West Metro wedding venues give you gorgeous spaces without downtown stress. You also get the fun “away from the city” vibe without actually being hours away! I’m based in St. Bonifacius/Minnetrista, so this is home turf. Think Lafayette Club, The Hutton House, Bavaria Downs (Edward Anne, Equestria West, Woodlands Glasshaus), The Woods Retreat, and top country clubs. Easy drives, calm timelines, and luxury results.

Lake Minnetonka and Lake Waconia are right here. Wineries make a perfect stop on the way to dinner. Golden hour hits different out west.

Portraits are simple and close. Wayzata and Excelsior give you docks and boardwalks. Carver Park Reserve, Noerenberg Gardens, Purgatory Park, and Lake Minnewashta add nature and variety. We’ll build a plan that feels relaxed and looks editorial.

Estates & Modern Spaces

Let’s dive into my favorite West Metro wedding venues near Lake Minnetonka with timeless, elegant spaces.

Bavaria Downs — Edward Anne Estate (Chaska)

Starting strong with The Edward Anne Estate in Chaska. This wedding venue is the best wedding venue in Minnesota. It does come with a price tag though! For couples drawn to refined European-inspired architecture, the Edward Anne Estate at Bavaria Downs is one of the most elegant wedding venues near Lake Minnetonka.

Vibe: Grand estate with manicured grounds and statement rooms. It feels cinematic and classic.
Why couples love it: Ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception flow smoothly in one place. Guests feel cared for.
Photo plan: Window-light getting ready. A private first look by greenery. Courtyard for family formals in even light. Golden hour on the lawn.
Good to know. Confirm indoor ceremony backup, sunset direction, and portrait access times. Pad ten minutes between blocks.

Address: 3919 Bavaria Rd, Chaska, MN 55318, United States

Bavaria Downs — Equestria West

Vibe. Modern, spacious, and black-tie friendly. Minimalist interiors.
Why couples love it. Flexible layouts, clean lines, and great acoustics. It scales well for large parties.
Photo plan. Sleek staircases for editorial frames. Open cocktail spaces for candids. Controlled reception light for consistent skin tones.
Good to know. Build buffer for room flips. Ask about a brief room “reveal” before guests enter.

Address: 3913 Bavaria Rd, Chaska, MN 55318, United States

Bavaria Downs — Woodlands Glasshaus

Vibe. Greenhouse romance. Soft natural light, plants, and glass.
Why couples love it. It is weather-proof and still feels outdoorsy. Rain days look gorgeous here.
Photo plan. Backlit ceremony in soft light. Plant-lined aisles for depth. Tight portraits among greenery, then wide frames to show structure.
Good to know. Confirm setup windows and any rules for moving furniture or plants.

The Hutton House (Medicine Lake)

Vibe. Light, white, modern. A neutral canvas for florals and candlelight.
Why couples love it. One location for the full day. Staff run a smooth timeline.
Photo plan. Window-light portraits in the getting ready rooms. Courtyard first look for privacy. Reception details glow with warm candles and uplighting.
Good to know. White walls reflect light beautifully. Keep décor heights balanced for sight lines.

Address: 10715 S Shore Dr, Medicine Lake, MN 55441, United States

The Woods Retreat (Orono)

For couples dreaming of a secluded, nature-forward celebration, The Woods Retreat in Orono offers a truly peaceful setting for an intimate West Metro wedding.

Vibe. Upscale North-woods. Intimate, private, and calm.
Why couples love it. Nature forward, with thoughtful spaces for small to mid-size guest lists.
Photo plan. Shaded pines for family formals. Pathways for movement shots. Golden hour near water if available.
Good to know. Ask about quiet hours, shuttle options, and bug-season plans. Pack clear umbrellas for woodsy mist.

Address: 525 Leaf St, Orono, MN 55356, United States

Country Clubs & Golf Clubs Wedding Venues West Metro

Lafayette Club (Minnetonka Beach)

If a classic country club wedding overlooking Lake Minnetonka is more your style, Lafayette Club is one of the most timeless wedding venues in the West Metro.

Vibe. Classic lakeside club. Polished interiors and shaded grounds.
Why couples love it. Guest convenience and timeless style. Lakeside air calms the day.
Photo plan. Architectural entrance for a grand frame. Lawn at golden hour for glow. Night portrait at the columns for a luxury finish.
Good to know. Build a short “just-married” window after the ceremony. It gives you a breath and cleaner photos.

Wayzata Country Club (Orono)

Vibe. Timeless and organized. Strong operations and service.
Why couples love it. Everything runs on time. Guests move easily between spaces.
Photo plan. Greenside shade for family photos. Walkways for couple portraits. Clubhouse façades for editorial lines.
Good to know. Confirm course access, carts, and timing. Wind reads bigger on open holes—have a hair plan.

Medina Golf & Country Club (Medina)

Vibe. Refined clubhouse with room for larger groups.
Why couples love it. Clear layouts, easy parking, and flexible reception spaces.
Photo plan. Tree-lined fairways for depth. Water features at sunset. Reception details with balanced uplighting.
Good to know. Keep heels-friendly routes in mind for portraits. Bring flats for lawn photos.

Windsong Farm Golf Club (Independence / Maple Plain)

Vibe. Modern-rustic with wide horizons. Private and peaceful.
Why couples love it. Big-sky sunsets, stylish interiors, and quiet roads.
Photo plan. Long-lens sunset portraits for compression. Architectural frames near the clubhouse if it’s windy.
Good to know. Golden hour falls fast on open terrain. Stage your exit items early.

Island View Golf Club (Waconia)

Vibe. Laid-back lake country with polished club interiors and views toward Lake Waconia. Calm roads, big skies, and golden fields nearby.
Why couples love it. It feels “away from the city” without a long drive. Guest flow is simple, parking is easy, and sunsets can be stunning.
Photo plan. Shaded greens for family formals. Long-lens portraits at golden hour along open fairways. Use the clubhouse architecture for clean, editorial frames if it’s windy.
Good to know. Confirm course/photo access rules, cart availability, and timing around play. Heels-friendly routes help on lawn shots; bring flats for a quick swap.

Nearby Portrait Spots (5–15 Minutes) + Mini “Bar-Hop” Toasts

West Metro portraits are close and varied. You can mix water, gardens, and chic streets in one loop. Plan a 45–60 minute window near golden hour. Add a quick toast stop for candids and a breather. These locations also work great for your engagement session!

Wayzata Boardwalk & Lake Street

Clean horizons, docks, and chic storefronts. Works in all seasons. Park once, walk everywhere. Great for a fast first look or post-ceremony loop.

Excelsior Commons & Downtown

Marina views and charming streets. Evening light reflects off the water. Add a quick dock stop, then stroll for storefront frames.

Noerenberg Gardens (permit)

Shoreline lawn, formal borders, and arbors. Soft shade and lake texture. Weekdays are quieter. Confirm permits and hours.

Carver Park Reserve

Fields, trees, and quiet trails. Nature without a long drive. Perfect for movement shots and relaxed walking frames.

Purgatory Park (Minnetonka)

Wooded paths and open meadows. Easy access and good shade. A strong option for midday formals.

Lake Minnewashta Regional Park

Simple horizons and fast access. Great backup if downtown feels crowded. Pairs well with a boardwalk stop.

Costs & Booking Tips (What to Ask Venues)

Understand the structure.
Most West Metro wedding venues use food-and-beverage minimums, room rentals, or both. Prices shift by season, day, and guest count.

Key questions to ask.

• What are the F&B minimums and service fees?
• Are there ceremony fees or room flip charges?
• What is the rain plan and setup window for décor?
• Any portrait access rules (golf course, docks, gardens)?
• When can photographers do a room reveal before guests enter?
• What are the quiet hours, parking, and shuttle options?

Photo-centric notes.
Confirm where family photos happen in even light. Ask for shade or an indoor fallback. Hold 10–15 minutes for golden hour. Approve a quick night portrait location in advance.

Booking flow that saves stress.
Lock the venue, then secure photography. Share the ceremony time early so we can draft a custom timeline. Add a second photographer only if your plan needs it. Keep travel short to protect light and energy.

About Heidi Straus Photography | Minnetonka Wedding Photographer

I’m Heidi—your laid-back, luxury-level Minnesota wedding photographer based in the West Metro. I serve St. Bonifacius, Minnetrista, Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Minneapolis within about an hour. Expect easygoing direction, true-to-life color, and a plan that leaves room for happy chaos. You enjoy the day. I handle the light, timing, and details.

Planning a West Metro wedding? I’d love to help you design a calm, beautiful timeline and create photographs you’ll love for decades. If you’re planning a wedding at one of these West Metro Minnesota venues and value timeless, true-to-life photography, I’d love to connect with you- reach out below!