As an Excelsior engagement photographer, I can confidently say this lakeside town is one of Minnesota’s best hidden gems for engagement photos. With charming streets, peaceful lake views, and golden light that hits just right, Excelsior makes every session feel relaxed and meaningful.
Whether you’re strolling through Water Street, popping champagne at the dock, or watching the sun set over Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior offers a picture-perfect backdrop in every season.
Best Engagement Photo Spots in Excelsior
Here are a few of my favorite photo locations, all within walking distance of downtown Excelsior:
Excelsior Commons Park
A lakefront green space with wide open views, a small beach, docks, and shaded areas under mature trees. It’s perfect for natural, airy portraits.
Water Street in Downtown Excelsior
This charming stretch is full of cute boutiques, string lights, and hidden alleyways. Great for more casual, lifestyle-style engagement shots.
The Port of Excelsior & Lake Dock
Quiet and classic. With sailboats in the distance and golden sunset light on the water, this is one of the dreamiest photo spots in town.
Lick’s Unlimited or Excelsior Brewing
Want a fun twist on your session? Grab an ice cream cone or clink glasses at a local brewery — these spots add personality and story to your gallery.
Hidden Backdrops
Ivy-covered walls, vintage signage, and charming alleyways add texture and interest to your final gallery. I’ll guide you to the best ones during your shoot!
Tips for Planning Your Engagement Session in Excelsior
- Schedule your session for golden hour. The soft, glowing light near the lake at sunset is unbeatable.
- Weekdays are best. Excelsior is popular on weekends, especially in summer. A weekday evening gives you more space and fewer crowds.
- Bring two outfits. One casual and one dressy gives you a variety of looks without needing a location change.
- Parking is easy, but plan ahead. There’s free street parking and a few small public lots nearby — just give yourself a little extra time to find a spot.
- Don’t be afraid to celebrate! Bring a bottle of champagne, your dog, or even stop for ice cream at Lick’s for fun, personal touches.
Photo Highlights from This Excelsior Engagement Session
This gallery captures just how versatile and romantic downtown Excelsior really is. We wandered from the lakeshore to Water Street and caught that perfect golden light as the sun dipped over Lake Minnetonka. From relaxed, candid moments to more editorial portraits, these photos show what’s possible when you mix a beautiful setting with great energy.
If you’re looking for inspiration or want to see what your own Excelsior engagement session could look like, scroll through a few of my favorite shots below!
About Me: Excelsior Engagement Photographer
Hi, I’m Heidi – a Minnetonka-based wedding and engagement photographer with a soft spot for lakeside towns and storytelling through natural, timeless images. As an Excelsior engagement photographer, I know how to make the most of this charming area and guide my couples with confidence so their session feels easy and fun.
Whether you already love Excelsior or you’re just starting to explore session locations, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.
👉 Click here to get in touch and plan your Excelsior session
What Makes Excelsior Engagement Sessions Special
There’s something magical about Excelsior that makes engagement sessions here feel extra personal. The town has a cozy, small-town vibe — but it’s also full of life, color, and charm. It sits right on the edge of Lake Minnetonka, so you get the best of both worlds: scenic lake views and walkable downtown textures.
As an Excelsior engagement photographer, I love how much variety this little town packs into a few city blocks. You can start your session barefoot in the sand and finish with city lights on Water Street. Whether you’re drawn to romantic dockside portraits or something more playful downtown, there’s no shortage of beautiful, natural backdrops here.
Looking for similar spots for your engagement session near Minneapolis?
👉Check out this Wayzata Engagement Session on Lake Minnetonka
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