Amy K Photography
Wedding Photos at
Genesis Ranch in
Rosemount
Fast facts
Best lighting and portrait spots: The yard surrounding the main house, wood fence line, and the mowed paths across the driveway provide a variety of portrait backgrounds with good lighting.
Rain plan options: The covered pavilion, typically used as the reception space, can be used as a backup rain location.
Parking and access: There is a parking lot out front and a golf cart available to take guests to the ceremony site if couples choose the hilltop meadow.
Ideal photo timeline for this venue: 10 hr example
11:00 AM - Photographer arrives to begin flat lay and detail shots
12:00 PM - Bride gets dressed, final touches
12:30 PM - First look with bridesmaids
1:00 PM - First look with bride’s dad
1:15 PM - Bride and groom’s first look in front of the house and couples’ portraits
2:15 PM - Wedding party photos
2:45 PM - Family photos
3:15 PM - Hide couple, photographer captures candids and details pre-ceremony
4:00 PM - Courtyard ceremony
4:30 PM - Remaining immediate family photos and cocktail hour candids
5:00 PM - Extended family photos
5:30 PM - Cocktail hour ends and guests are invited to their seats
5:45 PM - Grand entrance
6:00 PM - Dinner begins
6:45 PM - Toasts and cake cutting
7:00 PM - First dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, other special dances
7:45 PM - Dance floor opens
8:00 PM - Sunset photos
9:00 PM - Photography coverage ends
Located on 26 acres of wooded land about 20 minutes south of St. Paul, Genesis Ranch is a rustic and modern wedding venue that highlights the natural beauty of Minnesota with two outdoor ceremony location options that make you feel like you’re getting married in an enchanted forest. It’s the perfect place to host a wedding when you want your guests to have room to spread out while remaining close to the action because it features separate spaces for the bar and reception, with fire pits and room for yard games in the evening. Couples love to get married at Genesis Ranch because they feel it’s private and secluded yet has all the amenities they’d expect for a memorable wedding day.
What a day here looks like
Abigail and Kristian’s wedding day at Genesis Ranch was bright, breezy, and filled with emotion. They laughed and cried their way through their first look before enjoying a few minutes on the wooden swing in the front yard and making the most of the time available for their portraits. Their ceremony was held in the meadow at the top of the hill, where guests shared blankets and shed a few tears over the couple’s personal vows. Appetizers and yard games kept the mingling during cocktail hour lively, as guests waited to enter the pavilion decorated with cheerful florals and greenery and housing several heaters to keep the space toasty on such a windy day.
As golden hour arrived, Kristian and Abigail hopped into a golf cart and cruised down the dirt road for sunset photos, making the most of the venue’s private location. The evening rolled into a fun, relaxed reception with sweet treats and a packed dance floor. To cap off the night, the groom gathered all his friends together for their traditional wedding cigar photo - a spirited, smoke finale to the day.
Tips for couples
When to schedule portraits for the best light: If you’re able to schedule portraits in later morning or early afternoon instead of right at noon (when the light is most harsh), you’ll enjoy softer light for when you’re in the open spaces featured around this venue.
Where to tuck in family photos: If you’re planning a first look, try to fit family photos in prior to the ceremony so you can join the festivities as soon as cocktail hour begins! Otherwise, family photos immediately following the ceremony will be your best bet for having the people you need nearby so you can make the most of the party.
Quiet spots for a first look or private vows: Genesis Ranch has a number of tucked-away areas like the meadow ceremony space and the steps leading to it, but the more open spaces near the house and rustic fence also work well for a quiet first look and private vows.
Mini FAQ
Do we need a permit for photos at Genesis Ranch? No permit is needed for photos at Genesis Ranch.
Where can we move if it rains? The reception pavilion is commonly used as a rain location for both photos and wedding ceremonies.
What is the best season here? Genesis Ranch can be booked year round; the pavilion has sides that can be used with heaters or fans to keep the temperature in check. A mid-winter wedding may still be a bit chilly, however!