Amy K Photography
Wedding Photos at
The Essence Event Center in St. Paul
Fast facts
Best lighting and portrait spots:
- For natural greenery, the outdoor courtyard and park across the street provide beautiful lighting and portrait backgrounds
- For settings featuring modern elegance, the bridal suite and fireside room are ideal portrait locations
- For soft, golden, sunset lighting, the front of the building and the park will make your photos pop
Rain plan options: The fireside room and lakeside room could both be utilized as backup locations in case of rain.
Parking and access: There is a parking lot out front, handicap access, and security on site.
Ideal photo timeline for this venue: 10 hr example
10:30 AM - Photographers arrive to begin flat lay and detail shots
11:30 AM - Hair and makeup done, cute bridal party pajama photos, groom and groomsmen getting ready photos
12:00 PM - Bride gets dressed
12:30 PM - Final touches, first look with dad
1:00 PM - Bride and groom’s first look in the courtyard, private vows, and couples’ portraits
2:00 PM - Wedding party photos
2:30 PM - Family photos
3:30 PM - Hide couple, photographer captures candids and details pre-ceremony
4:00 PM - Courtyard ceremony
4:30 PM - Marriage license signing upstairs and cocktail hour candids in the courtyard
5:00 PM - Reception space detail 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
7:15 PM - Sunset portraits in the park
7:30 PM - First dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, other special dances
7:45 PM - Dance floor opens
8:30 PM - Photography coverage ends
The Hutton House is a chic, modern space that allows couples to make every aspect of their wedding day their own. It features gorgeous natural light and bright spaces indoors and a charming private courtyard surrounded by lush greenery outside - truly the best of both worlds. It’s Medicine Lake location is close enough to the cities to be convenient for any guests who are traveling, and there is a peaceful elegance in the space that welcomes you when you arrive. With multiple ceremony location options, on-site security, and friendly and experienced staff, couples love choosing the Hutton House because there are countless ways to personalize their experience and they know they’ll be supported at every step along the way.
The Essence Event Center is an elegant space with unique architectural touches that make it a unique and beautiful venue.
What a day here looks like
A short narrative of a real or typical timeline with photo opportunities.
Arrive early for hair and makeup in the bridal suite upstairs, have a few snacks, and listen to your favorite music while surrounded by your bridal party.
Tips for couples
When to schedule portraits for the best light: Light is the most harsh at noon because the sun is at its highest; if you’re able to schedule portraits in later morning or early afternoon instead of right at noon, you’ll enjoy softer light for stunning images when you’re in the open spaces featured around this venue.
Where to tuck in family photos: Family photos prior to the ceremony work well if you’re planning a first look. Otherwise, family photos immediately following the ceremony can make the most of your incredible ceremony space while keeping everyone you need nearby to quickly move through your list of desired photos.
Quiet spots for a first look or private vows: The courtyard tucked behind the building and nearby park are both quiet and private; on rainy days, the fireside room and even the lounge at the top of the stairs are nice options!
Mini FAQ
Do we need a permit for photos at the Essence Event Center? No permit is needed for photos at the Essence Event Center.
Where can we move if it rains? The indoor fireside room and lakeside room are bright and spacious options as backup ceremony locations in the rain. For photos, these spaces will also work well, in addition to the bridal suite upstairs! If it’s only a light rain, the outdoor spaces also look lovely with clear umbrellas to protect you from getting wet.
What is the best season here? The Hutton House is a stunning venue year-round!