Whew…what a way to kick off our fall wedding season!!! Will and Courtney got married at Winnebago Springs last weekend and celebrated accordingly. They brought together a dream team of vendors to make their dream day come true. Every detail was absolutely beautiful. But it was also filled with so many sentimental touches and sweet moments that made it such a joy to photograph.
I still remember the first time I met Courtney. Courtney and Tammy, her mom, had come to the studio to go over our package information and discuss me capturing her day…or so she thought. When in reality her mother had a surprise for her that we had been planning behind the scenes. You see, Tammy surprised Courtney with a little gift (disguised as one for me) that she would be covering all of the photography for the day. She knew how important it was to have beautiful photos to document her daughter’s day after working in the photography space herself. And when I say the tears were rolling all around…I mean it!!!
And the little surprises…followed by happy tears were sprinkled all throughout their wedding on Saturday.
Courtney and Will (as I said on Saturday), after your engagement session I kind of forgot how fun you are together as a couple. But after adding in your friends and family, I couldn’t think of a better way and a more perfect group of people to help you celebrate your day!!! You mentioned in your first email that you needed a photographer who and I quote, “…could connect with our level of crazy and have fun with us” and I hope that I did just that! It has been such an honor getting to know you both and I hope these photos help you relive the party that was your day!!!
The creative team that helped make this day a reality:
Photographer | Megan Snitker Photography
Venue | Winnebago Springs
Florist | The Country Gardens Decorah
Decor | BD Productions
Dress | The Dress by Morgan Lynn
Cake | Melissa Wicklund
Makeup Artist | Hidden Beauty Studio – Rylee Einck
Hair Stylist | Ramona Stammeyer and Kelly Wille
Jewelry | Elliott Jewelers
Invites | The Copy Shoppe
Catering | Rich Schulte
Bartenders | Good Times – Caledonia
Tent and Chairs | Ness Family
DJ | Steve Hill
Officiant | Pastor Ken
Thinking About Getting Married at Winnebago Springs?
A photographer’s guide to this southeastern Minnesota wedding venue
I’ve photographed here more than once now, and I keep coming back for a reason. Here’s what I’d want you to know if you’re thinking about it.
The property sits tucked into the Winnebago Valley just south of Caledonia — 100 acres of driftless countryside that feels genuinely removed from everything. It’s family-owned and it feels that way. Not in a rough-around-the-edges way, but in the way where you can tell people who actually care about the place are the ones running it.
The ceremony spaces
The air chapel is the one that stops people in their tracks. It’s sheltered but still feels connected to the outdoors — you hear the birds, feel the breeze, and the waterfall is visible right through the arched window at the front. And for couples who stress about weather contingency plans — you don’t need one here. That alone is worth something.
The reception hall
The event center holds up to 250 guests and has everything you need built in — a fireplace, a bar area, a full commercial kitchen, and tables and chairs included in the rental. It’s a warm space that doesn’t ask a lot of you to make it feel like something.
On-site lodging
This might be my favorite thing about Winnebago Springs that couples don’t always know to ask about. You can keep your whole crew on-site — private cabins for the couple, ensuite rooms, a dorm-style hall for the larger groups. It turns the wedding into a whole weekend, and honestly it makes my job easier too. Relaxed getting-ready mornings make for better photos. Full stop.
What it’s like to photograph here
The light in this valley — especially late afternoon — is the kind that makes everything feel a little golden and a little slower. Trees, rolling hills, open meadow space. There’s always somewhere beautiful to pull couples away for a few quiet minutes, and those are usually some of my favorite frames from the whole day.
If you’re dreaming of something that feels natural and unhurried, this venue will meet you there.
Planning your Winnebago Springs wedding and looking for a photographer?
I’d love to be part of your day. I’ve photographed this venue multiple times and know exactly how to make the most of the light, the landscape, and the energy it brings out in people. Head over to my contact page and let’s start the conversation.
