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J'Adore Studios

FINE PHOTOGRAPHY | WEDDING, EVENT & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS

June 30, 2020

14 Best Wedding Venues in Jacksonville Florida That You Will *INSTANTLY* Fall in Love With (Try and Pick Just One!)

Best Jacksonville Wedding Venues 

Engaged?! Yesss! Congratulations! THE question has been asked and answered. Now you have to figure out where to get married! We have been shooting weddings in Jacksonville, Florida for over ten years. Here are our favorite Jax venues and why!

  1. Epping Forest

Nestled on the bank of the St. John’s River, the Epping Forest Yacht Club is a lush and historic venue choice for your wedding. This nearly century-old landmark is clouded in both beauty and rich history and has so many features that make it one of the best Jacksonville Wedding Venues.

Ceremony at Epping Forest Yacht Club Jacksonville Wedding Venue.  Bride and groom saying vows in front of guests and bridal party

Enjoy a brilliant waterfront view of the sunset while you party and dine. Spanish moss sways from the old oaks surrounding the massive estate adding to its cozy, Spanish architecture. Say your vows in the middle of it all on its dedicated outdoor ceremony space.

The brick courtyards, English gardens, and sailboats on the river will provide the ideal backdrop for a diverse portrait gallery. This venue makes you feel as if you have stepped into a European paradise.

Groom kisses bride at Epping Forest Yacht Club

Sunset silhouette photo of bride and groom at Epping Forest Yacht Club

Click here to see an Epping Forest Engagement Session & click here to see an Epping Forest Wedding!

2.  Clay Theater

Recently converted, the historic Clay Theater is a well known and adored location. It resides in the heart of Green Cove Springs just off the St. Johns River. Celebrate your vows in one of the best Jacksonville Wedding Venues.  This rare and special 1920’s stylized venue will make a truly unique location.  

They thought of every detail and have beautiful custom design touches throughout the site. The bride and groom getting ready suites are stylish and thoughtfully located on opposite ends of the building. 

The grand chandeliers and white walls of the main entertainment space reflect the customized up-lighting for your elegant event and a simple, yet gracefully designed courtyard compliments any style of decor you choose. 

The brick street, theater marquee entrance, and vine-covered walls lend your wedding photos a classic, old-timey feel. 

Bride and bride hug at the ceremony space at the Clay Theatre Couple kissing in front of the wrought iron gates at the Clay Theatre Jacksonville Wedding Venue Reception decor in the ballroom at the Clay Theatre Couple posing in front of head table in the ballroom at the Clay Theatre

Check out some more images from the Clay Theatre here!

3.  Bowing Oaks

Bowing Oaks is a farmhouse-style location with an intimate feel. There are two ceremony space options: a more formal yet private outdoor chapel, or a paved patio positioned under the natural canopy of a giant, majestic oak.

Reception decor in Bowing Oaks Ballroom

Some of the best wedding photographers in Jacksonville, Florida have taken truly awe-inspiring photos of the Spanish moss that hangs from the arms of its branches and catches the light of the setting sun. Add to this vision the rustic country roads and picket fences which provide a charm and natural beauty for your portrait gallery.

Groom kissing brides cheek under mossy trees at Bowing Oaks Jacksonville Wedding Venue

 

4.  TPC Sawgrass

Home to The Player’s Championship, TPC Sawgrass is an iconic golf resort venue and well known for its lavish wedding receptions. 

Couple hugging in front of TPC Sawgrass fountain and entrance

The event clubhouse has a Mediterranean feel with lush gardens, beautiful fountains, terra cotta accents, and sunset portrait opportunities along the hills of its golf course. 

Sunset ceremony on TPC Sawgrass lawn

If you’re a true golf fan, become a piece of art and pose next to one of the many massive paintings of famous players throughout history. 

Couple kissing on 17th hole with a view of the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse Jacksonville Wedding Venue

Forget a sparkler exit, top off your night with a grand fireworks show! The TPC Sawgrass is rightly one of the best wedding venues in Jacksonville, Florida.  

Couple kissing with Fireworks on TPC Sawgrass lawn

Here‘s a slideshow of a TPC Sawgrass reception with a Basilica of Immaculate Conception Church Ceremony!

5.  Ponte Vedra Inn and Club

Echoing Old World grandeur and romance, the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club makes for a distinctive Mediterranean-inspired wedding gallery. Waving palms and rolling dunes paired with timeless style makes this one of the top beach venues in our area. 

This expansive award-winning resort will take your guests’ breath away with its pristine oceanfront views and luxury interiors. 

Have your ceremony on the golden sands of the beach at sunset then head inside to any one of the gorgeous reception rooms to celebrate into the wee hours with your loved ones. 

Couple walking on the beach at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club

Is your fiancée a golf lover? If this is the case, look no further than the Stockton and Lagoon rooms to host your day, which opens out onto the spectacular ‘Ocean Golf Course.’

Groom kissing brides cheek on the beach at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club

6.  Casa Marina

The historic and recently renovated Casa Marina Hotel is located on the sandy dunes of Jacksonville beach. Once inside the beautiful 1920’s art deco building you will discover hardwood floors and ornate wood detailing on the walls. 

First kiss int he courtyard of the Casa Marina Jacksonville Beach Wedding Venue

Most couples choose to marry on the idyllic beachfront patio which offers ocean glimpses and a sea breeze. After, you move to the charming and classic dining room for dinner and then head back to the courtyard for drinks and dancing.

Minimal decoration is needed at Casa Marina, due to the beautiful, timeless, and stunning architecture that already surrounds you. With an outdoorsy and not too formal feel, both wedding catering areas offer an intimate experience, but still with plenty of room to party! 

The bride and groom will capture the perfect wedding photos while taking a sunset stroll down the dune path that leads directly from the courtyard to the beachfront. 

Couple kissing on the beach with a sunset sky at the Casa Marina in Jacksonville Beach

The staff at Casa Marina have a stellar reputation for looking after every little detail calmly and professionally. If you are looking for a timeless, classy location for the ceremony, reception, or both, Casa Marina is the one for you! 

Sunset photo of bride and groom in front of the Casa Marina in Jacksonville Beach

Here‘s a Casa Marina Reception with a Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church Ceremony!

7.  Brick and Beam

Are you looking for an urban, metropolitan vibe for your wedding reception? Brick and Beam has you covered. Located just north of downtown Jacksonville in historic Springfield, the 115-year-old building itself is steeped in local history. Most notably, it was home to “The Pearl” nightclub. A popular bar where patrons felt free to be who they are back before acceptance was really a thing. 

The Brick and Beam experience begins even before entering the building. Upon arrival, your guests will be greeted with the vibrant “Welcome to Springfield” mural on the building’s exterior wall by artist Grant Thorton. The mural makes an impressive backdrop for your wedding photos! 

Step inside to find yourself in a large, open space surrounded by rustic exposed brickwork. Emansive, draped windows allow for plenty of light to flood the available room. The unique mix of modern pendant lights and quaint street lamps is intriguing. The setting as a whole is contemporary and minimalist. All at once it is inviting and romantic. 

Upon booking the Brick and Beam for your reception venue, you will have access to the Main Room, the Back Porch, the fire pit area, and the discreetly hidden catering corner (meaning all the food can be prepared in house). There are separate rooms for the bride and groom to get ready, private valet parking (for events upwards of 75 guests), and even an off-duty police officer to do security for you!

 

8.  Club Continental 

Club Continental is an exclusive waterfront estate located in Orange Park, Florida. By all accounts, you will fall in love with this location the moment you walk through the formal gardens to arrive at the historic waterfront mansion.

The mansion’s interior design is a neoclassic, Mediterranean vibe. Think marble floors, decorative arches, and half-moon piped windows. 

Leading through large glass patio doors, you will come to an outdoor stone patio overlooking manicured lawns and the shimmering St John’s river. Importantly, there are plenty of picture-perfect photo opportunities to be had throughout your event!

The estate that wraps around Club Continental is lush with greenery and old, Florida charm. Many couples choose to marry under the 300-year-old live oak trees, while others prefer the stone patio’s simplicity.

Couple in front of Ivy Wall entrance at the Club Continental Reception decor in the ballroom at the Club Continental

Your reception may be held inside the banquet room where your guests can dine on the “continental style buffet” that the Club specializes in. Later, stay inside or continue the evening outside on the patio under strings of fairy lights and swaying marigolds.

Club Continental is often referred to as the hidden gem of Jacksonville for weddings not only for the stunning landscape and exquisite venue itself, but also the reasonably priced wedding packages. The staff pride themselves on exceeding expectations. They take special care of every detail to ensure your day is flawless.

Groom kissing bride's cheek before he walks her down the aisle at Club Continental

Couple dancing under a tree at Club Continental

You can check out two of the weddings we documented at Club Continental here & here!

9.  One Ocean Resort and Spa

Do you picture your wedding on a dreamy, white sand beach location? One Ocean on Atlantic Beach is where it’s at! This luxury resort and spa is located on the glorious Atlantic Ocean. 

Sunset ceremony on the beach at One Ocean Resort & Spa

Say ‘I do’ on a beachfront with the sand beneath your feet. If you prefer to wear your wedding heels, the simple and pretty Verandina Patio will provide an oceanfront view without the sand! 

Verandina sunset ceremony at One Ocean Resort & Spa Jacksonville Wedding Venue

Candlelit reception decor at One Ocean Resort & Spa

For your reception, choose between the smaller Solaria Ballroom for a more personal gathering of up to 80 or 100 guests or the elegant Atlantica Ballroom that can accommodate up to 200 guests. Both spaces feature dazzling chandeliers and timeless interiors. With so many gorgeous photo ops, you will be spoiled for choice at this amazing Jacksonville Wedding Venue.

 

Couple kissing in the blue hallway at One Ocean Resort & Spa
Lantern sendoff on the beach at One Ocean Resort & Spa

Here‘s a One Ocean wedding slideshow!

10.  Oyster Bay Yacht Club

Perhaps a beach wedding doesn’t tickle your fancy, but a yacht club one does?

The Oyster Bay Yacht Club is another venue where you have the option to marry and celebrate at the same location!

Maybe you will pick a front lawn ceremony, simplistic and green? Alternatively, say your vows under the sweeping lush canopy of a marsh view. Another outdoor option that is less exposed is the covered veranda area which looks out onto the sweeping lawns. 

Outdoor ceremony under mossy trees at Oyster Bay Yacht Club in Fernandina Beach Florida

If indoors is more your thing, why not try the commodore room? A light, airy beach house feel with a high beamed arched roof that contrasts dramatically to the low hanging Tudor style cast iron chandelier.  

Reception decor at Oyster Bay Yacht Club in Fernandina Beach Florida

All around the Oyster Bay Yacht Club are fantastic photo opportunities. Just a couple of examples are the wooden jetty overlooking the marina or the spectacular pool deck area. 

Couple dancing on the dock at the marina at Oyster Bay Yacht Club Jacksonville Wedding Venue

Bridal party having fun on the bridge under mossy trees at Oyster Bay Yacht Club

After your ceremony, move inside to the clubhouse dining room to celebrate the nuptials. Surrounded by glass windows, it opens up onto the veranda for extra seating or a lovely dancing area. 

With in-house catering and packages that include your very own wedding coordinator, the Oyster Bay Yacht Club could just be the ideal dream wedding location.

Sunset photo of couple on bridge at Oyster Bay Yacht Club

Night reception photo near the pool at Oyster Bay Yacht Club

Take a look at Highlights from an Oyster Bay Yacht Club Wedding here!

11.  Ribault Club

In Fort George Island, The Ribault Club will make an ideal wedding location for any couple looking for a vintage estate with an old southern charm.

Built-in 1928 and rich in history, this 100-acre waterfront parkland has hosted many memorable parties. Back in the day, the iconic club was mainly a playground for the rich and famous and was one of the best Jacksonville Wedding Venues then as well!

Couple hugging near the intercostal at the Ribault Club Jacksonville Wedding Venue

In 2005, after completing an extensive 4-year renovation, the owners of the Ribault Club opened its doors to weddings and other special events. 

It should be noted that the location is a little bit off the beaten track and getting there needs to be well planned. Once you arrive, it will all be worth it, as you will be instantly captivated by its natural beauty. 

The most popular spot to have a ceremony is underneath the regal oak tree that adorns the back lawn. Receptions can be held in the royal ballroom of the mansion where you will find no less than 36 sets of French doors showcasing awe-inspiring views of the river and Talbot island.  

Ceremony photo of couple under big oak tree at the Ribault Club

The staff at the Ribault are reported to be flexible, accommodating, and kind. They will support and help bring your vision to life for your extra special day. Additionally, the wedding packages they offer are reasonably priced and a good value. 

Bridal party photo in front of the Ribault Club venue

Here‘s a link to a Ribault Club wedding!

12.  Ritz Carlton – Amelia Island

The Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island is the perfect oceanfront location for a magnificent Southern Wedding. Firstly, this hotel’s reputation precedes it, you know that having an event at one of their hotels guarantees you a 5-star experience! 

For the ceremony, choose between the impeccable white sand beach, the lush greenery of the manicured oceanfront lawn, or the flowered gardens courtyard in the center of the resort surrounded by palm trees.

Couple walking down the aisle at the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island

For your reception, fancy staying outdoors? The Ritz Carlton Staff will set tables up under a marquee (or open-air if you prefer) on the oceanfront lawn. Surrounded by twinkling lights, you can toast your wedding while gazing out on the Atlantic Ocean. 

Couple kissing in front of the fountain at the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island

Couple walking on the beach at the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island

Prefer indoors? Dine with your guests under crystal chandeliers in either of the two ballrooms. Thanks to the spectacular scenery, outstanding catering, and fantastic staff you will love everything about the Ritz Carlton at Amelia Island.

Table decor with candles and flowers in the ballroom of the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island

Sunset photo of couple dancing in front of the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island

Check out one of our Ritz Carlton – Amelia Island Weddings here!

13.  Walkers Landing – Amelia Island Plantation

Walkers landing is nestled in Northeast Florida on the marsh side of the little Amelia Island plantation and so many things make it one of the best Jacksonville Wedding Venues.

From the deck that encircles the facility, spectacular views are on display of the intercoastal waterway. It’s no wonder that it’s a favorite spot to tie the knot for many couples! 

Couple kissing on the dock at Walkers Landing in Amelia Island Jacksonville Wedding Venue

Getting married in a setting of birds, fauna, and flora will feel like you have merged with the natural surroundings which is precisely why so many people love it! Your portrait gallery of photos will embody the essence of nature with an earthy, romantic feel. 

For your reception space, look no further than the rustic and warm lodge-style area provided by the Omni Hotel. Spacious and inviting, you’ll find yourself surrounded by wood features and large open windows.  

Walkers Landing’s native wooded area is gorgeous for an outdoor ceremony. It will feel like your very own secret garden. 

Sunset rain photo on the dock at Walkers Landing in Amelia Island

Check out a slideshow of one of our favorite Walkers Landing weddings here!

14.  The Cummer Museum

The Cummer Museum is a gorgeous and versatile venue in Northeast Florida.  There are three big draws for couples with The Cummer which make it one of the best Jacksonville Wedding Venues.  The gorgeous outdoor ceremony space, the location right on the water and the indoor gallery can accommodate up to 200 guests for the reception.  

Couple saying vows in the gardens at the Cummer Museum in Jacksonville Florida

The all-white gallery space allows for your creativity to go wild since you can transform the room into anything you dream it to be. 

Plus, if the weather is nice you can head back into the gardens after dinner to dance under the stars with a view of the St. Johns River.  

Bridal party having fun with a view of the St Johns River at the Cummer Museum Sunset photo of couple in the gardens at the Cummer Museum

You can see a highlight video of a Cummer Museum here.

Conclusion

This is your day, THE DAY!  The very moment you have been planning and picturing in your head for what seems like forever. Only you can know in your heart what feels right for you. 

Enjoy the process of touring the best Jacksonville Wedding Venues in these gorgeous destinations throughout NorthEast Florida and find the one which speaks to you!

Here at J’adore Studios— one of the best wedding photographers in Jacksonville, Florida— we pride ourselves in capturing not only the big, but those little magical moments of your day as well.  Each of these venues has a feel and style that is unique and we are excited to highlight what you love about the one you choose in your photos!  Our job is to take the pressure off and allow you to relax and immerse yourself in the day entirely while we create the memories for you that will live on for a lifetime and for many generations to come. 

 

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