Amy K Photography
Wedding Photos at
The Essence Event Center in St. Paul
Fast facts
Best lighting and portrait spots:
- The space around the building itself is lovely for outdoor portraits. It features white hydrangeas, classic bricks with modern accents, tall windows, and courtyard with a high wooden privacy fence.
- At sunset, climb to the top of the neighboring parking garage for the perfect golden light.
Rain plan options: The bridal suite and ceremony space both work well as rainy day backup locations for portraits.
Parking and access: There is a parking lot and a small parking ramp out front and entry to the venue at ground level.
Ideal photo timeline for this venue: 8 hr example
1:00 PM - Photographer arrives to begin detail shots
1:15 PM - Couple gets dressed
1:45 PM - First look in the courtyard, private vows, and couples’ portraits
2:45 PM - Wedding party photos
3:30 PM - Family photos
4:00 PM - Hide couple, photographer captures reception space details
4:30 PM - Indoor ceremony
5:00 PM - Cocktail hour candids as the couple mingles with their guests
5:45 PM - Cocktail hour ends and guests are invited to their seats
6:00 PM - First dance, welcome, and blessing
6:10 PM - Dinner is served
6:45 PM - Cake cutting
7:15 PM - Toasts
7:40 PM - Sunset photos
8:00 PM - Parent dances
8:10 PM - Dance floor opens
9:00 PM - Photography coverage ends
The Essence Event Center is an elegant space with unexpected architectural touches that make it a unique and beautiful venue. Tall windows allow natural light to flood the ceremony space inside, even on cloudy days, and the original brick walls add charm to each room. With spacious getting ready rooms upstairs and a fenced-in courtyard for privacy behind the venue, there are fantastic photo opportunities everywhere you turn. It’s St. Paul location is easily accessible for guests and couples love getting married at the Essence Event Center because the staff are wonderful to work with and the venue has the perfect bones to personalize and make their event exactly what they’ve always envisioned.
What a day here looks like
Chrissy and Sam’s wedding day at the Essence Event Center unfolded with joyful delight from the moment they shared their first look. Their pure elation of starting life together set the tone perfectly before they moved into portraits with their wedding party - full of the laughter and banter that comes naturally with close friends. Once everyone was warmed up, they headed inside for family photos and a short breather before guests began to arrive. The indoor ceremony space was modern with charming architectural touches adding depth and color; Chrissy’s cousin officiated a ceremony that struck the perfect balance of sincerity and humor, making the whole room feel connected to their story.
Afterward, guests mingled while Chrissy and Sam enjoyed a few minutes to themselves to sign their marriage license and enjoy their signature cocktails before joining the celebration. They opted to kick the evening off with their first dance before dinner and a handful of toasts after the meal kept guests engaged before the dance floor officially opened. They stepped away briefly for a few sunset portraits atop the neighboring parking garage before returning to the party where a live band’s energy had the crowd ready to celebrate.
Tips for couples
When to schedule portraits for the best light: By scheduling portraits in later morning or early afternoon, you’ll enjoy softer light for flattering portraits! It may not be possible to avoid photos while the sun is at its strongest at noon; with strategic positioning and using various backgrounds around the venue, you’ll still be able to capture beautiful photos.
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 will keep everyone you need nearby to quickly move through your list of desired photos.
Quiet spots for a first look or private vows: The courtyard behind the building is private and quiet; on rainy days, the ceremony space is a nice option!
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 ceremony space is stunning on rainy days! It also works well for photos, but if the rain is light, the outdoor spaces around the building are still fantastic backgrounds when you use clear umbrellas to stay dry.
What is the best season here? The Essence Event Center is a gorgeous venue year-round!