Wedding Photography at Quarry Hill Nature Center in Rochester, Minnesota

What could be more magical than getting married in a nature center park when you love nature?

That’s exactly what Sophie & Kaitlyn chose: hosting a relaxed and fun ceremony in a venue dedicated to teaching kids (and adults) about the wonders of nature.

Let’s explore their beautiful day—first at the park, then at their reception.

An Unusual Winter Engagement Session

Kait & Sophie don’t follow mainstream trends; they prefer experiences that reflect their personalities. For their engagement session, they skipped conventional locations from my list of the best spots for photos in Rochester. Instead of a classical session at the Plummer House during the fall, they braved subzero sunrise temperatures on three frozen lakes!

It was quite an adventure, and we had a blast.
I couldn’t wait to see what they had planned for their wedding day!

First Look of the Brides

They shared their first look in front of the Prairie House, having not seen each other all morning.

They opted for custom attire by Susanna Bordelon instead of a traditional white gown: one bride wore a flowing royal blue skirt with a white top, and the other chose burgundy pants with a crisp white blazer.

Tears of joy and gusty winds made the moment both emotional and exhilarating.

Their parents watched nearby, ready for the ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony at Quarry Hill Nature Center

Savanna Room: The Perfect Venue

The Savanna Room needed almost no décor. The wooden covered wall and the mounted animals provided a stunning backdrop. On the wall, you can read this message: Everything goes somewhere. Everything is connected. Nature Knows Best, There is no waste in nature, There is no such thing as a free lunch. It’s obviously focused on the ecosystems and food chain, highlighting that all animals are connected.

To personalize the space, they added:

• A green-and-white drapery for a ceremonial feel
• Wood crates displaying the brides’ own drawings
• Two small vases of locally sourced flowers

A Joyful, Tearful Communion

The brides entered arm-in-arm with their parents to cello music. One of their fathers officiated, and heartfelt speeches from friends and family moved everyone to tears.

To raise the emotion further, guests—including the brides—played ukulele, toy xylophone, mini drum, and kazoo together.

It was a beautiful testament to unity, their ease revealing years of shared memories.

This playful yet powerful performance captured the essence of weddings, loved ones gathering in support of the couple. It was one of the most emotional ceremonies I’ve witnessed.

Choice of Nature Center: A Poetic Moment

Sophie and Kaitlyn’s decision to seal their union at Quarry Hill Nature Center was far from random. It carried meaning beyond just the financial aspect (it’s true that renting a space like this for a few hours is much more affordable compared to a traditional wedding venue).

A place like this blends knowledge, education, and respect for all living things: plants and animals alike. And in times when science and education are often under pressure, choosing a nature center becomes a sacred gesture. While some choose to marry in cathedrals, for others, cathedrals can be nature centers, schools, or universities. Knowledge (vast, humbling, and ever-reaching) becomes the sacred. And we, as mortal beings destined to become skeletons ourselves (like the animal skeletons quietly displayed in the background of some photos), are just fleeting creatures on this planet.

In this light, Sophie and Kaitlyn’s choice created a moment that felt deeply poetic to me.

If you’re drawn to spaces like this, you might also consider a library or a contemporary art museum (though in that case, the sacred may begin to lean a little more toward idol worship).

Stunning Portraits on the Trails

Next, we explored the park’s trails for portraits of the newlyweds.

Having photographed many family sessions here—and with my studio up the hill—I led them to the old quarry, where evergreens and bright limestone create a striking contrast.

Braving the freezing wind and rugged paths, the brides were absolute troopers—though I could have shot all day! Soon, we moved to downtown for their reception at Studio 234, embracing Rochester’s urban charm.

Should You Get Married Here?

If you love nature and envision an intimate outdoor wedding, Quarry Hill Nature Center is an excellent choice. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

• Minimal décor required
• Multiple natural photo backdrops
• Affordable rental fee
• Close to downtown amenities
• Unique science-and-nature theme

Cons:

• Limited guest capacity
• No evening receptions allowed
• The site remains open to the public
• No dedicated getting-ready room

If Quarry Hill Nature Center fits your vision and you love my style, email me your details now to schedule a consultation!

What to know before booking Quarry Hill Nature Center for your Event

I totally understand that most of the clients won’t even consider renting a Nature Center, thinking that, given it’s a public space, it must be pretty complicated and come with a lot of restrictions. Actually, it is not a public space, and usually much simpler than we think. Here is what you need to know.
If you’re thinking about hosting your ceremony at Quarry Hill Nature Center, the Savanna Room is the largest indoor space available. It can comfortably seat up to 80 guests, making it ideal for small to mid-size weddings. The other two rooms—the Prairie Room and the Quarry Room—each fit up to 40 guests, so the Savanna Room is your best option if you’re expecting a larger group.

Renting the Savanna Room comes with some nice perks. You get access to tables, chairs, a full kitchen, and basic AV equipment (projector, screen, speakers, Wi-Fi). The rental cost is:

• $100/hour for non-members
• $75/hour for members
  There’s a two-hour minimum, and all events must end by 9:30 PM. In summer, time slots are a bit more flexible, but availability can be tighter due to educational programming.

You’re free to bring your own food or work with a licensed caterer. Alcohol is allowed with a few rules: no underage drinking, a two-drink limit per adult, and kegs require a city permit.

Decorations are welcome, but they ask that you avoid anything messy or damaging, so no glitter, confetti, tape on walls, or open-flame candles (LED candles are fine). You’ll also be in charge of setting up and putting everything back the way you found it. Cleanup is part of the deal, and a credit card is held in case of any damage.

All in all, the Savanna Room is an affordable, flexible, and warm indoor venue for couples seeking a simple and meaningful experience surrounded by nature.

Why You Should Get Married at a Nature Center

Sophie and Kaitlyn’s wedding truly embraced the unique charm of Quarry Hill. It’s that special quality many Minnesota nature centers possess: a place where children love to explore and where we learn so much about nature and wildlife. It’s a setting that makes a wedding deeply personal. 

Of course, it may not have the grandeur of Versailles with its chandeliers or the famous mansions of the Twin Cities. It is simple and modest, yet it is authentic and original. It places you and your emotions at the center of attention, reminding us that love doesn’t have to adhere to the conventions of the wedding industry; it can flourish anywhere.

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