Soldiers Field Memorial Park: An Unexpected Engagement Photo Spot in Rochester, MN

At first glance, a memorial park might not sound like the most romantic place for engagement photos. But don’t let the name fool you, Soldiers Field Memorial Park has plenty of scenic spots that make it a great option!

By the end of this article, you’ll know whether this park deserves a spot on your list of potential photoshoot locations.

A Quick Look at Soldiers Field Memorial Park

Soldiers Field is located just south of downtown Rochester, in the Historic Southwest Neighborhood, within walking distance from the city center. It’s a large urban park with several distinct areas, including:

• A field with a race track often used for city events
• A veteran memorial (which we’ll probably skip for engagement photos)
• A brand-new swimming pool
• Five tennis courts
• A large and exciting playground named Field of Fun

To the south, the park is bordered by Soldiers Field Golf Course. Scattered throughout, you’ll find massive, well-established trees that offer beautiful shade in summer and can add depth and character to your photos.

Why Consider This Park for Your Engagement Session?

Unlike more rugged locations like Quarry Hill or Willow Creek Reservoir, Soldiers Field isn’t known for tall grass, rolling hills, or wild nature. Instead, it offers a well-maintained, flat landscape with neatly trimmed lawns. So, what makes it a great choice for photography?

A Stunning Cityscape Backdrop

From Soldiers Field, you get a clear view of some of Rochester’s most iconic buildings, including:

• The striking carillon of the Plummer Building
• The modern Mayo Clinic – Kellen Building
• The Mayo Clinic Guggenheim Building

Urban meets nature in a way that creates a unique contrast, which perfect for couples who want a mix of city and park vibes in their photos.

Majestic Trees for a Timeless Look

Big, beautiful trees are a photographer’s best friend. They frame portraits wonderfully, add natural texture, and create dreamy light filtering through the leaves. Soldiers Field has a mix of maple, oak, elm, and basswood trees that provide a great natural backdrop for your session.

A Bonus for Families: The Field of Fun

Now, I wouldn’t typically recommend a playground as the go-to spot for engagement photos (unless your dream proposal happened on a swing set; then, by all means, embrace the nostalgia!). But if you’re bringing kids along for a few family shots, this playground is a major perk. You can negotiate with them: “Smile for a few pictures, then you get to play!” It’s a win-win.

How to Make the Most of Soldiers Field for Unique & Original Engagement Photos

Most couples looking for “traditional” engagement photography might not consider the following ideas. But stepping outside the box can lead to some truly creative and memorable shots! If you’re up for something unique, here are a few ways to make your session at Soldiers Field one of a kind.

Add a Touch of Fashion at the Swimming Pool or Tennis Court

If you love high-fashion photography from the ’80s and ’90s (think Guy Bourdin and Helmut Newton) then why not bring some of that energy to your engagement session? These photographers were known for bold colors, striking flash work, and dramatic compositions.

Modern engagement sessions often lean into soft, natural aesthetics, but if you’re feeling daring, a plastic-heavy environment like a swimming pool or a tennis court could be a perfect setting. The clean lines, vibrant colors, and reflective surfaces can give your photos a stylish, editorial feel; almost like a Polaroid straight out of a vintage fashion magazine.

You just have to embrace the second-degree humor of it all. A couple in elegant outfits, standing nonchalantly on a tennis court with rackets? Now, that’s a statement.

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Capture a Fun Documentary-Style Shoot During Rochesterfest

If you love the work of British photographer Martin Parr, you know that blending real-life events with portraiture can create something truly special. Imagine taking engagement photos in the middle of Rochesterfest, surrounded by carnival rides, food stalls, and excited festival-goers.

The mix of candid, playful moments and the festival atmosphere could give your session a spontaneous, lighthearted, and almost cinematic feel. Just think holding hands with a funnel cake in one hand, laughing while trying to win a giant stuffed animal… pure gold.

Elevate Your Shoot with the Golf Course’s Scenic Views

If you happen to be a member of Soldiers Field Golf Course, consider using it as a backdrop! The course offers beautiful green landscapes, a peaceful setting along the Zumbro River, and a fantastic view of the Plummer Building.

Few people think about golf courses for engagement photos, but their well-manicured greens and open skies create a refined, upscale look. It’s like having a private park with exclusive access!

Best Photo Opportunities by Season

Every season brings something unique to Soldiers Field. Here’s what you can expect:

Winter

• The ice rink is a fun option. Imagine capturing moments of you and your partner ice-skating together. (Bonus points if one of you is terrible at it!)
• A fresh snowfall can turn the park into a winter wonderland, perfect for cozy, romantic shots.

Spring

• Spring isn’t the park’s strongest season, but cranberry trees offer some pops of color.
• Instead, I’d suggest using Memorial Parkway SW in the Historic District, where pink flowering trees line the street; much more visually striking!

Summer

• This is when Soldiers Field is at its best: the trees are full, the grass is lush, and the park feels vibrant.
• Golden hour in the summer light? Chef’s kiss.

Fall

• The big maple, oak, and elm trees turn stunning shades of orange and yellow, making it perfect for classic autumn engagement shots.
• If you love the cozy, sweater-weather vibe, this is your season!

Limitations of Soldiers Field Compared to Other Parks (and How to Work Around Them)

While Soldiers Field has its advantages, there are a few limitations to remember when choosing it for your engagement or wedding photos. Fortunately, there are solutions to each!

Lack of Foreground Elements

Soldiers Field is mostly an open lawn, which means it lacks natural foreground elements like tall grass or low-hanging branches that photographers often use to create a sense of depth in photos.

Solution:

• To add variety, consider pairing this location with another spot that has more natural textures, such as Quarry Hill, Silver Lake, or the Historic District.
• You can also use creative framing techniques with tree trunks, benches, or even the cityscape in the background to add more depth.

No Covered Areas

Like most parks, Soldiers Field doesn’t have a covered structure, which means there’s nowhere to take shelter if it rains.

Solution:

• If the forecast looks rainy, consider a backup indoor location like the Mayo Civic Center or another nearby venue with covered areas.
• A clear umbrella can also turn a rainy photoshoot into a romantic moment!

Should You Consider Soldiers Field for Wedding Day Photos?

One major advantage of Soldiers Field is its convenient location near downtown Rochester.

Many couples get ready in high-end hotels like the Kahler Grand, Hilton, or DoubleTree, and if their wedding venue doesn’t have an ideal setting for couple portraits, stopping at Soldiers Field for photos can be a great option.

However, if you’re getting married at a stunning venue like Mayo Woodlands, Mayowood Stone Barn, or The Capitol Room, you likely won’t need an additional photo stop.

Soldiers Field Park: Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ and their answers

What is Soldiers Field Memorial Park?

Soldiers Field Memorial Park is a large urban park located just south of downtown Rochester, Minnesota, in the Historic Southwest Neighborhood. It offers a mix of recreational facilities and green spaces.

What facilities are available at Soldiers Field Memorial Park?

The park includes:

• A field with a racetrack often used for city events.
• A veteran memorial.
• A brand-new swimming pool.
• Five tennis courts.
• A large playground called “Field of Fun”.
• It’s also bordered by the Soldiers Field Golf Course to the south.

Is Soldiers Field Memorial Park a good location for engagement photos?

Yes! While it’s a memorial park, it offers several scenic spots for photography. Its unique blend of cityscape views (including the Plummer Building carillon, Mayo Clinic – Kellen Building, and Mayo Clinic Guggenheim Building) and majestic trees (maple, oak, elm, and basswood) provides a versatile backdrop for engagement photos.

What are some unique photo opportunities at Soldiers Field?

• High-fashion shots: Utilize the clean lines and vibrant colors of the swimming pool or tennis courts for a bold, editorial look.
• Documentary-style photos: If your session aligns with Rochesterfest, you can capture candid and fun moments amidst the festival atmosphere.
• Golf course views: If you’re a member of the Soldiers Field Golf Course, its well-manicured greens, Zumbro River setting, and views of the Plummer Building offer an upscale backdrop.

What are the best seasons for photos at Soldiers Field?

• Winter: The ice rink offers a fun, unique option, and fresh snowfall can create a beautiful winter wonderland.
• Spring: While not its strongest season, you can find some color from cranberry trees. For more vibrant spring blooms, consider nearby Memorial Parkway SW in the Historic District.
• Summer: This is when the park is at its best, with lush green grass and full trees. Golden hour lighting is particularly beautiful.
• Fall: The large maple, oak, and elm trees display stunning orange and yellow hues, perfect for classic autumn photos.

Are there any limitations to consider when choosing Soldiers Field for photos?

Yes, there are a couple:

• Lack of Foreground Elements: The park is mostly open lawn, which means fewer natural foreground elements like tall grass or low-hanging branches for depth.
  • Solution: Consider pairing your session with other nearby locations like Quarry Hill, Silver Lake, or the Historic District for more variety, or use creative framing with existing structures.
• No Covered Areas: Like most parks, there are no covered structures for shelter in case of rain.
  • Solution: Have a backup indoor location (like the Mayo Civic Center) or consider using clear umbrellas for a romantic rainy-day shoot.

Should I consider Soldiers Field for wedding day photos?

Yes, it can be a good option due to its convenient location near downtown Rochester. If you’re getting ready at nearby hotels (Kahler Grand, Hilton, DoubleTree) and your wedding venue doesn’t have an ideal setting for portraits, Soldiers Field can be a smart, easy stop for outdoor photos. However, if your venue already offers stunning backdrops (like Mayo Woodlands, Mayowood Stone Barn, or The Capitol Room), an additional stop may not be necessary.

Where is Soldiers Field Memorial Park located?

The park’s address is 244 Soldiers Field Drive SW, Rochester, MN 55902.

What’s the contact number for Rochester Parks & Recreation regarding the park?

You can reach Rochester Parks & Recreation at 507-328-2311.

Final Thoughts

Soldiers Field is a convenient and versatile location for engagement or wedding photos, but it shines when combined with other settings:
Pair it with downtown Rochester or the Historic District for variety.
Opt for a creative approach with the swimming pool or tennis courts.
On your wedding day, if the park isn’t too busy with city events, it can be a smart, easy stop for outdoor portraits on the way to your venue.

So, is this park right for your session? That depends on your style; but with the right approach, Soldiers Field can offer some fantastic and unique photo opportunities!

Of course, If you need a good photographer for your session in Rochester, MN, contact me today!

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