Engagement Session at Plummer House, Rochester, MN

The Front Drive & the House’s façade

A grand circular drive with its central fountain offers the most striking view of the mansion. From here, you’ll notice the striking slate roof, decorative façade beams, and the grand wooden doors, framed by pine and evergreen trees.

The Main Wood Door

The Main door of the House is a photogenic massive wood door in a Gothic arch style. The Stone around creates several layers of borders, enhancing even more the visual sensation.
Finally, some pine trees are planted on each side, creating a vivid contrast with the creamy limestone.

The Rusted Metal Staircase

On the east side, a rusted metal staircase (likely an emergency exit from the third-floor ballroom) makes an unexpected yet charming portrait spot.

The Front Archway

Next to the metal staircase, the house front archway creates a very dark background, working as a frame within a frame, which is very photogenic.

The numerous Roman Arch Windows

On the back of the house, next to the garage, you will find a path with numerous arched windows in stone covered with vines. Again, this is a pretty photogenic location.

The Water Tower & Upper Lawn

Continue east to the upper lawn and its recently renovated water tower—the same tower visible from Apache Mall. Mature trees provide dappled shade here, perfect for soft, romantic portraits.

The back Stone Archway & Vine

Behind the house, a charming stone arch was entwined with wisteria, creating a fairytale-like backdrop.

The Patio Courtyard & Sun Porch

The patio evokes a quaint European village atmosphere and sits beside the elegant greenhouse and sun house, an ideal setting for intimate wedding receptions . What’s more, the patio is often covered with flowers.

Lower Lawn & Fountains

The west-facing lower lawn features two grand fountains. Several staircases lead down to this popular ceremony spot, making it perfect for both vows and portraits.

The Former Green House

Behind the house, next to the metal stairs, stand the ruins of what used to be a greenhouse. This area has a rustic charm, and rest assured, we won’t be using it in its current state. Instead, we will utilize the remaining part of the brick structure, which provides seating. Just behind this area is the Plummer House. Additionally, since it is aligned in the east-west direction, it makes for a great spot for photos.

The Garage and Gatekeeper House

The garage could work for a few pictures.

It’s always fun to know it was the first garage with an automatic door in Rochester, MN!

Evergreen plants

The front vegetal decoration of the Tudor mansion has plenty of evergreen plants. Plus, there are other types of evergreen and pine trees all over the property. That’s very convenient, assuring good greening in the background all year long!

The Flowers

The City of Rochester, Minnesota, is doing a great job of keeping flowers at the Plummer House. Not only do they bring a touch of color to your photos, but I can also directly use them to take detailed pictures of your engagement ring!

The Historic Downtown

For a formal outfit, we recommend pairing Plummer House with urban settings, like downtown for red brick buildings, or for a more chic background, the Plummer Building, or the Kahler Grand Hotel.

The Modern Downtown Buildings for a sense of a big City

Let’s think of all the glass wall buildings! The Gonda building, the Siebens, the Mayo Civic Center, the One Discovery Square, or the Kellen Building.

The Parking Rooftops

For a more rock-and-roll outfit, you can also consider a rooftop in Rochester. Numerous give a view on Rochester’s iconic buildings, such as the Plummer Building (yes, same Dr Plummer), or the Kahler Grand Hotel Sign.

The immediate Plummer House neighborhood

If you want a casual but still urban outfit, you can opt for the Pill Hill Neighborhood itself. Walking in the street will provide you with plenty of gorgeous mansions!
In spring, during the blooming season (so around May 15th), you will want to use the nearby Memorial Pkwy SW, which has its trees covered with pink flowers.

City Park and the woods

If you want a more casual environment, then think of Quarry Hill Park, Chester Woods Park, or Oxbow Park.

Parking & Facilities

Parking: Approximately 40 spaces are available on-site; additional street parking is available near downtown.
Restrooms: No public restrooms on site for self-guided visits—plan accordingly or consider nearby cafés.

Best Lighting

The estate offers abundant shade. In the fall, southern light filters through, illuminating golden leaves across the grounds. The south-facing hill ensures light all day, but the thick vegetation will create some shade.
Luckily for us, the property is oriented East to West, which matches the direction where the sun rises and sets. So the Best time of the day to take a picture is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Keep in mind that the dense vegetation will hinder the view during sunset or sunrise. Plan to conclude your session at least one hour before sunset during the summer.

What to Wear & Props

Attire: Dress in layers and choose colors that complement the Tudor aesthetics—earth tones, jewel tones, and subtle patterns work beautifully.

Props: Fall, consider bringing blankets, a picnic basket, or a vintage bicycle to add a personal touch to your session.

A location open all year round.

Even in winter, the Plummer House remains open, making it a great spot for a winter photo session, even on your wedding day!

Session Tips & Timing

Duration: Plan for 60–90 minutes to explore multiple spots. Golden Hour: Arrive 90 minutes before sunset to capture the warm, soft light. Weather: Bring a clear umbrella or hand warmers for comfort and creative shots.

The Plummer House is also a Wedding venue.

An important point to keep in mind is that the Plummer House, thanks to Rochester Recreation Park, is available for rental. Which means it’s also a wedding venue! And believe me, it’s a pretty affordable and amazing venue (Check out this Brunch Wedding for Instance, or this summer wedding)!

But why is that important for your photo session? Simply because we have rented, the public (us) don’t have access to the exterior property.
That also means that if you want to privatise the entire location for your own session, it’s possible!

Hours & Availability

Plummer House may be closed for private events—call ahead, especially on weekends, to confirm public access.