If you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor location for maternity photos near Minneapolis, Noerenberg Gardens in Wayzata is one of my favorite spots. Located along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, just off Crystal Bay, this hidden gem offers stunning gardens, stone pathways, lake views, and gorgeous seasonal blooms, creating a timeless backdrop for maternity photography.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or adding another little one to your family, Noerenberg Gardens provides a peaceful and elegant setting to celebrate this special season of life.

couple posing at noerenberg gardens in wayzata for maternity photos

Why Choose Noerenberg Gardens for Maternity Photos?

One of the reasons expecting couples and families love Noerenberg Gardens is the variety of scenery available in a relatively small area. During a maternity session, we can capture several different looks without needing to travel between locations.

Some favorite features include:

Beautiful flower gardens throughout the growing season
Lake Minnetonka waterfront views
Charming stone walls and pathways
Mature trees that provide soft, natural shade
Colorful seasonal landscaping from spring through fall

The gardens feel both formal and natural, making them a great choice for moms who want elegant images that still feel relaxed and authentic.

When Is the Best Time for Maternity Photos at Noerenberg Gardens?

For the most flattering maternity portraits, I typically recommend scheduling your session between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. During this time, your baby bump is beautifully visible while you’re often still comfortable enough to move around easily during your session.

At Noerenberg Gardens, the best lighting usually occurs during the hour or so before sunset, taking in the higher treeline. This “golden hour” light creates soft skin tones and a warm, dreamy look that photographs beautifully.

Spring and summer bring vibrant flowers, while early fall offers rich colors and beautiful evening light.

What Should You Wear for Your Maternity Session?

Flowy dresses photograph especially well at Noerenberg Gardens. Soft, neutral colors such as cream, blush, sage green, dusty blue, and earth tones complement the natural surroundings and help keep the focus on your growing family.

If your partner or children will be joining the session, coordinating colors rather than matching outfits often creates the most timeless look.

When clients book a maternity session with me, I’m always happy to help with outfit planning to ensure everything photographs beautifully together. Need more ideas? Check out my blog post for my suggestions for what to wear for your maternity photos.

Can Siblings and Partners Be Included?

Absolutely! Many families choose to include their spouse, partner, or older children in their maternity photos. These images often become some of the most meaningful photographs from the session because they capture the excitement and anticipation before a new baby arrives.

Noerenberg Gardens offers plenty of space for a combination of family portraits, candid moments, and individual maternity portraits.

What to Expect During Your Session

My goal is to create a relaxed experience where you can simply enjoy this exciting chapter of your life.

You don’t need to worry about knowing how to pose. Throughout your session, I’ll guide you every step of the way while also capturing natural interactions and genuine emotion.

The result is a collection of images that feel authentic, beautiful, and true to your family.

Book Your Noerenberg Gardens Maternity Session

If you’re searching for a maternity photographer in Wayzata, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, or the Minneapolis area, Noerenberg Gardens is one of the most beautiful locations to consider.

I’d love to help you document this incredible season before your little one arrives. Contact me to learn more about maternity photography sessions and reserve your date.