Outdoor Winter Engagement Photos on a Frozen Lake

If you live in the North Star State and aren’t afraid of cold temperatures, one fun winter activity is having an engagement session on a frozen lake. To get the best photos (and not just end up freezing in the wind) you’ll need a bit of preparation. You don’t want to be shivering the whole time or, worse, fall into the water!

Here, we’ll discuss how to plan such a session in Rochester, MN, covering clothing, weather forecasts, the best time of day, fun activities, and, finally, a list of great locations.

Walking on a Frozen Lake: Is It Worth It? A Dreamy Winter Wonderland in Photos

When I moved from Paris to Minnesota, one of the things I was most excited about was experiencing winter. I had seen Minnesota mostly through movies like Fargo, depicting frozen plains covered in snow.

As I traveled north to Duluth, Lutsen, and other cities along the shore of Lake Superior, I discovered how magical winter could be. The towering pine trees covered in snow felt like something out of a fairy tale. Unfortunately, in Rochester, MN, we don’t have those vast pine forests, but we do have frozen lakes, which, in the right conditions, can be just as magical.

How to Dress for Your Session

The biggest mistake you want to avoid is underdressing and freezing throughout the session. If you’re uncomfortable, you won’t enjoy the moment, which will show in your portraits.

Minnesotans always say: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” This is especially true when you’re walking on a frozen lake with blasting winds!

• If you haven’t yet, invest in a warm winter coat, such as a Canada Goose coat.
• A wool pea coat can also work if it’s not too cold.
• Wear good snow boots to keep your feet warm and dry.
• Layers are key! Even for men, wearing thermal leggings and wool socks under your pants will make a huge difference.
• Under your coat, wear a wool sweater, or alpaca, cashmere, or merino wool not only keeps you warm but also looks great in photos.

Tips to Stay Warm:

• Consider using foot warmers and hand warmers. Activate them at least 15 minutes before the session to allow them to heat up fully.
• Battery-powered heated jackets can be a great option for extra warmth.

When to Schedule Your Frozen Lake Session

There are three key factors to consider: ice thickness, temperature, and lighting.

Ice Thickness

Safety first! Make sure the ice is thick enough to walk on. You do NOT want to fall into freezing water.

• A general rule is that 4 inches of ice can support an adult.
• Given that there will be three of us (the couple and the photographer), it’s safer to aim for 5 to 6 inches.
• For reference, a car needs 12 to 15 inches of ice to drive on it.

Weather Forecast

To fully enjoy your session, avoid days that are too cold or too windy. I recommend waiting for temperatures above 15°F and choosing a day without strong wind gusts.

Sun and Lighting

Lighting is crucial in photography. The best time for warm, golden light is during sunrise or sunset. This creates a beautiful contrast between the warm tones of the sun and the cool blue of the ice.

• A sunrise session offers a intimate atmosphere, often with the lake all to yourselves.
• A sunset session adds a dramatic touch with warm colors reflecting on the ice.

What Kind of Frozen Lake Works Best for Photos?

Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so there are plenty of options! While most lakes will work, a few key factors can make a big difference in your final images.

Surrounding Area

Look for lakes with tall pine trees in the background, evoking the wilderness of the Far North. Reeds can also add a nice golden contrast to the snow. Avoid locations with distracting elements like houses or buildings (unless they add to the charm, such as a rustic cabin).

Size of the Lake

Avoid small ponds. Instead opt for a lake that’s at least 2 acres to provide a more expansive, open feel.

Crowds

Some lakes get crowded with ice fishers, tents, and pickup trucks. Choose a less populated lake if you want a serene, intimate setting.

Reservoirs & Artificial Lakes

Most reservoirs and artificial lakes work well for photos if they are large enough. However, avoid those with active aeration systems, as these create thin, unsafe ice. For instance, people getting married at Quarry Hill Nature Center during winter always ask to use its pond, but this one, with its aeration system, is not safe.

Frozen Rivers

During extremely cold stretches, some rivers freeze over. The Zumbro River in Rochester, MN, sometimes does, as does the Mississippi River in parts. Always check for safe ice thickness. Look for footprints or, even better, tire tracks!

Best Lakes for a Frozen Engagement Session in Rochester, MN

If you’re looking for a picturesque frozen lake for your engagement session (or even a stop during your wedding day), here are some great options in Rochester, MN:

• Silver Lake – Located near downtown, this is a convenient location with a picturesque limestone bridge. It’s ideal if you have a wedding at the Mayo Stone Barn.
  You can also bring bread or corn to feed the geese!
• Silver Creek Reservoir – Simple, large reservoir with reeds and pine trees in the background.
• Kalmar Reservoir (KR-7) – Great reservoir. Bordered by reeds, with Byron’s hills in the background.
• Eastside Wildlife Management Area – Open view. Bordered by reeds. Nearby pine and oak trees can also be used in photos.
• Foster-Arend Lake – Medium-sized lake with deciduous trees in the background. It can be crowded by people ice fishing.
• Chester Woods Park Lake – A stunning large artificial lake with tree trunks emerging from the water.
• Cascade Lake – A newer recreation area with a mix of open ice and natural scenery. It would work near the shore.
• Willow Creek Reservoir – A quieter location that can provide a serene and intimate backdrop.
• Zumbro River (when frozen) – Unique for engagement sessions, but always check ice safety first.

Fun Activities to Do During Your Frozen Lake Session

Beyond the usual romantic poses (walking, hugging, and kissing), here are some fun activities to make your session unique:

• Cozy blanket & hot cocoa: Wrap yourselves in a warm blanket and sip hot chocolate.
• Playing with reeds: Blow on reed seeds and capture them floating in the air.
• Snow angels: If there’s enough snow, lie down and make snow angels together.
• Ice skating: One person can “teach” the other, like a romantic movie moment.
• Cross-country skiing: It’s a fun action shot if you both ski.
• Hockey or broomball: Perfect for hockey fans, bring jerseys!
• Ice fishing: Though it requires preparation, it could be a fun staged shot.
• Sledding: A classic wooden sled makes for a charming prop.
• Dog sledding: A unique way to include your pets!
• Snowball fight: Playful and spontaneous moments always look great in photos.
• Colored powder or smoke bombs: The contrast against the white snow makes for a striking visual.
• Building a snowman: Bring a carrot and props for decoration.

Add a Complementary Location to Your Session

For a complementary location with a different vibe, consider heading to a more urban part of Rochester after your adventurous photos on the lake. Stone buildings provide a beautiful contrast, especially in winter, and limestone structures, in particular, create a timeless backdrop.

The Plummer House or the Mayo Stone Barn are excellent choices for this setting. Rochester Downtown, with red brick buildings and glass buildings, would work as well.

Plus, this change in scenery offers the perfect opportunity to dress in more elegant outfits. So, no need for snow boots anymore!

How to Take the Winter Wonderland Theme Even Further

If you want an even more magical setting, consider driving up north to experience Minnesota’s frozen wilderness.

• Imagine yourself in a fur-lined coat on a reindeer sled, gliding between snow-covered pine trees with mountains in the background.
• Some couples even choose to elope up north, exchanging vows at sunrise in a dreamy, untouched landscape.

Frozen Lake Engagement Session FAQ

Discover even more questions about your session on a Frozen lake!

Safety & Ice Conditions

Q: How do I know if the ice is safe to walk on? A: Safety is our top priority! The ice should be at least 4 inches thick to support an adult, but we recommend 5-6 inches since there will be three of us (couple + photographer). Look for footprints or tire tracks as indicators that others have safely walked on the ice. We’ll always check conditions before the session.

Q: What if I fall through the ice? A: While extremely rare when proper precautions are taken, we only schedule sessions on lakes with confirmed safe ice thickness. We also stay closer to shore and avoid areas with known hazards like aeration systems.

Q: Are there lakes we should avoid? A: Yes! Avoid lakes with active aeration systems (like the pond at Quarry Hill Nature Center), small ponds under 2 acres, and any location where ice thickness hasn’t been verified.

Weather & Timing

Q: How cold is too cold for a session? A: We recommend scheduling when temperatures are above 15°F and avoiding days with strong wind gusts. Remember, it’s often windier on open ice, so actual feel will be colder than the forecast.

Q: What’s the best time of day? A: Sunrise and sunset offer the most magical lighting. Sunrise sessions (around 7-8 AM) provide intimacy with the lake often to ourselves. Sunset sessions (around 4-5 PM) create dramatic warm colors reflecting on the ice.

Q: What months are best for frozen lake sessions? A: Typically December through February, but it depends on weather conditions each year. We’ll monitor ice reports and weather forecasts to determine the optimal timing.

Clothing & Preparation

Q: What should we wear? A: Layer up! Essential items include:

• Warm winter coat (Canada Goose or similar)
• Good snow boots for traction and warmth
• Thermal leggings and wool socks (even for men)
• Wool, cashmere, or merino sweaters
• Hand and foot warmers (activate 15 minutes before the session)

Q: Can we change outfits during the session? A: Due to cold conditions, outfit changes on the ice aren’t practical. However, we can plan a two-location session, starting on the frozen lake then moving to an indoor or urban location like downtown Rochester for warmer, more elegant outfit changes.

Q: What colors photograph best in winter? A: Rich, deep colors create beautiful contrast against snow and ice. Think burgundy, navy, forest green, or classic black. Avoid white or very light colors that might blend with the snow.

Location & Logistics

Q: Which lakes do you recommend in Rochester, MN? A: Top choices include:

• Silver Lake (convenient downtown location with limestone bridge)
• Kalmar Reservoir (KR-7) – bordered by reeds with Byron’s hills backdrop
• Chester Woods Park Lake – large artificial lake with emerging tree trunks
• Eastside Wildlife Management Area – open views with reeds and nearby trees
• Silver Creek Reservoir – simple, large with pine trees

Q: How long does a frozen lake session last? A: Typically 1-2 hours, depending on temperature and comfort level. We work efficiently to capture beautiful images while keeping you comfortable.

Q: What if the weather doesn’t cooperate on our scheduled day? A: We’ll monitor conditions closely and reschedule if needed. Your safety and comfort are more important than sticking to a specific date.

Activities & Props

Q: What activities can we do besides typical poses? A: Fun options include:

• Ice skating (even if you’re beginners!)
• Playing with reed seeds and snow
• Making snow angels
• Cozy blanket and hot cocoa props
• Cross-country skiing or sledding
• Playful snowball fights
• Building a snowman

Q: Should we bring props? A: We can provide some props, but feel free to bring personal items like:

• Thermos of hot chocolate
• Cozy blankets
• Vintage sled
• Hockey jerseys (for sports fans)
• Your pets (if they enjoy snow!)

Photography Details

Q: Will you edit out red noses and cold expressions? A: Absolutely! When possible, we will try to retouch the red nose to ensure you look your best while maintaining the natural beauty of the winter setting.

Q: How many photos will we receive? A: You’ll receive a full gallery of edited high-resolution images, typically 50-100+ photos depending on session length and activities.

Q: Can we include our dog? A: Yes! Dogs often love snow and frozen lakes. Just ensure your pet is comfortable in cold conditions and consider booties to protect their paws from ice.

Booking & Planning

Q: How far in advance should we book? A: Winter weather can be unpredictable, so book as early as possible. We’ll work together to find the perfect conditions within your timeline.

Q: What’s included in the session fee? A: Session includes photography time, editing, high-resolution digital gallery, and consultation on locations and styling. Travel to locations within Rochester, MN area is included.

Q: Can we combine this with other locations? A: Absolutely! Many couples love pairing their frozen lake adventure with urban shots at downtown Rochester’s stone buildings, the Plummer House, or Mayo Stone Barn for variety and warmer outfit changes.

Q: What if we’re not from Minnesota – will we survive the cold? A: With proper preparation and clothing, even cold-weather newcomers can have a magical experience! We’ll provide detailed preparation guides and work efficiently to minimize cold exposure while maximizing beautiful photos.

Conclusion

Even if you’re not a fan of cold temperatures, having your engagement session on a frozen lake in Minnesota is a unique way to embrace winter. This mini-adventure beautifully showcases your love and connection.

As you’ve seen, with a little preparation, it’s easy to have a successful session: dress warmly, check ice thickness, choose a picturesque lake, and have fun!

Contact me if you’re ready to book a session or need a photographer! I’d love to capture your love story in this magical winter setting.