As a Lafayette Club wedding photographer, I love how this venue blends lakeside elegance with classic club charm. I live three minutes away, which means easy scouting, flexible timelines, and fast pivots if weather shifts. The setting feels refined without feeling stuffy. It’s perfect for couples who want a timeless, high-end look. This guide covers planning, photo ideas, timelines, and local tips to help you design a beautiful, stress-free day.
About the Lafayette Club Wedding Venue + Catering
Aesthetic
The Lafayette Club offers polished interiors, manicured grounds, and Lake Minnetonka views. Guests enjoy a private, country-club feel with convenient access to Wayzata. The architecture photographs cleanly in any season. Window light, neutral finishes, and classic lines keep your gallery looking timeless. The grounds provide shade, structure, and privacy for portraits. Staff run events smoothly, which keeps your day relaxed and on schedule.
Getting Ready Spaces
Lafayette Club provides getting ready spaces for the bridal party to get ready
on-site and is available for up to six (6) hours. All personal belongings must be removed from these
areas prior to ceremony. No outside alcohol allowed. These spaces are not over-night rooms.
Photography Constraints
Lafayette Club has designated areas for photography before or after ceremony. Photographs are only permitted in these areas.
Decor + Set Up Information
- No rose pedals or confetti allowed in ceremony site.
- Additional white folding chairs are available for rental through Lafayette Club.
- Tenting is permitted.
Vacate & Last Call Times
The Club closes at 12:00am. All guests must vacate the property, unless staying in hotel rooms, no later than 12:30am. The decor must be taken down and removed from the building at the conclusion of your event. Bars will close 15 minutes prior to Club closing time. For more information on The Lafayette Club’s Catering policies, click HERE.
Lafayette Club Wedding Venue Cost
Pricing varies by season, day, guest count, and inclusions. Here is a rough overview of average costs for your Lafayette club wedding venue.
- Room Rental – The Lafayette Club’s room rental fee can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the day of the week and time of year
- Food and Beverage Minimums – They have a food and beverage minimum, which can range from $6,000 to $12,000
- On Site Ceremony Fee – If you’re having your ceremony at the club, there is an additional $1,900 fee with Maximum capacity of 250 people. The fee includes the set up and tear down of up to 200 white folding chairs, microphone and changing rooms for the bridal party. This fee applies only to ceremonies conducted on site and does not include any fees for reception rooms, food or
beverage. - Day-of Coordinator – All on-site ceremonies require a professional day-of coordinator, hired by you, to be on site from time of set-up until the conclusion of ceremony which can cost around $1,175 +
- Valet Parking – One (1) valet parking for every 50 guests is required at $125.00 per valet.
- Additional Fees – additional labor fees may apply as needed and will be included in estimates. Additional fees for cleanup, etc. may also apply after conclusion of your event.
Lafayette Club Wedding Photographer Photo Ideas
The Lafayette Club is an incredible spot for wedding photography, with so many beautiful photo spots and back drops. As an experienced Lake Minnetonka wedding photographer, here are some of my top tips for timeless wedding photos at The Lafayette Club in Wayzata:
- Getting ready: Choose a bright room with minimal clutter. Use window light and neutral backdrops for a refined look.
- First look: Pick shade near greenery or an architectural edge for privacy. It calms nerves and photographs beautifully.
- Wedding party: Keep everyone close to the venue entrance. Even light, seating, and restrooms make this efficient and kind.
- Family formals: Use a shaded, symmetrical background. Clean lines help the people -not the backdrop-steal the show.
- Couple portraits: Walk the grounds for variety. Mix tight, romantic frames with wider scenes that show the estate. (More bride and groom portrait location ideas below).
- Golden hour: Step out for 10–15 minutes. Low lake light adds depth, glow, and that editorial finish.
- Reception details: Capture room-wide scenes, then table vignettes with candles and florals. Ask for a two-minute room “reveal.”
- Night portraits: If timing allows, create one cinematic frame outside. It’s a stylish final page for your album.
Sample Wedding Day Timeline (First Look)
- 11:30AM: Getting ready candids and flat lay details
- 12:00PM: Fun Bridal Party Shots (Matching gowns, champagne pop etc)
- 12:30PM: Candids of Guys
- 1:00PM: Bride getting into dress | Final reveal with bridesmaids
- 1:30PM: First Look followed by Bride & Groom Portraits
- 2:00PM: Immediate Family photos + Wedding Party Photos
- 3:00PM: Hideaway (Photographer captures guests entering and venue details)
- 3:30PM: Ceremony
- 4:00PM: Cocktail hour candids + a few group requests
- 5:00PM: Grand Entrance
- 6:00PM: Dinner + Speeches
- 7:00PM: Golden hour portraits (10–15 minutes)
- 7:30PM: Cake Cutting
- 7:45PM: First Dances
- 8:00PM: Dance floor opens!
- 9:00PM: Sparkler Exit Photos.
Aisle-reveal version? Swap the early portraits to after the ceremony and extend cocktail hour.
Nearby Photo Spots in Wayzata + Wedding Party Bar Hop Ideas
Make the most of your Lafayette Club timeline with quick portrait stops and a celebratory bar hop. Everything below is 5–10 minutes from the Club, which keeps your day smooth and on time.
Wayzata Boardwalk & Beach
Clean horizons, water reflections, and easy walking paths. Great for first looks and relaxed portraits. Works in every season.
Lake Street Storefronts
Brick, glass, and editorial lines for a chic, modern vibe. Perfect if you want variety beyond greenery and water.
Wayzata Depot Area
A classic, heritage backdrop with tidy landscaping. Fast to shoot, with nearby shade for midday portraits.
The Hotel Landing & Plaza
Neutral stone, planters, and covered walkways. Ideal if wind or weather hits the lakefront.
Broadway Docks / Marina Views
That unmistakable Lake Minnetonka feel. Best at golden hour when the water glows. Watch for crowds on sunny weekends.
Bar Hop Ideas for Your Wedding Party
- CōV Wayzata: Nautical-chic cocktails and quick bites.
- Gianni’s: Classic steakhouse energy for a celebratory toast.
- ninetwentyfive (Hotel Landing): Stylish lounge, easy for groups.
Pro tip: Build a 45–60 minute window for “toasts + couple slip-away portraits.” You’ll get candids and a breather.
Hotels Near the Lafayette Club (Guest-Friendly Options)
Give guests simple choices within 5–15 minutes. Add a room-block link to your invites and wedding website.
The Hotel Landing (Wayzata)
Boutique, walkable, and polished. Great for getting-ready rooms and welcome drinks.
Address: 925 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391
Country Inn & Suites (Plymouth)
Reliable, budget-friendly, and close to Wayzata. Good for families.
Address: 210 Carlson Pkwy, Plymouth, MN 55447
Shoreline Hotel (Wayzata)
New, lakeside, and stylish. Modern rooms and beautiful views of Lake Minnetonka. Just minutes from the Lafayette Club. Great for welcome drinks or a morning lake walk.
Address: 4165 Shoreline Dr, Spring Park, MN 55384
Shuttle note: Ask hotels about group shuttle or partner transport to keep logistics simple.
Guest Experiences at and Around the Lafayette Club
Turn your wedding into a full Lake Minnetonka weekend. These ideas keep guests entertained without long drives.
On-Site (Confirm Access)
Golf, Spa treatments and racquet facilities may be available for members/guests. Check access and dress codes with your coordinator.
Lake Minnetonka Activities
Boat cruises, lakeside walks, and sunset views along Wayzata’s shoreline. Perfect for welcome evenings or day-after hangs. A favorite is Al & Alma’s supper club! Highly recommend!
Wayzata Shopping & Cafés
Boutiques, coffee bars, and patios along Lake Street. Easy, walkable options for all ages.
Spas & Salons
Book hair, makeup, or massages within minutes of the Club. Ideal for bridal party prep or a relaxing Friday.
Next-Day Brunch Ideas
Reserve tables at ninetwentyfive, CōV, The Grocers Table, or other Lake Street spots in downtown Wayzata. A relaxed goodbye for traveling guests.
Kid-Friendly Time Fillers
Parks, the boardwalk, and simple ice-cream stops keep little ones happy between events. Downtown Wayzata has one of the best beaches, parks and splash pads for little ones!
Local tip: Share a simple “Weekend Guide” PDF with your room-block confirmation. Include parking notes, best coffee, and a mini map.
About Lafayette Club Wedding Photographer | Heidi Straus
I’m Heidi, a Lake Minnetonka–based wedding photographer. I live three minutes from the Lafayette Club. I love capturing clean, true-to-color, timeless images with editorial polish and real emotion.
What you can expect working with me:
- Custom timeline and light strategy
- On-site scouting and quick backup plans
- Relaxed direction that feels natural
- Vendor coordination for smooth flow
I’ve photographed luxury weddings across Wayzata and the west metro. I know how to keep your day elegant, efficient, and stress-free. If you’re looking for a Lafayette club wedding photographer, I’d love to help. We’ll design a beautiful plan, then photograph it with style and ease. Let’s make images you’ll love for decades.
Check out these blogs to view more of my work around the area!
Minneapolis City Hall Elopement
View comments
+ Leave a comment