Love Is Blind Season 8 took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota - the place we proudly call home base as a (married!) wedding photography and videography duo. The show is a reality dating show where the premise revolves around singles form connections through emotional intimacy, without seeing each other. They communicate in isolated “pods” and, if a bond forms, propose before meeting in person. After the proposal, couples move into the real world to see if their emotional connection can turn into lasting love. The show challenges whether love can truly be blind to physical appearance. And Minneapolis wasn’t just the backdrop for this season — it was the whole stage! The Twin Cities played a pivotal role in shaping each of the couples’ journeys, both as individuals and together, offering a perfect mix of urban charm, natural beauty, and a Midwestern warmth not often seen in a reality TV setting which added a new, unpaved perspective to the experiment.


This season wasn’t just only the connection between the couples ( and the drama !!) — it was also about discovering love in a city that feels like home.

Here’s a deeper dive into all the spots around Minneapolis and the Twin Cities that gave Season 8 its charm, and played the perfect backdrop:


After The Pods

Filming for The Pods portion of the season always takes place at a Santa Clarita studio. However, once the cast returned to Minneapolis, production was seen filming at both the Hewing Hotel and The Four Seasons Minneapolis, two of Minneapolis' most iconic hotels.


Back From Honduras - Nick & Vanessa’s Minneapolis Introduction Scene

The first episode back from Honduras opens with Nick and Vanessa standing on a rock overlooking the Mississippi River introducing the couples' return to their real lives in Minneapolis, with a picture perfect scene of the city skyline and the iconic Stone Arch Bridge in the background! This little boulder is one of the most gorgeous and popular photo spots in Minneapolis, often used for engagement sessions and wedding portraits! An interesting and perhaps comical note is that to get to this location a (hop skip and a jump across the road from Aster Café) there is a somewhat steep little gravel hill between the street level walking path and the base which requires kind of slow maneuvering to traverse - now imagine Nick trying to help Vanessa down that little hill in the freezing morning cold of Minneapolis at sunrise...

Settling In at 365 Nicollet

After returning from Honduras, the couples embraced their next chapter at 365 Nicollet, a luxurious downtown Minneapolis apartment, close to the North Loop where the majority of the seasons scenes were filmed.


Dates Around the City

As the couples returned to real life and their day to day in the city, they did so while navigating the ups and downs of their newfound engaged relationships. Exploring the city, finding unique spots that showcase Minneapolis’ laid-back yet sophisticated charm and gave them a chance to further connect with each other and their loved ones:

Luna + The Bear – Think cozy neighborhood kitchen meets chic watering hole. Known for its Gin & Jam signature drink, this spot offers an unpretentious vibe with top-tier cocktails and a menu that’s perfect for intimate date nights

Parcelle – A clean eating concept eatery by Kamal Mohamed offering organic, pesticide-free meals. This was the scene for Sara and Ben’s coffee date!

Pryes Brewing – Set along the river, Pryes offers a laid-back but elevated experience with riverside views, award-winning beer, and wood-fired pizza. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual night out or some competitive feather bowling, this brewery strikes the perfect balance of fun and chill.

O’Shaughnessy Distilling – For those who appreciate craft spirits, O’Shaughnessy is a must-visit. Known for its premium whiskey, a night here feels effortlessly sophisticated, especially when paired with one of their expertly mixed cocktails.

LUSH – This gem in Northeast Minneapolis is known for its high-energy Drag Brunches and late-night performances. It’s a space that oozes personality and celebrates the bold, the beautiful, and the eclectic—a perfect place for anyone looking for a night that’s unapologetically fun. This is where the scene of Ben meeting Sara's friends & sister, and sister-in-law.

NOLO’s Kitchen & Bar – Nestled in the heart of the North Loop, NOLO’s is all about sophisticated yet approachable dining. The ambiance is warm, the drinks are great, and the vibe is refined yet casual—ideal for a cozy evening out.

Blackstack Brewing – A laid-back spot where great beer and good company collide. Blackstack brings a welcoming, low-key vibe.

The Puttery – This spot is located in the North Loop & was the spot for Taylor & Daniel's putt-putt date upon returning from Honduras.

The Hitching Company "City Lights" Carriage Ride - Devin & Virginia were filmed taking the North Loop scenic tour and visiting Travail.

Travail – A tasting kitchen and restaurant in Robbinsdale known for its tasting menus inspired by French cooking techniques and their seasonal, locally sourced ingredients

Sunken Gardens in the Marjoree McNeely Conservatory at Como Zoo - The dreamy, botanical arboretum where Monica & Joey had their last date before the wedding, along with being a beautiful place to explore on a day off, this spot is also super popular for intimate wedding and elopement ceremonies in Minneapolis.

Engagement Photoshoot - Monica and Joey’s engagement photos scene was shot at the alleyway behind Café & Bar Lurcat in Loring Park — a quiet, tucked-away location with old, ivy-covered brick walls that make for a classic Minneapolis-esque backdrop!

Grind MPLS — a local cycle & strength fitness studio, where Dave met some of Lauren's friends


Some Date Spots That Didn't Make the Final Edit (but where cast and crew were seen filming during production and are worth a mention):

STEP CHLD – Also owned by Kamal Mohamed, is a "slightly off-kilter concept" with an international spin on American classics that will not disappoint. From bold flavors to a fresh, fun atmosphere, it’s perfect for a couple that likes to think outside the box

Hai Hai - A Southeast Asian street food restaurant & bar in Northeast Minneapolis, Chef Christina Nguyen and team took home a medal for Best Chef Midwest in 2024

Cuzzy's - A downtown Minneapolis dive bar Bar & grill with dollar bills lining the walls & funky vibes

Earl Giles - A popular restaurant and distillery in NE Minneapolis, also craft great THC beverages

Sociable Cider Werks -An informal tasting room with its own brands of craft ciders, they also often have food trucks eats & live music going on


Bach Parties

The girls had their fun at the Mall of America, taking over the theme park after hours for a night of rides and fun at Nickelodeon Universe, the Mall of America's indoor theme park. Meanwhile, the guys embraced the ultimate MN football fan experience at TCO Performance Center, home and practice field for the MN Vikings (when the guys got their custom Vikings jerseys and some "practicing" in on the field).


Tubing & Shotskis

For a taste of Minnesota’s winter adventure, the group met up (the remaining couples, and select various cast mates who had already left the experiment) to Buck Hill, a Minneapolis Ski Resort and recreation area, for tubing and shotski fun at the bar! This is also the spot where Dave and Lauren first saw each other and had that intimate conversation following their initial break-up.


Wedding Outfit Shopping

When it came time for wedding prep, the cast visited two key spots. The grooms’ suit fittings took place at Machine Shop, a historic industrial venue with large windows and high ceilings that gave the scenes a modern yet timeless feel. Meanwhile, the brides’ dress shopping moments were filmed at Beloved Bridal

Suits and gowns were sourced from Allure Bridals.


The Weddings

The Love Is Blind Season 8 weddings took place at Bavaria Downs in Chaska, MN a short drive from Minneapolis proper. The venue is a multi-luxury wedding venue property owned by Bellagala, who also provided the DJ for the Taylor and Daniel's wedding reception after they officially said "I Do"! The sprawling property, boasts a very charming and romantic mix of European-inspired architecture and open landscapes, and provided a spacious, grand, yet elegant setting for the season's weddings. Ceremonies and reception events were held in Equestria West, with getting-ready moments at the historic Edward Anne Estate. Bellagala also owns other stunning venues in the area, including The Woodland Glass Haus (also on the Bavaria Downs Property), as well as The Hutton House, Edward Anne Estate, and Equestria West — all offering unique and versatile spaces for weddings in the Twin Cities.


A host of exceptional local Minneapolis wedding and event vendors contributed to the wedding scenes, including:

Phos Events – planning and design

Hana April Inc – floral and event styling

D’Amico Hospitality – catering

Collected & Co – furniture rentals


Whether you loved to love it or not (or loved to hate it!) the Minneapolis Season of Love was one-of-a-kind! Hard to say who was Season 8's biggest stars: The cast or all the fantastic Minneapolis and Twin Cities spots we got to see celebrated along the way!