Wedding Photos at
Belle Âme in
River Falls
Belle Âme is an elegant vineyard wedding venue that feels like stepping into Tuscany, with Italian-inspired architecture and quiet, unassuming rows of vines nestled beyond a charming courtyard. Its River Falls location is close enough to the Twin Cities to be a convenient destination for any guests from out of the area, and its private setting makes couples feel like they’ve been transported to a villa all their own. With multiple ceremony location options, modern indoor finishes, and stunning natural light, it’s easy to see why it’s sought out by romantic, sentimental, and fun-loving couples who want their wedding day to be a representation of their love and celebration of the beginning of their married lives together.
Fast facts
Best lighting and portrait spots:
- The grounds feature open fields, grape vines, and a lush tree line that provide options for every lighting situation
- The bridal suite features natural light and a fun, floral wall perfect for getting ready photos and indoor portraits
Rain plan options: There is an open air, covered pavilion on the grounds often used for ceremonies; the reception area is spacious enough to accommodate hosting wedding ceremonies as well. It, along with the venue’s bar space, can also be used for beautiful indoor photos.
Parking and access: There is a parking lot out front with handicap access.
Ideal photo timeline for this venue: 10 hr example
11:00 AM - Photographers arrive to begin flat lay and detail shots
12:00 PM - Hair and makeup done, wedding party getting ready photos
12:45 PM - Couple gets dressed
12:30 PM - Final touches, first look with wedding party
1:30 PM - First look, private vows, and couples’ portraits
2:30 PM - Wedding party photos
3:15 PM - Family photos
3:45 PM - Hide couple, marriage license signing
4:00 PM - Champagne toast with family and wedding party
4:30 PM - Ceremony
5:00 PM - Cocktail hour candids in the courtyard, reception space detail photos
6:00 PM - Cocktail hour ends and guests are invited to their seats
6:15 PM - Welcome, dinner begins
7:00 PM - Private cake cutting
7:15 PM - Toasts
8:00 PM - First dance, parent dances, other special dances
8:15 PM - Sunset photos
9:00 PM - Photography coverage ends
What a day here looks like
Helen started her day with her bridesmaids in the spacious upstairs bridal suite, peeking through the curtains to keep an eye on the groom and groomsmen as they organized a few things in the ceremony space outdoors before they came back inside to get ready themselves.
On a warm summer day, the shady spots along the edge of the tree line were the ideal locations for their first look and initial portraits, before they ventured into the sun to explore the vineyard a bit more. After wedding party and family photos, they invited their closest family and friends upstairs to share a special champagne toast and to witness the signing of their marriage license.
The wedding ceremony was followed by drinks in the courtyard and a Mediterranean dinner by Baba’s before hilarious toasts had the whole room laughing and the DJs got everyone up on their feet and onto the dance floor to party the night away!
Tips for couples
When to schedule portraits for the best light: When you’re able to schedule portraits in the later morning or early afternoon instead of over the noon hour, you’ll find softer light. That isn’t always possible, and luckily, this venue does offer a variety of spaces that can work for full-sun portraits and shaded portraits when the light is harsher.
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 work well so that your family members don’t wander off and get lost during cocktail hour. Pro tip: Assign someone from each family to be responsible for gathering everyone you need for your photos to keep things moving!
Quiet spots for a first look or private vows: Finding a bit of shade in the tree line or tucking yourselves away between the rows of grape vines are easily walkable from the venue but far enough to provide more privacy for these quiet moments.
Mini FAQ
Do we need a permit for photos at Belle Âme? No permit is needed for photos at Belle Âme.
Where can we move if it rains? The outdoor pavilion and indoor reception space can both be considered as backup ceremony locations in the rain. For photos, these spaces will also work well, in addition to the bridal suite upstairs! If the rain is light, the outdoor spaces are stunning with clear umbrellas to protect you from getting wet.
What is the best season here? Belle Âme is a year-round wedding venue with indoor and outdoor ceremony options.