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FINE-ART EDITORIAL

PHOTO JOURNALISTIC

TIMELESS IMAGERY

EMOTION RICH

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Wedding Photographer in Brainerd, Minnesota

Brainerd has a natural elegance shaped by water, woods, and light. Weddings here feel intimate, emotional, and connected to the landscape.

Photographing weddings in Brainerd allows me to focus on meaningful interactions, and the atmosphere that makes this part of Minnesota so special.

If you want photography that feels natural, emotional, and timeless, I would love to work with you in Brainerd.

INQUIRE TODAY
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Photojournalistic Wedding Photography

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Hi, I’m Tonya—

I’m a wedding and family photographer serving couples throughout Brainerd, Minnesota and the surrounding lake country. I photograph weddings across the state and also travel for destination celebrations around the world.

My work blends fine art and photojournalism, focusing on emotion, movement, and the natural connections between people. The hugs. The laughter. The quiet in-between moments that become your most meaningful memories.

If you’re planning a wedding in Brainerd, I’d be honored to document your day.

LEARN MORE

Your Wedding Photo Timeline in Brainerd

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Elegant wedding table setting with a small white cake decorated with black ribbons, white flowers, wine glasses, and a table number card labeled 'K' on a wooden table.

  • We will schedule a phone or zoom call together to discuss your wedding plans in Brainerd, MN as soon as you inquire! We’ll discuss which one of my packages fits best into your wedding day, as well as any additional add-ons you may need.

  • Once you have selected one of my wedding photography packages, I will send you a contract and invoice to officially reserve your wedding date.

  • After you book your wedding photo services with me, we will schedule your engagement session.

    In addition, I will send a guide with helpful planning tips and wedding vendor recommendations in Brainerd, MN.

  • The day is finally here, and everything we’ve curated together leading up to your wedding day is coming to fruition.

    It’s time for you to enjoy your day to the fullest - I’ve got your photos covered from start to finish.

  • While you’re dancing the night away, and spending time with your closest friends and family, I’m working behind the scenes to select your most memorable and intimate images from your wedding day.

    You’ll receive a small collection of sneak peaks to enjoy within 24 hours.

  • Your full photo gallery will be delivered within 8 weeks of your wedding day.

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Brainerd, MN Wedding Photography Packages

I offer four curated wedding photography packages, each created to match the style and timeline of your day. Pricing begins at $4,000, with every package crafted to provide a smooth, customized experience throughout Brainerd, Minnesota.

To view my full pricing and package details, please submit an inquiry and I will share everything you need to know.

Learn more
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DONNA MAE

  • UP TO 12 HOURS OF WEDDING DAY COVERAGE + DAY BEFORE OR DAY AFTER COVERAGE (UP TO 3 HOURS)

  • UP TO 90 MINUTES OF CAPTURING YOUR LOVE

  • TWICE AS MANY ANGLES AND CANDID PHOTOS

  • BTS PHOTOS & VIDEOS OF THE WEDDING DAY.

  • 4+ ROLLS OF FILM, 120+ PRINTS AND DIGITAL SCANS

  • 1000+ FINAL WEDDING PHOTOS, THE BEST OF THE BEST
    100+ REHEARSAL DINNER PHOTOS
    100+ ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

  • 2 YEARS OF CLOUD STORAGE

  • UNLIMITED TIMELINE AND CREATIVE PLANNING MEETINGS WITH ME

Tonya Hjort Photography captures a bride and groom laying in lush grass surrounded by floral arrangements

MARGARET ANN

  • UP TO 12 HOURS OF WEDDING DAY COVERAGE

  • UP TO 90 MINUTES OF CAPTURING YOUR LOVE

  • TWICE AS MANY ANGLES AND CANDID PHOTOS

  • 800+ FINAL WEDDING PHOTOS, THE BEST OF THE BEST
    100+ ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

  • 2 YEARS OF CLOUD STORAGE

  • UNLIMITED TIMELINE AND CREATIVE PLANNING MEETINGS WITH ME

Bride and groom stand on stairs of their wedding venue in Detroit, MI

VIVIAN IRENE

  • 45 MINUTES OF GETTING READY - (ROUGHLY) 30-45 MINUTES OF DANCING

  • UP TO 90 MINUTES OF CAPTURING YOUR LOVE

  • 600+ FINAL WEDDING PHOTOS, THE BEST OF THE BEST
    100+ ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

  • 2 YEARS OF CLOUD STORAGE

  • UNLIMITED TIMELINE AND CREATIVE PLANNING MEETINGS WITH ME

Bride and groom share a kiss captured by Tonya Hjort Photography

LORI ANN

  • 30 MINUTES OF GETTING READY - (ROUGHLY) 30-45 MINUTES OF DANCING

  • 600+ FINAL WEDDING PHOTOS, THE BEST OF THE BEST

  • 2 YEARS OF CLOUD STORAGE

  • UNLIMITED TIMELINE AND CREATIVE PLANNING MEETINGS WITH ME

Wedding Venues I Love in Brainerd

I photograph weddings throughout Brainerd at venues that offer the most beautiful spaces. Some of my favorite locations include Grand View Lodge, Northern Pacific Center, The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, The Barn at Stoney Hills, and Pine Peaks Event Center. These wedding venues provide strong backdrops for natural, documentary wedding photography and allow real moments to unfold.

Make Your Wedding Extra Special With These Add-Ons

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  • Want a bit of nostalgia on your day? Get 5+ rolls from your day. Your film will be developed and you’ll receive digital scans and prints!

    $650

  • Receive your entire wedding gallery within one week from the wedding.

    $750

  • The wedding day can sometimes go by in a blur, and you’re not always able to spend time with all of your guests. Adding rehearsal dinner coverage is the perfect way to have your time with your guests captured. You can expect a ton of detail and candid photos, group and family photos, and even some couple portraits in your rehearsal dinner gallery. Up to 2 hours of coverage.

    $1500

  • Tonya is by far the best photographer and person we've ever worked with! Amazing communication and works so well with everything. She brings beautiful photos to life. Would give a million stars if I could!

    Madison N.

  • Tonya was incredible! We are so pleased with the photos delivered from our wedding day. She did a great job capturing important moments of our day - we can't wait to look back on them for years to come.

    Katherine H.

  • As a wedding planner, I work with many photographers. I really loved working with Tonya throughout our shared client's wedding planning journey. Her photos turned out so beautiful!

    Honeybee Weddings

  • Tonya is the best! She was so prompt, and always asked the right questions. My wedding photos turned out fantastic, and everyone loved working with her!

    Courtney C.

  • I couldn't have had a better overall experience with Tonya! She is the best photographer, and captured the most personal, gorgeous photos.

    Carolyn H.

My Vows to You

01. Intentionality

From our first chat to your final gallery, I’m here to make sure every part of your experience is thoughtful and stress-free. I’ll be there for you every step of the way and get to know what matters most to you as a couple. Whether it’s guiding you through poses or stepping back to let real moments unfold, I’ll intentionally ensure your wedding photography experience is as seamless and meaningful as the photos we create together.

02. Trust

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you deserve to feel completely at ease. I’ll take the time to get to know you, understand your needs, and keep the process smooth and stress-free. You can trust me to handle every detail with professionalism, keep things running on time, and capture every important moment without needing to worry. I’ll be your calm, steady presence so you can relax and enjoy your day to the fullest.

03. Love

Your love story is completely unique, and I’m here to celebrate it. From the big moments to the smallest details, I’ll capture the emotions, connections, and joy that make your day truly yours. My goal is to honor your relationship by creating photos that reflect who you are as a couple and the love you share.

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A bride in a wedding dress and veil is surrounded by smiling women at a wedding celebration. They appear to be helping her with her dress.
A pair of white wedding high-heeled shoes with embroidered floral patterns placed on a white tiled floor.

FAQs

  • Couples often search for and book venues like Grand View Lodge, Northern Pacific Center, The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, The Barn at Stoney Hills, and Pine Peaks Event Center.

    These locations offer a mix of lakeside views, rustic interiors, and outdoor ceremony spaces.

  • Yes. Many couples choose lakeside ceremonies at Grand View Lodge, Madden’s, and nearby resorts.

    Wind, light, and crowds can be factors, so a backup indoor or covered plan is helpful.

  • The Brainerd Lakes area has plenty of lodging, including cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals.

    Many venues offer on-site rooms, which is convenient for guests traveling from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and out of state.

  • Brainerd offers lake views, wooded landscapes, historic buildings, and soft natural light. The scenery adds character without overshadowing couples, which works well for documentary, editorial and natural photography styles.

  • Brainerd is about a two hour drive from Minneapolis, which makes it a popular destination for couples who want a weekend wedding without long travel. Many guests stay at local resorts or cabins for the full experience.

  • Brainerd is most popular for weddings from June through October. Summer offers warm lake weather and long daylight, while fall brings peak colors in the Northwoods.

    Winter weddings are possible, but colder temperatures and snow can impact travel and outdoor photos.

  • Yes. I offer add-on coverage for welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, or weekend celebrations, especially for multi-day weddings in Brainerd.

    These moments add so much to the full story of your wedding.

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Now Booking Weddings in 2026

I take on a limited number of weddings each year to give every client the attention they deserve. If my work speaks to you, I’d love to hear more about your wedding day!