International Gardens Wedding | Outdoor Elopement & Portrait Location in La Crosse, WI

/ La Crosse Weddings, Venue Spotlights / By

Tucked behind Riverside Park and framed by trees, sculptures, and stone paths, International Friendship Gardens is one of La Crosse’s most peaceful and underrated spots for weddings, elopements, and portraits. With landscaped gardens representing different countries, it offers natural beauty, cultural richness, and calm just steps from downtown.

As a La Crosse-based photographer, I often recommend this location for couples who want quiet, meaningful moments — whether it’s a private vow exchange or golden-hour portraits.

A Real-Feeling Wedding Story

Rachel and Ivan eloped here on a Wednesday. Just the two of them, her parents, and a violinist tucked near the gate. “We didn’t want attention,” Ivan said. “We just wanted to mean it.”

They stood under the arch in the Norwegian Garden, surrounded by ferns and soft light. After their ceremony, we wandered the pathways for portraits — through the Chinese pavilion, past the rose-lined walk, and into a shaded grove with stone benches where they shared a quiet toast from paper cups.

It was simple. Beautiful. And exactly what they needed.

Why Couples Love International Gardens

  • Multiple garden backdrops: Japanese, Chinese, Norwegian, French, and more
  • Low-cost permits for elopements and ceremonies
  • Walkable from downtown La Crosse — easy for guests, photos, and access
  • Quiet, intimate feel without the pressure of a formal venue
  • Perfect for portraits, proposals, and private ceremonies

It’s a space that holds meaning without requiring a crowd.

What I Bring as a Photographer

  • Familiarity with the best light in each garden section
  • Gentle direction to keep portraits flowing naturally
  • Experience with elopement timing and private ceremonies
  • Photo + video coverage available for short or full-day events

Best Seasons for a Garden Wedding

Spring: Blooming flowers, cool air, and soft light
Summer: Full green, bright florals, and long days
Fall: Colorful leaves and quiet pathways
Winter: Available but often better suited for portraits than full ceremonies

  • The Pump House – Indoor art space with creative warmth
  • Le Chateau – Elegant French-style venue for small dinners
  • Riverside Park – Open-air ceremony option with iconic La Crosse views

Let’s Photograph It with Peace and Presence

Whether you’re planning a small elopement, a surprise proposal, or just want portraits in a meaningful setting, I’d love to document your time at International Gardens with care.

Contact me here to get started.

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A couple in wedding attire stands close together by a riverside at sunset, with a bridge and bare trees in the background.
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A man and a woman in formal attire float on their backs in a shallow rocky stream surrounded by large boulders and greenery.
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A bride in a lace dress holding a bouquet stands next to a groom in a blue suit and floral tie; they look at each other and smile in natural light.
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A bride in a white lace dress walks with a groom in a formal military uniform on a dirt road at sunset.
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A woman in a white hooded cloak and a man in a suit stand on a snowy overlook with railings, with a wintry landscape in the background.
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A newlywed couple shares their first dance as guests watch, with the bride’s dress swirling and the groom lifting her in a formal, dimly lit reception room.
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Two men in dress shirts and suspenders stand indoors; one is smiling with hands over his mouth, while the other looks down and holds a bag.
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A bride in a white wedding dress sits indoors reading a note, while a small dog sits on the wooden floor in front of her.
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A bride in a white wedding dress and a groom in a military uniform sit closely together on a rustic rope swing in an outdoor grassy area.
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A couple in wedding attire stands outdoors holding large coconuts in front of their faces, with palm trees in the background.
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A bride in a lace dress and an older man in a suit wipe their eyes while standing outside near a staircase.
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A bride and groom stand outdoors, holding hands and smiling, with rocky mountains and trees in the background.
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A couple embraces on a grassy hill at sunset, with dramatic orange clouds filling the sky behind them.
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A bride and groom kiss while dancing closely at their wedding reception, surrounded by seated guests in a large, decorated banquet hall.
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A bride and groom stand hand in hand facing a calm lake under a cloudy, overcast sky, surrounded by mountains.
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A couple stands on rocky terrain atop a mountain, with the man leaning in to kiss the woman in a flowing red dress as wind blows her hair. Mountains and sky are in the background.
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A bride and groom stand in the center of a path at night, surrounded by guests holding lit sparklers as smoke drifts through the air.
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A couple in formal attire kisses under a wooden pergola at night, surrounded by falling snow illuminated by warm lights.
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A bride and groom stand facing each other outdoors, holding a bouquet, with autumn trees and cloudy skies in the background.
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A bride and groom stand together inside a bar decorated with vintage beer signs and brick walls, with a counter and barstools in the background.
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Where is it located?

Behind Riverside Park in downtown La Crosse, near the Mississippi River.

What’s the guest capacity?

Ideal for elopements and micro-weddings (usually under 20 guests).

Are permits required?

Yes — the City of La Crosse requires a special use permit for ceremonies and photo sessions.

Can we book a specific garden?

Most weddings take place in the Norwegian Garden, but all areas are accessible unless otherwise reserved.

International Gardens Wedding

For more information and to start planning your wedding at International Gardens, visit their website.

Check their site here.

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