10 wedding location ideas in jacksonville

Removed from the hectic Florida tourist destinations, Jacksonville offers numerous wedding ceremony and reception locations for both intimate gatherings and elaborate affairs.

Florida weddings appeal to many couples because of the tropical climate, relaxed atmosphere, and honeymoon opportunities. There are far more options for Florida weddings, however, than Disney World or the beaches. Jacksonville, located in the state’s northeast corner, offers the romance of a Florida wedding without the predictability of tourist-oriented destinations.

Jacksonville Weddings: General Concerns

Even without a hurricane, Florida’s heat can be unpleasant, especially for northern guests. To create a comfortable atmosphere, be sure the wedding location has plentiful shade, adequate temperature control, and abundant water and other hydrating drinks available. During the summer months, thunderstorms frequently occur in the late afternoon, so it may be prudent to schedule the wedding at a different time. In the winter, temperatures dip into the teens, and even a mild breeze creates hefty chills. Even though Jacksonville is at the northern end of the country’s southernmost state, it is still subject to these weather eccentricities.

Another consideration for Jacksonville weddings is the prevalence of high profile sporting events. The Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team plays numerous home and pre-season exhibition games each season. Jacksonville hosts the Gator Bowl college football game, the Player’s Championship golf tournament, and various fishing competitions on the St. John’s River throughout the year. Any of these events can interfere with a wedding by restricting hotel rooms, increasing traffic, and limiting vendor availability. To avoid problems, weddings should be planned well in advance with enough timing flexibility on the wedding day to accommodate unexpected changes.

Jacksonville Wedding Locations

There are many beautiful wedding locations in Jacksonville. Each has positive and negative aspects and should be thoroughly examined to determine its suitability before booking the celebration.

1. Beach: Beach weddings are common in Florida, but Jacksonville’s beaches are cleaner and less crowded than the tourist destinations of central and southern Florida. The Jacksonville Pier provides an interesting backdrop to a beach event, and the beach is home to many fine restaurants and clubs willing to cater both large and small events. Because Jacksonville is on the east coast, a sunrise wedding is an unusual and beautiful alternative to traditional beach ceremonies.

2. Public Park: Jacksonville has one of the nation’s largest city park networks. Dozens of attractive parks are available for modest fees, and couples can choose a park that suits their tastes. Gazebos, pavilions, and picnic areas are available at many parks, as well as playgrounds to entertain young guests. Friendship Park in downtown Jacksonville features a stunning fountain and view of the city’s skyline, while Treaty Oak Park offers the regal grace of an ancient, sprawling oak where couples may begin the roots of their marriage.

3. Country Club: Because Jacksonville hosts a large number of exclusive sporting events, including world class golf tournaments, the city is home to many beautifully landscaped country clubs. The meticulous lawns offer elegant scenery for a ceremony or reception, and clubs are able to cater any size group with decadent menus and bar service.

4. Hotel Ballroom: Hotels are a classic wedding venue, and Jacksonville offers numerous hotels for different sized groups. Beach hotels are available to coordinate an outdoor event with the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean while avoiding the hassle of sand and surf, and several hotels overlook the majesty of the St. John’s River. Hotels offer full service catering, arranging menus, cake, and equipment without coordinating different vendors.

5. St. Augustine: Just a short drive south of Jacksonville is historic St. Augustine, the first permanent city established in the United States. Dedicated restoration and renovation has preserved the city’s unique Spanish charm, and many bed-and-breakfast inns are available to host small weddings, while larger resorts cater to more substantial crowds. Not only is this a unique wedding venue, but the significance of the settlement offers many sightseeing opportunities for guests.

6. Amelia Island: A brief drive north brings a wedding to luxurious Amelia Island, one of the country’s most elegant resort communities. Private beaches, five-star resorts, and decadent hotels are available to host weddings of any size and caliber, though these sites sell out quickly and should be reserved well in advance. Many upscale resorts offer full service wedding coordination, including flowers, catering, photography, and even an officiant if necessary.

7. Riverwalk: Located along either bank of the St. John’s River, the Riverwalk is a meandering downtown boardwalk offering stunning views of Jacksonville’s skyline. A Riverwalk wedding is convenient to several fine restaurants willing to host moderate groups, and extensive catering can be arranged with nearby hotels. Couples could also choose to celebrate their nuptials aboard a chartered yacht with a languid river cruise.

8. Jacksonville Zoo: The zoo is a unique and exotic wedding location that offers several different packages. A daytime wedding allows the public to observe the festivities, while an evening wedding is a private, catered affair. The Range of the Jaguar exhibit is a popular choice within the zoo, with an exclusive restaurant, outdoor seating, and elaborate decorations, including a Mayan temple replica. During the celebration, the animals are on exhibit for the guests’ delight, and the unique architecture of the Range guarantees and close encounters with exotic species.

9. Duval County Courthouse: For an intimate ceremony, the Duval County Courthouse offers a venue explicitly for weddings. Unlike smaller courthouses where a civil wedding may occur in the judge’s chambers or a nondescript room, in Jacksonville couples tie the knot in a delicate lattice arbor, complete with floral garlands and other wedding decorations. Though not suitable for large crowds, a courthouse wedding can easily be a prelude to a larger, more open celebration at any of the area’s restaurants or other reception sites.

10. Cruise Ship: Jacksonville is one of Florida’s many cruise ports, and each cruise line offers elegant wedding packages ranging from intimate affairs for two to elaborate celebrations accommodating dozens of guests. The ships’ world class chefs prepare elegant appetizers and full banquets, including the wedding cake. Flowers, music, and photography can be provided by the ship or arranged separately if the couple desires. An onboard wedding coordinator helps arrange the details, and after the ceremony, it’s bon voyage for a luxury honeymoon.

For an intimate tropical gathering or a luxurious, elegant affair, Jacksonville offers a wide variety of wedding locations. Florida weddings are increasingly popular, and Jacksonville provides the excitement of a Florida destination without the distractions and disruptions of heavily visited tourist attractions. From an exotic evening at the zoo to an elegant cruise ship celebration to an intimate courthouse vow, Jacksonville is the ideal location for couples to begin their happily ever after.