Why Central Florida is One of the Best Places to Get Married
One of the reasons I love photographing weddings in Central Florida is the variety. Whether you’re envisioning a waterfront reception, a historic estate, or a romantic garden ceremony, there is a venue that fits almost every style.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve found that the best venues don’t just look beautiful. They create an experience for both you and your guests. Things like convenient parking, weather backup options, beautiful natural light, and thoughtful layouts can make a huge difference in how your wedding day feels.
Here are some of my favorite wedding venues throughout Central Florida.
1. Granville Farms
Granville Farms combines rustic charm with elegant design. The property offers multiple locations for portraits, spacious outdoor ceremony areas, and a beautiful reception space. Even though it is a barn, it doesn’t give too much of a farm vibe. There is an elegance to the venue.
A few highlights of this venue are:
- There is an abundance of space. You will not feel cramped or limited in any way
- The ceremony space is outdoors and features an artistic curved aisle. The end of the aisle borders a beautiful water feature and fountain that creates a breathe-taking view.
- Parking is on site and not limited.
- Bride and groom suites. Bridal suite includes vanities for make up artists.
Downside
- There is no back up ceremony alternative unless you set up an event tent to go over the ceremony area
- The fountain can be loud, but with microphones this shouldn’t be a problem.
- Bride and groom suites aren’t ideal for larger wedding parties due to size.
It’s an excellent choice for couples who want a countryside feel without sacrificing sophistication. You can see an example wedding here.
2. Bella Cosa
Situated along the shores of Lake Pierce, Bella Cosa combines waterfront views with timeless elegance. The property offers multiple ceremony locations and beautiful indoor reception spaces. There is nothing better than having the freedom to truly make your wedding your own.
Having guests from out of time? You can all stay on the property to keep the party going until the next day.
For couples wanting a venue that feels private and romantic while still accommodating a larger guest list, Bella Cosa is an excellent choice.
Highlights include:
- Multiple Ceremony and Reception options
- On property accommodations
- On site parking
- Larger Guest Capacity
- In house catering
- Pet Friendly
3. Casa Feliz
For couples who love historic architecture and intimate celebrations, Casa Feliz is hard to beat. The Spanish-style estate offers character, charm, and some of the most beautiful architecture in the Orlando area.
The courtyard ceremony space is especially stunning for romantic evening weddings. This venue is best for couples who are having a smaller, more intimate wedding with a smaller guest list.
Highlights of this venue:
- Central Location
- On site parking
- Event tent set up in case of bad weather
Downside:
- Limited capacity
4. Waldorf Astoria Orlando
For a truly luxury wedding experience, the Waldorf Astoria offers impeccable service, elegant ballrooms, and beautiful outdoor ceremony spaces. This venue can accommodate just about any sized wedding. Have all your guests in one place for a full experience, that is the benefit of having your wedding at this top hotel. You can even go with your guests to Disney the next day as the hotel is located right on Disney property.
This venue is ideal for couples hosting larger weddings who want a refined guest experience from start to finish. You can see more from an actual wedding here.
5. Eau Gallie Yacht Club
For waterfront wedding lovers, Eau Gallie Yacht Club offers incredible views and a polished guest experience. The marina provides unique photo opportunities while the reception offers a nautical themed space for your guests to enjoy.
This venue is best for small to medium sized weddings. While it can host more, the reception area can quickly start to feel cramped if the guest count starts to rise. A huge benefit of this venue is the large conference rooms that are designated as bridal suites on wedding days. You don’t have to worry about getting ready in this space.
Their in house catering will also leave your guests feeling satisfied.
One of my favorite parts of this venue is the ability to capture portraits along the water while keeping guests close to the celebration. You can see more of this venue here.
6. Luxmore Estate
Luxmore Estate is one of Central Florida’s most recognizable wedding venues. The historic mansion, grand staircase, and mature oak trees create an elegant backdrop for every part of the wedding day.
From a photography perspective, the venue offers beautiful portrait locations without ever needing to leave the property. From a practical stand point, it has many great qualities such as the luxury aesthetic, bridal suites, multiple options for reception and ceremony as well as the ability to host weddings of a larger size.
Some couples prefer to choose their own catering, this is not possible at the luxmore as they require the use of their own in house caterer. An approved wedding planner is also required to book the property. This is a great policy as wedding planners are essential to helping the day run smoothly for everyone involved.
7. Victoria 1883
Victoria 1883 is a beautifully restored historic estate that blends classic architecture with modern luxury. Between the elegant interiors, outdoor ceremony space, and tented reception area, it offers incredible versatility for wedding days.
It’s especially beautiful for couples planning colorful garden-inspired weddings. You can even stay overnight on the property in the beautifully decorated suites available. The venue can also host larger weddings under the extensive outdoor tented area.
One drawback of the property is the lack of on site parking, they advise hiring a shuttle service to nearby church parking. You can read more about a real wedding at this venue here.
8. Bella Collina
Bella Collina is one of the most sought-after luxury wedding venues in Central Florida. With its Tuscan-inspired architecture, sweeping lake views, and elegant stonework, it feels as though you’ve been transported to the Italian countryside.
One of the biggest advantages of Bella Collina is the variety of ceremony and reception locations available throughout the property. The venue also offers indoor alternatives should weather become a concern. This in itself is a huge plus considering Florida weather can be very temperamental. Especially in the summer.
Highlights of this venue:
- Multiple sites available for reception and ceremony
- Bad weather alternatives
- On site Parking
- Complimentary access for engagement photos
- In house catering
- Chairs included
9. Rollins College
Rollins College provides one of the most unique wedding settings in Central Florida. The Mediterranean architecture, lakeside views, and iconic campus create a timeless backdrop for portraits.
While not a traditional wedding venue, many couples choose Rollins for bridal portraits, engagement sessions, and nearby celebrations.
How to Choose the Right Central Florida Wedding Venue
As you tour venues, don’t just focus on how they look. Ask questions about guest capacity, parking, weather backup plans, vendor requirements, and what is included in the rental fee.
The best venue is the one that supports the experience you want to create for both yourselves and your guests.
Looking for a Central Florida Wedding Photographer?
I’m Alyssa Dougherty, a wedding photographer serving Central Florida and the Space Coast. I photograph weddings with a true-to-color style and focus on capturing genuine moments throughout the day while helping couples feel comfortable, present, and fully able to enjoy their wedding experience.
If you’re planning a wedding at one of these venues, I’d love to connect and hear more about your vision.
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It's me, Alyssa—your favorite light and airy photographer covering Space Coast and other areas of Central Florida. When I'm not pointing my lens to the sky, or at you, I'm a mom to two beautiful girls and the most supportive husband ever! Now that we're friends, kick back, enjoy some beautiful photography, and don't forget to leave a comment. :)
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