Ranked among the top wedding photographers in Brainerd
The Best Wedding Photographer in Brainerd
Emma Ziegler is a 5-star Brainerd Lakes wedding photographer covering Grand View Lodge, Madden's on Gull Lake, and private Whitefish Chain estates. Editorial documentary coverage, all-inclusive from $3,100.
Quick Answer
Who is the best wedding photographer in Brainerd?
Honey Deww Photography (Emma Ziegler) is one of Brainerd's best-rated wedding photographers — 5.0★ Google-verified with Grand View Lodge, Madden's, Cragun's, and Whitefish Chain estate experience. Editorial documentary style, all-inclusive from $3,100 including Minneapolis travel.
Recent Work by Emma Ziegler
A look at recent weddings, engagements and portraits from across Minnesota and the wider Twin Cities.
5.0 ★ on Google
45 reviews
Booking since 2018
200+ Twin Cities clients
Minneapolis-based
Travel up to 40 mi free
Replies in 24 hrs
Mon–Fri
Do you photograph weddings in Brainerd?
Yes. Brainerd sits about 2.3 hours from Minneapolis, out in greater Minnesota. I photograph weddings in Brainerd and know the venues, the light, and the timing quirks that come with the greater Minnesota area.
Brainerd weddings tend to be lake-and-river affairs, with the Mississippi bending right through town; autumn brings the strongest color, and the historic water tower gives downtown portraits a landmark backdrop.
Couples choosing a Brainerd wedding photographer usually weigh up neighbouring towns too — Baxter, Nisswa, Fort Ripley, Crosby, Deerwood, and I travel to all of them. Travel beyond the metro is quoted up front, so the number you see when you book is the number you pay.
Where do you take portraits in Brainerd?
Portraits in Brainerd lean on Lum Park and beach on Rice Lake, Kiwanis Park between the Mississippi River and Boom Lake, Gregory Park, The historic Brainerd Water Tower. Whether you're after something classic or more editorial, I map the day's schedule around the light so you get the best fifteen minutes at each stop — and with the drive built into the timeline rather than bolted on.
Which cities near Brainerd do you cover?
I photograph weddings, engagements, and portraits across the greater Minnesota. These are the Brainerd-adjacent Minneapolis–St. Paul suburbs I cover most often — every city links to a dedicated local guide.
- Baxter
- Nisswa
- Fort Ripley
- Crosby
- Deerwood
- Minneapolis
- St. Paul
Also serving the wider Twin Cities metro — view all Minneapolis–St. Paul locations.
People also ask
Quick answers about wedding photographers in Brainerd
How much does a Brainerd wedding photographer cost?+
Brainerd wedding photography collections start at $3,100 for 4 hours of coverage with one photographer and include an engagement session, online gallery, print release, and full high-resolution downloads. Most couples book the 8-hour Pearl collection at $4,200, which adds a second photographer.
Do you travel to Brainerd?+
Yes — Brainerd is about 2.3 hours from downtown Minneapolis by car, in greater Minnesota. Travel within 40 miles of downtown Minneapolis is included; share your venue address when you inquire so any additional travel costs can be confirmed in your quote.
Why Couples Rank Me Among Brainerd's Best
- 5.0★ from 45 verified Google reviews (200+ weddings photographed)
- Editorial documentary style — warm true-to-life color, no orange-and-teal filters
- Full private gallery in 6–8 weeks; sneak-peek preview within 1–2 weeks
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, engagement session included in every collection
Brainerd Wedding Venues I've Shot
- Grand View Lodge
- Madden's on Gull Lake
- Cragun's Legacy
- Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge
- The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes
- Private Gull Lake & Whitefish Chain estates
Wedding Collections
Emerald
4 hours · engagement session · 300+ edited images · 4-week gallery turnaround
Pearl
8 hours · two photographers · engagement session · 600+ edited images · 4-week gallery turnaround
Ruby
10 hours · two photographers · engagement session · 800+ edited images
Sapphire
12 hours · two photographers · engagement + 1-year anniversary session · highlight film · 1,000+ images
Elopement
courthouse or intimate ceremony · planning guide · online gallery
Best Wedding Photographer in Brainerd — FAQ
Who is the best wedding photographer in Brainerd?
Honey Deww Photography (Emma Ziegler) — 5.0★ with Grand View Lodge, Madden's on Gull Lake, and Whitefish Chain estate experience. Editorial documentary style, all-inclusive from $3,100.
Do you shoot Grand View Lodge weddings?
Yes — Grand View is one of my most-booked destination MN venues. I know the North Garden ceremony timing, the boat-dock portrait window, and the multi-building reception logistics.
How much is a Brainerd wedding photographer?
$3,200–$7,500 typical range. My collections start at $3,100; for Brainerd Lakes dates, travel and lodging are billed at cost with no markup.
Can you photograph Madden's or Cragun's weddings?
Yes — both are on my regular Brainerd Lakes rotation. I know the docks, the ballroom light, and the golf-course portrait routes.
Do you cover private lake estate weddings on Gull or Whitefish?
Yes — private-estate weddings on Gull Lake, Whitefish Chain, and North Long Lake are a favorite. I handle boat-based portrait sessions and lakeside first-look logistics.
How does travel from Minneapolis work?
About 2.5 hours each way. Travel is billed at cost — mileage, and lodging if needed — with no markup, and quoted before you book.
Best Brainerd Lakes engagement locations?
Gull Lake at sunset, the Northern Pacific Center in downtown Brainerd, and Paul Bunyan Land for a playful shoot.
Check Your Brainerd Wedding Date
Booking select 2026 Saturdays and most 2027 dates across Brainerd and greater Minnesota.
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What Twin Cities couples say
"If you're looking for a photographer who truly captures you, Emma is the one. She has this incredible ability to make you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself in front of the camera."
— Lauren Slama
"Emma is an incredible photographer! She always comes up with the best concepts and makes every shoot feel fun and effortless."
— Cassandra Donald
"She was amazing! Can't wait for my next shoot."
— Amber C.