your Wedding Venue

Don't overlook your wedding venue as a prime location for photos. Many venues offer stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and unique spaces that can save you time on the big day. . Click here to explore Winnipeg Wedding Venues.

Outdoor Locations

Winnipeg has no shortage of picturesque outdoor spots for wedding and engagement photos. Here are some standout options:

Birds Hill Provincial Park

Just a short drive from Winnipeg, Birds Hill Provincial Park offers a wide array of natural backdrops, making it a favorite for wedding and engagement sessions. From dense forests to open meadows and a serene beach, Birds Hill allows for a full photography adventure. It’s a place where you can capture a diverse range of moods, from romantic sunset shots on the beach to playful, candid moments in the fields. Keep in mind that springtime can bring ticks and poison ivy, so come prepared. And don't forget your Provincial Park Pass to avoid fines.

The Leaf at Assiniboine Park - The Gardens

The Leaf's outdoor gardens in Assiniboine Park offer a variety of stunning photo locations, from vibrant flower beds to peaceful water features. With beautifully landscaped spaces like the Indigenous Peoples Garden and English Garden, you'll find the perfect backdrop for every shot, whether you're after a romantic setting or something a bit more natural and scenic.

St. Boniface Cathedral

The ruins of St. Boniface Cathedral are a striking contrast between old and new, providing a dramatic setting for wedding photos. The combination of ancient stone walls and modern design elements makes this location unique. It's a spot where history and romance intertwine, creating unforgettable images. Across the street, the nunnery offers a fantastic view of downtown Winnipeg, adding an urban touch to your shots. Pre-booking is required, especially for weekend sessions.

Trappist Monastery - St. Norbert

The Trappist Monastery ruins in St. Norbert feel like stepping into a fairy tale. Surrounded by lush greenery, the ancient stone walls of this historic site create an ethereal atmosphere that is perfect for capturing romantic, dreamy photos. Whether you're looking for engagement photos or wedding portraits, this location offers a magical blend of nature and history. Pre-booking is necessary, and fees may apply.

Assiniboine Park

Assiniboine Park is a perennial favorite among Winnipeg couples. With its vast green spaces, charming footbridges, and picturesque gardens, this park provides endless opportunities for beautiful outdoor photos. The Leo Mol Garden, in particular, is a stunning spot for capturing intimate, nature-infused moments, though pre-booking and fees apply for this area. For a broader range of photos, the surrounding parkland offers plenty of free-to-access spaces.

The Exchange District/Downtown

For couples who love urban settings, the Exchange District and downtown Winnipeg offer a perfect backdrop. The historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and vibrant street art make this area a go-to for capturing stylish, city-chic photos. This public space requires no booking or fees, allowing you the freedom to explore and shoot at your leisure.

Upper Fort Garry

Nestled in the heart of downtown, Upper Fort Garry combines historical significance with modern urban flair. Its old gates and beautifully landscaped grounds provide a charming backdrop, especially for couples getting married at nearby venues like the Manitoba Club or Fort Garry Hotel. The hustle and bustle of the city adds a dynamic element to your photos, with the occasional car horn or passerby enhancing the lively downtown vibe.

St. Vital Park, Kildonan Park and King’s Park

St. Vital Park, Kildonan Park and King’s Park are scenic public parks with lush greenery, duck ponds and picturesque footbridges. These parks are ideal for couples looking to capture romantic, nature-filled moments. In the fall, the vibrant colors of the changing leaves add a stunning touch to your photos, making them a perfect choice for seasonal sessions.

FortWhyte Alive

If you and your partner are nature enthusiasts, FortWhyte Alive offers an immersive outdoor experience. With lakes, forests, and floating boardwalks, this nature reserve provides a diverse landscape for your wedding or engagement photos. Whether you're posing by the water’s edge or strolling through the forest, FortWhyte Alive is perfect for capturing moments infused with nature. Note that there is an admission fee, so check their website for details.

University of Winnipeg

For couples with a personal connection to this iconic institution, the University of Winnipeg offers stunning architectural backgrounds for your photos. From stately stone buildings to modern lecture halls, this campus provides a blend of tradition and contemporary style. If you have a special spot on campus, like the place you first met, it’s worth incorporating it into your photo session. You might even be able to access indoor areas with the right connections!