A Classic St. Paul Wedding at Irvine Park & City House | St. Paul Wedding Photographer
Jackson and Amy’s modern St. Paul wedding began with a rainy, intimate ceremony in front of the iconic Irvine Park fountain and ended with a fun, urban brunch reception at City House overlooking the Mississippi River. Their wedding was a beautiful blend of my favorite St Paul spots and it was so fun to finally get to shoot a wedding here! This was my own neighborhood for 4 years—my family would walk to Irvine Park almost daily—and I’ve long thought what a perfect spot it is for a couple wanting a beautiful outdoor space that really speaks to Old St Paul charm, but still be central enough for reception options. We moved from the neighborhood the same month that I shot Jackson and Amy’s wedding and it felt like a nice little send off, getting to visit these places in a new capacity. Even though we moved a bit further down the road, I don’t think there’s another St. Paul wedding photographer who knows and loves this area as much as I do!
Wedding Ceremony at Irvine Park in St. Paul
Let this blog be your guide to show you how beautiful it can be when it rains! Even during your outdoor park ceremony. Let this also be assurance from a seasoned wedding photographer that things can still feel gorgeous and special, even when your plans go sideways. I got you! And honestly, I think it makes for a grounding experience for everyone. There’s a kind of buzz in the air as guests arrive, and a Are-they-really-doing-this?! vibe that feels exciting! It immediately pulls you in a time and space where it’s easier to be present.
It was a vendor effort to pull this off! Shout out to Rustic Elegance for being flexible in coordination as we kept checking and rechecking the radar, making the call at the very last moment. Primped did a beautiful sleek bun for Amy that minimized any frizz and still looked perfect hours later. Flutterby Celebrations doing the officiating was unphased and upbeat. And Tim Thornburg Films, who is so fun to work alongside, assuring our couple that our professional gear can handle a few drops and that we were both ready and willing!
Irvine Park is a great spot for a wedding, and can handle both a crowd or just a couple witnesses. A+J had 100+ guests that were all accommodated by chairs in a half moon around the fountain. The “aisle” started at the top of the hill with a dramatic walk down a staircase for Amy where she met her dad at the bottom. It was one of the most emotional aisle walks I’ve witnessed yet, and I was able to get lots of documentation of it. For an officiant, a speaker is ideal to be heard over the ambient fountain noise. Parking for all of your guests can get tricky—the park is surrounded by permit only spots—but the city will give you a set amount of temporary passes when you reserve the park for a wedding. Parking really opens up on West 7th, but you’ll need to walk 2-3 blocks. Amy and Jackson also got a few extra spots for themselves by booking an Airbnb that overlooks the fountain. Irvine Park is literally at it’s doorstep and it made logistics a lot easier, especially with the rain, a baby, and an extra early hair and makeup time!
Brunch Wedding Reception at City House, St. Paul
I bet you didn’t even know you could do a wedding here, did you? As someone who has strolled to City House multiple times for cheese curds and cocktails with a view of downtown, I’d considered many times how unique and fun it could be! J+A’s wedding reception did not disappoint and was definitely both of those things. And this time instead of curds and cocktails, we had the most beautiful brunch spread from Lancer Hospitality Group and a bottomless supply of coffee. The couple even spent time thrifting a motley assortment of mugs with thank notes attached as their wedding favor, so we could all drink our beverages with an extra shot of charm. The atmosphere was historic, eclectic, and fun with the tunes of the Argyle Street Trio to accompany the party.
City House is a seasonal venue, so if you’d like to get married there, plan for the warmer months. Transitioning from Irvine Park was as simple as driving down the hill and finding a spot in the parking garage next door. The garage is located underneath a residential building, but it was clearly marked with City House signage. I’d recommend that your guests carpool when available.
Wedding Portraits in Downtown St. Paul
Even though it wasn’t included in the original plan, we got to include a stop at another of my favorite nearby spots—Rice Park in downtown Saint Paul! Amy and Jackson were scheduled to do a little sendoff in their convertible with guests waving them off from Irvine Park before we all transitioned to City House. (With a brunch wedding, this was going to be our alternative to a classic end-of-night goodbye that still felt natural while getting that fun crowd involvement vibe.) Instead, we drove to Rice Park during a break in the rain and revelry with Tim and I in the backseat.
There are so many options in Rice Park! We focused on the Landmark Center exterior. It’s another classic spot in the city that made for beautiful portraits that could also include the car. The stone facade was also great for making Amy’s colorful Studio B Floral bouquet pop. Another favorite photo spot that I’ve used many times is the George Latimer Central Library across the street. The gorgeous white stone building is photogenic in every situation, it just didn’t have any spots out front for a quick in-and-out sesh.
Planning your own St. Paul wedding?
Whether you’ve got your eye on Irvine Park, City House, or any of the other beautiful wedding venues that St Paul has to offer, I’d love to chat! Documenting your day in a way that feels effortless, joyful, and authentic would be an honor.
Inquire here to learn more about working together.
