Central Florida Wedding Venues | 10 Magical Locations You Need to Visit
Central Florida is home to a wealth of wonderfully unique wedding venues, all of which could create the dream backdrop for your big day.
As a wedding photographer in Central Florida, I feel blessed to have such a huge selection of beautiful wedding venues to work with! From delightfully pretty villas, to grand museums and private golf clubs, you are spoiled for choice down here and I cannot recommend this part of the Sunshine State enough.
Whether you’re a newly engaged Florida local, or you live out of state but dream of tying the knot down by the ocean, you have so many options to consider when it comes to all of these Central Florida wedding venues. There are multiple must-visit cities and towns to consider, including Tampa, Orlando, Lakeland, Sarasota, and St. Augustine, to name just a few! And with so many stunning locations to choose from, beginning your wedding venue search can be a little overwhelming.
That’s where I come in, using my abundance of local experience as a wedding photographer down here in Florida, I thought I’d share my favorite Central Florida wedding venues, each with a distinctly magical feel, to help you on your search. The magical, fairy-tale type places that have you feeling like a Disney princess. Yeah, those!
The Most Magical Wedding Venues in Central Florida
Lake Wales, FL
If you’re looking for a Central Florida wedding venue that will take your guests on a trip through time, BellaCosa Lakeside could be the ideal location for you. This stunning spot boasts a rich and flamboyant past. Built back in 1925, the property was originally known as Bonaire Lodge and was the winter vacation spot for the elite and famous individuals of Florida.
Its timeless architecture offers a uniquely fabulous backdrop for ceremonies and portraits. The interior is full of charming detailing, such as its Italian inspired fireplaces, 12 foot high cypress ceilings, grand staircases and period chandeliers.
However, it’s the exterior where this Central Florida wedding venue really comes into its own. Located on the shoreline of the beautiful Lake Pierce, the estate spans over 3,700 acres and boasts century old Oak trees that give the considerable expanse of land a more intimate feel without obstructing the wonderful vistas.
BellaCosa can accommodate up to 150 guests within its indoor reception space, and 400 guests outside with plenty of room for dancing, eating and celebrating your special day. Find out more about their pricing and specifications via the BellaCosa Lakeside venue website.
Bella Collina
Monteverde, FL
If you’re looking for a wow factor, Bella Collina has got it and then some. Spanning nearly 2,000 acres, this gorgeous Central Florida venue gives its visitors the feeling of being in the Italian countryside. Romance is in the air, and beauty is all around. Within its spacious estate, there are many indoor and outdoor locations of varying sizes, each of them offering breathtaking panoramic views, ideal for glamorous ceremonies and receptions.
The Grand Lawn is the perfect destination for larger receptions and ceremonies, as it offers an iconically stunning view of both the mansion and the countryside, while also providing plenty of room for festivities. There are also plenty of other, more intimate ceremony areas, such as The Reflection Pool, a rooftop space that has remarkable views framed by towering greenery. The Ballroom Veranda, also on the roof, is another charming spot to tie the knot. Bella Collina can accommodate up to 170 guests, and serves as the dream destination wedding location for your big day.
Browse the various celebration areas and check out pricing on the Bella Collina weddings page.
Sarasota, FL
Situated in Sarasota, Powel Crosley Estate is a stylish 1920s wedding venue that has a wonderful bay-side location. As a wedding photographer, I’m constantly looking for Central Florida venues that can provide a stunning backdrop – and this place certainly does it for me! Its distinctive Mediterranean-style architecture looks incredible on camera, and when paired with the blue shades of the sky and the water, it just looks so breathtaking.
The house sits on 60 acres of scenic Florida countryside, which would be perfect to explore during your portraits while also being ideal for ceremonies and receptions. With a capacity of up to 800 guests, you’ll have no problem accommodating all of your guests. Ceremonies typically take place out on the lawn or the Pavilion, both offering stunning views across Sarasota Bay.
Take a closer look at this wonderful Central Florida wedding venue and get pricing info on the Powel Crosley Estate site here.
Howey-in-the-Hills, FL
Located in Howey-in-the-Hills just outside of Orlando, this lovely mansion is a beautiful setting for the most special of days. With carefully landscaped grounds and gardens, antique décor and charming service – it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular wedding venues in Central Florida.
Howey Mansion may be old, but it feels less like a museum, and more like a family home: welcoming and warm. An abundance of artistic details will effortlessly give your celebration flair, while the towering palm trees, graceful curving stone stairway, fireplaces, and ornate chandeliers will give it elegance. The venue can comfortably seat up to 300 people, or 400 for more cocktail style occasions, across the various indoor, covered, and uncovered outdoor settings.
Discover more through the Howey Mansion’s dedicated wedding page.
The Ringling Museum
Sarasota, FL
Take your guests on a timeless ride through Ancient Greece, Rome and the century of Baroque at The Ringling Museum – one of the most unique wedding venues in Central Florida. This destination offers you and your loved ones the chance to dine and dance under the stars, surrounded by picturesque palm trees and sweeping arches within the epic courtyard. You can also choose to exchange your vows on the rooftop, overlooking the ocean.
This incredible place feels almost like a storybook at times, with famous statues and unique architectural elements popping up everywhere you walk, certainly adding to the sense of wonder while also creating some lively backdrops for a Central Florida photographer like myself! Honestly, you have an endless array of places to take your portraits, as this venue not only offers stunning views of Sarasota Bay, but also many little pathways, courtyards and scenery for you to explore and discover.
Find out more about this lively wedding venue and see the Ringling Museum pricing structure on their events page.
Sydonie Mansion
Mount Dora, FL
Sydonie Mansion is one of the oldest wedding venues in Central Florida, with a charm and appeal that will take your breath away. Originally built in 1883, this historic mansion is located in Mount Dora and evokes much of the old Florida charm that many modern venues lack.
This beautiful place offers a wonderful array
of indoor and outdoor celebration spots. However, most events take place within their enchanting gardens. Ceremonies typically happen under the shade of the old oak trees, while cocktail hour is enjoyed on the sophisticated courtyard. And when it’s time to eat, there are numerous places outside or inside to host your reception. My favorite spot is on their porch, underneath the string lights, with the pretty mansion as the backdrop. A totally dreamy setting for this wedding photographer!
Browse the many spaces available within the Sydonie Mansion and find out more about this cute Central Florida wedding venue on their website here.
St. Pete Beach, FL
Locally known as the ‘Pink Palace’, the Don Cesar is an iconic wedding venue here in Central Florida. With its ultra-glam Spanish style, St. Pete Beach location and tropical feel – you’ll feel like you’re a long way from home! From the exotic courtyard to their beachside pavilions, this epic venue is a fantasy for couples who belong by the ocean. The wondrous beachfront wedding venue is ideal for both big and small celebrations, with a capacity of up to 250.
As your friendly neighborhood photographer, I would absolutely recommend a waterfront ceremony at this Central Florida wedding venue. Be it on the beach (literally), or at the Courtyard, either way you’ll still experience a stunning exchange of vows while embracing the gorgeous beach views Florida is known for. Then, you can take your celebrations inside and bask in the refined elegance of the King Charles Ballroom, a space with superb oceanfront views, or the Grand Ballroom, with its lavish detailing and luxurious feel. If your wedding is on the smaller side, there are also plenty of more intimate options, both inside and out.
Get a more in-depth feel for this grand and fun wedding venue on The Don Cesar weddings page.
St. Petersburg, FL
Nestled away in Tampa Bay sits a picture perfect Central Florida wedding venue, The Vinoy Renaissance. This stunning 1920s hotel and golf course that effortlessly delivers charm and class is ideal for any couple hoping to have a waterfront destination wedding.
With over 11,300 square feet of event space for weddings, you will not be lacking in places to party. And with a capacity of up to 860 seated guests, you have the freedom to have a guest list as big or small as you’d like. Your loved ones will adore the unbridled elegance within the Vinoy Grand Ballroom, an opulent space that is ideal for grand receptions. Its window drapes, curved ceilings, and chandeliers all lend a sophisticated touch to your event. Outside you’ll find the Esplanade, a stunning and vast area that offers the ideal location for larger weddings, all the while still feeling intimate and romantic with views of the bay.
There are many other wonderful spaces to explore and pricing details to be found on their weddings page.
Mission Inn Resort & Club
Howey-in-the-Hills, FL
Located just outside Orlando, the Mission Inn Resort & Club offers couples that rustic chic experience on their big day. There are three different types of celebrations available, each with its own appeal: an elegant evening affair, a rustic lakeside gathering, or a modern version of te classic Florida wedding. The stunning Southern-inspired gardens and majestic rooms on this 1,100-acre estate in Howey-in-the-Hills will create an unforgettable wedding for you, no matter which celebration style you choose.
Ancient oaks stand tall on the grounds, offering a beautiful backdrop and even some shade to couples exchanging their vows. Endless greenery and European-inspired architecture will also impress guests on your big day. This spot is certainly a popular ceremony location, while the Grand Ballroom and the Legends Ballroom both offer stunning views and fine decor detailing that is unique to each room. Mission Inn Resort & Club allows for up to 300 guests and is the perfect indoor or outdoor location. With plentiful accommodations available, plus a world-class golf course and spa, this is an ideal wedding destination.
Discover one of Central Florida’s best kept secrets and find out about their pricing here.
St. Augustine, FL
For any lovers of St. Augustine, you’re not going to be able to resist this downtown stunner of a venue! The Treasury on the Plaza is an art-deco gem that dates back to the 1920s, and yet offers all the modern amenities you’d expect from a top class wedding venue in Central Florida. Wedding ceremonies and receptions are typically held in the Grand Ballroom, which features soaring Romanesque columns and dramatic inset arches that create an incredible backdrop for receptions.
During this refined reception, guests will be able to sip craft cocktails inside the Vault Bar, a speakeasy style bar that’s been built inside an original 1927 bank vault. This unique element will certainly wow your wedding guests! The Grand Foyer is often where first-look photos and portraits are taken, as its handsome decor looks so glamorous on camera.
Get an even better snapshot of this truly special venue on their wedding packages page.
Have you found your dream wedding venue in Central Florida?
I hope this lil list of my favorite wedding venues in Central Florida was useful to you, and maybe even inspired you to contact one and book it! It would be an honor to help you even further as your Florida wedding photographer.
Capturing the love stories of couples brings me SO much joy, and having the opportunity to present each of them with photos that they will love and cherish forever, means more to me than you'll ever know. Its my favorite thing the the world!
If you'd like to learn more about working with me, please do! You're welcome to view a portfolio of my recent weddings or for a more thorough look at a day with me, you can view my wedding blog posts. I'm available for local celebrations, and I also loveee to travel! So, if you like what you see, get in touch today via my contact page for your local or destination weddings, and lets get the ball rolling. Let’s make your wedding memories last a lifetime!